Can symptoms worsen initially after course of B12 injections?

[Fruitcake61]

I have just one injection now to take on Monday to complete my first course of B12 and feel my symptoms have slightly worsened, digestion issues, sore mouth and tongue, fatigue and always a bad nights sleep. Is this usual and how long before we start to feel an overall improvement? I also guess that this is different for each person though?

[Nackapan]

Yes I was worse before better.Only lasted 5 weeks supposed to 2ait 4 months then went back on EOD.

It does take time.

Depends hos much healing needed .

How long you were deficient for.

Hope you turn a corner soon.

[Fruitcake61 in reply to Nackapan]

Not sure how long deficient for but expect quite a few years. What is EOD? 🤔

[Nackapan in reply to Fruitcake61]

Every other day

[Hgsn]

I found things got worse before better after finishing loading doses, this was a slight shock to me as nurses giving injections just kept saying once I'd had them all I'd be 'fixed' so when everything flared x100 and the fatigue was crippling I was panicked but from talking to others this seems to be normal, as your body's working over time to start repairing, especially if you've been deficient for a long time. I'm going into my 6th week since loaded doses and some symptoms have calmed down and I'm managing to function more. If I over do it though I know about it so pacing is key! I've also just been told I've got chronic fatigue syndrome by my neurologist so this is making my recovery slower. You will get there just hold tight and listen to your body

[Fruitcake61 in reply to Hgsn]

Thank you, it really helps to know all this.

[Nackapan in reply to Hgsn]

Sounds so familiar .I was also told chronic fatigue .

A symptom to add to all of the others unfortunately.

[Hgsn in reply to Nackapan]

I know it is so frustrating 😣. I am having mri of my spine and head later this month to rule out anything else 🤞🏼 for chronic fatigue and b12 rather than anything else

[Fruitcake61 in reply to Hgsn]

Oh yes 🤞

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Nackapan]

Yes - anyone with B12 deficiency will likely feel chronic fatigue. Explaining the severity of an unusual type of tiredness can be difficult, but at least it is one of the very few symptoms of B12 deficiency that is recognised by almost every medical professional ... unfortunately, a common symptom that has many other known causes, too.

So getting told "chronic fatigue" could either distract consultants far, far away from B12 deficiency, on an elimination route, which takes time - or worse: they stop right there with syndrome as your diagnosis.

I am strangely happy to say that "beefy tongue" has now been added to my medical file by Oral Medicine team - after they found it impossible to get an x-ray of gums because they could not depress it adequately !

[DiSews]

Yes, the body takes significant time to heal after being deficient for a long time. You will also find that other essential nutrients will get out of balance for a while as they are now be utilised in ways your body hasn't been equipped for while it was starved of B12. Make sure your folate, iron, potassium & Vit D in particular stay at optimal levels as they will be in higher demand while your B12 does its thing. You may also need the frequent B12 injections to continue for a while in order to see long lasting improvement. Your body will tell you!

This is no quick fix , and you may take a while to adjust to your new 'normal' energy levels. Stay connected to this forum as it is a great resource and encouragement, and I strongly recommend that you keep a daily record of your symptoms so you can track your progress long term. I hope you see some improvements soon. 🫂

[Fruitcake61 in reply to DiSews]

Thank you, again am so grateful to have come across this forum.

[MuppDog in reply to DiSews]

I second this statement!! Also, healing is not linear. Somethings may get a little better, then a little worse, before fully healing. Keep an eye on the other nutrients mentioned in the above, because those secondary deficiencies can slow/stop healing until they too are corrected.

[Oneash]

Because you have been depleted of B12 various body systems don't work properly.B12 is essential for so many body functions the main ones are healthy:

Blood cells - Anemia is the lack of oxygen

Immune cells

Brain and nerve myelin

accurate DNA replication

Energy release in mitochondria in every cell

Protein break down and recycling in the liver - without it you get high toxic homocysteine which results in fatty liver disease.

You now need to boost everything B12 works with. All the Bs, especially the right sort of folate and B6 for processing homocysteine/protein, DHA omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oil as that's what your nerve myelin is made from, zinc for your immune system, magnesium for mitochondria energy.

I recommend Igennus supplements Super-B complex and their fish oil. Their Mindcare Balance product nearly covers everything. The main thing is they source the most readily absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals, e.g. l-methylfolate, not folic acid. I don't work for them! I just notice the difference when I take them. And they aren't silly prices.

Welcome to the club. This group has made all the difference to me. 🍀🍀🍀

[Fruitcake61 in reply to Oneash]

Thank you all yet again for invaluable advice. Someone I know has recommended Methylcobalamin supplements as a support to injections. I haven’t started taking yet as they haven’t arrived so do you think that the B12 injections will still be effective?

[Midnight_Voice in reply to Fruitcake61]

Do I think that oral Methylcobalamin supplements will be at all effective here is the key question? If they are, you don’t need injections and you haven’t got PA.

[Fruitcake61 in reply to Midnight_Voice]

Mmm.. I need to do bit more research then I think. Thank you.

[Oneash in reply to Fruitcake61]

Your B12 injections will be far more effective than any oral B12 supplement.