Blood results

[Kayls32]

Have recently had a private blood test done to check my B12, results were 47.4 (range 37.5-188) It was an active B12 test. Notes from doctor were it is borderline, and for me to get a mma blood test next, is this something the gp will do for me even though my results are not low?

[Narwhal10]

Hi Kayls32,

Welcome here, one of the most important asks was the reason why the test was undertaken in the first place.

That is your individual symptoms which you say nothing about. Without them, plus knowledge of your height, weight, age, other illnesses, medications, it is very difficult to know what is going on.

If a doctor has advised an MMA (Methylmalonic acid) test then I would be inclined to listen. They are not usually undertaken by the NHS but different Trusts and Integrated Care Board’s have different policies, so ask.

Please note that you can still have B12D or Pernicious Anaemia with blood results within range. It does not tell you what is going on at cellular level. There are many myths around the disease and condition.

Some people feel ok on 47.4 mg/L but then they maybe 4’11 and a petit, size 6 female. Compare that to a 6’8 rugby playing male whose active B12 is the same level. They can feel absolutely atrocious, be short of breath and can barely walk.

Sorry, I know I have not been very helpful but a number on a screen does not describe how a person physically feels.

Best wishes

🐳

[Kayls32 in reply to Narwhal10]

Thank you for your reply. Sorry for not giving more information. The reason I had the test was because I have been back and forth to my gp with numbness in my body, majority of my right hand side feels numb. I have nerve pains randomly in my arms and legs. I can’t sleep for the weird feeling in my arms when lying down and when I wake up my hands are numb as if I have been lying on them all night. My gp is telling me it is migraine related, has doubled my preventative dose but my symptoms haven’t changed. I’m struggling to keep living this way, so thought I would try some tests privately. My doctor never tells me what blood results are just says all normal.

I am 43 years old, 5ft 6, 9st 3lb been on hrt for about 2 years now, I am gluten intolerant so have a gluten free diet. Also for years have taken a ppi which I have read could affect absorption of b12.

[Cornwaller in reply to Kayls32]

Low b12 can cause migraine and was one of the worst symptoms I had. Given your symptoms a more direct and simple test would be for you to have b12 injections and see if there is a response. The problem with further tests is that time is wasted and your symptoms may worsen and become harder to reverse. You can check your symptoms at B12d.org.

Best wishes

[Narwhal10 in reply to Kayls32]

Thank you Kayls32

Medical History

Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity.

Do you have other intolerances ? (Gut health is a huge area).

Migraines.

Menopause.

Reason for Proton Pump Inhibitors ? Is it for Indigestion ?

Current Medication

HRT since 2022. {With good effect ?}

Migraine medication [dose] [name] since [when] ? Increased to [dose] on [when] ? {Not effective}?

Family History

Any one with autoimmune diseases ?

Symptoms

Numbness

Nerve pain.

Anything else ?

Please apply for your blood results and notes (Health Data) from your GP surgery and Trust/Integrated Care Board.

So, the above is your individual Clinical Picture.

Unfortunately, P.A. and B12D is poorly understood and nutrition was taken off medical students syllabus.

I am very sorry, it can be difficult to live with numb limbs and nerve pain. It impacts ability to work and looking after dependents.

Back later.

🐳

[Dylfan]

Hi K,Re ppi's, as they are designed to suppress acid production it's well recognised that long term usage can reduce stomach acid production. A consequence of this being reduced absorption of essential trace elements... Zinc, Magnesium, lron etc. as well as inhibiting B12 transport . You can Google side effects/ symptoms of ppi's which may contribute to some of your own symptoms.

Good wishes

Dylfan

[Dancer57]

I had private Active B12 test and it came back borderline deficient at 28.6 with the same reference range as yours, probably same company.

My GP would not do an MMA test but did do an autoimmune antibody test. You can always ask your GP for both of the above and see what he/she says.

I was positive for antibodies to parietal cells but negative for Intrinsic Factor. I do have family history of PA.

I did a private MMA urine test and the result was high in top of range. Yet to take to GP as I am sure I will get a negative response but that is my GP!!!!

The guidelines on testing for B12 deficiency are due to change I believe around March so that might help as well.

Good luck.

[Kayls32 in reply to Dancer57]

Thank you all. I have a GP appointment booked for next Friday, I am going to read and learn as much as I can before then so I can know what the doctor should be testing. I do have family history of PA as well. From what I have read so far it’s unlikely they will do the MMA test but I will ask.

I just have the feeling it’s going to be a battle, as I said they are convinced everything is migraine related.

I just hope the fact my result is only borderline doesn’t mean they will tell me it’s still within the normal range.

[Dancer57]

Hope all goes well at your appointment, do post how you get on, I would definitely be interested to know. 🙂

[Kennyatw]

My B12 levels are about 84 and my naturalpathic doctor wants me to do the injections but I'm not doing them because I don't like the idea of me having to do that twice a week. I'm 71 and I'm not going to live forever so I'm taking the B12 pills. I'll see if there's any improvement next week when I have my monthly bloodwork done.

[Kayls32 in reply to Kennyatw]

Hopefully the bloods come back positive for you. My appointment can’t come quick enough, haven’t slept for the past few nights. Every time I lie down my arms go to sleep, also have a lot of nerve pains all over. Starting to think it might be more than just lack of B12

[mozlaw in reply to Kennyatw]

ive been taking tablets for about a year and my active b12 is 130 .top of the scale .i m73 previously it was very low

[Kennyatw]

My next bloodwork will be done next Wednesday in the morning and I'll see if my B12 levels have gone up

[Kayls32]

Well appointment with GP was okay, she has taken bloods and is testing B12, folate & ferritin. Also an antibodies test, said it would take a bit longer for that one to come back.

She said I have definitely got a nerve issue so has prescribed nortryptyline to use at the moment. If all results come back normal she said she will have to refer to neurology.

Also just to add she wouldn’t accept the medicheck test, said they don’t use that test, fingers prick tests are very inaccurate and that she had never heard of Active B12. I tried to explain to her and she just smiled at me. Pointless.

[Kennyatw in reply to Kayls32]

I hate nortryptlyne! The side effects made me feel so groggy so I stopped taking it! But I'm gonna go get my bloodwork done after I get out of my other appointment so I'll let you know how my B12 is

[Kennyatw]

I had my bloodwork done yesterday and my iron is still low but it's back up to 81 so I think I'm good for now