Megloblastic anemia again

[Iheartb12]

Hi, all. I recently went through a severe sickness that lasted 4 weeks. It was really hard on my body. I got blood tests done every week.

I usually do 2 injections of b12 per week for past 6 months. During my sickness I only did 2 out 8 shots. My last 2 blood tests showed megloblastic anemia.

Could I be b12 deficient again? Does it happen that quick or maybe the sickness took all my reserves? I understand megloblastic anemia is only an indicator.

I'm able to resume my injections now 2x I week. I was too weak and confused to do them while sick.

[Nackapan]

Sorry you've been so ill.

Not sure why you are questioning whether to resume your b12.

Most of us have posted the need for more b12 if dealing with something else.

It can often set us back for weeks / months.

Megobolastic anaemia is often a late feature of b12 deficiency.

As you've had bloods regularly I'm hoping anything else that needs addressing is being done.

Hope you recover soon.

[Iheartb12 in reply to Nackapan]

Appreciate your input. I am resuming on my normal schedule

[Rexz]

Concur with Nackapan, not only had you stopped injecting but something to do with your illness possibly zapped your B12. Remember us with PA our B12 liver reserves are useless to us as the uptake of that is through the small intestine just like ingested B12. So all we have is in our blood serum. I do think it very odd though that irregardless of B12 dropping your megaloblastic anemia returned in only 4 weeks since the life span of a red blood cell is ~three months. I would think, just guessing, that you might see some megaloblasts in you blood but not to the point, yet, of showing up as anemia. But the fact that they told you anemia means it must have been showing on your blood work as anemia in order for them to look closely to determine megaloblasts.

There is something to this though as I inject weekly and sometimes every 4 days. If I go longer than that I begin to feel poorly.

Interested in hearing what others may suggest.

Best wishes, Rexz

Not a doctor but my educated guess.

Rexz

[Iheartb12 in reply to Rexz]

Thanks for your opinion. Yes I was surprised it would show up too in just a few weeks. I'm resuming my normal schedule. My illness was kidney related and I also had the flu at the same time. I feel like the luckiest person alive right now to have recovered with no permanent damage shown on scans. I wasn't close to dying or anything but it sure felt like it! 4 ER visits later my blood work is all good except the megloblastic anemia. So thankful.

[Rexz in reply to Iheartb12]

Oh so glad you got past that and are recovering OK! Wishing you the best, Rexz

[boisland]

I would ensure your folate level is optimal as B12 needs folate to convert and folate needs B12 convert in a manner our bodies can use.