Severe B12 deficiency : Went for... - Pelvic Radiation ...

Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

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Severe B12 deficiency

Silver1-lady profile image
11 Replies

Went for regular blood test few weeks ago and found out this week I have a severe B12 deficiency

Now have to have 6 injections every other day for 2 weeks to “load me up” also found out this is due to radiotherapy 😢 the gastric consultant said this was 90% the reason. feeling exhausted now I know why along with Fibromyalgia and just losing my mum not been a great few months

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Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady
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11 Replies
Bluebell86 profile image
Bluebell86

No wonder your feeling so exhausted, sounds intense having such frequent injections so really hope that after a couple of doses you start to notice an improvement. Shows how important routine blood work is. I knew you could develop various deficiencies with PRD but naively assumed you could take supplements so glad you have got a treatment plan in place. So sorry to hear if your recent loss. Hope you can find comfort & support from us all here in the forum.

Sunflower1976 profile image
Sunflower1976

awww what a rough time you’ve been having. I’m so sorry you lost your Mum on top of everything else. I hope the B12 kicks in and gets you back some energy. Sending you the biggest virtual Hug 🤗

Jimbo65 profile image
Jimbo65

Life is never simple and to have such sadness on top of your body being a pain, literally! I can't begin to imagine how you feel right now. But it's time to get those big girl pants on, (in my case a triple layer of pants!) look in the mirror and tell yourself how brilliant, you have been, you are now and are going to be in the future. Yes really. Your gastric consultant needs to refer you to a Dietitian who can help you look at different diets to see what you can tolerate. It's all trial and error of course because we are all unique and we will process our treatment, RD and other issues differently. I highly recommend talking to your GP about taking something like Amitriptyline. This helps me to relax my joints and sleep better. Have you found a late effects clinic? Don't be put off by the name. I believe anyone suffering from adverse effects of pelvic radiation can refer themselves to a clinic. Try deep breathing, relaxation techniques and gentle exercise as these can help to lessen the anxiety that the gut most definitely suffers from. Especially when dealing with all that you are right now. Know that there are people who can help and that you have to self help too. By giving yourself time outs, to just breath. Lack of energy can be down to many things and hopefully the B12 will help. I take a B12 supplement every day along with a multi vitamin, Imodium every day, more if going out and about and an iron tablet every other day. I hope you can take that breath and get through this time. Huge hugs and love from someone who knows what it can be like. Xx

Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady in reply toJimbo65

Thanks all yes I’m on Amytriplin and yes I go to the online chats unfortunately missed it this week with so much going on x

Blue_Hawaii profile image
Blue_Hawaii

My heart goes out to you ❤️ 🤗

I have B12 injections every 8 weeks

12 weeks between injection, was to long

Sending lots of 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Newseason profile image
Newseason

Hello,

I've been having B12 injection for year now , I started feel better after 5th injection, and get topped up every 3months.

like you this is result of radiation damage. As mentioned in other reply Dietitian a good call.

All the best

Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady in reply toNewseason

Yes that the plan with me

Ohthistoo profile image
Ohthistoo

Sounds very familiar. I'm on 3 monthly b12 shots and I self inject in between. If I don't then my spleen becomes enlarged as my immune system tries to manage without enough b12. Hopefully they checked your other b vits and did a full vitamin and mineral panel.

Ohthistoo profile image
Ohthistoo

PS I can't take iron tablets as I'm chronically constipated so be careful about adding things in before you look at the side effects.. xx

Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady in reply toOhthistoo

Thank you for that I can’t take iron but the opposite reason to you has opposite effect but I will check I have to have a loading dose apparently and then tablets

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp

Sorry for the loss of your Mom. I get B12 injections every month, but I don't feel any different. My hematologist told me that I need them because low B12 can bring on symptoms of dementia and balance problems. My Dr does bloodwork every 6 mos and I also have low WBC, RBC, and low iron. This doesn't surprise me because my diet is so restricted. If I eat anything that I shouldn't I have at least 10 BM'S after. I have lost 15 lbs and forget going to a restaurant! I get bloodwork every 6 mos because I have a very bad m- protein in my blood and if it activates I can have leukemia. All these issues don't stop me from doing what I enjoy. I hope and pray that you feel better while you are getting B12 injections. God bless

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