B12 injection

[Lesleyann14]

Why will my doctor not give me my b12 injection 1 week before it’s due, I normally go 12 weeks between but going on holiday so need week before, and receptionist just keeps saying been told only licensed for 3 days before, very confused

[wedgewood]

It’s called “ bloody mindedness “ . Your GP can operate outside of guidelines if he thinks that it benefits you , which this would obviously do . But you may be dealing with one of those awkward receptionists . Ask to speak to your GP . Better still get yourself acquainted with the possibility of self -injecting ,so avoiding the upsetting confrontations . Its easy and cheap . …

[Lesleyann14 in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you, I am waiting for a phone call from the nurse, I’m sure as a one off it would be ok

[FlipperTD in reply to wedgewood]

Scientist, not medic, and cynic.

You seem to have come across 'The Dragon At The Gates Of Doom' at the surgery. They are generally quite well-meaning, but sometimes are a bit too protective of their GP empolyers. Good luck.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Do you have any neuro symptoms?

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/...

Next link mentions symptoms of B12 deficiency and folate deficiency

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

Symptoms list (from B12 Institute netherlands)

b12-institute.nl/en/symptom...

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves)

nhs.uk/conditions/periphera...

Peripheral neuropathy can be associated with B12 deficiency and sometimes with folate deficiency.

Neurological Consequences of B12 Deficiency

PAS news item

pernicious-anaemia-society....

If yes to neuro symptoms, you could point out in letter/email/conversation that according to BNF you should be on injections every 2 months. See BNF hydroxocobalamin link in this reply for more info on recommended treatment in UK.

You could mention to GP that this treatment info is in their BNF book Chapter 9 Section 1.2

If you need injections every 2 months maybe they would be more willing to give you a 3 monthly one, a week early.

Is there a private GP who offers B12 injections in your area?

This is likely to be expensive.

Some forum members use high dose oral B12 tablets (1000 mcg) or B12 spray to tide them over between injections although some find these ineffective.

There are some UK forum members who treat themselves as they cannot get adequate treatment from NHS. See wedgewood 's helpful posts on this.

Unhappy with Treatment (UK info)?

Letters to GPs about B12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

There is a lot of helpful info on above website.

Maybe PAS would be worth talking to?

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

PAS website has useful articles and a page for health professionals

pernicious-anaemia-society....

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Each CCG (Clinical Commissioning Board/Health Board/NHS hospital trust in UK is likely to have its own local guidelines on treatment/diagnosis of B12 deficiency. Might be worth tracking down the local guidelines for your area of UK and comparing the info in them with BNF, BSH and NICE CKS links below.

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

BNF Hydroxocobalamin

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

NICE CKS B12 deficiency and Folate deficiency

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

GMC article on Prescribing Off licence

gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance...

I am not medically trained.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi again,

Links to forum threads where I left detailed replies with lots of B12 deficiency info eg causes and symptoms, more UK B12 documents, B12 books, B12 websites and B12 articles and a few hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs.

Some links may have details that could be upsetting.

Some of the info will be specific to UK.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[Nackapan]

I've had this. I've got my dsughter to change hers to 10 weekly to give some flexibility.

Sometimes as you can't book in advance she can't get it until 13/ 14 weeks.

The nurses cannot give it earlier than prescribed .

It's so stupid you can't book in advance.

They havevthe same sessions on same days .

The electronic diary just needs extending.

Not 'rocket science.

Ask for a higher frequency .

[JanD236]

Guidelines say that injections are to be given every 2 or 3 months. The receptionist is talking nonsense!