I have just finished my loading injections of B12 after finding out my level was 70.
After my injections my aches and pains in my body are getting worse especially near my ribcage and round to my back and shoulders. I feel dreadful, I have no appetite, I am struggling with sleep even though I am exhausted.
I have been back to the doctor but they aren't really helping or advising.
Is it normal to get worse before I get better?
Yes , it is quite a common phenomenon. We often hear about this on the forum . It is said that it is the nerves “waking up “ again . Do not get discouraged , it is not a bad sign . but most unpleasant for you to endure . It will pass . .Very best wishes .
I had pain in the center of my ribcage when I began treatment and went to GP concerned it might be some heart problem, but apparently not. After some weeks of treatment it subsided. During the first few months following start of treatment I had a steep decline including loss of leg muscle power (I was inching along like a 90 year old the day I got my first injection), headaches, weird scalp sensations (actually I still have those), pins and needles, sharp nerve pains, nausea, chronic insomnia, aches and pains where I never had them before, and much more. It did get better but very slowly. Your B12 was very low - if it was like that for a long period, then what's called the "early treatment decline" could be lengthy. For me it was about 5 months before I felt I was fully turning a corner. But everyone is different!
Nerves coming back to life which were previously numb or or defective can result in sensation (sometimes painful sensation) where previously there was an unnoticed absence of sensation. It's unfortunate but functional nerves, even ones that transmit painful sensations , are inevitable in this process.
Make sure you are supporting the healing process as best you can with rest, a good diet, sleep, social supports, supplement as needed and gradually introducing slow, gentle exercises to get blood flowing to the damaged regions, but avoiding any movements which cause discomfort or pain.
Thank you, feels so good to not be alone in this. It is reassuring to hear that you also suffered with chronic insomnia, I feel so tired but no matter how hard I try or want to, I just do not sleep or stay asleep.
Thank you for sharing your story it really has brought me some comfort, I was starting to worry there was something else going on, as I just couldn’t see how everything I was feeling could be caused by my B12.
Hopefully I see a light at the end of this tunnel soon 😊
H, yes I agree with others in saying that it should improve soon , I personally got better within a few days and I was staggering around like a drunk bumping into everything so after treatment had a great improvement so think you'll be better very soon.
when I had mine, it wiped me out and couldn't do a thing for a few months so booked my self off and just rest.
Look after your self by giving your self some time off. Resting and sleeping, it will get better. It may not feel like it right now but you will find you will come through it.
find some good TV and movies, books to snuggle up to. Somethings to bring you happiness.
keep going your doing great 
Dear EJ22
Back in May about 1.5 months after loading dose I experienced severe aches from hips down and shoulders down, in the evenings as I rested for the day. Plus 3months later electric shocks in my left arm.
It eventually goes away and from all the wonderful advice in this group they weee quite correct and my experiences followed suit.
I have nerve conduction tests coming up etc to rule anything out.
Had MRI scans - ruled things out.
I started to have paid injections as needed more frequently and then plucked up the courage to self inject last week - I plan weekly until nerve pain fully goes.
It’s a bit of a roller coaster but as someone advised me take control of your symptom based treatment.
If you need any more details please DM me.
Best.
Thank you so much, I didn’t even know you could inject yourself, I will definitely be looking into this because I have IBS so my diet is very restricted with food triggers so trying to absorb B12 naturally is really difficult anyways never mind the deficiency, so topping up my recovery with injections might be a way forward.
Thank you 😊
Sorry for late reply but since you mentioned IBS this may interest:
Could it be low vit b12?
Bizarre aches and pains with PA
low b12 - When will this improve?
Could my nerve pains be B12 related
Pregnant and low B12
