Could a very bad varicose vein bleed have affected my b12 Levals?

[rosie61]

I have B12 injections every 12 weeks. On 15th of July I had a varicose vein burst when I got out of the shower. Not to go into to many details .......the blood was every where it bled for 20+ minutes until my sister helped me stem the flow of blood, as it is in an awkward position on my calf.

I did manage to see my Dr 3 days later and he has referred me to a vascular surgeon. If I haven't heard anything by the 10th September to call them. Luckily it does seem to have dried out although there is an odd hole in the middle.

I wonder if the loss of blood would cause me to be suffering all the problems I get before my B12 injection is due. Swollen tongue, dry eyes, confusion, forgetting words, depression and extreme tiredness. Do I need to ask for an earlier injection as mine is not due until 13th September. And I don't know what state I am going to be in by then .

Also both my sister and my self have found that the Injection does not seem to last the 12 weeks anymore. We thought that is was probably because our bodies have got used to it. But my sister asked the Nurse and she said the injections had not been working as well because of covid, and ask the Dr if she will change it to every 10 weeks... we will wait and see.

thank yoy

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum rosie61.

Just a short reply as struggling to type.

I don't know the answer to your question about varicose veins but I am aware that in UK the recommended treatment pattern for those with B12 deficiency where neurological symptoms are present is injections more often than every 12 weeks.

"confusion, forgetting words" would usually be considered as neuro symptoms

Do you and your sister have any other neurological symptoms?

See treatment pattern for those with "neurological involvement" in Indications and Doses section in link below.

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/hydro...

I wondered if your iron levels had been checked. I've read that sustained blood loss can lead to iron deficiency.

I left detailed replies which I hope will be useful on this thread

Help Needed! Have I got Pernicious Anaemia?

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I'm not medically trained.

[rosie61 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you

[Jillymo]

Hi Rosie,

It sounds like you lost quite a bit of blood which could have brought your B12 level down............

A diet deficient in iron, repeated blood loss (for example, heavy periods, surgery) and chronic illness are common causes. Pernicious anaemia is a form of anaemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Without sufficient vitamin B12, the body can't make enough healthy red blood cells.

Maybe you could try increasing your B12 if you self inject or approach your Gp for 2 monthly injections - its worth a try. 🤞

I would have thought your folate and iron would have been affected during the bleed but I am not medically trained.

[rosie61 in reply to Jillymo]

Thank you I will get the receptionist to send a message to the Dr. 😊

[Sleepybunny in reply to rosie61]

Might be worth putting queries about treatment into a letter to GP....probably harder to ignore.

How to write letters to GP about B12 deficiency

b12info.com/writing-to-your...

Letters could include some of the following but keep them short and always keep copies.

blood test results

list of symptoms

relevant personal/family medical history

extracts from UK B12 documents eg

BNF (British National Formulary) hydroxocobalamin

NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Summary) Anaemia - B12 and Folate deficiency

NICE B12 deficiency guideline (published March 2024....I am unhappy with some bits)

Local B12 deficiency guidelines used by your ICB (Integrated Care Board) in England (Health Board in Wales/Scotland)

Some GPs find it hard to cope with assertive patients. Be prepared for GP/patient relationship to come under strain.

Many on this forum have met GPs and specialists with limited understanding of B12 deficiency.

Thread about Patient Safety - has links for those having difficult health experiences with B12 deficiency in UK

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

More info in thread at end of my other reply.

[rosie61]

Thank you Sleepybunny. I know doctors don't like to many questions. I have been hypothyroid for 32 years, the discussions I have had with doctors and consultants.....