Vit B12 deficiency, is the blood test the GP does enough to diagnose this?

[cocolepew]

TIA

[RockinD]

It should be, but the issue may come with the GP's interpretation of the results.

Where I live the range is 191-633 and it is quite likely that if the result comes back within range a GP will say your B12 levels are 'normal'.

However, you really need to have a level above 500 to avoid neurological symptoms, so best to ask what figure your result came out at.

If you are below 500 and there is no suggestion that you have pernicious anaemia, you can supplement quite easily and safely with something like this:

www.amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Formulas-Methyl-B-12-Lozenges/dp/B002FJW3ZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375606046&sr=8-2&keywords=b12%20methylcobalamin&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

You should probably take a maintenance dose anyway if you are veggie or vegan.

[cocolepew]

Thanks, I'm having problems. Thyroid was normal so was B12 but I have a lot of symptons that fit both.

[RockinD]

Never let anyone tell you your bloods are 'normal'. Always ask for the figures and the ranges.

[Earthymama]

As you know, (you posted on thread I started) I am in the same boat.

I am trying to research to present my GP with evidence that needs further investigation but brain fog and exhaustion get in the way.

Also I fear that she will think bugger off with telling me what to do!!

It's the most frustrating situation.
Sending Cwtches and Blessings x

[cocolepew]

It's such a pain isn't it Earthymama? I hate tunning to the Dr, and to be fair, she had referrred me to a rheumatologist to get their opinion, but everything takes so flipping long.

I have an emergency referral to gynae, an emergency is classed as being seen in 12 weeks .

[Lonecatwithkitten]

You should also be tested to see whether you have intrinsic factor antibodies. If you have these you have primary pernicious anaemia and can not absorb B12 from the gut so have to get it by injection.
Pernicious anaemia can be secondary to other other disease so is your doctor investigating this.
Can I ask what your symptoms are? There are a large number of much less common autoimmune diseases which can present with similar symptoms. I have mixed connective tissue disease, pernicious anaemia, coeliac disease and Vitelligo so a myriad of immune mediated disease. In my family history I also have sjorgen's syndrome, hypothyroidism and adult onset type 1 diabetes all again immune mediated disease. Getting a rheumatologist is really worth the battle.

[prettyanddainty]

coco what are your symptoms? if you don't mind me asking. Mine are hair loss, insomnia.

[cocolepew]

Extreme fatigue, comes and goes atm but I'm off work for the school holidays so can rest. Hair loss, pins and needles in hands and feet, 'creepy' feeling on skin, muscle pain and spasms, headaches, sore throat, joint pain, dizziness, skin can feel a bit like it's sunburnt weight gain,. I'm having some bladder problems but I'm linking that with my gynae problems.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Hmm also all Symtoms of MCTD and sjorgrens, but also Lupus as well. Have they check ANA, rheumatoid factor, ESR, anti thyroid antibodies, anti RO and anti LO?
Often GPs are suspicious of one these diseases, but refer to a rheumatologist to confirm diagnosis as they require immunosuppressive drugs which NICE should initially be prescribed by a rheumatologist.
Often as I said before you have more than one disease, but you have to control one to be able to diagnose another.
My pernicious anaemia was diagnosed when my usual meds didn't control my tiredness. My rheumatologist reckons that my thyroid will also eventually go so we monitor that too.

[cocolepew]

The only thing my GP mentioned was fibromyalgia.

Nobody in my family had had to go to a neurologist do I wasn't completely sure what they did. It seems to be a good thing I was referred?

[cocolepew]

I'm also craving carbs, really craving them. I need to cut them down or out of my diet for a while, I have an intolerance to them that leaves me sore and tired.

It seems to flare up after I've been ill.

[mrsblakey]

am following this with interest as my gp advises i am below normal range for b12 .he wants another blood test again at the end of this month & if its still low then i will have to have a course of injections.
can anyone tell me what symptoms i should be looking for ?

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

I started using a spray b12 (under the tongue) about 4 weeks ago and have definitely noticed an upturn in energy, but a down turn in mood.

I don't know what's done it or whether it will be permanent, as I also have had 5 weeks of vit d (20,000units) for hyperparathyroidism as well... Though last time I took these they had zilch effect at all.

Anyone know what could be happening?

(background of diagnosed but rubbish treatment/ management of eds, autonomic dysfunction, hyperparathyroidism and fibro)

[prettyanddainty]

double are you taking anything else for your hyperthyroidism?

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

No just the coleciferol / vit d weekly dose. I didn't think there was anything else?

[magso]

Double have you looked into magnesium supplements whilst you take vit D? I read up on vit D and felt the benefit once I was on Magnesium. Perhaps the GP could advise?

[cocolepew]

This is the third thread I've posted this on, so sorry for repeating myself

Iwas at the oestopath this morning and lm lacking in magnesium. Lack of magnesium affects your muscles and ligaments, it makes them too loose. Like a 'ragdoll effect'. This had caused me to be out of line, back, shoulders, hips and pelvis. Then this in turn was pulling on muscles and stretching them too. It also causes pins and needles and a 'creepy' feeling on the skin.

I'm to take 400mg for 6 weeks then I can take 200mg.

Maybe this will help someone else .

[cocolepew]

Oh and my adrenal glands werent working very good and this in turn shows the thyroid down, hence the fatigue and hair loss.

[prettyanddainty]

coco what did they give you for your adrenal glands? what test did you have for that if you don't mind me asking because I am having some hormone tests done.
double when I had graves disease a version of hyperthyroidism, I was on carbimazole.

[cocolepew]

There wasn't any tests. My oestopath also does chinese medicine, not everyones cup if tea I know.

If you look up Adrenal Fatigue there will be a list of symptoms and things to help.

I'm don't need to take anything except the magnesium (6 brazil nuts will give you enough needed in a day).

My DD is 15 and shes been taking magnesium for the ladt year, it has really helped her heavy periods.

[prettyanddainty]

Thanks coco brazil nuts it is then .

[magso]

You can also get magnesium from Epsom salts (1/2 -1cup) in a nice long bath bath. Apparently it can get through the skin if you are deficient!!