B12 Borderline just been told after having bloodtest done
Posted , 5 users are following.
I have just got my bloodtests back and been told by my doctor i am borderline B12 i asked what it was at he said 163 low. Can anyone tell me how low is this? Also what is it meant to be to be normal? and other support and advice appreciated. I feel tired constantly and so out of breath 24.7 and dizzy spells all the time on and off and shakey hands i notice alot and the feeling like my brains not getting enough oxygen to it like i have to take deep breathes to feel able to breath ok and feel nausea alot but not sick
1 like, 4 replies
marion29181 michelle81982
Posted
Your symptoms sound very typical of B12 deficiency, is your doctor planning to begin a course of injections ? Have a look at the Pernicious Anaemia Society website for a full symptom list. This will help you when you next visit your doctor.
Best wishes
Marion
lynn41704 michelle81982
Posted
i was complaining of feeling tired all the time. My B12 is 201 and my GP has started me on tablets.
You need to tell your doctor exactly how you are feeling and ask if you need tablets or injections.
Take care of yourself and keep in touch.
sofa_bear michelle81982
Posted
Made sure Doctor also checks B9 and Vit D .
Check Nice ,NHS , Local CCG treatment . Make sure your GP follows.
Don't be fobbed off ( it's just a deficiency)
After hospital flagging low MCV in Jan to GP he ignored only in May did tests. B12 85. Did 12 injections got ill mid July folate .9 Vit D 19.
Without folate b12 injections don't work .My MVC has dropped . GP just shrugs and says I've treated it.
Looking for new GP
clivealive michelle81982
Posted
Anyone at any age, can become B12 deficient. However, certain people are at an elevated risk. They include the following:
Vegetarians, vegans and people eating macrobiotic diets.
People aged sixty and over
People who’ve undergone any gastric and/or intestinal surgery, including bariatric surgery for weight loss purposes (Gastric bypass).
People who regularly use proton-pump- inhibitors. H2 blockers, antacids, Metformin, and related diabetes drugs, or other medications that can interfere with B12 absorption.
People who undergo surgeries or dental procedures involving nitrous oxide, or who use the drug recreationally.
People with a history of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia).
People with a history of alcoholism.
People with a family history of pernicious anaemia.
People diagnosed with anaemia (including iron deficiency anaemia, sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia).
People with Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gluten enteropathy (celiac disease), or any other disease that cause malabsorption of nutrients.
People with autoimmune disorders (especially thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease) Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, lupus, Addison’s disease, ulcerative colitis, infertility, acquired agammaglobulinemia, or a family history of these disorders.
Women with a history of infertility or multiple miscarriages.
Can you see yourself amongst any of the above "people"?It is important to try and identify the cause of your deficiency as if left untreated it can lead to serious nerve damage.
As Sofa Bear says it is also important that your Folate level is checked. There is a complex interaction between folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another so the three must always be in balance.
I am not a medically trained person but I have had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 45 years.
I wish you well