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B12 deficiency - how to know diet/malabsorption? new diagnosis.

Posted , 5 users are following.

Daisy2010
Daisy2010

Hi all

This is my first post as I was recently diagnosed as B12 deficient. My symptoms included gastro, psychological and fatigue so - from reading some threads - it seems I could have been deficient for a while.

I'm a bit confused though as I'm not sure how doctors work out if you have a diet based deficiency or a malabsorption problem. I guess I'm trying to work it out as I understand the second is treated for life and I wondered how they knew I was in that category.

I had my first shot yesterday and was fine but when I woke today I had terrible flu like weakness, heaviness, balance problems.

I'm being tested for other gastro problems and wondered if I am positive for another condition will I still need the b12 shots if the underlying cause is fixed?

I didn't get much info at the doctors so please forgive me with what might seem silly questions.

Thanks everyone!

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ellen68007
    ellen68007 Daisy2010

    Posted

    I as well have been on b-12 injections since July. My new Doctor ordered routine blood work and the results came back that I gad a high red blood cell count. I have been through so many tests because the Doctirs were looking for the cause. I was being tested for a confirmation of Polycythemia Vera. Which is multiple red blood cells. After having a bone marrow aspiration as the final test it confirmed I did not have it. Now my treatment is blood thinner medication to prevent blood clots and monthly B12 injections. I have not experienced any side effects other then positive results. Especially more energy and a better feeling of well being. You will have to tell your Doctor to see if the injections had anything to do with your symptoms.

    Hope you feel better

    Ellen

  • lyn64198
    lyn64198 Daisy2010

    Posted

    Hi Daisy....I have my final shot tomorrow, I too felt dreadful the day after the first few doses...really wobbly legs, tired and nervous and balance problems.  I had my 5th shot yesterday and felt much better today.  My nurse told me I woudn't feel much benefit until the final shot. So...we'll see.  Good luck with your loading doses and I hope you feel much better soon.

    Lyn smile

  • lisahelen
    lisahelen Daisy2010

    Posted

    Hi, ive had diagnosed b12d for 8 months now. Lots of throat, gastro and many other symptoms prior to finding out that this is what could actually be wrong with me. 

    Dont want to put a dampener on it for you but many people on a health forum will tell you that the six loading injections you are getting is not the big cure that gps will lead you to believe. Many have to fight for more frequent or even self inject. Take a look for pernicious anemea there are a few sites which have loads of info which might be of help.(sorry cant list directly as my post will be moderated if i do).

    diet based normally means if you are a vegetarian/vegan and not getting b12 from your food- mainly fish and meats, liver was used as an old remedy. malabsorbsion is possibly due to your ilium not working sufficiently to absorb.

    Injections should be quarterly at the very least, technically for life but gps try to cut this if they get a blood test showing a good/high reading. 

    The best thing you can have is a gp who is prepared to treat you by your symptoms and not just numbers on a blood test result. If you have neurological symptoms then you should be getting injections every other month. Also bnf guidelines state you be getting injections until no further improvement over this first three weeks.

    hope ive helped. Do search the web there are many helpful sites and people out there.

    Many people feel worse whilst having loading injections, some have other side effects, one being small rashlike spots on the forehead seems common.

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