B12 level: Hi I’ve posted on here the... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,066 members23,216 posts

B12 level

10 Replies

Hi I’ve posted on here the other day to say I had left it 6 weeks in between my B12 jab instead of 4 weeks and have had a horrible week of symptoms, I went yesterday to have my B12 administered and asked my practitioner ( I have to have them done privately ) would she do a blood test before my Jab to see how low my levels had got as I wanted to make sure that the reason I was feeling so bad was definitely because of B12. The result came back at 702 and the report from the lab said my vitamin B12 level was higher than normal!

This has totally thrown me as I’m now thinking is it my B12 causing me all these symptoms, or is there another explanation for this.

I have been having B12 injections for the last 7 months.

Thanks I appreciate any feedback from any of you knowledgeable people on this great site x

Read more about...
10 Replies

Considering you had injections just 6 weeks ago the level of 702 is quite low in terms of timeline. If all was normal I would of expected it to be higher. The lab saying this was higher than normal .... were they aware you had had a injection 6 weeks prior. Most who self inject levels are over 2000. Treat symptoms not levels

in reply to

Hi SallyannlThanks for replying you’ve made me feel better with your reply! no the lab did not know when I last injected, and I must keep it in my head that it’s the symptoms now not the numbers that I must be guided by! Have a good day x

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

You need to have your B12 high . That’s something else that the medical profession doesn’t understand about PA.. I’ve heard of doctors who want to stop injections once levels are higher . I need to inject once a week . If I let it go longer the symptoms start to return . Other need injections at other intervals . Why is that? We don’t know .More research is necessary . I look on it like this . The B12 doesn’t start to get into our cells unless a certain level of B12 is reached . When the level is reached then the B12 trickers over into the cells . This is not a scientific explanation . It’s the only way I can explain why there is such a huge difference in the amount of injections needed by various P.A. patients . I know patients who need daily injections , and those who manage with 3 monthly and anything in between . One you have started treatment and found out by trial and error how often you need to inject to keep B12 symptoms at bay, then there is no need to test for B12 levels . Mine are always off the scale , and they must be . I have to self-inject to keep well , Make sure that you get your injections often enough to keep symptoms at bay . Self-injection is cheaply and convenient . I can heartily recommend it .

in reply to wedgewood

Thanks for replying Wedgwood,Everything you say makes sense and reassures me yet again!

Have a great day x

pitney profile image
pitney

I SI once a month and when tested my levels are always over 2000 although I feel better than when only getting injection once every 3 mths I still get symptoms most days.

in reply to pitney

Thanks for replying Pitney, this is really reassuring to hear as I was again getting very anxious when I saw the results and doubting my diagnosis, it’s very hard when you don’t have a GP on your side and your having to diagnose and treat yourself!

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood in reply to

I’m afraid that’s the case for most P.A. patients . And trying to challenge your GP’s ignorance is just too difficult when you feel so very unwell . I gave up because it was like bashing one’s head against a brick wall. And the implication that one was imagining it all i.e. Hypochondria , was too much to bear .Self-injecting has turned my life round .

Does Martyn Hooper realise what a huge good turn he has done humanity by founding the P.A.S?

An M.B.E. for him was OK , but he should be Knighted , Think of all those fawning . B*****ds who purchase their Knighthoods by subscribing politically !Yes, this happens in Democratic U.K. It makes one sick ! YUK!

pitney profile image
pitney

I Quite agree Cyprus555 and I am sure a lot of others on here would agree with you too😃 Best wishes and I hope you start to feel better and notice a difference soon

maribeth1 profile image
maribeth1 in reply to pitney

Your replies to Cyprus555 are so knowledgable. I have had PA for some years and thanks to a fellow PAS member now self-inject, aided by my partner - as my fingers don’t work very well.

I wish everyone on the forum was so well-informed.

Mmmilkybar profile image
Mmmilkybar

The standard NHS b12 test is for the total b12 in your blood, this includes both the active and inactive form. My b12 levels have hovered around 700 (and higher) for many years without GPs concern. I had a private active b12 test and my levels were around 150 after supplementing with sublingual b12. I tend to focus on what my body is telling me. B12 solves so many of my symptoms. (I do also take b complex, folic acid and eat potassium rich foods)

You may also like...

Serum B12 levels compared to active B12 levels

the active B12 test levels correlate to serum B12. I have not yet had an active serum B12 test, but...

B12 levels whilst on B12 injections..

those on 12 weekly B12 injections via the NHS, what should your b12 level be if you randomly had it...

B12 Levels. Please Help

of my B12 from last week - before B12 injections my levels were 121ng/L. Bloods from last week...

Depleting levels of b12

before my levels drop any further, or maybe take a multi vitamin which includes b12 Any...

Extremely low B12 level

couple of weeks ago ( having self-diagnosed) and was found to have a level of only 30! I have not...