low b12

[Bonkerz]

Anyone else had this?

I initially went to the GP about 3 months ago as I had blood in my stools and was suffering with diarrhoea quite bad. Was tested for crones and colitis but tests were inconclusive although they showed I had high iron and large red blood cells. I was retested which showed a B12 level of below 80 and doctor has put me on tablets for this. I'm due to go back for more bloods in Dec and to test my thyroid levels too but I'm really confused about what all this means.

Also if it is IBD you need b12 injections as they are better absorbed

Injections of b12 start tomorrow and I have 5 more booked in over next 2 weeks.

You will feel a million times better. I have that quite a lot when low.

Well feel totally stupid today.

I know I'm not depressed and I know my anxiety is high lately. I've been dealing with it by writing lists (total brain fog) and being very organised as this helps reduce my anxiety.
I have the 4 DCs home too so been trying to stay calm and organised and 'normal' for them (eldest has autism so this helps him too) then about 5:00 last night the nurse rings to cancel my jab today and I completely lost the plot! I couldn't see a way through the changing plan and went a little mental on her. She went away and checked my notes and came back saying it was important I had my jab and she will fit me in as planned today. Now I'm too bloody scared to go! My head was telling me I was over reacting but I couldn't stop having a panic attack! How bloody ridiculous? Could this really be the B12 deficiency causing this extreme anxiety?

No you haven't over reacted.
You are exhausted from an extremely low level of vitB12, you are coping with 4 dcs, running a house etc.
Clearly they needed a bit more space in their clinic (whatever the reason) and thought you weren't urgent. Well she has just learned you are.

Just go and you will see that your anxiety will drop right down as soon as you will start to feel a bit more human again.
In my experience, it's the tiredness coming from the lack of vitB12 (which then impacts on the iron and the red cells) that is making everything harder (abs makes you more anxious).

THANKYOU.

Everything seems like an effort but I don't have the luxury of rest! I'm not coping very well I know this and hate it so I deflect this and become shouty!

All done. Also made an appointment with doctor for 30/12 to discuss the bowel issue.

I asked about my low folate and nurse said not to take folic acid until I've had all b12 jabs and another blood test.

I've also bought calcium/vit d and vit e supplements but don't know if I should take them now

Have you been bitten by a tick at all? At any time?

It's a long shot but I'm currently raising awareness about Lyme disease ... Your symptoms fit it to a tee. They wax and wane and they shift about but they include palpitations, joint pain, brain fog, light headed ness, feeling off balance... In fact, Lyme disease can mimic 300 illnesses ..

My DH has recently been diagnosed. After 8 weeks of bizarre disjointed symptoms and feeling very unwell. We only got to this diagnosis because he thankfully remembered a strange bite in the summer.

You probably won't have Lyme but I thought I'd put it out there just in case.

I have low B12
I requested the IF tests as pp said to rule out pernicious anaemia. I think low B12 can get generalised as PA when thats not always the case.

Still haven't ever really gotten to the bottom of it all. Had loading injections previously and these can help. Hope you feeling better soon Op

Never been bit but thanks for the post.
I guess I shall see how I go really. Wish it was a miracle cure but won't know till I start seeing an improvement.

Drink wine tonight. Not the best plan but need sleep without legs aching and hey it's stopped me feeling the pain in my arm!!

It might take a few weeks before you start to feel better but the injections will stop the aching legs & restless sleep. I always know when my 12 weeks are nearly up as I wake up in the night & struggle to get back to sleep & I have really bad restless legs. Hope you manage to have a good Christmas & you get some answers on 30th. Please come back & let us know how you get on. Take care

All psychological I'm sure but two injections last week and didn't need any pain killers for hip pain and leg ache for 5 days but have woke up today in agony. Last injection was Xmas eve next one due tomorrow!

3rd injection today. Have doctors tomorrow to chase up the original problem I went to the doctors with which was blood in my stools. I have now had constant diarreoh for weeks. Over Christmas (despite eating for Santa) I have lost 8lb :0( I'm a large lady so weight loss isn't bad but it's worrying when I'm eating lots and it's not intentional!

Have written a list of my concerns so I can see what the next steps will be.

Please push it bonkerz. It took a long time for me to be diagnosed with crohns. Even after a major bowel resection the surgeon said he was surprised I had it 'as I was fat'...... In reality I had crohns for years and its led to me losing most of my bowel and I have a permanent colostomy and am looked after at st marks. Am waiting now for major surgery again and take an enormous amount of steroids and codeine to work and function. Its horrible.... Keep pushing.

THANKYOU wannabe. The nurse who is giving me the B12 actually made the GP appointment for me and has written lots of notes as I'm overusing medication at the moment.
I get the impression the GP thinks the bowel issue is because of the b12 but the nurse thinks the bowel issue has caused the b12 issue.
What came first will be my question I guess!!

So finally today I have been placed on anxiety medication. I'm now taking 80mg a day propranolol. I have a referral to dietitian to start FODMAP diet and also am on waiting list for therapy sessions.

The GP does think my bowel is bad because of the stress and anxiety so I'm on meds now for 6 months as well as this new diet plan and if they don't work then she will refer for further testing.

That's some progress at least :) hope you start to feel better now.....