Spoke to doctors about b12 and P.A. but feels like it was pointless!

[B182]

Hi!

So I’ve spoken to my doctor today as my symptoms came back this week after having my b12 injection 4 weeks ago. I’m normally quite ok and last at least 10 weeks before I feel the effects. But not lately. He said at my last bloods my b12 was over 2000! Is this quite high? I thought if he’s going to say I don’t need them anymore I don’t know what I’ll do because these symptoms are not in my head. I suggested about P.A. as I have recurring episodes of anaemia along with my b12. He said the lab doesn’t do that test anymore and he’s surprised they actually checked my b12 as they sometimes refuse that! He said even if I did have P.A. it wouldn’t matter as I’m already having the right treatment. I’ve been having aches/weakness in legs and arms etc so I suggested could it be connected to vitamin d? He said possibly and I could supplement myself and see if that helped! I mentioned the pain was in my back to that radiates to my chest but he said to speak to the receptionist to see one of his colleagues if that pain doesn’t go away. Feel like I’ll be fobbed off even if I manage to see someone! I’m also very anxious at the moment and I’m very aware that all these symptoms popped up when I became very anxious again so could it be that instead? Has anyone else been like this?

[Nackapan]

They all could be b12 symptoms. Definitely get your iron ferritin vitamin d and anything makes like magnesium . Fbc. Done. If nothing else the other doctor can order that.

Or write in. Thars what I did . I was surprised how promptly a blood form was sent.

As for the labs dont do that test . I find that hard to believe .

The intrinsic factor test is often not done.Ive not had it . It only picks up 50% of those with PA. Once on lnjections its possible to get a false positive if b12 levels high in the blood.

So concentrate on injection frequency and other deficiencies you may need supplements for.

My daughter is also suffering like you and is requesting a higher frequency. They have only agreed to 10 weekly at present. Why I do not know. Her ferritin is very low too.

I'm prescribed 2 weekly .Can be possible with persistence.

So gets bloods first.

Request a higher frequency.

If everything else seems okay. Consider topping up by S I. You know your body.

[B182 in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you for you reply! I’ll probably speak try and speak to my doctor although I feel like it will fall on deaf ears as my b12 was over 2000. Is this high? I’ve still never had a proper conversation about anyone regarding my b12. If you’re b12 is low does that mean you are deficient? I found out 5 years ago my b12 was low and it was 170 then.

[Nackapan in reply to B182]

It will that high on injections. Tou doctor should know that.

Also once on injections most have to keeo their levels high.

Yes if its low . Ranges vary you are deficient. If you eat a varied diet including diary meat ect it's most likely an absorbtion problem. That's why I je tio s needed.

If its dietary b12 pills should be absorbed and get levels up. The range I was given was 180-200 'within range.

Symptoms are the key as some are fine on the lower end. Some are ill. Some are ill and in range but it's not reaching cell level.

Alot still to be learnt.

[Retteacher in reply to B182]

Once you are on injections it is very common/normal to have a serum B12 level of 1000 to 2000. It does not mean that you are overdosing, and it does not mean that your values have to be returned to the range for normal people. If your doctor tries that approach it is very likely that your symptoms will return - it is just not successful in most patients This is why the guidelines specify that doctors should not retest once treatment has commenced. It is just not helpful or appropriate with this serum test or so my husband says . Incidentally the main reason B12 deficiency patients have to wait a very long period (often years) to be diagnosed is because initially the B12 serum test fails to provide a positive result in 7 out of ten sufferers.