Help Advice on Syringes & Pernicious Anaemia

[ArtisticMe]

Hi Hoping some one can give me some advice? I've just found this forum.my first message.

Iwas diagnosed at hospital Pernicious Anaemia 1988.I had my prescription.monthly & injected myself with Cyanocobalamin..no probs.

I moved to the U.S 1989 continued with the month.jabs no prob....Moved back here 5 yrs ago..but can only have every 3 mths ..have to go to clinic. Won't allow to do myself.!! Feel constantly tired & fatigued..talked to Dr to no avail. Ive been online & obtained the B.12 Ampoules.. but at a loss what syringes.as before would get them from chemist no prob..also the other thing is a blood test came back this week said Iam LOW in FOLATE.....which I know is associated.with B.12 deficiency....also it said that my blood platelets are raised high..497 10*9L..& Im worried..Im having a phone consult.tomorrow with Dr.

Any advice ..especially on syringes as I m fed up with feeling the way i am right now, & battling with the Dr's. Thanks so very much

[JanD236]

Guidelines allow GP’s to provide an injection every 2 or 3 months so first of all I’d be arguing with your GP to increase your injection frequency to 2 monthly.

Your GP will use hydroxocobalamin rather than the cyano that you probably had in the US. I’ve read on this forum that hydro lasts about twice as long in the body as cyano so this might help you feel as you did on monthly US injections.

Failing that you have your B12 to si. I use Medisave.co.uk and order the 2ml syringes. I also use a green needle to draw up the B12 and then change to a blue or purple needle to do the IM injection. The purple needle is shorter and finer but I’m fairly slim so I’m happy this reaches my muscle. Sorry I don’t have technical details of the size of the needles but putting in the colour in a search takes me to what I need.

I also buy alcohol wipes and small round plasters from Medisave.

Your GP might prescribe a 5mg folic acid to address your folate deficiency (this high dose should only be prescribed for a short time). If they don’t, you should ensure you take a 400mcg supplement a day. The folate deficiency may well be the cause of or at least a large contributor towards your symptoms of fatigue.

I’m sorry but I know nothing about platelets so can’t comment on those.

[ArtisticMe in reply to JanD236]

Thanks so much Jan..I ordered syringes today from UK Medi...25G Orange x1x2.5 ml...now I wonder ..Will I be able to draw up the b.12....didnt know Id have to use another needle to draw up ..wondering now if these will work ,I used to buy the syringes in the States first time in 4 yrs if living here to order..z

Talked to my dr today ..she won't budge on changing from 3mths..fed up with fighting the Dr's..

Thks so much.so pleased to find this forum..& for your help Cheers

[Nackapan]

Sometimes blood platelets are raised when your HB has dropped . Not sure if low folate can do the same . Infection can temporarily raises platelets. If iron deficient your platelets should return to normal after treatment and iron levels better.

That's the snippet I know. I'm sure there are other reasons too.

Hope Go consult goes well.

Low folate can make you feel very fatigued and low. Also at times can give you mouth ulcers .

My daughter has to supplement to maintain folate levels.

400mcg daily

Hope you get your Gp to agree to 2 monthly b12 injections .

I inject subcutaneously with 30G 1/2 "needle

For IM the nurses uses 23G 1" blue on me.

As you've been told purple can be used and is finer.

You do need another needle to draw up the b12 21G is (green) I use. Then change the needle to inject.

2ml syringes are good.

I order from medisave

I hope you improve soon.

Also you got an explanation for your blood results.

[ArtisticMe in reply to Nackapan]

Thankyou so much ..I have ordered some syringes 25Gx1x2.5ml ...hope I've ordered right ..from company called UK MEDICAL...