Does anybody have any references to show a consultant that wants to repeat an ifab blood test? I have gastric parietal cells and am ifab positive with reading of 8 (range 0-5). He says I'm only weekly positive for ifab so wants to repeat the test.
I had one down in June that was negative, then in August it was positive. I am on loading doses of 3x weekly. Does the B12 make the ifab go down or go away?
I have thyroid autoimmunity and neuro symptoms, he says that this could cause the positive ifab too And that the symptoms could be the thyroid condition.
Any advice gratefully accepted, thank you.
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Aumshantii
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My personal experience of running the IFAb test showed that repeating over time, the reactions only got stronger. Logically, it has to start somewhere, and 'weak positive' sounds like 'early days'. Personally, I wouldn't argue; if they want to repeat the test, just go with it. You're already being treated.
Positive IFAb confirms the existence of PA. If by any slight chance the 'weak positive' was an error, then a repeat is sensible, given you'd had a negative in the past. B12 injections should not affect the result.
You're absolutely right; positive is positive is positive. However, when someone's seen 'weak positive' then that can confuse and if a GP can't actually grasp that 'positive is positive' then in my experience of doing the test, leaving it a while longer and repeating means that the tide's come further up the beach, and it's a stronger reaction. If however it 'went negative' and you'd had two negatives and one weak positive, well, I'd take the 'two out of three' coin toss approach. Some folks never develop detectable antibodies but it doesn't stop them needing treatment. If a GP won't treat them then I'd suggest it's time to change GPs. Treat the symptoms, not the numbers!
Thank you all for your replies, I have a strong feeling they are wanting it to be negative so they can tell me'I told you so!' I have been very persistant with my requests for treatment. I fear that if -ve they will stop treatment. I am weirdly bolstered that if B12 injections are ongoing it likely will give a higher ifab result. I will keep that little tidbit quiete and go for the repeat test when requested. So the B12 never makes ifab go away?
I know thyroid antibodies wax and wane depending on what's happening in your life/body that's why I feared they may wane if I repeat the ifab and the door to treatment slammed shut. It was hard enough getting this far even with both apc and ifab positive. Injections have helped so much. Thank you all again
I think flippers advice is excellent. And you should be glad they are testing you for IfAB. It seems often this test is not done. Doing it multiple times makes sense to me, then you can feel really confident in your treatment
This link says "A negative test result does not necessarily mean that a person does not have pernicious anemia. As many as half of those affected will not have IF antibodies."
I also wondered if you had been tested for coeliac disease.
Thanks Sleepybunny, it was incredibly difficult to get prescribed B12 even with the long term symptoms, positive apc and ifab. I dread the thought of it being negative. I have read the references regarding a negative ifab not necessarily meaning no PA, but can just imagine the glee and hand rubbing by the medics if it does turn up negative. I am strangely bolstered by the replies on the forum that said its likely the ifab will only increase with time. Its not something to be celebrating but I'm so tired of fighting doctors and if it means they will just quietly acknowledge PA and continue the treatment, well that's all I want. I know it works for me.
Its not just about getting the injections, I want it noted on my records in case of future needs/ treatments. With the increased gastric cancer risk PA should be flagged up so that any symptoms are treated accordingly. When you have had cancer before, it constantly worries you.
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