More of a statement here. In Australia we don't have "loading doses" the words don't exist.
Instead when we are diagnosed with PA we are usually put on regular injections of B12
Most of us then recognise that we need to SI and often
Then we take control by getting our supplies legally and readily from pharmacists.
For me it's SI every 4 days so that I stay on top of my symptoms, however it did take about 6 months from diagnosis before I recognised my personal situation
All sounds so sensible .Thanks for telling us.
Hope you are keeping as well as possible on your regime.
Hi,
I'm in UK.
It's always interesting to hear how PA and B12 deficiency are managed in different countries around the world.
Are there any support groups in Australia?
Do states/territories have specific guidelines on treatment/diagnosis of B12 deficiency?
PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)
Based in Wales, UK. Has some members from other countries.
pernicious-anaemia-society....
There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.
B12 Deficiency Info website
B12 Awareness (US website)
Stichting B12 Tekort (Dutch website with English articles)
I searched online for "treatment of pernicious anaemia Australia" which showed some links that might be useful.
interesting to read of what happens in Australia. Great that you can get your B12 ampoules over the counter . In U.K. we can’t unfortunately . We get our supplies from very good German online pharmacies . We can obtain needles and syringes easily though . What form of B12 is used in Australia ? Is it hydroxocobalamin like here in UK? Thank for the information. Best wishes from U.K.
Hi Wedgewood
It's hydroxocobalamin over here. Don't really hear much about the other types.
Thanks for that . I’ve tried Cynocobalamin and Methycobalamin as well in my my desperation , but i have to say that Hydroxocobalamin suits me best You seem to have good doctors over there in Australia. . My GP is more than disapproving I was told that too much B12 was TOXIC !No answer when i asked how much was toxic . Of course woukd not show me how to self inject . . .. So i’m on my own .
👍👍👍
I was given 3 loading doses within 2 weeks when diagnosed in Australia then moved to 3 monthly. Then in the UK I had to see a neurologist to be allowed monthly. However in Australia you can by B12 hydroxocobalamin OTC where as it is script based only in the UK so I feel it is less of an issue. Both my Australian and UK GP showed me how to do the injections myself so I just take control of it myself. However in the UK I inform the practice each time I give my injection.
My initial treatment in Queensland was similar to NICE guidelines - six injections over two weeks, then another six every couple of weeks and then onto three monthly, until I started to bring them closer together and settled on every seven weeks. My original doctor was from Sri Lanka and seemed to have a good handle on it, including having no issue with me experimenting on the timings but that all went to pieces when an English-trained doctor interfered and told me I couldn't have any more than every two months. At which point I started SI, having been shown how by a nurse in the clinic at my work site. My last doctor at the original clinic (also Sri Lankan) just told me to go for it whenever I needed it. Since I've moved away I've had one discussion with the doctor at the new practice, who tried to throw the term 'B12 toxicity' at me, only to be told not to be silly as we both knew full well there's no such thing, and he's been fine ever since! Guess I've been lucky.
Australia sounds very enlightened when it comes to B12 deficiency treatment. Way to go Australia!
I've just been diagnosed and my GP wants to do quarterly with no loading dose.
Great to know it's over the counter here as he does not appear to know very much
How often do people SI for PA?
Concerned about my very frequent needs of self injections of b12
