Having a battle with docs to get treated for PA. My symptoms started several years ago, starting with numb feet, burning legs, unsteadiness, no energy or enthusiasm for anything. Absolutely no help whatever (beyond the usual offer of antidepressants - not taken). Recent visit to docs was great - a doc that is very knowledgable about B12. Given my symptoms and the fact my mother had Hashimoto’s vitiligo and pernicious anaemia and I have Hashimoto’s and vitiligo, he said he believed I too had PA. He ordered all relevant blood tests but wasn’t hopeful as I had already had two paid-for shots which affected the outcome. He wanted me to go straight onto a loading dose but the surgery are seemingly ignoring this. Several weeks ago, I wrote to one of the partner docs, listing all my symptoms etc and asking for help as my life feels pointless right now. I am still awaiting a response. 😢. I have decided to self inject sub cutaneously (really don’t like needles) but not really sure where to start. Some use insulin syringes/needles, others say they are not suitable. Most people on here seem very good at all this. Best advice please! (Don’t want to have to make up solutions if poss.) Sorry about the long story, and Happy Christmas to you all.
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hellbound
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So sorry to read this but please don’t give up hope, not being listened to when you are clearly unwell can be very depressing in itself.
I self inject sub-cutaneously. I use Hydroxocobalamin from Pascoe and I buy from Germany through Apohealth.co.uk. Make sure you buy “depot” as that is Hydroxocobalamin- cyanocobalamin does not say “depot” but is in a near identical box (I have that T-shirt). Don’t buy more than £135 including postage or you will be hammered by customs for duty (I have that T-shirt too!)
I use a fine 30g, 13mm needle to draw and inject and I buy from Medisave who are very efficient - 2 ml syringe and some alcohol wipes.
I hope you manage to get to see the knowledgeable GP again he sounds like a shining light. Hope you feel better soon as you clearly know that you need treatment.
If you dont already know your cofactors and nutrients please try to get a blood test as your folate, iron, vitamin D and potassium in particular need to be optimal.
I hate needles too but I can cope with a 30g half inch needle!
Hi, ordered everything you recommended. Syringes and needles arrived but not ampoules yet. Forgot to ask you how long delivery takes. I guess you manage ok with the small needle to withdraw? Had one ampoule from a different company, withdrawing needle and IM needle. Blagged some small needles from my local chemist. Managed fine (did use the withdrawing needle) thank goodness. Thanks so much for your help. Can’t wait to get started, just hoping my parcel hasn’t gone missing. 🤞Happy New Year!
Do insist on the loading doses that you were prescribed. .They will be Intra Muscular ( I.M.) . They will act quickly . The subcutaneous , which you will use to self inject, will release into your system more slowly, as your subcutaneous fat ( in your stomach , or the front of your thighs , is not so well endowed with blood vessels as your muscles . Very best of luck and best wishes . Merry Christmas as well !
I would make more of a fuss at the surgery. Do an “ask my GP” request every morning if your surgery used this system until you get an appointment or phone call to arrange every other day injections. Take notes of the NICE guidelines on this with you. Otherwise keep on phoning for an appointment.
If you don’t get the injections as the doctor advised then write another letter asking for it to be put on your records, stating the NICE guidelines and letting the surgery know that you will hold them responsible for any lasting neurological damage done because of their failure to follow these guidelines. This is likely to get a response, I wrote this sort of letter after they kept trying to put me on 3 monthly injections.
Hi, I do SC into my belly fat. I think it isn't quite as effective as IM, but I tried that once and just couldn't. Into belly is so much easier and way less pain/sensation. I still have to sit and have the TV on to give me something else to look at and focus on!Here's my routine, in case it helps!!
Wash hands, obviously. I pop my ampoule in my bra for 10 mins before Injecting to warm it a bit - less sting that way!!
I have a lap tray, get all the bits assembled. And get comfy, I make sure I have a cushion to rest my right arm on.
Open the 2 x needle packets but leave them in for now.
Open Syringe and attach to the blue needle.
Wipe the area of my belly - I get a roll (!!) Once I am sat down, so it is easier- haha!
Wipe the ampoule as its been in my bra!
Use half a square of toilet roll over the top of the ampoule and snap of the top - seems to help me get the right purchase to snap easily.
Lightly wipe top again.
Lid off blue needle, draw up with right hand, tilt ampoule a bit with left to make sure to draw every last drop.
Swap needle to orange one, lid off.
Gently push out air, watch for a bubble around the neck of the Syringe - tilt it as pushing the B12 up at this point. Flick the neck hard to get rid of bubbles in the narrow part.
A drop or two will come out of end. Ready!!
Gently hold the part of belly to inject into, I go in at a 45° angle, whilst remembering to breathe slowly. Resting arm on cushions helps to relax and not wobble.
I also only go in c. 80% of the length of the needle.
Then Gently pus in the Syringe to inject your lovely B12. I usually go pretty slowly, find it's less stingy.
Carefully let go of flesh and take needle out quite quickly.
Press on a bit of tissue.
Voila!
I use 1" blue needle for drawing up and swap to 5/8" orange needle to inject - info below.
I get these, and the 2ml syringes and pre-injection alcohol wipes from MediSave.
Used to always use the Panpharma 1ml B12 /Hydroxocobalamin ampoules
Out of stock everywhere last time, no chance of getting.
So I ordered 1.5ml box of 100 - can't recall the brand off top of my head, big orange box. Anyway, these are just as good.
Info below as this is what works for me:
Drawing up: BD Microlance 3 Needles Blue 23g x 1" x 100
Personally, I don’t see the need for differentiating between SC and IM, I did once. For quite some time now I use an insulin fixed half inch 29G needle and fill straight into it from the ampoules. I then jab straight in (right angle to the flesh), rotating round arms and thighs EOD. I could do same into stomach by pinching the flesh but choose not to. Works great for me.
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Is muscular pain and stiffness a symptom of PA?
Never felt so poorly 😢
Gp stopped my b12 injection and Iv had pernicious anemia 11 years , is this allowed apparently due to new research says my gp
Supplements before Diagnostic Blood Tests - Newbie Question
