, B12, ferretin and folate low

[Lagoonablue]

They have been low off and on for ages. Been on and off iron for around 10 years. Low iron picked up and explained away by pregnancies and my veggie diet.

However last set of blood tests showed b12. Folate and ferretin low. Put on a course of iron and also took b 12 regularly. More test and levels have hardly increased.

GP finally thinking could be something other than bad diet! He is sending me for a schilling test? Also query Coeliac. Anyone had similar experience. Generally digestion feels fine so not sure am allergic to wheat.

He was talking about pernicious anaemia and inability to make intrinsic factor. WTF? I am.confused and google doesn't help.as so much info out there.

Any words of wisdom?

[noddyholder]

I have PA have been having injections for 3 plus years and its been a revelation. If you don't make intrinsic factor you never will afaik so its the jabs! They are amazing

[ihearttc]

I have PA as well and have been having injections for about a year now.

I feel a million times better than I did last year-the only downside is that Ive put on about a stone in weight but doctor did say thats completely normal as Im now absorbing the food??

[noddyholder]

I don't think it makes you absorb the food more does it? The injections just raise the levels. I am the same weight I think

[Lagoonablue]

I need to put weight on actually. I am about 1 stone underweight!

[headlesslambrini]

I had v low folate and was given folic acid to take. Possibly try this as well. Thing is though, if you do anything before the tests are complete then it might mask the results.

[ihearttc]

Hmm I don't quite get it either but when I was really ill a few years ago and they didn't know what was wrong I was very underweight yet was eating loads.

Got to a "normal" weight and then got diagnosed with PA eventually and started on the injections and within 2 months had put on a stone!

Ive queried it with the nurse that does my injections and my GP and they have all said its to be expected as my body is now working properly and absorbing what I put into it. It might just be me getting closer to 40 though ;-)

[DottyDot]

I was going to suggest getting a blood test for coeliac. I have iron/b12 deficiency caused by being coeliac but have no other symptoms, so it's worth getting checked out as going undiagnosed for a long time can cause serious harm to your body.

[0ellenbrody0]

^^ this. All my levels were v low for years then diagnosed with Coeliac disease. I had no gastro symptoms, this isn't uncommon actually. Best to get it checked out.

[Lagoonablue]

Thanks all. Hopefully they will get to the bottom of it. Am starting to think Coeliac now myself, despite the lack of symptoms. I am very skinny and unable to keep weight on.

We will see I guess when the tests come back.

[annabanana19]

I had a similar problem. After blood tests it was apparent my B12 was low, even though my iron was OK but that could be just stores. So I'm on Cyanocobalamin tabs 3 times a day for 8 weeks then re-assess the bloods. They make be feel awake again after feeling so tired for months!

Also waiting for 2nd bloods back for coeliac as the 1st test done were inconclusive.

[Lagoonablue]

So we are both waiting for results then! Hopefully they will sort it out none way or another. Sick of feeling tired and pale!