Anaemia and B12 injections?

[Eleanor111]

Went to A&E with worrying stomach pains. Tests came back normal but Dr said my Hgb count was 12 and therefore I should see GP about anaemia.

I lost a lot of blood giving birth to two of my DCs and wonder if, though it was quite a while ago, the problem could stem from that time. Anyway, I've started taking B12 tablets and Floridix but actually, I do feel tired/drained a lot of the time. Work f-t.

I know I need to go and get more info about the count but I am dreading the possibility that B12 shots may be prescribed. Anyone had these and were they effective in the long run? Wondering if the GP would be OK with my seeing if what I'm doing at present ups the count over the next few weeks or is 12 really low?

Wouldn't iron supplements be the first thing to try if you're anaemic? Why are you dreading B12 injections, are you needle phobic? In certain diseases, B12 injections are a God send, I wish I could have them!

I thought 12 was fine? Mine is 10.5 at the moment and I'm taking iron supplements.

Is it your B12 that is 12 rather than your hb? Hb of 12 is fine. If your B12 is low, your folate could could be low too - the two go hand in hand in cellular production. If you are having injections ask about having erythropoietin too - speeds up cellular production so you can recover more quickly

Absorption of B12 from the diet happens in the terminal ileum and requires something called intrinsic factor. If production of intrinsic factor is insufficient you are said to have pernicious anaemia. This is the most common cause of B12 deficiency.

It can also be caused by dietary insufficiency (more common with vegans), and if you take certain anti-convulsants or PPI's.

I have PA and get the injections every 10 weeks (for life). It's no worse than having a flu jab, for example. It goes into the upper arm, and can be a little uncomfortable and achy for the rest of the day. I can tell when I'm due because I start getting fatigued and short of breath easily. I also get a lot of mouth ulcers. I usually start feeling loads better within a couple of days. The jabs are really nothing to worry about, and are done by my practice nurse. Infinitely preferable to feeling how I did before I started on them!

Many thanks, all, for these very helpful posts. I obviously need more information about that hospital test. Thanks too, Ipswich, for the reassurance about B12 injections. And Auntie Dee, I will enquire about erythropoietin - thanks.

Yes, I wondered about HgB 12 - the doctor sounded quite concerned and then I got a letter from the surgery - very unusual - saying they wanted to discuss test results with me. But then 12 isn't worryingly low, for the most part.

Anyway, off to make that app and get the low down. Thanks again.