That was scary

[Popcorn12345]

Just done my first b12 injection. I hate needles so that was terrifying. Having a few stingy sensations in my tummy, I hope that's normal

[Nackapan]

Well done .First the worst.

Sounds fine 🙂

[PlatypusProfit8077]

the first is very hard! Well done! Onwards and upwards from here.

To health 🥂

[Jillymo]

Well done. 👋

It will be interesting to see if the B12 helps you. Yes the injections can sting but at least you have taken the first step to recovery. You might get some reversing out symptoms but try and stick with it.

Pm me with any improvement. 😘

[Myoldcat]

Congratulations, brave Popcorn! 🏅 The first was definitely worst for me. But the feeling of taking some control over my own health was really positive, so hope you have that satisfaction too.

[Popcorn12345]

When shoukd I start to notice any change fir the better? Weeks or months?

[Myoldcat]

Some people experience 'reversing out', which seems to be where healing nerves wake up and cause unexpected issues such as migraines, random shooting pains, fatigue, or a temporary worsening of some existing symptoms. Personally it's taken me about 5/6 months to say I definitely feel better, but I noticed positive changes alongside the reversing out from very early days. We are all different, people here can offer great support and reassurance, as between us we've probably had everything going! Wishing you swift improvement.

[Popcorn12345 in reply to Myoldcat]

Did you have other deficiencies along side b12?

[Myoldcat in reply to Popcorn12345]

The usual co factors of iron, folic acid and Vitamin D were low so I now supplement them. Started with quite high amounts, then blood tests in April after 3 months showed levels were good/slightly high,so I've cut back and will review after next bloods in October.

[Popcorn12345 in reply to Myoldcat]

Do you know the reason for your deficiencies?

[Myoldcat in reply to Popcorn12345]

I learned from folk here that poor/no absorption of those 3 nutrients often goes hand in hand with the inability to absorb B12. When you start supplementing with B12 you may use up folic acid stores very quickly, and you need all 3 co factors to make the best use of B12. Then saw a specialist who checked my gp's blood test results and advised me to supplement them.

[Popcorn12345 in reply to Myoldcat]

If you have malabsorbtion how come supplements help raise your levels?

[Myoldcat in reply to Popcorn12345]

Hi Popcorn, as far as B12 is concerned, I have Pernicious Anaemia so I lack the Intrinsic Factor in my stomach that's needed to absorb it from food or oral supplements, and can only get it by injections, With iron, I believe it's the low stomach acid element of Pernicious Aneamia that interferes with absorption from food, but doesn't stop it completely, so I can raise my levels enough with oral supplements. As mentioned before, folic acid is still absorbed but can be used up more quickly when you start injecting so you may need to supplement, but apparently that may not be permanent. As for Vitamin D, I don't know why it's low, but again I can raise levels with supplements. It's all to do with the different pathways the body uses to absorb different nutrients. One can be wonky but others can still work partially or completely! Thank goodness.... And of course everyone is different in their requirements. Hope that rambling reply makes sense!

[Popcorn12345 in reply to Myoldcat]

Yes it does. My problem is I don't know why I'm not absorbing! Going for endoscopy and colonosvopy soon

[Myoldcat in reply to Popcorn12345]

Oh that does make it trickier to know what you are and aren't able to absorb. Hopefully the tests will give you some insights x

[GracePV]

Bravo! You did it! WOW! Applause!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I have tried about 10 times to self inject without success,

but will keep trying. You give me hope!

[Popcorn12345 in reply to GracePV]

Why wasn't you successful?

[JanCymru]

Hi Popcorn12345, Well done! I've often found it a bit stingy, but generally warming the vial before using the contents helps, especially in the winter! I can now manage the whole procedure in about 5-7 minutes - the first time it took me nearly half an hour - between shaking and telling myself to grow up and get on with it!! You've officially joined the 'row your own boat' club. 😍