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non helpful gp and low b12

Posted , 5 users are following.

denise11582
denise11582

My GP ran blood tests after I collapsed and fitted after donating blood.

Results (when eventually came back) said I was had aniema low iron and my B12 was 145

I have been a vegetarian for 15 years and

strict vegan for 3 years

I have so many symptoms i sound like a hypochondriac. Pins and needles in cold hands awful memory, no strength and fatigue to name just a few

Intrinsic factor antibodies test was negative

Doc given me ferrous sulphate x 3 a day but refuses to give me b12 injections. Should I just accept his decision and get on with or push for injections

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Heather2612
    Heather2612 denise11582

    Posted

    Hi Denise

    Your b12 level is deficient. B12 is absorbed from meat and dairy only.

    The BCSH cobalamin guidelines state that loading doses should be given under level 200 on alternate days until no further improvement when neuro symptoms are present. Vegans can have malabsorption problems as well as diet related deficiencies.

    If symptoms are not treated then neuro damage may become irreversible.

    Demand b12 treatment or see a different GP.

    • denise11582
      denise11582 Heather2612

      Posted

      Thank you heather, feel like I'm going crazy! So much fighting with gp is making me feel worse. I've been made to feel like it's self inflicted, so hard luck! I'm self medicating with oral b12 supplements but I know you waste more than take in from them. How do you demand when they won't listen???
    • Heather2612
      Heather2612 denise11582

      Posted

      My b12 level was 140. I eat meat everyday and I too was denied treatment. Drs are uneducated in b12 deficiency. Print out the guidelines to show to your GP and ask about how they will prevent irreversible damage. I had to complain to get my injections. If you need links for printing let me know.
    • denise11582
      denise11582 Heather2612

      Posted

      Thank you so much I'm going to do it tomorrow, fed up of feeling so ill and being treated like a fool.

      I hope treatment helped you and that you're feeling better.

      Thank you I think I've found the right pdf if it was only as easy to talk to doc as it is to other sufferers. X

    • Heather2612
      Heather2612 denise11582

      Posted

      Neuro symptoms must be addressed. Your tingling etc is all nerve damage. Your GP should not make you feel it is self inflicted but should rule out other causes and start immediate treatment. It is a good idea to check folate levels too as b12 uses folate to become active and carry out repair. I get my b12 every 4 weeks from my GP which was instructed by my neurologist. I still struggle with symptoms as I have irreversible damage but the injections do help other symptoms. Good luck. Please let me know how you get on tomorrow xx
    • denise11582
      denise11582 Heather2612

      Posted

      Folate level is: high 22.04

      Serum ferritin 10.0 low

      B12 145

      Serum creatinine 44 low

      Red blood count 3.41 low

      Haemoglobin estimation 108 low

      In a fury I asked for printouts but figures mean nothing to me!

      Let you know tomorrow and thank.you

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 denise11582

      Posted

      Hi denise. commiserations on how you're feeling. ppl with b12D know it well.  i can only FULLY REINFORCE what Heather has so succinctly commented.   all good luck.

      C.

  • lisahelen
    lisahelen denise11582

    Posted

    Hi, with the neuro symptoms you have you should at least be getting a loading dose to bring up the numbers, gps often treat by these rather than symptoms unfortunately. Depending on your area and how the lab interprets these results gives differing base levels but most sufferers will tell you anything under 300 is either deficient or in grey area. Japan treat anying under 500! 

    You could politely quote B.M.A. Chapter9 section 1.2 at him. It worked for me when all my gp wanted to give me was 4 loading despite having numerous neuro symptoms. Try going to PAS website, link in related info, they have loads of info and a contact number.

    let us know how you get on.

     

  • aveline
    aveline denise11582

    Posted

    Oh, but you NEED injections, Denise!!! 

    The good news is that your low b12 & iron could be from dietary restrictions. I hope you find good, vegan supplements because it sounds like you'll need them... he's not getting your b12 up and yet you're vegan so it's not like you'll get it from what you eat like most people. 

    Hahaha, I know just what you mean by your symptom list!!! Believe me, everyone with PA and/or low B12 has this, too!! It may vary, but it's a long and crazy list...!!

    Good luck today!!

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