Low B12 Levels.
Posted , 6 users are following.
Last year I was told by my doctors that one of vitamin levels were borderline so they refused me any treatment they wouldn't even mention what that vitamin was. Then January this year I had blood tests done which revealed my b12 levels were low. My doctor put me on 6 booster shots within two week then told me I'd have to get these injections every three month for life. My doctor constantly avoided telling me what my actual level of b12 was she also kept telling me it's my diet but I eat a lot of food that has b12 in and everytimrnI questioned her if there was something else causing this problem but she's adamant on telling me it's my diet and when I asked her if it was possible by me changing my whole diet would it increase my b12 levels she told me they wouldn't it's a very rare occasion in a case like mine for that to happen. I just can't understand if it was my diet then wouldn't that be an issue I could fix instead of being on injections for life. I feel like she's not been completely honest or just palming me off and I just wanted other people's opinions on this.
I have my next injection in two weeks and since last week I've been exhausted nearly fainting at work, falling into things it's getting to the point where it's really stressing me out because my doctor doesn't seem to want to answer my questions or put my mind at rest.
1 like, 11 replies
susan05157 alarna03814
Posted
My B12 is 200 Dr wants me to take 1000 B12 pill . I wish I could get the shots but he said I have to try the pills first. Feeling so tired and run down often dizzy and weak. It's very frustrating feeling this way.
alarna03814 susan05157
Posted
I asked if I could try the pills first and I was told no they won't be affective hence why they did the injections which then she decided to tell me at the end of them that I was on them for life. But in all honesty I only felt slightly better for a couple of weeks then I started to feel even worse than before if that's possible.
marion29181 alarna03814
Posted
It sounds as though you need more frequent injections if you are running low before your next one is due. Did your doctor do further blood testing after your six doses in two weeks? The usual thing is to repeat a blood test six weeks later, to see how well the body is retaining the B12 you've been given.
Also, we sometimes need our ferritin, folate and VitD to be tested, as these can also be low. Is it possible for you to ask for a printed copy of your last two or three blood tests? We are entitled to do this, and sometimes the surgery will request a small payment to cover printing and paper costs. These results might be helpful to others on here giving you advice, and for you in the future.
There are some good books available that explain B12 deficiency, it's causes and symptoms. Martin Hooper has written several , he is the founder of the Pernicious Anaemia Society, and is a sufferer himself. You will find it very helpful to read one of these.
It can also be good to take a good B complex multivitamin, as it will keep all the B vitamins in balance.
Hope your GP might feel better about answering your questions, and perhaps increase the frequency of those injections, if you make yourself more knowledgeable about low B12.
Very best wishes
Marion
alarna03814 marion29181
Posted
My doctor hasn't done no further blood tests I asked if I needed them doing after the booster shots she said no and to just come back in 3 month for my next injection.
I even asked her if in between my injections should I take multi vitamins she told me it wouldn't do much, I feel as if she doesn't really have much knowledge on b12 herself she isn't able to answer any of my questions but I'm hoping to get some more answers off a different doctor. Hopefully they'll know more about it. Thank you for replying.
marion29181 alarna03814
Posted
I see from your earlier reply to Susan that you felt even worse after a couple of weeks. This is quite common, as the injections will begin the healing process on the nerves, and the pain signals can seem magnified once this healing is underway.
A shame that your GP doesn't know much about B12, maybe another doctor will be more helpful.
wishing you well.
Marion
clivealive alarna03814
Posted
Reading through the various comments it seems to me that yo may have an absorption problem with your stomach.
You say you "eat a lot of food that has b12 in" (does that include red meats, fish, seafoods, eggs, poultry and dairy produce) but unless you have sufficient acid in your stomach to "grab it" on its way down then it won't be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Your doctor may suspect you have an absorption problem which is why she refused to prescribe "pills" simply bbecause they would be ineffective.
From what you say you haven't had your Intrinsic Factor tested. This is produced by Gastric Parietal Cells in the stomach. If you don't have Intrinsic Factor you will not be able to process B12 from food no matter how much you eat and you will need the injetions for life. If you go to another doctor ask to be tested for Pernicious Anaemia which is another form of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
Are you on any other medications? Have you had surgery or dental work done involving nitrous oxide? Do you have tummy problems like IBS or Crohn’s disease?
As Marion suggests it would be good to have your Vitaminn D. Iron and Folate levels checked too. Folate and B12 helps your Iron to make healthy red blood cells and a deficiency in one or other will interfere with the process.
I am not a medically trained person but I have had P.A. for 45 years and yes, I'm on B12 injections for life (and due one this morning).
I wish you well
alarna03814 clivealive
Posted
The only other medications I'm on are for my asthma that is all, I've not had no surgery, but I have had trouble with my bowels since I was child which three years ago my doctor did say I could have possible ibs although she did state there isn't a proper diagnosis for IBS.
clivealive alarna03814
Posted
I am somewhat surprised at what your doctor said that "there isn't a proper diagnosis for IBS" for if you copy "ibs treatment NICE" into your search engine there are guidelines on diagnosis and management of IBS by the "National Institute for health and Care Excellence" (NICE) which tells doctors how to treat their patients.
If you do indeed have IBS then you are at risk of developing (and maybe why you have) a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
alarna03814 clivealive
Posted
She gave me some medication called membervine for IBS and basically said if it works she'll carry on giving me it and if it doesn't to stop taking them. I'm not too sure she really does care lately if seems like she just wants you in to talk and straight back out hence why I'll be going to see a different doctor on Thursday to see if he can provide me with some more answers. Thank you for your help.
clivealive alarna03814
Posted
Make a list of your neurological symptoms and write down what you want to say or ask the new doctor as it is so easy to forget vital facts when face to face. If possible take someone with you who can verify your symptoms as the doctor is less likely to "pooh pooh" you in front of a witness. Try to keep calm and "stick to the script".
It would also be a good idea to ask to have your Iron and Folate levels tested. Vitamin B12 and folate help iron to make red blood cells and a deficiency in one or other interupts the process.
I do hope the appointment goes well and wish you all the best for the future. Please come back and let us know how you get on.
Guest alarna03814
Posted
i have known several people with the same difficencies , i would recommend vitamyn . co . uk . These are fabulous way of making sure you are taking a daily does of vitamyns to keep you active . .
Thanks