B12 injection info.: Hi...I have PA for... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,318 members23,534 posts

B12 injection info.

Fisylvia profile image
11 Replies

Hi...I have PA for which I have had IM injections for the last 15 years approx. by the nurse at my GP surgery. I am now at a different surgery and have noticed the nurse pinches the skin on my arm ? I have read that you do this for SC injections and you stretch the skin for IM? Is this correct and will I be getting the full benefit of the injection when given this way.

Thank you in advance

Written by
Fisylvia profile image
Fisylvia
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
shaws profile image
shaws

No-one has ever pinched my skin when getting a B12 injection. I have had pernicious anaemia for many years now. My mother had this condition and had injections for many years, until the GP told her (in her late 60's) that she needed no more B12 injections.

Both my sister and I thought that was 'good' but unfortunately it turned out awful as my mother developed stomach cancer and sister and I both believed that it could have been due to removing her regular B12 injections.

Fisylvia profile image
Fisylvia in reply to shaws

Thank you for your reply. It is very sad the things that can happen to people with PA when doctors are giving out this kind of advice! It is quite unbelievable the lack of knowledge of many GP's. Thank goodness for all the help we get on this site so we can try to move forwards.

Wwwdot profile image
Wwwdot in reply to Fisylvia

Hi All

Not often we have an applause for social media. The method may not be current protocol but appears to have not caused harm.

I wouldnt worry as clearly B12 is finding its destination.

In years to come -who knows this method may be a break through!

🤗🤗🤗

Fisylvia profile image
Fisylvia in reply to Wwwdot

Thank you for your reply I feel somewhat relieved. I have been quite concerned that my B12 is not going where it's supposed to, maybe because I haven't felt too good...I need to start giving my own injections!! when I pluck up the courage 😂

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply to Fisylvia

A Gp held my skin together for b12 and it worked fine 🙂

Dandeli0nsroar profile image
Dandeli0nsroar in reply to shaws

Hi shaws, oh dear that sounds possibly related. Wondering, what was it that got the GP to suggest she no longer needed injections? My GP also has told me that I do not need injections years ago already because of my B12 levels being normal.

shaws profile image
shaws in reply to Dandeli0nsroar

If our B`12 iblood tests are normal we wouldn't be given regular injections.

Somw people may have low B12 but don't have P.A.

I assume - due to my mother's GP s response - that the GP was completely ignorant about the purpose of B12 in our bodies if the patient had already been diagnosed as having 'pernicious; anaemia.

My mother had been previously diagnosed years ahea and had an injection every three months.

If my GP could not diagnose me as being hypothyroid when my TSH was 100 other mistakes could be .

deniseinmilden profile image
deniseinmilden

If it's in you, it's in you and will work OK! Good luck with plucking up courage to do it yourself. It's easy - much easier than the idea of it suggests.

Fisylvia profile image
Fisylvia in reply to deniseinmilden

thank you for your reply...I have been watching UTube on how to self inject 😃

Akidma profile image
Akidma

Like you I have been having b12 for many years now! My time comes every 8 weeks, and as I live on a narrowboat sailing the system, it can be with a different person every time.

Most nurses seem to use two fingers to measure down from the top of the shoulder to the side where the muscle is, then merely insert it into the muscle. I have had someone pinch skin but only once in over 10 years, so I think that method isn't right however if the needle pierces the muscle then its probably ok anyway.

What I do know is that it is possible to give b12 pain free and it is also possible to cause you quite some pain with it. That seems to depend upon the person carrying out the task. Some, I believe, were trained as butchers, or maybe they are just unkind people. From my experience it's about half and half.

Fisylvia profile image
Fisylvia in reply to Akidma

thank you for your response...the thing that confused me when reading up was that injecting when skin was pinched is SQ and pulling the skin is for IM? I suppose it has to go somewhere like you say 😧

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Hi Again - b12 and Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) - its wasnt the Alcohol?

Hi again lovely folks, and a big thanks to those "constant" heroes in this forum; who stick around...

Gluten and B12 deficiency

Is there a link between B12 deficiency and gluten sensitivity? My neuropathy has massively improved...

AUGH!

I have been battling for about 10 years with numerous health issues and was finally diagnosed about...

Bittersweet Bonds - Pernicious Anemia and the Doctor-Patient Dance

Not sure if this is any good but as I was hating my doctors it occurred to me how much I need them....

Am I wrong?,

My doctor is trying to make out I'm crazy. Please can people clarify if my understanding is correct...