I have 6 weekly injections at my doctors as I have PA. This works well for me and has done for several years. During the first UK lockdown injections stopped and I had a range of horrible symptoms. After I put them in writing I was able to get my practice to give me the injection again. This was after they gave me a tablet saying that I might absorb a bit of it. I don't believe I would and also they prescribed the wrong amount according to the pharmacist meaning I would have had to take 20 a day to even make a sensible amount, even if I did absorb it. To avoid future issues I asked if I could self inject, in case of another lockdown. A senior partner approved, the nurse showed me how and I injected myself fine twice before being able to start going back into the surgery as normal.
We have just gone into another lockdown and upon enquiry I have been told that injections have stopped again. I am fortunate that I have just received a dose however. I asked about injecting myself again and apparently I am no longer allowed. Another senior partner has said it is dangerous for me to inject myself. I can't understand it. My friend in the south has been prescribed and has injected herself for years and it looks like loads of people on this website do.
I have just been told to ring back when I need the injection and see what the situation is then. I am really anxious as that is what they told me last lockdown and it took quite a time to get the injection again. I really don't want the symptoms again so want to be ready to make my case. Does anyone know why it might be that I am now being told I cannot inject myself? Any suggestions welcome to help me make my case should I need to in 5 / 6 weeks time.
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TG108
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Patients who are already self-administering IM hydroxocobalamin should continue to do so but we do not recommend a patient switching to self-administration during the COVID-19 pandemic since instruction is likely to be difficult.
Obviously the British Society for Haematology don't think it's dangerous once people have been trained.
Thank you fbirder, your reply is really helpful to me. Hopefully all will be well and I won't have to argue my case like last time but I am getting ready as I am not confident that it will be easy to get access to the injection.
You can self inject absolutely safely , either using the I.M. method ( Intra Muscular ) or Sub-cut (Subcutaneous) so easy to inject by either method into the outer central third of the thigh
Thank you. I'm not sure which method I was shown but I didn't have any problems doing it so crazy they've stopped letting me.It would even save the surgery money as when they inject me there isn't a charge but the times they let me do it I had to pay for the prescription.
I've PA for a few years and when this Covid started My 8 weekly injections were stopped, and was given some pills, which was the same as not taking the pills, and after 2 months, my PA problems started again, the same as before I was diagnosed with PA, one really bad weekend, I was falling all over the place, I looked great with Carpet Burns on my head, my great friend, she phoned the doctor, before that I was put on different B12 replacement that took a while to build up my levels, the Health Aid Vegan Vit 121000ug, and they have been great, not the same as meeting a nurse that we are use first names, I wonder if anything will go back to normal,
Ouch to the carpet burn! Sorry to hear you also had the tablets which were no good. I'm glad you've now got an alternative that is working for you. Who knows... I'm sure we will get back to a more normal state one day.
Lots of B12 info in my replies on the the thread below eg symptoms, causes of B12 deficiency, more B12 books, B12 websites, more B12 articles/documents and a few hints about dealing with unhelpful GPs.
Thank you very much. This is really helpful. I put my symptoms in writing before and at that point I was able to have the injection again. I'm hoping to not have to do that again but if I do the letter templates will be really helpful.I will also take a look at all the other links, resources and suggestions. Thanks.
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