Posted , 5 users are following.
I've been doing a little research on vitamin B-12 for PMR and/or eczema. I have both (and vasculitis), lucky me. Some articles say prednisone can effect B-12 absorption. Has anyone had positive results from taking a B-12 supplement? or injection?
0 likes, 4 replies
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3party darlene96382
Posted
I can't help with your B12 question, but B12 is never a bad thing to take. I have a question about your eczema and vasculitis. Did they appear after you began taking prednisone? Thank you.
darlene96382 3party
Posted
I have had eczema for probably 15 years and used strong topical steroids for years. My eczema continued to get worse and I decided to take a break from topical steroid use. I began having PMR symptoms within 2-3 weeks of stopping the topical steriod. I was diagnosed July, 2015, within two months of symptoms and started on 15mg of prednisone, which worked beautifully. After being on prednisone for one month, I started having calf muscle pain when walking up any kind of incline. It was determined April, 2016 that I have bilateral femoral artery occlusions. At first my doctor didn't think it was PMR related but now he says it probably is. Funny how little most of them know about PMR. I am currently reducing to 4mg of prednisone following the DSNS method and so far haven't had any major issues. I am 55 years old and was pretty active before PMR started. Overall I still do good most days but would love to be able to walk and hike like I used to without the dreaded calf pain. My eczema behaved quite nicely when I was taking 15mg of prednisone but started flaring up again when I got below 8mg or so. I just try to watch what I eat and use coconut oil on my skin. I think eczema is also suppose to be an auto immune issue.
EileenH darlene96382
Posted
If you have bilateral femoral occlusions - I'll lay odds your PMR symptoms had a lot to do with GCA in large vessels and that the topical steroids were enough to keep it just under control! My PMR started with thigh claudication, also probably due to similar issues, but the 15mg pred starting dose was enough to sort it and its never come back.
EileenH darlene96382
Posted
The B12 blood test to see if you are depleted is a simple way to answer your question and I would be surprised if your doctor hadn't checked it during the diagnosis of your vasculitis. Though - nothing surprises me these days really!
Pred is less likely to deplete your stocks than other drugs you may be taking. Injections are not usually necessary unless you have pernicious anaemia - and I think you would notice other symptoms. Taking a B vitamin supplement probably won't do much harm.