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B12 is low but cause is unsure -- could it be gallstones?

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clarissa1975
clarissa1975

Hello,

Recently, I found out that my B12 was low, and I have been treated for it with injections with great success. I feel better than I have in a while. I was surprised to see today that it turns out I have intrinsic factor, fine and well, since I'm not vegan, vegetarian, or elderly.

I've also been posting to the gallbladder forum here because I have chronic digestive problems ongoing since my gallbladder was removed ages ago. I've, at various times, had trouble with vitamin D being low and my thyroid pill which is a full replacement dose "wobbling," which confused the doctor. I have classic post-gallbladder symptoms like severe runs, sorry to be gross, after most meals.

My GP has not even asked me about my gallbladder surgery though and seems to want to test for all kinds of obscure conditions. Should I mention it to her? I don't want her to feel side-swiped. Also, my healthcare here in the U.S. is limited, so I have to make the most of every appointment. I'm at a sliding-scale community clinic right now and need to go in with specific questions and connections. I believe, but am not 100%, that I have a gallstone blocking the common duct. To confirm that, I need expensive and painful tests. 

However, I find the B12 injections immediately help other problems that have been ongoing! They act like a natural antidepressant on me and give me a wonderful, non-jittery energy. They've also stopped neurological issues like pain and clumsiness in my limbs that were driving me crazy. 

Have others with low B12 also had gallbladders out and then had digestive problems or been told this was the cause of it being low? Relieved I do not have pernicious anemia, although I feel for all of you, having thought I had this for the past week!

Thank you!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • marion29181
    marion29181 clarissa1975

    Posted

    Hi Clarrisa, I had my gall bladder removed some years ago, and, like you, I experience spells of diarrhoea. After my gall bladder removal I was still having severe stomach pain, and eventually after bouncing in and out of hospital, they discovered my appendicitis was causing it. So appendix removed, thought all would be fine. Upset stomachs continued on and off, plus nasty skin rashes, and awful tiredness. Thyroid problems were diagnosed, and a lot of the symptoms settled down. In the past two/three years I've also been diagnosed with asthma, Pernicious Anaemia, and Fibromyalgia. I don't know whether the stomach issues have led to all of these? Certainly low B12 is related to absorption problems. I have discovered certain foods upset me since the gall bladder removal, salads, tomatoes, peppers, onions, curries. etc..... It might help to keep a food diary to note what you are eating and when the upsets are worse. I do think it takes a while for your body to adjust after the operation, how long ago did you have it done? Sorry this probably isn't much help. Oh I have found a probiotic helps a bit, one of those little pots you drink before breakfast. Best wishes Marion
  • sharon06805
    sharon06805 clarissa1975

    Posted

    Hi Clarisa.  Yes I too have had my gall bladder removed and also have bouts of diarrhoea especially following red meat, ice cream, salad and some vegetables. I also have diverticulitis which doesn't help as I can go the other way too, then suffer real bad stomach pains in my left side.  I have to say though since having my injections, I have felt so much better.  Muscle aches have gone, so has the dizziness.  My memory is better and a lot more.  I think I was shutting down without realising it so have to say thank you to my doctors for picking up my low B12 from a routine blood test.  I can't advise on remedies or how to make things better for anyone but I feel better in myself especially when reading others symptoms that I've experienced without realising the cause.  I hope you feel a lot better soon. 
  • Blue_dragon
    Blue_dragon clarissa1975

    Posted

    Hi, I also had my gallbladder removed. A lot of symptoms began/ worsened afterwards. I did wonder whether they used nitrous oxide gas during op.

    I'm confused about ur comment about IF - I'm negative which means I don't have PA - although of course, the test is wrong roughly 50% of time when negative. If positive then this is accurate.

    There is a lot of information about low stomach acid perhaps causing auto immune diseases. Interesting. A lot of illnesses are diagnosed sometimes when really B12.

    Was your folate and ferritin also tested? You need to be taking a good B Complex too.

    Read Could it be B12? Take a wander over to forum healthunlocked - they have lots of societies, thyroid and PAS for eg.

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