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Symptoms and B12 injection side effects

Posted , 41 users are following.

lynn1000
lynn1000

Hi all,

So finally diagnosed with pernicious anemia after a long time of knowing something wasn't right.

My symptoms over the years were:-

Big toes numb on both feet for a long time - fully investigated at time, they couldn't find a reason.

Cognitive decline in form of memory loss, forgetfulness, confusion, unable to think as quickly. Had a few random periods like this eg can't think of a common word

Freezing cold hands and feet - always thought it was poor circulation- this cleared up within a month after loading does injections

Heavy legs (not fat,) a lot of effort walking - generally thought I was unfit, cleared up after 2 weeks after loading dose- also after each injection on same day my legs felt unbelievably light maybe a bit like jelly. After 2 weeks generally light.

About half an hour after each injection I got shooting pains usually in my feet, hands, then moved on to legs and arms, sometimes just one limb. Prob only lasted about 3 minutes for each one. Felt as if each injection was felt in an area of my body.

Fatigue always complaining and sighing of being tired- many times to the doctors about this one- never got sorted until now. About 2 weeks after loading dose I went for a run, the same distance as before injections, same number of stops, but was not at all out of breath, could talk while running, massive improvement in physical ability in exercise - so was no where near as unfit as I thought I was.

I am now on 2 months after my loading does, my nails have suddenly changed from be dish to very hard, my hair unfortunately is going a bit curly/ wavy at roots, was like this about 15 years ago.

Had bad reaction to b12 injections, had a pimple/sandpaper like rash across forehead and scalp, cleared up after about 6 weeks, was pretty nasty, and I never usually get spots! Used duac cream after 4 weeks that may also have helped.

IBS like stomach problems completely cleared up since injections even slight intolerance to dairy has gone.

Periods have returned to how they used to be a long time ago, always had and been regular but they are much heavier.

My level was 119 when diagnosed, been given hydroxy form of b12.

Never found any with some of my symptoms so thought I would inform others of what to expect with treatment.

6 likes, 79 replies

79 Replies

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  • clare08192
    clare08192 lynn1000

    Posted

    I was diagnosed in 2009 after routine blood tests for CFS, I was told my range was so low i should've been in hospital not still moving albeit very slowly, my symptoms were sore tongue, tireness that you wouldn't believe & a pain so unbearable in my legs i could only move very slowly sad And my word assocation was shot to pieces! Breathing was terrible too like i had asthma.

    2016 7 years from starting, all my symptoms are returning sad i have no idea why, i get my b12 injections once every 8 weeks for life. I think the docs have changed suppliers. Will be calling my doc monday! 

  • lisa21983
    lisa21983 lynn1000

    Posted

    My gp allows b12 to go below 15 before treatment he said the range is 15-300 hence 15 is fine I did reach on line in the medical journals which said minimum of 60-100 for a woman of child bearing age bought syton myself which helped then dr agreed to prescribe I currently suffer from low thyroid ,and crohns which are both indicated to cause low b12
  • debbie_bje15199
    debbie_bje15199 lynn1000

    Posted

    Have you read could it be b12. They have so much information in the book. They actually have a book now for children and prenaunt woman. Dusgnosing b13 deficiency. Have you checked to see if you are folate deficient. Taking b12 shots with this deficiency can cause neurological symptoms
  • Anarie
    Anarie lynn1000

    Posted

    Hi Lynn 

    I found your post really helpful! I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia in March. My level was 78 I was in hospital for 3 days and had a b12 injection every day while I was there. I've had one more injection since I got out. I feel a lot better but I have the rash on my face that you described and I'm starting to feel a bit low from it. It's like you said, like sandpaper and pimples and like you up to know I've had really good skin. The only difference is that mine is all over my face, I'm getting married and would love to get it cleared up. Do you get this rash after every injection?  What is the cream you use? duac? 

    Thanks for for the post!

  • lisa21983
    lisa21983 lynn1000

    Posted

    My gp told me last week that my b12 level is 20 I said I feel shocking she said well it

    would be great if we could get up but 20 is fine I just couldn't believe what I was hearing

    • stephanie15152
      stephanie15152 lisa21983

      Posted

      Did u not get given the infections?? 20!! No disrespect but how are you still functioning?! Mine was 118 an when the nurse gave me my kick start injections she said that my levels are really low an that with my results...there's only enough oxygen around my body to keep my organs goin! I feel horrible for you sad x
    • shikha85777
      shikha85777 lisa21983

      Posted

      hey lisa,

      Can you please let me know about the symptoms.Does it included burning sensation and inability to wear any tight thing like jeans or trousers which created pain from lower back to the toe?

  • lynnlow
    lynnlow lynn1000

    Posted

    Hi Lynn, thanks for the info.

    I found out about my deficiency from regular checkup, it was 182. (which doesn't sound that low). I had to do injections everyday for a week, and now once a week for 4 weeks, then 1x monthly for life.

    He did a lot of blood tests, and ruled out autoimmune diseases. I get enough b12 in my diet so it's not that, which means My stomach is not making IF so I can't absorb it. Isn't that the definition of P-anemia?!

    He thinks it's due to my alcohol consumption (2-3 glasses of wine a Nite).

    I know alcoholics have B12 issues, but that's not my case.

    My question is, if i don't make IF, then doesn't that mean I have P-anaemia?

    Thank you,

    Lynn

  • shikha85777
    shikha85777 lynn1000

    Posted

    hey,

    I am suffering from pain in my arms and legs including spinal cord since 10 years. I have been diagnosed with the deficiency of b12 two years ago,at that time it was below 45. Recently my pain increased area wise and intensity wise which included burning sensation in the spine as well. I have been told that due to deficiency in b12 some changes occured in my spinal cord.I have been advised for injections of b12 for 10 months and life-time testing and getting vaccinated. Can you please let me know since how long you were having these symptoms?

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