B12 injections: My B12 is 270. Dr won't... - Thyroid UK

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B12 injections

Flowers2 profile image
13 Replies

My B12 is 270. Dr won't prescribe injections as I'm "within range". I'm hypoT and want to optimise my thyroxine by getting low levels like this up. Obviously I need to self medicate. Oral and sublingual B12 has made no difference to my levels. Where do I go from here? How can I self inject?

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Flowers2
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13 Replies
Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase

I was 'within the range' like that and brought my B12 up by taking a Jarrow sublingual Methyl B12 5000mcg every day. You have to get the methyl cobalamin though.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply toFruitandnutcase

I've tried that but I don't absorb it. And my levels continue to drop.

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply toFlowers2

Oh that's a shame - I say that a someone who hates injections.

Waste no time in helping yourself. I was also fobbed off by the NHS and my level was higher than yours - i had to go private to find i had pernicious anaemia.

By that stage the symptoms were very debilitating.

It is easy to self inject. Honestly, i never thought i could do it but i can and i do. The nhs - when i informed them of my diagnosis (no apology of course), wanted to ration me to a shot every 3 months. I find i need one every 3 to 4 weeks, so had to start self medicating.

Basically the amps are very cheap. I can give you details for a private London gp who will prescribe. It is about £5 for 5 amps from superdrug. Unfortunately it is the private consult that is expensive, but ask for a script for 2 boxes.

The IM injections are excruciating and there is no way i am going through that kind of pain every few weeks. So i inject subcue - just use the diabetic needles and syringes. It works fine. Grab a handful of fat - if you have any. I am slim and the only place i have a bit of flesh is on the hips, so i do it on the side of the lower hip.

One you do it once you will see how easy it is. Please DO NOT let the Nasty Health Service hold your health hostage.

It is worth getting tested for the antibodies to see if you have p anaemia in which case you will be entitled to at least some amps on the nhs.

There are new guidelines for b12 levels anyway. I saw something on this site - you might find you are out of range according to the new guidelines so could go back to your ignoramus gp and possibly get some amps

hez22 profile image
hez22

Here are new regulations. A haemotologist is the best person to understand them. bcshguidelines.com/document...

Marz profile image
Marz

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

There are 47 pages on the above link explaining how to self-inject B12....

ukangell profile image
ukangell

I subcut and use a Germany pharmacy to buy b12 amp from. About £15-20 for 10!

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus in reply toukangell

Presumably you still need a prescription?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toHypopotamus

Injectable B12 ampoules are readily available in and from many countries without prescription.

In line with TUK's guidelines, identifying specific sources is not allowed in posts simply because the products are Prescription-only in the UK.

Rod

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus in reply tohelvella

Thanks Rod. I've been referred to a 'specialist' by my GP but if I don't get any joy there, I'll have to take the DIY approach!

ukangell profile image
ukangell in reply toHypopotamus

No.

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus in reply toukangell

Thanks to you too.

ukangell profile image
ukangell

If you have any Neuro symptoms go back and see GP. Tell them all that's wrong and if they're dismissive tell him he needs to treat patient not numbers. That b12 tests are flawed as it shows the total b12 in your body not the useable amount. Ask for a serum test and parital cell antibody test. Ask him if he's prepared for being sued if your health suffers.

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