b12

[Mrshappyme]

as anyoneone had the symtoms of very low b12 as i m sure iv got that could be wrong but i feel poorly and iv had scans blood test but not a active b12 test im going a and e at 1.30 to ask them to check for it as i feel ill its not covid

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi Mrshappyme,

I’ve had a B12 and folate deficiency quite recently. I was first diagnosed with the B12 deficiency and had 12 weeks of super strength tablets as the injections aren’t the initial treatment anymore unless there are malabsorption problems caused by illness or for some other reasons. I was also tested for the folate deficiency at the same time but that was ok. Following the treatment I had another blood test which was normal for vitamin B12 but deficient for folate so given another 12 weeks of treatment for that.

I did feel very fatigued (more than my ‘normal’ fatigue) and more unwell than normal as I have a range of chronic illnesses. It’s definitely worth getting checked out with your GP

[Mrshappyme in reply to Alaine1]

my doctors said they have done the b12 test but i dont think they did the active be 12 test

[Mrshappyme in reply to Mrshappyme]

i honestly beleive its my b12 that low . my doctor cut the coversation off as soon as i tryed to ask her about my b12 and had she done the active b12 test so i dont know iv ordered a spary one from holland and barrets

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to Mrshappyme]

Taking a course of vitamin B12 over the counter won’t do you any harm. If after 8-12 weeks definitely go back to your GP and ask what could be responsible for this fatigue and feeling unwell. Sometimes you can buy them as a vitamin B complex so will also contain folate (folic acid). If you can’t find it in Boots or another pharmacy it might be behind the counter. Definitely don’t take B vitamins for more than 12 weeks without letting your GP know. If your practice has a clinical pharmacist ask for an appt with them as they can look at your previous blood test and order other tests such as thyroid tests. Often the thyroid gland can also cause disabling fatigue in some people so might be worth looking at.

Even if you won’t considered deficient in B12 some people still experience symptoms and you might be one of those people. I like to think of it in terms of your body signalling that you might be starting to run low in B vitamins. You are definitely entitled to ask for a copy of the results, that way you see if you were tested for thyroid or folate deficiency. Your nurse might also be a good source of support or have other ideas that you could try. I hope you feel better soon

[Mrshappyme in reply to Alaine1]

thankyou i will have aa word with my dr about this and ask for a thyroid test

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to Mrshappyme]

You can always check when you speak to the GP’s receptionist that this hasn’t already been done. Often GPs book a range of tests when we see them and unless we have the form in our hands we don’t get to see it. Mine sends blood test requests electronically. You can also ask the phlebotomist when you have your tests

[Mrshappyme in reply to Alaine1]

thankyou for y our replys i will do that . i just think i need b12 and i think i have nevre pain . now i asked my gynocoligist about a op i said my doctor book me in for a emergentcy op march 2020 i said how long do you think iv still have to wait . she said anther year

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to Mrshappyme]

It’s so difficult now with waiting lists to be seen for clinic referrals and operating lists. What you can do is contact the surgical schedulers for gynaecology at the hospital and ask to be put on the cancellation list. You might get 1- 2 days notice but just an option for you. COVID is still out there alongside other general illnesses so there will be patient’s cancelling. You might be behind other patients who are also on the cancellation list but you will probably move up the list hopefully a little quicker.

[Mrshappyme in reply to Alaine1]

thankyou so much you have realy help me . i will look in to that .i think tomorrow ill phone my dr and ask thyroid test and ask for the active b12 test . and look in to op