Vitamin B12 deficiency, Pernicious anemia? - Anemia Message Board

jgates · 07-13-2002, 03:17 PM

Dear Members I am new to the board and have found that I share similar symtoms with those of you with pernicious anemia. Has anyone had difficulties in determining a correct diagnosis. I have been through many tests only to find most of them normal. They only tests that were not normal were the B 12 (104) and I had and acid stomach of ph6. My intrisic factor test was normal and the upper GI endoscopy showed a normal atrophy(uncertain if that is a correct term). They x-rayed for Chrons, tested for Wheat allergies and parasites and did a procto. My blood is normal. I have been on B12 injections for about 7 months. I am still very tired and my neck and back are sore. I can only do one thing a day and then have to rest.One of my doctors says that the acid stomach shows the beginnings of pernicious anemia, the other doctor says no, that it is only about intrinsic factor. Is there another way to check for pernicious anemia. Does anyone know about gastric parietal cells? The doctors told me that the Schilling test isn't used any more. Could there be anything else that would cause a B 12 deficiency. I want to know because I am not getting stronger. Thank you so much.

Harry · 07-13-2002, 06:20 PM

igates,
I don't know where you live but I would get referred to a blood specialist -- I think they are called Hematologist --- and they specialize in blood problems.

I think you're stomach is suppose to be acid ----that how we keep germs from attacking us ---no germ known lives in an acid environment. People that have stomach problems are often given proton pump inhibitors that reduce acid levels--- Prilosec, Privised, Nexium and Aciphex are examples.

I developed anemia by chronic diverticular bleeding in my colon. Half of my colon was removed on March 4, 2002. Since then, I have been doing alot of reading about how to get back to normal.

God Bless---Harry

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 07-13-2002).]

jgates · 07-13-2002, 07:38 PM

Dear Harry, thanks for the post. I will try a hematologist. The doctor thought my stomach was too acid, more acid than normal. I am unsure of the normal ranges. Mine was a Ph6. I really don't have problems with a stomach ache although sometimes I do have an upset stomach.I sure hope you are feeling better and have fun trying to get back to normal. Normal to me I hope is more fun.

jgates · 07-14-2002, 09:47 PM

I just found out that a PH of 6 is not acid for your stomach. Does anyone who has pernicious anemia know the PH of their stomach?

SnowyLynne · 08-08-2002, 04:03 AM

I don't know what my stomach ph is,but I do have Pernisous Enemia.I do not have the intrinsic factor at all.My hubby gives me my B-12 injections,right now every week.......My stomach has been giving me a fit.I have GERD(acid reflux).

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SnowyLynne