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Original poster

B12 defficency

14 replies

Crawling · 09/12/2011 14:18

I am having tablets for very low levels but I have been so run down and was wondering if I can take vitamin suppliments as well? do I need to make sure they have no b12 in them?

OP posts:

sausagesandmarmelade · 10/12/2011 22:50

I had B12 deficiency once. Could actually be the lack of B12 that's making you feel 'run down'.

Seeing as you are already on B12 I would stick with the dose you've been prescribed and make sure that you eat a well balanced diet that includes foods that contain B12 naturally....eggs, cheese, yoghurt, meat, fish etc as well as making sure that you are getting the other nutrients you need naturally.

You will soon begin to feel a lot better.

Good luck!

musicmalady · 10/12/2011 23:23

are they prescribed tablets for vit B12 because in hospital we give only 3 monthly B12 injections

leftmymistletoeatthedoor · 10/12/2011 23:34

Why are you not getting injections?

I had b12 deficiency as a teenager. It was completely debilitating, I wad dizzy, weak, emotional, it was awful. I was doing my a levels at the time and could barely hold a pen. Therefore, if you aren't happy with how you're improving then go back and see your gp, you don't want to let this get worse.

Once I was injected I felt SO much better.

Foxinsocks · 11/12/2011 08:17

I don't get the injections either, think its cost cutting!

Also they couldn't find a reason for it (they think it's something to do with my stomach). Got the feeling if they had found a cause I would have got the jabs!

So definitely push! I lost the will to push a long time ago!

I take Feroglobin and it works well. Am anaemic too. Make sure you get a print out of your blood test results as I was missing other vitamins too (vitb6 I think and others). I used to take another supplement but I have now forgotten what it is called (a combination vitb and iron tablet)

Bunbaker · 11/12/2011 20:35

Some people can't process B12 if they take it orally, hence the need for injections. If the supplements aren't having any effect I suggest you go back to your GP.

Original poster

Crawling · 12/12/2011 10:51

She said that she wanted to give me tablets first (cyanocobalamin) and see how well I absorb and if I dont she will refer me in 3 months (I am bf so that might be why she gave the tablets instead). I looked up the symtoms and as far as I can remember I have always been like this. I will wait on vitamins and see what happens in 3 months. I had loads of problems as a child being unable to digest food properly they never found a reason though, and I have always had bad stomachs (cramps and sometimes vomiting after eating)so it might be why my levels are low I got used to it though and stopped complaining about it.

OP posts:

KalSkirata · 12/12/2011 14:08

I had the injections because I dont absorb B12. I'm afarid I stopped after 3 because while I felt better, I have a needle phobia and they hurt
But you do need to sort it before neurological damage happens as its irreversible I've been told (and not much fun)

EldonAve · 12/12/2011 14:22

BF and injections are fine together - go back to the GP

Deberny · 12/12/2011 14:25

How does B12 deficiency develop?
(Interested as it was suggested to me once.)

Foxinsocks · 12/12/2011 14:30

that's interesting - re the absorption. That's apparently my problem but they didn't bother to retest after the supplements so god knows if they are actually working.

my hair has stopped falling out at least! (I hope!)

Original poster

Crawling · 12/12/2011 15:10

I have just been to see my pychiatrist (another issue but I mentioned this) who talked through it with me I allready have neurological effects (numb hands and feet keep dropping things, memory loss) cant remember how long though and he looked up my results and said this is the only time I have been tested as my red blood cells were enlarged that my levels were very low (90) as was my folate he faxed a letter to my GP for me saying for me to be tested for pernicous anemia and have injections and folate. I could have cried so he sorted it for me I have to phone and make a appointment Foxinsockswhy dont you phone and get tested again?
Deberny It can be caused by diet (vegan or vegetarian) pernicous anemia which is autoimmune disease or stomach problems, or a one off depletion.

OP posts:

Original poster

Crawling · 12/12/2011 15:13

Oh and Foxinsocks it was vitamin b6 I was missing definetly push pernicous anemia can turn all hair grey and cause spinal damage making walking difficult but it is rare and not often checked for or so my doctor said.

OP posts:

Civilon · 12/12/2011 15:16

Can also be caused by coeliac disease, where gut absorption of nutrients doesn't work well.

If you have the jabs, how many are you meant to have? Every three months for...a year? For life? ???

EatMeDates · 12/12/2011 15:16

Vitamin supplments wont work if you have pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency) because your body cannot absorb B12 - thats the problem.

You probably need regular injections. Go back to your GP and discuss. GPs can be very ignorant of this condition. It took 15 years for my uncle to be diagnosed and given monthly injections. It contributed towards depression for him - very common with untreated pernicious anaemia.

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