I had my first meeting with my GP following private consultation and initiation of B12 SI treatment 8 weeks ago. He accepted what was said in the letter the private consultant wrote, and agreed to follow up ferritin and folate blood tests. I advised I would have a follow up consult and I would forward the follow up letter from the consultant. When I asked if I could have whatever the consultant prescribed in terms of tests or treatment after the consultation, he said he would follow it to the word and would prescribe whatever was recommended.
I gave him some leaflets, posters and symptom check list (my completed copy) from B12.org and PA Society. He asked if I could drop off a blank copy of the symptom checker so he could help with other patients!
I asked him if he had any suspicion of B12 deficiency/PA when he first seen me in July. He said he read the test results and assumed this wasnt the case as my B12 was high. I pointed out that I came prepared for the consult with an A4 list of symptoms and relevant info (I was vegan, I supplemented a lot, including B12 and folate, I had chronic fatigue for years, etc) and that he dismissed the piece of paper instantly and said "he was never going to read that". I also reminded him that I voiced my concerns that I was using the NHS' time and resources, as so many test results had been 'inconclusive' over the years. I quietly stated that in fact, I had recently realised that for many years now it had been my own time and resources that had been wasted, but not any more. I calmly stated that, due to my own research and with assistance from the PA Society, I found a relevant expert and paid for a private consultation, and that what I now needed from the NHS was ongoing and appropriate diagnostic testing to help find the cause, and appropriate ongoing treatment.
He was a young Doctor and seemed genuinely pleased that B12 therapy was helping me. He admitted he didn't see many cases and that my case is helping his knowledge of B12 deficiency.
All in all, a very positive experience and I hope more people have more success with their GP's in getting the help we all deserve. 🥰
Written by
Beccy_123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I am sure I echo many peoples’ thoughts when I say your post is encouraging because being able to reference what GPs can and are doing, may sometimes enable less forthcoming GPs to follow.
May I ask about your private consultant? Are they a haematologist? Are they experienced in PA? How did you find them?
Well done - for getting a face-to-face GP appointment, for presenting your case so well and for keeping calm. Also, always good to hear about a positive meeting !
It isn't the GP's fault that they are given inadequate information to go on in training when it comes to B12 deficiency. A GP who cares to admit that and then do their best to get you help is worth keeping.
Beccy, I would also welcome any private recommendations. Searching for someone to see my 36 year old daughter, she had to wait 10 months for B12 replacement but faces that coming to an end after 3 months.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Update on the GP visit
GP frustration - rant ahead!
Been back to the GP but was shot down in flames again. At my wits end 
Update of visit to the GP
letter to GP and question
