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B12 deficiency’s

Squidge44 profile image
14 Replies

Does anyone have b12 and folate deficiency. Mine is really low and am having injections. Do you think my IBS is the reason. I’m having really bad flare ups at the moment and together with lockdown is making me really desolate

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Squidge44
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14 Replies

Hi Squidge44,

Regardless of whether it's your treatment that's causing your IBS to flare, it seems that you aren't in a good place with your health at the moment.

I think it would be silly to guess as to the cause of your IBS flare, so it would probably be better to ask your health professional, (GP/family doctor), for some more help and also any questions you have about your B12/folate injections.

It is hard to be positive given all that's going on, when you also don't feel well. I really do urge you to get some proper medical help with this, as if you can settle down your IBS you will probably be able to cope with lockdown better too. (I do know how fed up you must be. I think we are all feeling it now, after three months). But don't lose sight of why it's vital to keep doing it! 🙏😊

Squidge44 profile image
Squidge44

Thanks for your concern. Dr has given me mebeverine but they don’t help much. I’m 75 and have has IBS since I was 11 but it seems to have got worse in past 3 years. I did have CT Scan where it was diagnosed together with diverticulitis

Betsy-Blue profile image
Betsy-Blue in reply toSquidge44

I too was told I have IBS (then aged 14). I was then given Merbentyl Dicycloverine Hydrochloride 10mg-to take as and when get pain, upto 4 per day , plus high fibre diet.

(I have seen some other people on here mention these tablets also and praise them) These tablets work within 15minutes of taking them for me. I am now 60 yrs old, over the years I only get periodic periods of the IBS pain., so only take these tablets when I get the pain.

I take B12 vitamin as they help with nerve pain I also have periodically in another area, I have not noticed any corolation between the two though, but wonder this now too as you have mentioned. Recently from February this year, I have had very bad bowel, rectum pain/diaharia similar to having heamaroids or possibly the IBS. My Dr would not give me the Merbentyl as they are now too expensive she said, but they now offer Mebeverine, these new replacement tablets have also not worked for me at all, I’ve also tried over the counter Buscopan which have not worked either.

Due to my Dr not doing face to face appointments during the pandemic I have had to see a private Consultant via a referral from my Dr, Been suffering now for nearly 4 months constantly every day, burning in rectum, loose bowels, sore and hard to sit down. Use ice, and have Sitz baths about 4 times a day, Anusol cream and suppository, drinking more water while waited for my appointment -trying everything I can think of to get out of this bout of pain.

At appointment had examination (finger exam), consultant suspects a fissure has prescribed GNT cream plus lidocaine cream but I’ve now been waiting for the prescription from the private hospital for a week, apparently they have to send the note via my Dr first!

I’m not convinced I have a fissure but I will try the cream when I get it and hope it cures things.i have a follow up appointment on 2nd July so will post how things are then.

The private consultant wrote me out a private prescription at my request for the Merbentyl tablets that my Dr would not let me have. I have taken 1 of them upto now and the pain in my rectum reduced significantly, so I too think related somehow to my IBS!

Worth seeing if you can get the Merbentyl Dicycloverine Hydrochloride 10mg tablets from your Dr. I feel like most of us using this site that although we go down the professional route, I sometimes think between us we hit upon relatable things with our illnesses which gives us all hope and keeps us positive,

I hope my post has been useful, wish you well and pain free soon. Will post how I doing in a couple of weeks to share my experience with things. Best wishes.

ellj profile image
ellj

It is quite likely that your ibs is contributing to your b12 deficiency if you have an absorbsion issue.

It is also possible that you have Pernicious Anaemia.

As Callendersgal said you can't second guess and need clinical advice.

You will need to be tested properly for that, however results can be misleading.

I suggest you take a look at the PAS forum on HU.

Best wishes

Ellie

Squidge44 profile image
Squidge44 in reply toellj

Thank you. I’m having a blood test in July to see if the B12 jabs are working so it may pick up anything else

ellj profile image
ellj in reply toSquidge44

If you are having b12 injections then any blood test will show that you are high or above range. If you have been diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia you should continue for life with b12 injections and not have blood tests.

If you are low on b12 from dietary reasons that is different and once back in range you shouldn't need injection unless your b12 drops again.

Do take a look at the PAS forum you will find a wealth of information and help.

Ellie

Betsy-Blue profile image
Betsy-Blue

Hi, does having IBS give people an absorbsion problem, does this mean that people with IBS do not retain fluid? so need to drink more water? why would this give you a B12 deficiency. I’m trying to understand what you mean, or maybe I’ve just read wrong, could you explain please. I’ve not heard about B12 and IBS related symptoms but am keen to understand. Kind regards.

ellj profile image
ellj in reply toBetsy-Blue

Hi Betty-Blue, b12 is not absorbed in the stomach in people who have certain health issues, for eg Coeliac disease. It does not mean you cannot absorb water.

B12 is needed by the body to function properly. There is something called intrinsic factor which is needed for the b12 to work and be absorbed.

Having surgery to remove part of the gut would leave you needing b12 injections.

Some inflammatory issues can mean you do not absorb enough from food. That is why it is possible for ibs and b12 deficiency to be connected.

Deficiency of B12 will in time cause nerve damage.

Betsy-Blue profile image
Betsy-Blue

Thank you Squidge44, this is very interesting.

I take B12 for Piraformis syndrome as suffer terrible from inflamed muscles and sometimes nerve pain similar to Sciatica. Kind regards.

Squidge44 profile image
Squidge44 in reply toBetsy-Blue

That’s strange as I also suffer from Piraformis syndrome. I wonder now wonder if that is the reason?

Betsy-Blue profile image
Betsy-Blue

That’s a coincidence that we have same problems. I wonder now too if one is related to the other. I’ve had Piraformis syndrome for 10 years now, control to a degree with stretching, trigger point ball therapy, ibuprofen, B12, Alpha Lipoic acid. Also see an Osteopath twice a month. Thinking about getting the steroid injection directly into the Piraformis muscle, heard it is done via Ultrasound guidance, have you had injections in this area.

Recently I have also been having muscle type tightening pain in my pelvic region near Vulva and pelvic floor, uncomfortable to sit, do you experience this also?

Squidge44 profile image
Squidge44 in reply toBetsy-Blue

No doc won’t give me jabs. When I first got it I couldn’t sit down at all and found it so exhausting. I live in uk and I’m wondering if you live in USA. Our doctor doesn’t seem to bother much. I stated taking pain killers but they made me throw up and what with IBS I couldn’t take anything. I go to chiropractor but just lately it has calmed down so now you’ve got me thinking could the B12 jabs be helping me with this problem. At the moment I just grin and bear everything

Betsy-Blue profile image
Betsy-Blue in reply toSquidge44

I live in the UK too, North West. I have had Cortisone injection before into my posterior area, but not directly into the Piraformis.

They don’t do random Cortisone shots now into the posterior, but do still do controlled ones directly into the Piraformis by a Consultant Dr/surgeon.

I have tried physio to try & strengthen surrounding core muscles to the Piraformis but problem persisted.. so next step is to get referred back to Musculoskeletal consultant to hopefully discuss about getting the injection. I know they don’t like doing these type of injections as there are lots of nerves there, this is why it has to be done guided by ultrasound. Not sure why your Dr will not refer you to a consultant too to see about, did he say why?

I have Piraformis problem to both sides, which is unusual I’ve been informed.

My problem started originally when I slipped really badly on a tiled floor and landed in my bottom/side hip... this was 10 years ago now.

Also just to mention I too had severe pain originally and I couldn’t sit down. My Osteo said that the ligaments & tendons from the Piraformis and all other muscles all link to the middle shaft hence the terrible pain that felt like up my bum. Muscles get so tight, but after Osteo sessions loosen up quite abit. My latest bout with pain there or possibly IBS I think is cause I couldn’t get to see my Osteo because of the lockdown situation. I have to pay private for the Osteo as NHS don’t offer this.

I have also tried Accupuncture, dry needling but only limited relief, it just keeps coming back. This is now why I think the Cortisone injection may give me at least a good few months of pain relief, as stays in the muscle longer to relieve the inflammation. It may be a while till my referral comes through as I my Drs is still not doing face to face visits yet, will keep you posted about this too.

Squidge44 profile image
Squidge44

Thanks for your help. I live on Isle of Wight. Once count try is back to normal I will start to seek help again. Also I’ll see how my blood test goes, which I’m due to have in July. Keep well and safe

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