low b12 not yet diagnosed

Are you receiving treatment for anything else that would explain the sudden fall and repeat testing?  Could other medication be part of the problem?

Could be.  Like all blood tests, you can get false positives and false negatives, as well as general variations.  He's probably just making sure that the first test was accurate, or looking for other indicators.

Anecdotally, I felt exhausted and, due to my age and periods stuttering, assumed it was the menopause, so didn't complain for ages.  When I finally went, my then good GP took blood tests, and found B12 and ferritin deficiences.  She retired the following week.  I struggled to get B12 jabs from her successor, who wanted to focus on sending me for Gastro/Endoscopies (basically looking for stomach cancer), even though I had absolutely no other symptoms of this.  When I finally persuaded her to let me have B12 jabs and iron tabs while I waited the 3 months to see a specialist (she thought, quite wrongly, that these should be witheld!) I started to feel better.  Even my periods returned!  

I was, therefore, very annoyed when she actually suggested I take HRT: 1)  I was not yet menopausal and 2) all my symptoms could be attributed to the B12/ferritin deficiencies and 3) HRT taken unnecessarily is a waste of NHS money and possibly hazardous.  

I too have a family history of thyroid problems, but that also tested OK.

Do lots of online research before your appointment, plan your questions, write down your GP's answers, and ask for the readings from your blood tests.  Based on those, do more online research so you understand what's happening.  B12 deficiency and the accompanying anaemia usually have quite innocent causes, and are very easily treated.  But left untreated, they can do a lot of permanent harm.  If you understand the subject by doing research, you GP will recognise you as an intelligent patient, and will step up to the mark themselves!  Good luck.

Hi sioban03755, if you go to the Pernicious Anaemia Society website, they have a symptom list you can print out. It's then possible to tick all that apply to you, and take it with you to the Doctor. The only other thing I would mention is if you are vegetarian this can lead to low B12. Good luck with getting it sorted. Marion

hi siobhan. so sorry to hear you're in this dilemma. from your history, i'd have no hesitation in requesting an emergency GP appointment. normal pathways through the GP system takes for ever i.e. more blood testing with repeated return journeys to your GP etc.

for example some GP's tend to be test dependent in respect of b12 diagnosis. they may wait untill the results of the Intrinsic Factor (IF) or/and the Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) testa are back before initiating treatment. i had to wait a couple of weeks for the results of the IF test & then a couple of weeks to see the GP again for treatment. they may have to do more specific tests too. with b12 deificiency the longer treatment is delayed the more organs/systems become involved. delay can cause detrimental damage to the nervous system. the faster you get in the 'fast track system' the better. this needs immediate attention.

as already mentioned the PA society outline treatment intervention guidelines necessary for different stages of PA symptomatology. also if you google NICE guidelines they reinforce these guidelines. it's on page 6 of their info. document in the Management page. have a look. i'm sure the GP will act promptly, but if s/he seem to drag their feet, use the NICE or PA guidelines to hurry things along. hopefully they'll act on your dropping b12 levels and worsening symptoms. however, you may have to be assertive with them. don't mention the 'psychomatic' word. it's their favorite word when they want to procrastinate & piddle around. ensure also, that you have a Folate test. b12 and Folate are intricately related - mutually dependent on treatment & recovery.

best wishes

Caitlin.

Thanks bluemaran Marion and caitlin for your responses. I'm not vegan or veggie. Bless my son he thinks he can cure me by force feeding me marmite! Lol I will definitely take all your advice and be well armed for my doctor appt. Although to be fair I think he is on the ball. I will keep you posted how I get on. Thanks again guys Sioban x

Bit of an update doctor unable to give me a definitive diagnosis without further tests. They need to rule out that it isn't dietary therefore I've been given oral supplements. If after 3 weeks my b12 levels have not increased I will need a gastric biopsy to check for pernicious anaemia. Folate and haemoglobin levels normal. No increase in size of red blood cells. They don't check intrinsic factor as they believe gastric biopsy more reliable. I suppose it is just a waiting game now.

Hi again sioban, thanks for updating us on your appointment. The only thing I would say is if you feel your symptoms are still worsening despite the oral meds, go back to the GP sooner rather than later! If your levels are dropping severely you will need urgent treatment. Do hope you do feel better soon. Best wishes Marion