Some Positive News

[Cherylclaire]

I had an appointment today with my Oral Medicine consultant.

An interesting conversation:

I had asked for a saliva haptocorrin test. It seems that I would have to wait about 9 years - as such a thing does not yet exist. A shame - because it seemed a simple idea : if saliva glands are unable to work effectively due to saliva duct strictures, perhaps the source of my B12 deficiency was lack of protection for my extrinsic factor (B12 in food) afforded by the haptocorrin in saliva ?

He had been discussing this with a trio of experts - the only test on offer was a serum B12 result minus an active B12 result which would give a haptocorrin result - but not the one I want. Since I've been self injecting frequently for years, this will clearly just be a high result minus another high result. I was reluctant at first - but since he agreed to a ferritin and folate test, as my hair has recently started falling out again, how could I resist ? I told him that I had grown tired of being nagged about B12 intake, especially since no-one has been able to find another reason for my symptoms - he said that the results would only come back to him and promised not to nag me.

Why ? Because the experts had told him that B12 tablets would be ineffective, and that I should not try to reduce my B12 injections any further, as my body would be unable to function on less.

Good to know !

One more interesting comment: I told the young dentist there that when I was at my worst, all of my teeth on one side got really loose. She nodded, saying that B12 will affect your teeth and gums.

I was heartened to find a more educated approach generally to B12 deficiency -and a willingness to learn more.

[Nackapan]

Good the dentist aware.My dentist said

"Of course b12 deficiency affects your teeth and gums.

Perhaos they get more training.??

Good ferritin and folate levels being checked.

Pity about the saliva haptocorrin test not available.

Hope he includes on the letter to Gp frequent b12 injections needed and an NHS prescription happens.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Nackapan]

...Done it again !

I knew there was something else I wanted to ask him !

[wedgewood]

Marvellous ! So glad to hear that . Thanks for telling us - How encouraging to hear .

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to wedgewood]

So glad that he put in the time and effort to consult with peers in other fields, especially considering how busy they are at this level. Certain that these links are beneficial to their understanding of B12 - and our treatment.

[pitney]

yes my dentist always seems to be more clued up on effects of B12 dif and PA 👍

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to pitney]

....and, I've noticed, the young ones very aware of this. which means vital information and knowledge being passed on.

[Orchard33 in reply to Cherylclaire]

Yes, my dentist and dental nurses increasingly clued up about B12. As are vets. My sister took a very poorly cat to see the vet. The first thing they did was to give a B12 injection!

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Orchard33]

Wonder how much they charge ?

[Technoid]

Very interesting