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B12 problems... again

Posted , 2 users are following.

ains2593
ains2593

Hi all, 

I suffer from a condition called ulcerative colitis around the time of my last flare in September last year I had blood work done which showed low B12 and folic acid. I was given oral tablets for both after they did the intrinsic factor test(not sure if thats excatly what is called) It came back i didnt need the injectionsjust the tablets. My blood was tested again in December and was normal. I still have inflamation in my bowel but overall that condition has improved my Gastro specailist retested my blood and my doctor has supplied more folic acid they initally said my B12 was a borderline and they'd like to retest again in 2 months. I am so frustrated feels like everyhting is a fight. Another issue i have is am going travelling to Australia for a year and have done reserach into how to get my medication over there but now this is an added worry. I dont want to go and feel rubbish but i dont belive my diet is whats causing this. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks A smile 

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • clivealive
    clivealive ains2593

    Posted

    "Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the colon and rectum. ... Patients with ulcerative colitis have problems absorbing nutrients and might suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, which is treated withB12 injections".

    I'm not medically trained but I have had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for 45 years and I don't understand why your doctor will not give you injections in the light of the above analysis of your condition.  Oral supplementation by tablets is not effective.

    The Intrinsic Factor test was to "rule out" Pernicious Anaemia.

    In a normal healthy person the stomach lining has what are called "Gastric parietal cells" which produce "Intrinsic Factor" which travels with food through the small intestine which is made up of three parts - the Duodenum, the Jejunum and the Ilium..

    Iron is absorbed in the Duodenum, most other nutrients in the Jejunum and our friend B12 in the Ilium.

    Here the Intrinsic Factor binds to the B12 and the "B12/IF Complex" enters the cells on the wall of the Ilium after binding to receptors on the surface of the Ileal cells, allowing it to enter the blood stream.

    Sadly some people with "traditional P,A." either do not produce Intrinsic Factor or if they do, they also produce an antibody which destroys it and it is then called "Autoimmune Pernicious Anaemia".

    In addition it can happen that we produce "Parietal cell Antibodies" and "Intrinsic Factor Antibodies" which totally wipes out any chance of absorbing the B12.I wish you well

    • ains2593
      ains2593 clivealive

      Posted

      Hi Clivealive,

      Thanks for your response I am meeting my gastro specialist next week and am going to bring it up with him. I have been getting pins and needles in my shoulders and my right eye also keeps twitching could this be a symptom of low b12??

      Thanks A

    • clivealive
      clivealive ains2593

      Posted

      Vitamin B12 helps generate the fatty layer of the nerve endings, also known as myelin. The myelin layer must be intact for neuron signals to transmit properly. A vitamin B12 deficiency may impair the myelin layer and prevent proper signal transmission - so pins and needles are one of the common neurological symptoms along with:

      Weakness and fatigue

      Light-headedness and dizziness

      Palpitations and rapid heartbeat

      Shortness of breath

      A sore tongue that has a red, beefy appearance

      Nausea or poor appetite

      Weight loss

      Diarrhoea

      Yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes

      If low levels of B12 remain for a long time, the condition also can lead to irreversible damage to nerve cells, which can cause the following symptoms:

      Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

      Difficulty walking

      Muscle weakness

      Irritability

      Memory loss

      Dementia

      Depression

      Psychosis

      I suggest you make a list of any of those symptoms above which you feel you have and present it to your "gastro specialist" when you see them next week and write down anything else you want to say.  It is sometimes difficult to remember things when in a "one to one" situation and you are being asked a lot of questions "out of the blue", so try and stick to your script.

      I do hope you get a specialist who knows about B12 deficiency and can get you on the road to recovery - and Australia.

      Take care now.

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