3rd time being told I no longer have Anemia, this time it wasn't a DO, but an Internal Med DR! How many people suffer because of this? USA

[robinsnestwalke]

I'm at my wits end and went to the dr today for a referral to Hematologist, but the Internal dr I saw said "no," and when I asked why they cut back my monthly injection's to every other month, he said because I no longer have anemia. I starred at him for a few moments, and because this isn't the first time I've been told this by a dr within the UC Davis medical system, I then said "I'm no longer anemic?" No he said and that's why your shots are cut back. I went back and forth with this guy and told him I wanted a referral to a Naturopathic dr, but he went out of the office and came back a few minutes later and said "he couldn't and I would have to go outside the system and pay out of pocket," and "why did I want to be referred to Naturopathic dr when I was complaining about pain?" Anyway, I finally just asked him if he would be willing to run my bloodwork so I could have something to furnish a Naturopath dr, so that I can get Methyl injections and maybe have relief from the nerve pain I have? He was reluctant at first and then saw all the flags on previous blood, and then he pointed out that I should have my vitamin D checked, as it has been flagged low in the past. Huh, I told him, don't remember that, but last year asked my Internal dr at the time to check all my vitamin's, which she also didn't really feel it was needed, but apparently she didn't feel my D level needed to be tested. I got home and logged into mychart and noticed not one dr has checked my vitamin D since 2013, when it was flagged at the bottom level as it could get, at which time I seem to remember getting an injection and sent on my way. So I'm guessing that has another thing to do with why I've felt horrible for year's on end. I'm at the mercy of these fools, and I mean fools. I then was about to leave the appt and said, "so I am no longer anemic, but I have pernicious anemia." I wonder how many people have and are continuing to suffer when the patient knows more than they do? Not only do you know more than you physican, but they do it with such attitude to boot! I have had my bloodwork done at least 10 times since 2013, and not a once could they have retested me for something I've already had a flag previously on. Apparently, he didn't know wether they could do Methyl injections and I should check with my normal dr!

Sorry for the rant! Hopeless in Northern California, on Medicare and limited income! Wish I was the President or somebody important, maybe then I'd get some quality care...

[wedgewood]

If you have Pernicious Anaemia , you need B12 injections FOR LIFE ,and your levels must always be high .Pernicious Anaemia is incurable . It is the most usual reason for Vitamin B12 deficiency. What we always used to call “ Anaemia “ is cause by Iron deficiency , and has different symptoms to pernicious Anaemia.

I’m in the U.K. , and we also have terrible difficulties in getting the correct treatment for P.A. That’s why most of us have resorted to self-injecting at intervals that keep our P.A. symptoms at bay ( for me that’s once a week ,for others daily , monthly ,six -weekly , 2 monthly 3 monthly etc . )

I have tried Methylcobalamin,and have found it not one jot better than Hydroxocobalamin. ,which is the usual B12 injection in the U.K.

YES , do take a moderate Vitamin D tablet , but with vitaminK , ( unless you are on blood-thinners ) especially important in the winter months .

I suggest that you try self- injecting . So cheap , easy and convenient . One great thing about VitaminB12 is that you can’t overdose on it . Make sure that you get plenty of folate ( vitamin B9 ) in your diet , or failing that take a 400mcg folic acid tablet. It works together with B12 .