Vitamin B12 deficiency - Recently diagnosed

[Praga]

Hi there. I was previously in the Thyroid UK group but one member suggested me this forum because of my low Vitamin B12.

I am a 33-year-old woman. I weigh 60 kilos (22,7 BMI), non-smoker, non-drinker. I have a pretty healthy lifestyle.

My symptoms started almost 3 years ago. I have mistaken symptoms these years as something caused by stressful episodes in my life (a wedding, two international moves, exams, etc)

In March 2021 the situation became unsustainable. In these last months, I would be able to count the "good" days that I have had with one hand. There are days where I can't even do the bare minimum because I don't have energy. I have extreme fatigue and many other symptoms.

Long story short. I went to Urgent Care because after tonsillitis I was feeling awful after a month. I got tested for Covid, mono, anemia, and I got no diagnosis.

I got a referral to a GP. I got a blood test (complete hemogram) and got my vitamin d and vitamin checked. Note: I will post my blood results as a photo too.

Vitamin B12 = 140 pg/mL LOW (200 -1000)

Vitamin D Total = 20.5 ng/mL LOW (30 - 100)

Some weeks later I had my first appointment with an endocrinologist. I am still getting some other tests to check if I have problems with my thyroids or pineal gland. My endo told me that my vitamin b12 deficiency is an autoimmune disease and that my body can´t absorb the vitamin b12 so I will have to take supplements for life.

He changed my supplements for the sublingual version. Previously the GP prescribed me Vitamin B12 1000 mCg oral tablets (cyanocobalamin - 1 tablet per day - for 30 days)

I have taken the sublingual tablet (1000 mcg cyanocobalamin) for two weeks now but I feel no improvement. I feel frustrated because there are no advances and I still feel awful.

What should I do? Should I request to get Vitamin B12 shots? I am pretty lost in the health system of the United States of America. I have seen 3 GP, 1 endo, 1 gyno and I feel I am in step #1.

Thanks in advance.

[Praga]

More test results:

AST SerPI QN = 11 Units/L LOW (Reference Range 13-39)

Bilirubin Total SerPO QN = 1.5 mg/dL HIGH (0.00 - 1.00)

Total Protein SerPI QN = 6.7 GM/dL (6.4 - 8.00)

Hemoglobin A1C HPLC BLD QN = 5.5% (4.0 - 5.6)

Est Average Glucose mg/dL = 111 mg/dL

Estimated GFR (CKD-EPI) = >90 ml/min/1.73m2 (Range Limit)

TSH 3erd Gen SerPI QN = 2.188 mcU/mL (0.400 - 4.200 )

T3 Free SerPi QN =3.22 pg/ML ( 1.5 - 3.5)

T4 Free Direct SerPI QN = 0.80 ng/dL (0.6 - 1.5)

Prolactin SerPl QN 3rd IS 25.6 ng/mL (High) (Reference Range:2.0 ng/mL - 23.0 ng/mL)

Hemogram - Platelets - WBC Differential

Blood test results

[Nackapan in reply to Praga]

Push for.loading doses of vit d and b12 injections . B12 shouks be treated before folatw if needed.

I hope you get your treatment sorted.

It takes time .maintenence injections are needed.

Intrinsic factor antybody test if positive gives a PA diagnosis. A negative test doesn't rule it out.

[Praga in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for your reply. I will ask for injections.

[fbirder]

My endo told me that my vitamin b12 deficiency is an autoimmune disease and that my body can´t absorb the vitamin b12 so I will have to take supplements for life.

That's good to hear.

He changed my supplements for the sublingual version.

That's not so good. Does he not know what the words "can't absorb" mean? It means you need injections.

The B12 molecule is too large to be absorbed across the membrane of the mouth. If it could be absorbed then none of us would ever need injections.

Demand to have the shots.

[Praga]

Hi Fbirder. Sometimes I feel the doctors know nothing or that they don´t care. A previous GP gave me "Omeprazole" for my chest pain! Omeprazole will decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, so I never take it.

I will demand to have the shots.

Thanks

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to Praga]

The fast tract diet is a good book if you are suffering with GERD or acid reflux. I was also prescribed omeprazole but can mange with diet changes.

[Praga in reply to Bonjourtristesse]

Luckily I don´t need to take omeprazole. I do not have reflux. I don´t have any idea why the GP gave me a prescription for that. Thanks for your reply

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to Praga]

Ah I see.