Pernicious Anemua

[Jeep13]

recently had the Intrinsic Factor Antibody test and Paretal antibody test. IF antibody was unequivocal and the Paretal AB test was positive. Ii was immediately diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. It took 3 years to get diagnosed. In the past 6 years I’ve had numerous trips to specialists and been prescribed drugs for these symptoms. All of the symptoms are from B12 Deficiency I started self administering through injections just after I had a major episode that resembled a heart issue. The first time I was injected with Methylcobalamin the next day I felt better than I had in 10 years. None of my blood work indicated a B12 deficiency, the serum B12 was 2000, spuriously high. Because the numbers didn’t indicate a deficiency the doctors would not dig deeper. I knew that something was wrong with me, they couldn’t or wouldn’t help me. I continued treatment with self injections and currently inject hydroxocobalamin daily.

The cause of my PA is quite simple. I was prescribed daily doses of esmezprazole for TEN YEARS. The doctors know that proton pump inhibitors cause B12 deficiency yet they didn’t treat it or even consider it as a cause of my symptoms.

I think at this point after 3 years of being undiagnosed, if I hadn’t self treated I would be close to death now.

I hope this helps anyone struggling with symptoms who isn’t getting any progress. You must be your own advocate doctors are not all knowing and should be questioned at every possible point of doubt on your part.

good luck and cheers to the British, I hope you get your country back to freedom.

[wedgewood]

PPIs ( proton pump inhibitors) don’t cause Pernicious Anaemia. They cause B12 deficiency, because they annihilate stomach acid which is needed to break down the food that contains vitamin B12 and subsequently absorb B12 . But you could of course still have Pernicious Anaemia , which is an autoimmune condition . Autoimmune conditions seldom come alone ……….

Pernicious Anaemia is the most common cause of B12 deficiency, but there are quite a few more .

PPIs should only be prescribed for a short time. Lack of stomach acid can inhibit the absorption of other vitamins and minerals . But vitamin B12 is particularly difficult to absorb . Lack of it can raise the level of homocysteine ,which can cause heart problems.

Great that you were persistent, and injected . Yes , we have to look out for ourselves here in U.K. , just as you have done . Congratulations ! Glad to hear your story , and it’s good outcome .

[Jeep13 in reply to wedgewood]

I agree with most of your analysis. I rephrase my previous post. Proton pump inhibitors destroy intrinsic factor protein and parietal cells which leads to pernicious anemia. There is no recovery from a diagnosis of pernicious anemia. It requires life long supplementation with B12via injections.

[wedgewood in reply to Jeep13]

I have never heard that PPIs destroy the Intrinsic Factor . I have always been given to understand that Pernicious Anaemia is caused by autoimmune antibodies which destroy the Parietal cells in the stomach . These cells produce the Intrinsic Factor and stomach acid. I believe that P.P.Is totally inhibit stomach acid , which is needed as well as the Intrinsic Factor in order to absorb vitamin B12 .

[Jeep13 in reply to wedgewood]

I think we are saying the same think. PPIs destroy the stomach acid which contains the IF which causes a B12 deficiency that leads to Pernicious Anemia.

Before the discovery of B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anemia a diagnosis of either was a 1 to 3 life expectancy. It also led to the fortification of many foods, especially cereals so young children would be assured of getting sufficient nutrients. Not sure when but I would say 1950s