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Original poster

B12 injections... really 6 in 2 weeks?

39 replies

lalalalalalaleeee · 01/06/2023 22:08

Have had issues with my B12 levels and after 3 months on tablets, had a text from GP today saying i need a course of injections.....

My issue is how I fit these in around o work, I have to have 6 over 2 weeks, and am away with work next week

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 01/06/2023 22:11

That's standard. Each appointment is only three minutes in and out, though.

It felt like being resuscitated to me, so I didn't argue. Is your employer always difficult about brief medical medical appointments?

MoreHairyThanScary · 01/06/2023 22:34

It's a loading dose to get your levels up, then they can drop down to 12weekly or 3 monthly

Coffeepot72 · 01/06/2023 22:35

Resuscitation is a good description, if you need these injections you really should get them

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 06:03

JeandeServiette · 01/06/2023 22:11

That's standard. Each appointment is only three minutes in and out, though.

It felt like being resuscitated to me, so I didn't argue. Is your employer always difficult about brief medical medical appointments?

I didn't say my employer was difficult. I'm physically going to be in a different city for the 2nd half of next week.

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 06:09

Huh. Well that's new. Everyone I've ever met who needed them, was desperate for them. Sorry just assumed you were keen to have them and so the work issue was your employer.

wineandcheeseplease · 02/06/2023 06:13

Delay it til you get home?

Pollywoddles · 02/06/2023 06:14

wineandcheeseplease · 02/06/2023 06:13

Delay it til you get home?

This! I don’t get the issue.

wineandcheeseplease · 02/06/2023 06:24

Pollywoddles · 02/06/2023 06:14

This! I don’t get the issue.

Show quote history

Same. When I started mine the doctor couldn't even fit me in for them for a few weeks.

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 06:31

JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 06:09

Huh. Well that's new. Everyone I've ever met who needed them, was desperate for them. Sorry just assumed you were keen to have them and so the work issue was your employer.

Sorry? I pre planned work trip doesn't mean I'm not desperate for them, however the trip cannot be changed.

I was just trying to work out how I will fit them in... my surgery is also 30 minutes from my work and I don't drive so it's not a case of just nipping out!

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 06:35

Not quite sure why you're taking exception to my assumption AND my apology. So I'm a bit nervous to comment again, but one last try:-

Just schedule them for whenever is least disruptive. Especially if you haven't got to the point of feeling ill yet. You might need to go in late or leave early six times in a fortnight, but you really don't want the neuro symptoms, so do schedule them.

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 06:46

JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 06:35

Not quite sure why you're taking exception to my assumption AND my apology. So I'm a bit nervous to comment again, but one last try:-

Just schedule them for whenever is least disruptive. Especially if you haven't got to the point of feeling ill yet. You might need to go in late or leave early six times in a fortnight, but you really don't want the neuro symptoms, so do schedule them.

My gp made it sound like it couldn't wait.
I can't explain to you how poorly I feel, but I work in a small team of 3, so the rota is already like a military operation.
Maybe it's brain fog, exhaustion or whatever, but I can just not work out how to fit them in

OP posts:
JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 06:49

Well, honestly, if you were my DD or DSis, I'd be trying to put my foot down and say that your health comes first, so do it ASAP. Take sick leave if necessary. But if you're saying you can't do that, do it soon.

Some people get lasting effects (lasting cognitive deficit, neuropathy) because they don't get treatment quickly enough, so your GP isn't being alarmist.

highlandspooce · 02/06/2023 06:51

It can definitely wait until you are able to sort your schedule. Nobody can help you with this though, if you work over the hours the surgery is open then you either need to book some time off, work through lunch to finish an hour early or just go private and pay for the appointment time you need.

You sound as if you are being hard done by with the expectation you go to a quick nurse appointment for the good of your own health.

A lot of people are struggling to get taken seriously with B12 and have to fight or self medicate the B12 so you are in a very fortunate position to be offered this so easily. Once the initial doses are done you won't need to attend the surgery so often.

FawnFrenchieMum · 02/06/2023 06:53

lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 06:46

My gp made it sound like it couldn't wait.
I can't explain to you how poorly I feel, but I work in a small team of 3, so the rota is already like a military operation.
Maybe it's brain fog, exhaustion or whatever, but I can just not work out how to fit them in

Show quote history

Only you can decide what’s more important your preplanned trip & rota’s or your health and how poorly you feel.

Either start after the work trip and tell work you need to take the appointments or will be going off on sick leave two weeks. Or take sick leave now and have them straight away.

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 06:58

I cannot afford to go private, I cannot afford to go off sick and I certainly haven't been given these B12 injections 'easily' as someone has said.

I was just hoping someone could tell me if I had 2 next week then 4 the following if that would be ok.

I haven't even spoken to my GP yet, I received a text message at 7pm last night so have been worrying about it all night.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 02/06/2023 07:01

What time does your surgery open OP? And close? Mine opens early to help people in these situations. I’d start them when I got back if I were you.

id also suggest changing doctors once this is done to one that’s more convenient. This doesn’t seem tenable going forward.

RollinRollinRollinRawhide · 02/06/2023 07:03

I was just hoping someone could tell me if I had 2 next week then 4 the following if that would be ok.

It will be absolutely fine.

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 07:05

BitOutOfPractice · 02/06/2023 07:01

What time does your surgery open OP? And close? Mine opens early to help people in these situations. I’d start them when I got back if I were you.

id also suggest changing doctors once this is done to one that’s more convenient. This doesn’t seem tenable going forward.

The surgery is convenient for home, just not for work.

I'll give them a call when they open, it's rare im away with work, and I'm probably just overthinking it tbh

OP posts:
lljkk · 02/06/2023 07:11

Could OP have 3 injections, extra few days gap, & 3 more injections afterwards? Is there no flexibility?

Azerothi · 02/06/2023 07:13

This might not be suitable but my surgery lets me give my intramuscular injection of B12 to myself in my thigh as I had the same problem and was desperate enough to do it. I am down to 12 weekly now and still do it myself even though I could go to the surgery.

They supplied me with a sharps bin, needles and I just pick up the vial of B12 from the pharmacy now every 12 weeks. If you really are desperate might it be a solution?

betsyannegrey · 02/06/2023 07:13

I used to get them when I was younger, GP showed my mum how to do it, it's an intra muscular injection, so not difficult to do. Do you have a partner who could do it for you? Lots have to do this sort of thing with IVF.

You will feel so much better when you've had even the first one, so try to fit it in. But there's no problem if you're a week late getting one, there's no precise schedule that needs to be followed.

JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 07:14

I've had to postpone the sixth in the course by a week before, but that wasn't my first (or second) loading course.

It's hard to say, isn't it? We don't want to go against medical advice and only OP can say how bad she feels.

JeandeServiette · 02/06/2023 07:15

Sorry that was to @lljkk

Original poster
lalalalalalaleeee · 02/06/2023 07:25

Azerothi · 02/06/2023 07:13

This might not be suitable but my surgery lets me give my intramuscular injection of B12 to myself in my thigh as I had the same problem and was desperate enough to do it. I am down to 12 weekly now and still do it myself even though I could go to the surgery.

They supplied me with a sharps bin, needles and I just pick up the vial of B12 from the pharmacy now every 12 weeks. If you really are desperate might it be a solution?

I'd happily do this, I already inject victoza daily for my diabetes

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 02/06/2023 07:25

Ah, I see. Give them a call this morning once the rush is over and explain the situation to the receptionist. I was able to get mine booked in as a block, all at 8am so I could get to work.

at the end of the day though you need these done do work will have to give way once you’re back.

good luck!