privet blood tests and privet specialist

[Cookiedough2022]

can anyone help with the best places to get a privet blood test for intrinsic factor , MMA etc? I am in the uk . GP has sent for some but are taking ages to come back and it seems the levels can vary so much so like to investigate for myself… thanks in advanced.

also can anyone message me privately of any specialist in haematology or neurologists that have helped with some knowledge of b12 deficiency? Thankyou so much x

[wedgewood]

Medichecks do an Intrinsic Factor Antibody test for £100.00 , which is very expensive for a test that for about 50% of Pernicious Anaemia patients will produce a negative result . They also do an MMA blood test , but also expensive. I have never heard of any haematologist or neurologist who have any specialist knowledge of B12 deficiency. I feel that P.A. patients are on their own . This forum is the best place to come to I’m afraid . The medical profession generally has no interest Why? ………… I have my own ideas .

[Cookiedough2022 in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you I will look into this , it really feels like a battle but thank you x

[wedgewood in reply to Cookiedough2022]

Yes , it is a terrible battle . I eventually had to resort to self-injecting B12 after months of battling with my GP . It was the only way that I could regain a normal life . Best of luck to you .

[Cookiedough2022 in reply to wedgewood]

Did you ever get a diagnosis of PA?

[wedgewood]

Yes , I had a positive result to the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies test ( lucky , only happens about 50% of the time to P.A. patients) . Doctors should know this , but mostly they don’t , unfortunately. In spite of having numb feet ( diagnosis “ IDEOPATHIC” , could not get a B12 injection more often than every 12 weeks - Result , very unwell . And feet totally numb . Had to resort to self -injection as my GP would not budge. So I got my life back by injecting weekly . Feet improved from totally numb to burning hot sensation , which is an improvement, but painful . We have to fend for ourselves I’m afraid .

[Nackapan]

Do wait for your NHS results.

They have very good labs.

I thought the IFA test was either positive ( showing antibodies on the day. PA diagnosis (

Or negative . ( still doesn't rule out PA)

Some gps prescribe b12 'off licence.

I presently am prescribed 2 weekly.

Still have my own supplies as will not go without and need weekly injections.

I prefer it on my medical notes as not got a PA diagnosis that I need s high frequency. Of b12.

See another Gp .