Development for those with B12, off licence - UK

[GGourmet]

from time to time, I comment on here mostly to help others.

A recent development in my situation may shed light on the cause of my B12 deficiency but equally may help others. This is early stage stuff and am searching those with opinions/experience in this area.

Having been through the full gambit of tests including SIBO back in 2017, no cause of B12 deficiency was available so have been on B12 off licence ever since.

A recent relationship with a dietitian to help with Cholesterol and Uric acid developed into help with periodic severe diarrhoea.

After a full review of the tests conducted in 2017, probiotics were restarted, which had helped back in 2017. Currently no discernible impact on diarrhoea today, though.

Here it is then.

Developments in testing mean that 3 areas are under review:-

1. Food intolerance- unlikely as tested many times before.

2. SIBO at some test centres now look for sulphur based bacteria in the gut which didn’t used to be tested for.

3. Microscopic Colitis which equally was never tested for in 2017.

All the above may possibly link to B12 deficiency but the exact link for 3 is unclear.

Your thoughts and experience would be much appreciated and perhaps give hope to others who have no definitive diagnosis, as yet.

[tuchwood]

Hi

It is really interesting that you mentioned Microscopic Colitis. Only recently became aware this even existed.

My mum has had horrendous stomach and abdominal issues for over 4 years. No help from doctors at all. Any relief has come about from my research.

Many symptoms she has are similar to the crohns that her late brother developed at 65, but she is much too old to have at 84 (now 88). Apparently you only get it between 18 - 30. Docs have not been able to do a colonoscopy & won't use a camera option as she also has diverticulitis.

Problems in diagnosing Microscopic Colitis are

Most doctors unaware of it so don't even look for it

Can only be diagnosed with Colonoscopy & biopsy

may not recognise it even if biopsy done

I initially came across it in context of medication side effects and interactions. Can't find the links at present.

[Hockey_player]

My most annoying initial symptom when I first had PA symptoms was severe diarrhea. It got to the point where I was sometimes hesitant to go out in public. I was misdiagnosed with IBS. B12 cleared it up completely. Can you find a way to get every other day B12 injections to see if that helps?

[GGourmet in reply to Hockey_player]

Sadly, no impact.

[Hockey_player]

Maybe you just have PA? If you do, then whatever the cause, you need to supplement B12 for the rest of your life. I don't think that there is a great understanding of what causes us to get PA.