Can you get Pernicious Anemia at 19 years old?

[jamiejenr93]

I literally have every symptoms and have been looking for reasons to why I feel the way I do for years! Research points out that most people that have Pernicious Anemia are lot older but, was wondering if I can get it at 19.

[henesyma]

Hi Jamie, just to say that as PA is an autoimmune disease, I believe you can get it at your age. You need a blood test to confirm it by your GP. If you have the antibodies in your blood then it's almost certain it will be PA. Hope this helps. Michelle

[jamiejenr93 in reply to henesyma]

Okay thank you so much! Also, do you know if PA causes degeneration of the spinal cord or anything to do with the back? That is mostly what I'm concerned about because the other symptoms seem to go away or get better with treatment! I just wanted to know/make sure everything is treatable.

[henesyma]

Hi, PA, if left undiagnosed, can affect the central nervous systems, which includes the spinal cord. It can also affect the peripheral nervous system, this usually means the legs and arms. These symptoms are commonly known as "Neuropathy". If you are experiencing tingling/pins and needles in your arms/hands, legs/feet, this could mean you have peripheral nerve damage. Basically without B12, the slow destruction of the sheath that covers the nerves begins to shrink away and expose the nerves, which then causes the nerves to start dying. If symptoms, such as, dizziness, memory loss, unsteady gait, bumping into things, double vision, are apparent, this could mean there has been some central nervous system damage.

If your GP suspects you could be suffering with Neuropathy, he/she will need to refer you to a Neurologist to confirm the diagnosis.

I have suffered with all of the above, purely caused by my PA. Since starting on B12 jabs I have seen some improvement but not a full recovery. Something I have to live with. Symptoms do become more apparent again when I need my B12 - frequency still under discussion with my GP as I can't wait the 3 months per Government guidelines.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, I would strongly suggest you ask your GP to investigate the possibility of Neuropathy. He/she will refer you to a Neurologist to confirm the diagnosis. Hope this helps. Michelle

[jamiejenr93 in reply to henesyma]

Okay, I believe I have peripheral nerve damage, I always blamed it on my back surgery...which was over a YEAR ago. I got in a doctor literally today and they are specifically testing for PA and of course other anemias. Do I need to fast for the blood test?

[henesyma]

Hi, no you don't need to fast. They will be checking for the PA anti-bodies, plus looking at your red blood cell count and the shape of those cells. PA causes fewer red blood cells to be made, hence the Anemia side of PA. An irregular shape would also indicate PA. The cells are usually longer and flatter and don't live as long, again this over time will cause Anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body and, as in PA, if the cells are flatter, this means not as much oxygen can circulate around the body and causes the fatigue that those with PA suffer with.

[jamiejenr93 in reply to henesyma]

Oh my God, this has to be it!!! I also have a low temperature and have been in the hospital 3 times for heart palpitations/irregular heartbeat. Thank you so much for your help. It's nice to know from someone who has it. I will definitely be updating you! Thanks again.

[henesyma]

You're very welcome. Yes I'd forgotten about the palpitations and I too have a low temperature, usually about 35C. Bit annoying when I'm told my temperature is normal when they say it's 37C and I have to say...yes but my normal temperature is 35C!! Yes let me know how you get on. Keep smiling

[jamiejenr93 in reply to henesyma]

So I went today to get tested and they also tested me for lupus, rhematoid arthritis, thyroid, lyme disease, a few other things. Is it normal to feel constant numbing and pins/needles in my feet? It used to only happen if I sat down too long now its always.

[tracyxyz]

They may say you have ms, do not believe this diagnosis, it was done to me more than 25 years ago and it has taken me all this time to work out I`m not stupid, they are , Regards Tracy

[hopes]

Please update us as the the results of your tests when they come in! I'm curious.