constipation

[36Hele]

I have been diagnosed wit PA.I have had 5 injections of B12 and my levels have returned to normal range .However I am suffering from constipation. Has any one else had this problem ? .What should I do? Thank you .

[JanD236]

Yes I had that problem when I was first diagnosed. That’s mostly gone although I do continue to suffer uncomfortable bloating on and off.

I found that a course of a probiotic called Symprove was very helpful. Expensive but it was worth it.

I also now take something acidic with meals, especially if there’s a lot of protein. I use Betaine HCL tablets, others on this forum have mentioned they use lemon or lime juice.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PA there’s no need to test your B12 levels going forward and the fact that your doctor has makes me worry that he may not be aware that you now need injections for life. You should have injections every 2 or 3 months (more frequent if you have neurological symptoms).

I, like many on the forum, find this frequency isn’t sufficient to keep symptoms at bay and therefore I self inject more frequently.

If you find that you still have symptoms come back for further advice.

[Wheat]

hello, I went the other way, I ignored it and it returned to normal eventually . I assume it affects people differently.

Can only advise keep water intake up and regular, also eat fibrous food. Prunes also are good. Hope you find a solution soon and feel better.

[charks]

I don't go regularly - about once a week. And when I do it is massive. But I don't have any bloating and my poo is normal, no. 3 or 4 on the Bristol stool chart so I don't worry about it too much. However when I was first diagnosed with PA I once went 3 weeks without a poo. So my situation has got better with B12.

[Narwhal10]

Hi 36Hele,

Two points that I picked up on. You have PA, were treated with injections then this

my levels have returned to normal range

You are aware that doctors should not be re-testing your B12 levels after treatment ? It should be high and it tells them nothing of your symptoms. It is a waste of time and money.

The frequency of your injections should be to keep your symptoms at bay. Please learn about the illness, it is often misunderstood by the medical profession.

With regards to constipation. PA originates in the gut so it can have gastrointestinal symptoms.

[DiNL]

Have u tried to add a probiotic to your morning routine?

[Cornwaller]

Narwhal10 makes a really important point. I totally understand that retesting seems intuitively correct. However, in the case of PA/b12 deficiency this is not the case unless the deficiency is caused by diet - which is very unusual. If you have PA you need to inject to reduce symptoms and blood serum levels are not a biomarker for efficacy of treatment and therefore retesting is a waste of money and might tempt the ignorant or lazy to stop treatment.

[OldmanD]

Make sure ye drink plenty. . . . . . B is water soluble and as we get older we seem to have trouble consuming enough water. . . . . . B injections use up more water than usual and dehydration can play a part in constipation. . . . . . . I drink one table sized glass first thing and another with my tabs before breakfast . . . . . . I never ever eat without a table sized glass of water even if I have a cup of coffee in front of me . . . . .. . Take the water before coffee or tea anytime. . . . . .

[B12life]

dido - wheat

[Technoid]

Some possible remedies include 10-15g psyllium husk, kiwi or prunes.