Recurring gut problems and low vitb12

[Mrsmr]

Hi everyone, was started on 3monthly injections because vit b12 had been dropping. .167 before injections. Felt less exhausted and gut was improving.had 2nd jab before Easter now feel as if I am going backwards. Gut problems, fatigue back. Started to take sublingual 1000mcg b12 to see if that helps. Gastroenterologist tested for Ifa,coeliac ect. Saall OK. Said I have erosions but as bloods ok it is not PA. He discharged me after I refused amytriptoline.now received letter for video consultation in May. Any help with what I should be asking him would be great. Thanks.

[Nackapan]

Why discharged ax refused amitriptyline. I wax discharged on it ?? Neuro though

Sounds like too long z gao aftef last b12 ? Hos dk they know not PA? Is one question I would ask.

Fodmao helped one of my daughters who had terrible gut and digestion problems.

Hef endoscopy clear.

Needs regular b1w injections vig d and folatd daily ferritin j hef boots.

So geg a that checked hope it goes well

[Mrsmr in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks nackapan, I refused amitriptoline because I was exhausted and felt dehydrated as it was and felt it would make it worse. I suppose because I didn't have Positive IFA and other bloods were OK he didn't think he had anything else to offer. Don't know what my foliate was or if it was done.You are always helpful.thanks

[fbirder]

How has he decided you do not have PA? Half of those with PA give a negative result for the IF antibody test. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi... - Pahge 500.

Ask why you have erosions plus low B12 if it's not PA.

Tell him that you can have PA without macrocytosis (so normal bloods) bmj.com/bmj/section-pdf/102... - page 204

Do you have pain caused by neuropathy? If so then low dose amitriptyline can be very effective at relieving that pain. I am on 20 mg per day and it's working very well. That's less than half of the dose recommended for depression.

If you do have PA then that could explain your gut problems. PA isn't a disease of the blood, but the immune system. It starts attacking cells in the stomach called Gastric Parietal Cells (GPCs). The causes erosion!!!! The GPCs have two main roles - making Intrinsic Factor and making hydrochloric acid.

The lack of intrinsic factor causes an inability to absorb B12. The lack of stomach acid causes achlorhydria. This can cause the following symptoms -

abdominal bloating

indigestion

nausea

acid reflux

digestive issues

diarrhea

weak, brittle nails

hair loss

undigested food in stools

Familiar?

Many of us here have found relief by drinking something acidic with larger meals. I like 25 mL of lime juice in a glass of water. Others prefer vinegar.

[Mrsmr in reply to fbirder]

Thanks fbirder, I am so grateful to you all on this site. I have all the gastric problems listed and gp suggested omeprozole . I am confused as to whether I have low or high stomach acid. When I have the gut problems I try it all!!!!

[fbirder in reply to Mrsmr]

Google - home stomach acid test baking soda

[Mrsmr in reply to fbirder]

Thanks. I will give it a try. It says to do it on 5 consecutive days. Did you try that?

[Mrsmr in reply to fbirder]

Hi fbirder, tried baking soda test ,no response at all!!Will try it again tomorrow. Thanks

[Gen89]

Just wondering if you had the six every other day loading doses of b12 before going on the three monthly injections which would be the normal treatment for low b12?

[Mrsmr]

Thanks gen89. No i didn't .the GP said 167 was borderline so I wouldn't need them.