To bother my GP and ask for a B12 injection

[JRUIN]

I have pernicious anemia and have been having 3 monthly shots of B12 for years. Was due my last one a couple of days after lockdown was announced and it was, quite rightly, cancelled. For the last week though I have done nothing but sleep-which is good in one way because I have been struggling to sleep at all for the past year, but obviously not ideal because I am still feeling so weak and tired that I am struggling to do the simplest of tasks. I'm guessing these symptoms are due to low levels of B12, so would it be wrong of me plead for my jab under these circumstances or should I suck it up and wait until it's safe?

*Not to touch

Ours have been cancelled, was told I didn't need it every 8 wks as per usual and I'd be fine. 🤔

My mum bought me some and I injected myself.

Why was it right they were cancelled to begin with!

It’s appalling.

Of course you need them

I've had two B12 jabs during lockdown
They are essential and your GP should be providing them

[quote MarkRuffaloCrumble]@Livelongandprosper have you tried sublingual tablets or sprays? If you can’t absorb through your stomach, having the under-the-tongue type could still work for you.

I used to gave the injections as mine was borderline low. When they tested for Intrinsic Factor antibodies it came back negative so they stopped the injections.

I now buy super strength sub lingual lozenges from Amazon and feel fine. Haven’t had bloods for a while but don’t have any low B12 symptoms.[/quote]
Could you please link me to the ones you buy. My B12 is 209, my GP won't give injections if you're over 200 and the tablets/spray isn't improving my levels. I'd also be happy to go private if I could find somewhere.

I’m shocked that injections have been routinely cancelled, as others have said particularly for those who can’t absorb oral form. What guidance did GPs get, I wonder if national or local as there seems to be a lot of variation in practice.

The guidance came from the British Society for Haematology @BudgieHammockBananaSmuggler (excellent user name!) who stated to delay/omit a dose of IM B12, they then backtracked and said that B12 injections should given.

So I phoned my surgery this morning and a rather abrupt receptionist told me that face to face appointments were available for emergencies only. After explaining how I was feeling she did however agree to book me an appointment for this afternoon as I am 'showing symptoms.' All rather confusing isn't it?

The nurse practitioner at my surgery was most odd, she kept saying 'it's a shame that you feel the oral supplements won't work for you'. I had to keep repeating that it wasn't about my feeling or thinking anything. I have pernicious anemia, I can't absorb from oral supplements. As proven by the numerous tests I had run by one of the GPs at that same surgery. All very odd, as if the condition was my choice

My child got theirs last week - and was also taught by the practice nurse how to do their own in future which is a huge relief.

Indecent, I'd actually complain to the Practice Manager about that. That's not on. Yes, the virus is scary, but being an HCP, it's not a job that can be done without touching patients, it's part of the job, and blaming patients or using language like that is over the score.

The requirement for intramuscular injections is no longer as clear cut as it used to be. It seems as though many people previously trudging up and down for injections and new cases might benefit just as well from oral supplements. In some countries in Europe this is standard management. With lockdown and the requirement to reduce risk for patients and staff some surgeries have been converting people even if short term to see how they do. There was also national advice at the start of lockdown that b12 injections could be safely suspended until the worst was over as levels don't drop very suddenly without top up. As pressure on services has lessened and circulating covid has lessened GP practices are getting back to providing these routine services. These are odd times but everyone is trying their best. Of course there is no question that B12 isn't an essential vitamin so you should be getting it some how. As far as having to pay is concerned I am not sure whether that will become the norm. It is certainly the case that paracetamol, antihistamines, Vitamin D tablets are rarely prescribed now and are cheap to buy. B12 orally might end up in that group but I am not aware that it is now. Different areas have different rules on these medicines.

I had mine just before lockdown. A week later I got a letter explaining that they are changing procedure and I would need to buy some 1000mcg 1 a day tablets and take them until my next injection date.

That date was last week and I can't get another injection!!!

I can't get a phlebotomist appointment and without one I can't get the tests down to see if I need B12.

Which means that for about 20 years I've been having injections based upon a supposition if pernicious aneamia rather than the definite diagnosis I thought I had had!!!

Not a happy bunny. I will be calling back next week to push again.

@JRUIN I hope you've had your injection without any further problems

I did thank you Livelongandprosper and actually feel a lot better already! The nurse was very nice and told me to be sure, on the way out, to book my next appointment for 12 weeks time so all good

Just stumbled on this thread, I think I may have B12 deficiency...can you please share your symptoms with me?

I have asked GP for a blood test. I have had symptoms for years....was diagnosed with MS in my 20s but am now seriously wondering if I am B12 deficient...

Doctors are open
My baby had his jabs
We wore PPE
Why haven't you booked appointment?