Appendix Removal and B12

[KittyKitten]

Hi there!

I previously saw a reply mention that B12 deficiency could happen after having an appendectomy (maybe gone wrong?). I am wondering if anyone has any information on this? I am unable to find the comment now, but would love to know more.

I am currently trying to figure out why I need a B12 injection every single week to function at all. (I become weak, very short of breath, very tired, etc after that). My doctor has said there is "no reason" for me to need this much, so I'm left to search on my own. I'm trying to figure out if it is a reversible cause or if it is indeed PA or an absorption issue of sorts. So I hope this is okay that I ask!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

KittyKitten - there are huge numbers of us that need very frequent B12 to cope after our first B12 injection - and the reasons for that really aren't clear - so please be aware that you aren't alone. If you need more frequent injections then that is most likely to be down to the way you respond to high serum B12 from injections and not actually related to whatever absorption problem caused you to need to inject in the first place.There is some research going on in this area sponsored by the PAS

There was a feedback session on some of the research at the 2019 conference and you can watch a recording of it here

pernicious-anaemia-society....

I can't quite get my head around how what is going on the gut could affect what is happening in blood and cells when you are using injections to by-pass absorption in the gut but the workings of the human body are wonderful and mysterious.

[KittyKitten in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you, I appreciate your reply. I took a look at the video and watched some of it! Very interesting. I do think I have some sort of digestive issue and I just wish there was more known about this stuff.

I really do want to find out why I need so many though. I feel like it is impacting my life always needing these injections. I feel like this is breaking my heart because I don't know if I can be a mom now and I live out of fear that my injections will stop or I won't be able to have them. I just want to know what's happening to me.

[dippyduck]

It wasn't a post by me, but I suspect a burst appendix was the cause of my B12 deficiency. My symptoms started around 4 years after this. GP doesn't seem too concerned about finding the cause and I am not keen to push them for answers as I am getting enough injections at the surgery

[KittyKitten in reply to dippyduck]

I'm sorry you went through that! And I am glad you are getting enough injections.

Unfortunately my doctor didn't test my B12 at the time he offered me injections, so I have no "proof" that I needed them in the first place. But miraculously the majority of symptoms improved after suffering for years. I just want to find out why so I have a reason for them to keep going.

Is there something specific about your appendix bursting that makes you think it led to a deficiency??

[dippyduck in reply to KittyKitten]

Mainly the timing I think . I had a Laparotomy which they called "The Incision of Indecision" (resulting 17 staples) because they weren't 100% what was wrong (suspected diverticulitis) and contracted peritonitis , a cardiologist suggested the ileum may have been damaged. My bowel was also handled as there was an obstruction. As I said, I've never really pushed for answers for fear of rocking the boat and getting my injections stopped (I think I may just be flying under the radar at the moment 😀

[asprajiv]

I am from India , 43 male , I had apendix removal surgery in 2008, till then I had small gut issues here and there. But after taking covid vaccine in 2021, something happened and doctors used lot of antibiotics for my typhoid in May 2021, my fever was gone but later I developed lot of gut issues and b12 deficiency. I lost around 50 pounds in just 4 months and no medicine was working . Later doctors left me on my situation saying that I have depression, I refused to take antidepressants knowing their side effects , Thanks god that I found another life saving therapy called Panchkarma (Ayurveda) which saved my life by re establishment ofy gut microbiome. Now the digestive issue is completely solved and I am gaining my lost weight slowly, Doctors says that apendix does nothing, but it takes care about our gut microbes and B12 , D3

I remember I was taking B12 injection by alternate day and it was doing nothing. Now I do not need them anymore.

The Bhutha Shudhhi yoga process conducted by Isha Yoga also helped me.