self-inject intramuscular vitamin B12

[Tonyworks]

Hi all,I often read these posts but not very often write in.

I was diagnosed with PA in 2000 using the schillings test.

I have been having IM injections every 3 months ever since. However since COVID I have been self injecting. My surgery does not really support that, so I just buy supplies from Germany.

However I do think that my GP should allow me to do my own as I have been trained to do the injections for giving IM to my wife for her rheumatoid arthritis.

So looking through the internet, I came across this article from Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS showing how to give yourself the injection for vitamin B12.

guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/heal...

It was for people who have been using Nitrous oxide and now have nerve damage.

If they can be given instructions and allowed to self inject at home why can't we be allowed to do it!

I have now just contacted my doctor and asked to be supplied B12 for me to self inject.

As always, now, I cannot see him so I have left a message. Let's see what response I get.

There is NO reason why we cannot do it ourselves. Check out the link (from the NHS)

Tony

[Narwhal10]

Hi Tony,

It is very interesting that you have been trained to administer medication for rheumatoid arthritis and I’m aware of the Nitrous Oxide situation within the U.K.

I found it rather bizarre that in another city, not only did they administer Hydroxycobalamin but patients have physiotherapy, rehabilitation and a whole host of support.

Best of luck with your GP and it is very interesting to know that you were diagnosed via the Schillings Test. This method is generally obsolete.

[Tonyworks in reply to Narwhal10]

Yes the test was back in 2000. It must have been one of the last. It was done at addenbrooks Hospital

[JanCymru in reply to Tonyworks]

Me too Tony! Schilling Test in October 2000. As you say, we must have been the very last few to be diagnosed by this test. As grateful to that test as it demonstrated without any doubt that B12 just went straight through me over the course of 24 hours despite the huge dosage given. Up to that point I was being fobbed off left, right and centre.

I too am aware of the Nitrous Oxide 'support' available, which makes me a little cross that something deliberately used as a recreational item results in help and support, and yet, we as genuine users of B12 for vital health support are denied these facilities.

Look forward to hearing the response from your GP - please keep us all posted!

[Nackapan]

I have an NHS prescription to self inject.I chose to do subcutaneous B12 injections

[Newhealth]

Hi Tony, just wanted to chime in and say good for you for taking care of your IM injections yourself. No one has really explained to me why people (provided they are educated as to how to self administer safely) shouldn't do this themselves. There is such a fuss over how much B12 injections cost the health system but the vast majority of that cost is found in both the exorbitant prices of domestically available B12, prescription fees etc and of course the GPs time which in many cases could probably be best used elsewhere. Good job on taking care of your own health needs in a safe and informed manner.