Hi all, got these results today

[annette12]

B12- 250 -range ( 196-660)

Serum folate -7.2 range ( 4.6-18 )

receptionist said everything normal?

[Clutter]

Bottom of the range normal Annette I recommend 5,000mcg daily for a month then 1,000-2,000mcg methylcobalamin B12 sublingual lozenges, spray or patches from health shops or via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/go_sho...

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Clutter]

At risk of sounding flippant clutter maybe we thyroid sufferers are misunderstanding their use of 'normal' and those doctors and receptionists who tell us our results are 'normal' actually mean the results are 'normal bottom of the range'.

The terms 'normal' and 'within the range' drive me crackers, I wish they would just ask how you feel then treat you so that you feel better. Being told you are 'normal' when you feel anything but is ridiculous and depressing - but hey, judging by what is happening to others on her ( not to me!) that's ok because although they can't / won't give you a trial if thyroid drugs they will happily give you antidepressants.

Rant over for the day - it was reading ' the receptionist said everything was normal' that did it

On the serious side my B12 was that low, I was told it was 'fine' so as I have a family history of pernicious anaemia I supplemented with Jarrows sublingual B12 and brought it up to a level I was / am happy with.

[Clutter in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

F&N, if they honestly think bottom and top of range are equally normal they're very stupid and think we're equally stupid.

What's wrong with telling people your x is low and although NHS won't prescribe because you aren't deficient, you may feel better by supplementing to improve your levels?

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Clutter]

Exactly! Be honest and say that. When you look at how wide their ranges are how can every point between be 'normal'. When you consider you are probably having bloods done because you aren't feeling too great in the first place.

Having experienced it, there is nothing worse than someone telling you your results are fine when your body is telling you loud and clear that things are not fine.

[Clutter in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I tried to explain to a US physician who complained her patients weren't pleased at normal and negative test results. Said a nothing wrong result means whatever ails you doesn't lead to a diagnosis and treatment, ergo resolution of ailments, whereas abnormal results lead to hope of relief/cure.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Clutter]

Exactly. Imagine not realising why patients weren't happy. Sounds like we should all be glad our results are 'normal' - even if that means normal for someone else.

[astroscopesuk in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Dear Fruit and nutcase

I empathise,, I keep getting told my results are normal , yet i have tinnitus and, sweats and shakes, and feel dreadful, giddy, cant sleep cant eat,, headaches, etc,,

i wish the gps wouldnt think we all walk out of a text book exactly the same..

Regards

astro

[annette12 in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter, I am self supplementing with farrows sublingual lozenges 1000mcg. Can you tell me if I also need to take folic acid along with the lozenges and how much? Thank you

[Clutter in reply to annette12]

Annette, your folate will probably improve as your B12 improves, so I wouldn't bother. Wouldn't hurt to check whether you are eating plenty of folate rich food though.

[Marz]

When taking B12 it is important to also take Folic Acid as they work synergistically in the body...you may wish to read...

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

....where you will learn a great deal about B12. Only about 20% of the B12 blood result is available in the cells where it is needed - hence the result needs to be near the TOP. In Japan the ranges STARTS at 500....

Doctors rely too heavily on results without considering the symptoms displayed.

chriskresser.com/b12-defici...

I agree with Clutters suggestion. Do you have any stomach/gut issues which may impair the absorption/assimilation of B12 ? If so you may need injections....