Blood test tomorrow

[Doris11]

Morning all! I’m getting some blood tests tomorrow.. intrinsic factor IF (low B12 & folate) FBC and celiac? Questioning forPA?

I have got my own B12 ampoules! Do I start my B12 complex at the same time as I start injecting? My folate is awful 3.8ug/L (<2.9) I have been taking my B12 complex sporadically as been having blood test! I also ordered methyl folate 1000mcg shall I take them as well?

many thanks 🙏

[Wwwdot]

Hi Doris

You sound determined! That’s great!

Get your bloods and post results on here.

Be prepared to self treat by injection to properly manage your condition. NHS will do the bare minimum if you are lucky.

Welcome to the row your own boat world! We are all on our journeys to recovery!

🤗🤗🤗

[Hockey_player]

Be aware that the intrinsic factor test has a 40-60% false negative rate. If it is positive, there is a really good chance you have pernicious anemia. If it is negative, it does not tell you anything.

[Mixteca]

It's a shame you didn't test parietal cell antibodies, homocysteine and MMA at the same time as these tests are also indicative of PA. Good to do before starting B12 treatment as you'll have a baseline from which to measure.

Will you be getting loading doses at your surgery? The first one needs to be in a medical setting in case of a reaction.

Your folate will be too low to support injections. What about your ferritin level? That also needs to be in good supply. You may want to start with 5mg folic acid, not sure about frequency. I took 400 mcg methlyfolate daily initially and doubled it to 800mcg after 5 months of EOD injections, which was probably too late as my iron was also low and I needed an infusion.