B12 Deficiency - Anemia Message Board

LF105 · 10-08-2003, 02:26 PM

I have had a B12 deficiency for 3 years now. For the last two years I have had B12 injections weekly for 3 months at a time. I also have my blood tested regularly to monitor the B12. The injections do not give me any more energy contrary to what the doctors and nurses keep telling me I should expect. My B12 level has never been in the 'normal' range since they first discovered it was low, however, it tends to go up and down. I have had every test done (ie. stool test, schillings etc), but everything comes back normal. My original doctor told me oral supplements probably won't help my condition - but she could never diagnose the cause. My new doctor has me taking oral supplements (1000 mcg a day)for 6 weeks, at which point I will have my blood tested again. My B12 as of last week was at 74. I apparently am NOT anemic although my iron levels get really low occasionally as well. I am not a vegetarian - I eat a very well balanced diet. My new doctor is shocked that my old doctor could not find the cause - however she is not getting any further into determining the cause than the first doctor. For the amount of B12 injections I've had over the last few years, I would expect they should be enough to at least stabalize my level of B12 for a while - I am not convinced the shots even work.

I have been reading all the other 'threads' dealing with B12, but each individual's scenerio is so different....

Anybody go through this?

NancyH · 10-09-2003, 08:27 PM

Well it took several years for mine to stabilize and my Dr does have my B12 checked every 6 weeks or so and I do fall down and then go back up, so you have had the tests to see if you lack the intrinsic factr which is needed for you body toabsorb that vitamin? Did they explain to you that when you get as low as you are(I was at 96) that it really takes years to get enough f that back into the system? B12 has to be absorbed into all the tissue as well, I have never felt "more energetic etc" and it took 4 yrs to suddenely feel a bit better. Are you getting intramuscular or subcutaneous? I started out with intramuscular for about 2 years than he switched me to subcutaneous as it gets better absorption directly into the tissues, I also take B12 sublingual everyday along with giving my own injections.

LF105 · 10-10-2003, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the info. As far as I know, I am not lacking the IF. I have been getting the shots intramuscular... thanks for the tip. I am also taking the sublingual supplements every day... getting my blood tested every six weeks now with my new doctor. This is the first time I have tried the sublingual supplements - maybe they will help in the long term - nothing seems to work in the short term.. my family and friends have just seemed to accept the fact that i am always falling asleep everywhere i go