Hi all, I've been investigating possible causes of long-term fatigue. My symptoms & PA risk factors are listed below.
I'm currently waiting on results for the Intrinsic factor antibodies test (bloods taken over 2 weeks ago through GP).
On advice of a nutritionist I've been taking an oral B complex, recently with a megadose of B12 (1000ug) and have been sleeping better, but have had more digestive issues than usual...
Questions:
- Has anyone else experienced digestive issues with oral B12? (mostly just wind!) If so, can anyone suggest remedies?
- How long does NHS Intrinsic factor antibodies test usually take to come back?
- If I am positive, what should I ask my GP for? Would knowing my homocysteine level be useful?
- If I’m negative would it be worth me paying for B12 shots anyway to see if I have I see improvements?
- Would there be any down sides to B12 shots?
- Has anybody experienced Hypoglycemia with B12 deficiency? (I get very low blood sugar during my periods, which really knocks the stuffing out of me every month. Nobody has as yet explained the cause).
Blood tests:
- My Mean Cell Volume was at the high end of range 97.3 fL [80.0-99.0] (05/11/2021)
- Mean cell haemoglobin level 32.3 pg [27.0 - 33.5]
- Serum vitamin B12 level 358.0 ng/L [211.0 - 911.0] but I have been supplementing for years and I understand this can be misleading?
Symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Neuropathy down one leg
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Brain Fog
- Occasional chest pain
- Non diabetic Hypoglycemia
Risk factors:
- Family history of pernicious anaemia:
My dad got diagnosed at about 30 (but sadly was untreated) and had heart failure in his early 50s...
- Family history of B12 deficiency:
My mum was treated with b12 injections
- Hashimoto's (High TbAb)
- Digestive issues:
- Low stomach acid & Pancreatic insufficiency
- Family history of rheumatoid arthritis
- Genetic tests have shown a strong need for B12
Any comments or advice very welcome! Thanks very much in advance!
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Serum folate level 16.51 ug/L [> 4.12]; This is a good level I think?
Serum ferritin level 26.0 ug/L [10.0 - 291.0]; On the low side?
Vit D hasn't been tested this year but I supplement and was at a good level last year.
Thyroid panel has so far been in range except for High TgAb (usually between 300 - 500) 375.3 kIU/L a few weeks ago
TSH 3.1 mIU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2) this has been slowly creeping up. . .
Free T3 5.1 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)
Free Thyroxine 16.9 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)
I investigated sibo a couple of years ago when I was getting Loads of food reactions. Generally my digestion has been much better since treatment, but I'll look into it again - thanks for the suggestion 👍
If you click on "project documents" then on "consultation comments and responses" it gives a good insight into current issues around diagnosis and treatment (lots of pages)
Local B12 deficiency guidelines
I suggest you find out what's in the local B12 deficiency guidelines for your ICB (Integrated care Board) or Health Board. Try an online search or submit a FOI (Freedom of Information) request to ICB or Health Board asking which B12 deficiency guidelines are used locally and for a link to or copy of them.
CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) were replaced by ICBs in England in July 2022.
Read blog post below if you want to know why I suggest doing this.
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.
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