I had my 2nd of 6 loading dose B12 injections this morning and I’m feeling it now.. I was so rough yesterday, which was the day after my 1st one, I’ve been fine so far until a couple of hours ago but it feels like someone has poured ice in me I’m so cold, dizzy and spaced out and generally feeling rubbish now! Slept it off for an hour or so but not helped!
Anyone have any tips on anything that’s helped them? I’m drinking plenty, I’m trying to eat little and often but I have 0 appetite since my first injection Monday…
Many forum members report that symptoms get worse before starting to get better.
Some people may get a drop in potassium levels when they start B12 injections.
You might want to ask GP to check your potassium levels. Local pharmacist may also be worth talking to.
How often is GP planning to give you B12 injections after your 6 loading injections are finished?
If you have neurological symptoms eg tingling, pins and needles, poor balance (there are many other neuro symptoms) I would expect your GP to put you on the following treatment pattern
A B12 loading injection every other day for as long as symptoms continue to get better then a maintenance B12 injection every 2 months.
The GP can find this treatment pattern in their BNF (British National Formulary) book Chapter 9 section 1.2 or in online BNF entry for hydroxocobalamin.
Yesterday (March 6th) a new B12 deficiency guideline was published which your GP may not be aware of.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management
NICE is the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.
The new guideline is being discussed in forum threads at moment.
I think it's also worth trying to track down the local B12 deficiency guidelines used by your ICB (Integrated Care Board) in England or Health Board in Wales/Scotland as your GP is likely to look at these for guidance on treatment.
These local B12 deficiency guidelines will probably be reviewed soon due to new NICE guideline so they may change. Keep an eye on them if you have the time and energy.
It's vital to get adequate treatment. Delayed or inadequate treatment increases the risk of developing permanent neurological damage. In severe cases the spinal cord may be affected.
Thread about Patient Safety, has links for those in UK having difficult health experiences with B12 deficiency
Some UK forum members turn to treating themselves if NHS treatment is not enough. Some get extra injections from private GPs or beauty salons, some try high dose oral B12 but this doesn't work for some people and some as a last resort try self injection (SI). There is a pinned post that mentions SI.
I'm not medically trained.
I'd usually write more for a new forum member but suffering RSI at moment and can't write so much.
Call NHS 111 for urgent problems if unable to see GP.
As sleepy bunny says rest, rest, rest is so important. Feed yourself well too as your body will need resources to rejuvenate and make new healthier blood cells. Check your iron, folate, vitamin d and magnesium are corrected too so the b12 can work its magic. This is the beginning of a long process but keep the faith and things will get better 😊
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