Posted , 3 users are following.
I have had tests four times for b12 after my sister was diagnosed with pernicious anemia. The results are varied between 160-200 at the moment it's 160. Had an injection yesterday and taking b12 tablets after that. How long will it take for the injection to work? Why would it drop from 180- 160 in a few days ?
2 likes, 7 replies
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clivealive vicky37447
Posted
Hi Vicky,
I'm not a medically trained person but have had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 Deficiency) for 45 years.
Sadly the tests for serum B12 are not that reliable nor those for intrinsic factor and gastric parietal cell antibodies which presumably you have been tested for as there is a family connection to P.A. with your sister.
How long have you been B12 deficient and what neurological symptoms do you have?
What is your schedule for B12 injections? If they are "every other day until there is no further improvement" in accordance with the B.N.F. guidelines there should be no need to supplement with tablets.
As to how long for the injection to work you may find some symptoms improve immediately whereas others may appear to get worse before the get better - this could be due to the B12 starting work repairing the damage done to your nervous system by the deficiency.. There is no set time scale as we are all different and at different stages.
Apart from the P.A. connection with your sister do you have any idea why you are B12 deficient? There are so many freasons - too numerous to post here but I can send them to you by private message if you wish
Do you know what your iron and Folate levels are as these two work togther with the B12 to form red blood cells?
I wish you well
vicky37447 clivealive
Posted
Hello Clive,
Thank you for your response. My B12 been low for a around 3 months that I know off the only other low vitamin is d.
I've had one injection and going on the B12 tablets i must admit I do feel worse for the injection.
I have had these symptoms for a while but due to having anxiety they always put it down to that. I thought I was getting dementia the memory loss and confusion is embarrassing and I'm sleeping too much, tired as soon as I get up and out of breath.
clivealive vicky37447
Posted
Some of the symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency are much the same as for B12 so it could be a combination of both.
Are you prescribed anything for the low Vitamin D? Improvement in that may take 2 - 3 months depending on its severity and strength of pills.
Is you doctor just giving you one B12 injection and no more and did he/she prescribe the tablets, or are you doing that yourself?
A deficiency in Vitamin B12 may cause any or all of the following symptoms - have a look and see if any others (I've not highlighted) apply to you.:
Anaemia
Fatigue, sometimes severe
Feeling of heaviness in arms, legs and head
Muscle weakness
Depression and despondency
Easy bruising
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Hormonal imbalances
Elevated liver enzymes
Diarrhoea, constipation or other digestive woes such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and/or bloating
Red, swollen tongue
Bleeding gums
Pale skin
“Brain fog,” problems concentrating, memory loss
Shortness of breath on even mild exertion
Numbness or tingling in extremities (neuropathy in severe cases)
Headaches and migraines
Ataxia (lack of balance, may affect gait)
Dizziness and light-headedness
White spots on the skin of the forearm (may be misdiagnosed as Vitiligo)
Irritability and extreme mood swings
Tachycardia, skipped heart beats, irregular heart rhythm
Eye twitches and tics
Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, infertility
Decrease or disappearance of normal reflex responses
Some people report pain in their ring finger and palm
Causes of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The following are all potential causes of a B12 deficiency:
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Vegan or vegetarian lifestyle
Excessive junk food consumption
Digestive diseases and conditions which block absorption (Celiac, Crohn’s, IBS, malabsorption, etc.)
Removal or resectioning of the small bowel
Use of antacids and prescription drugs used to treat ulcers
Gastric bypass surgery
vicky37447 clivealive
Posted
The doctor has prescribed both tablets D and B12.
clivealive vicky37447
Posted
Hi again Vicky,
Well that suggests to me that the doctor doesn't think that you have an absorption problem via your siomach, gave you the one injection to boost your B12 level and given you "maintenance" doses of B12 and D so hopefully you are now on the right track to recovery.
As I said before symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency may take a while to improve depending on its severity and dosage of the tablets. Try to get out into the sunshine for twenty minutes a day now spring is here.
As for a B12 deficiency again improvement of some symptoms can happen quickly but any damage caused to your nervous system may take longer - depending on its extent.
I hope you stsrt to feel better soon.
Blue_dragon vicky37447
Posted
Hi, I don't understand why your dr wouldn't follow the NICE guidelines and give you the full 6 loading injections. You will most probably feel tired after the first few- take it easy on yourself. I think if you know it is going to happen then you are prepared. I'm sure you thought it was odd being tired. As Clive said, other symptoms may get worse before they get better. Unless you are vegetarian or vegan, it is highly unlikely to be diet deficiency- therefore you MUST have the injections- the tablets WILL NOT work.
You really should do lots of reading and research. Your dr, unless unusual- will not know how to treat you. Please get informed and be prepared to push for the right treatment.
Make yourself some nettle tea- put some rosemary in for memory and concentration and perhaps some lemon balm or lemon grass which will give a lovely flavour - and will help with mood. Nettles amazing things. (I'm now a student herbalist after all my problems with NHS). A heaped teaspoon of mixture- add boiling water and leave 10 mins or so and drink hot or cold. 2-3xs a day. Won't cause any problems and could be picked from your garden. Enjoy.
vicky37447 Blue_dragon
Posted
Thank you for the advise. I'm not sure why the doctor has only given one injection but I will definitely read up and push for the correct treatment.