To recap - My b12 tested very low, I had symptoms but GP not interested as I’m not obviously actually dying of it yet(!) Thyroid meds not optimised yet so I’m hoping that’s the cause of the b12 problemo, and not PA. So I’ve decided to try to resolve the b12 issues myself at least until thyroid meds are better. Might sort itself out then hopefully.
I doubted these little miracle skin patches - must be magicery getting the b12 across the skin. However I feel so much better after just 2 patches plus the Thorne basic b everyday.
Another Billy Bonus? I have FLUORESCENT YELLOW WEE! Imagine the excitement! (Apparently it’s the b2 in the b complex)
Feels like progress. I will be well.
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Laundretta
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I use SpoilMeWith B12 patches with folate - my B12 blood results seem to have vastly improved in the 3 months I've been taking them - can really recommend! amazon.co.uk/SpoilMeWith-Pa...
Have you been tested for B12 & Folate ? Treatment based on results is helpful. Results over 500 are usually good. Once supplementing further testing is not needed as results will be skewed !
I decided to ‘go large’ but I wouldn’t want to recommend per se as I’m not a medical person. I’m probably having very expensive wees! The packet says 1/week and to leave it on for 24 hours.
Hi, Not sure if you are in the UK but this week a TV GP was talking about B12 deficiency & he recommended taking a multivitamin that contained B12 & to avoid injections unless you have been diagnosed with pernacious anemia.
My mum historically has had a deficiency and was put on regular injections, but she had to change her GP after going into residential care and he stopped them saying her blood tests showed normal but mum still believes she needs them, I was told by a carer that treatment should only be short term anyway, we do ask the GP to regularly test her but don't see the results, this has made me now think we need to investigate why mum was put on it in the first place.
A TV GP said only have B12 injections if you have PA..? Typical. The IF antibody test is notoriously unreliable. Many with hypothyroidism (and numerous other conditions that effect nutrient absorption) have neuropathic symptoms that are improved by b12. Anyone with high homocysteine levels should also consider taking b12 along with folate and p-5-p (B6). Some have such problems with their absorption that injecting is the only reliable way of ensuring that it gets into the cells. (B12 is needed in the spinal fluid.)
A study (attached) where older people didn't seem to benefit from oral doses of b12. This study, in my mind, is flawed in its conclusion though (it implies older patients didn't need the b12!). Unless b12 is making it into the nerves of patients (via the spinal fluid) the neurological impairment is not going to improve at all. They may as well have asked the older people to wash their hair with the b12.
Of course her tests will show good levels as she has been having injections. Number 1 point on the Folate and Cobalamin Deficiency and Treatment Guidelines - clearly states that clinical signs should be observed and treated accordingly - and not the bloodtest result. As laid down by the British Haematological Society - Guidelines all GP's SHOULD have read. Can post the link when on the PC .
If your Mum has PA then injections ate for life ...
Just shows how little this GP knows about B12. It is mostly absorbed in the Terminal Ileum - where it is metabolised for the return journey to the liver. I had my Terminal Ileum removed after Ileo-caecal TB and later Crohns. After 40 years or so I eventually understood my dead lower legs and feet along with chronic back pain were due to B12 Deficiency. Not once mentioned at six monthly Crohns check ups over 30 years. I took control and now self-inject B12 weekly - sometimes more. My shoes ARE my feet - but lots of improvement too ... 😴
Is the Carer medically trained? As I think she is talking total rubbish tbh. I have both B12 jabs and pernicious anaemia, although not anaemic at the moment, but still having B12 injections. I think your dear mum is right. The blood tests may show normal at the moment, but if she is not producing enough B12 herself, she will become deficient again. Hence the reason for the jabs.
In my experience and what I have been told, you are on them for life because you are not making enough vitamin B12 naturally. It also plays a big part in the production of red blood cells.
My beloved late father, found out he had both, late in life and was on jabs every three months eventually, but more frequently to start with to get his levels to the right stage. He was prone to falls as the deficiency can make the elderly more susceptible to falls as well. It can affect your energy levels and mood swings too. Even bruising easily.
I would ask for the results each time and the ranges and get a second opinion.
B12 deficiency can run in families as we are finding out. Both my siblings were and are borderline deficient, my brother self supplements his B12. We don't know if our mum was deficient in B12 but she passed away before we knew about the family history.
I think what we have to realise, is that we don't believe everything we are told as some of these people, just make stuff up and at the end of the day, it is only their opinion. We are all entitled to get a second opinion.
Thank you for your reply, I am now quite confused after reading all these posts, mum is now 93 she went into residential care in 2014 and the GP stopped the injections soon afterwards saying she no longer needed them. Mum also has a condition called Giant Cell Arteritis which affected her eye sight and needs to take daily steroids, she also has COPD & we have had to challenge the GP many times about mum's care, we regularly ask him to test her B12 & she has been in hospital several times for infections, this means she has had lots of blood tests, we have trusted & assumed any deficiency would be picked up. Considering she has not had the injections for several years I now feel this is something we should investigate fully.
I completely understand how you would be feeling, I went through the same with my parents. I would investigate definitely. My late dad also had COPD and other conditions. I am really surprised it has not been noticed especially by the hospital to be honest.
My mum was in a Nursing home and I always was asking questions. Most probably got on the Professionals nerves. Her Carer was actually a nurse previously, but if I was in doubt, I always asked and questioned everything.
Regarding the blood tests, it depends what they have requested, but certainly ask what is being tested and what for and why her B12 deficiency is being overlooked now. I am also surprised it has not been picked up.
I hope it all gets sorted but remember to look after yourself too.
Take care
You make it sound hilarious but I know it's serious and good for you for trying to sort
Thanks I may try a change when I need more. I do find the yellow wee quite fun! I might try eating a load of beetroot too, to see if I can make purple....
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