B-12 ANEMIA

Peripheral Neuropathy – more information

As I said in my last post, the peripheral nervous system includes sensory nerves that receive feeling.  Keep in mind that not everyone experiences the same symptoms with any condition.  When dealing with the nervous system even more so.  Your nerves may react very differently then someone else, so you might have symptoms and not even realize what they really mean. Continue reading ‘Peripheral Neuropathy – more information’

B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean

I just need to take a minute and discuss what the results of your B12 blood tests mean.  Recently I have had 2 people from my personal life who have been diagnosed with B12 deficiency anemia and I am shocked at the difference between my treatment and theirs.  They weren’t informed of the severity or the potential dangers associated with this condition. Continue reading ‘B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean’

Vitamin b12 deficiency anemia – overview

There are many different names and words thrown in when discussing vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia.  I will attempt to cover them all, but it will take a little time so bare with me and check back often.  I was diagnosed with B-12 deficiency anemia a few years ago. Continue reading ‘Vitamin b12 deficiency anemia – overview’

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious Anemia is one of many different types of anemia.  Having anemia means that your body does not have enough red blood cells that are healthy.  Because of this the blood can not distribute oxygen properly to the cells in your body.  Continue reading ‘Pernicious Anemia’

I need to vent

I am so upset that I need to vent about it, so thanks for bearing with me.  As many of you know, it was a long tedious process for me to get diagnosed with B12 deficiency/pernicious anemia.  Many of the doctors I went to just assumed that I was exadurating and had problems with my hubby I didn’t want to tell them about.  They all wanted to prescribe anti-depressants and anxiety medication and call it a day.  When I finally found my current doctor, he saved my life and got me back to normal. It took a few years of trial and error, but I’m on a great shot schedule that is perfect for me.

We just found out a week or so ago that my husbands work has changed insurance companies again.  I put it off as long as possible, but finally bit the bullet and checked what doctors are on our new plan.  Can you guess what I’m going to say next?  I bet  you can.  My beloved doctor does not take our new insurance, Aetna.

I pretty much cried all morning.  I guess I will look into getting different insurance, but from the research I’ve already done it looks pretty expensive to do it that way.  I know everything happens for a reason, but why can’t any of my lessons in life ever come easy.  I get sick to my stomach thinking about going to a new doctor and trying to convince him that what I do now is the best for me.

Thanks for letting me vent.  I really needed it.  It feels good to get it out and share with you guys.

Methylmalonic acid

Methylmalonic acid is another important component in diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.   Just because you have a blood test where your vitamin B12 levels are low, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have B12 anemia.  Your doctor will determine the amount of methylmalonic acid in your blood by ordering (yet another – get used to it) a blood test.  This blood test will help determine whether or not a vitamin B12 deficiency exists. Continue reading ‘Methylmalonic acid’

Coupon Codes

I just wanted to give you some coupon codes to get you a little extra off if you shop at any of the vitamin store you see here.  I will try to keep  this updated and there is a link on the sidebar to get you here easily.  If you try a code and it doesn’t work e-mail me and I’ll find you a valid one. Continue reading ‘Coupon Codes’

Intrinsic Factor

Intrinsic Factor is another name you hear all the time in conjunction with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia.  It is a glycoprotein that is produced by cells in your stomach.  The intrinsic factor is vital in B12 distribution through your body. Continue reading ‘Intrinsic Factor’

Intrinsic Factor – part 2

When the intrinsic factor is not being produced your intestinal bacteria eat up the bulk of the vitamin B12 that is ingested.  The rest is simply excreted.  So if you aren’t producing the intrinsic factor it doesn’t matter if you are getting enough vitamin B12.  The B12 needs to get to the right place in your body. Continue reading ‘Intrinsic Factor – part 2′

B-12 symptoms

There are many different symptoms to vitamin B-12 deficiency and frankly not enough information about them. The symptoms usually start mild as the deficiency is mild, you usually don’t even notice symptoms in the beginning. As you become more deficient your symptoms will multiply and intensify. Continue reading ‘B-12 symptoms’

B12 Symptoms

I’m sorry that I have been neglecting this blog.  I have so many things I want to blog about, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day.  I will try to get back to updating more often.

I had a reader comment asking if anyone could please list what they feel are the symptoms of  B12 deficiency.  I was thinking what a great idea.  As many of you know there is the technical list of the B12 deficiency symptoms (you can read about them here and here) and then there are the real symptoms that many of us experience.  They do not always match. Continue reading ‘B12 Symptoms’

B12 symptoms – part 2

Vitamin B12 deficiency is much more common in the elderly (although lately many younger people are being diagnosed).  The symptoms of B12 deficiency can mimic symptoms of other more sever, untreatable conditions like dementia, senility and Alzheimer’s.  In these cases it is critical to get a correct diagnosis as Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition. Continue reading ‘B12 symptoms – part 2′

Peripheral Neuropathy

Many people with vitamin B12 deficiency develop some form of nerve problems.  The nerve damage experienced with B12 deficiency is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Continue reading ‘Peripheral Neuropathy’

B12 Anemia – treatment

If you are diagnosed with B12 deficiency there are many different forms of treatment, and they are all correct as long as you are continuously monitored to make sure your levels are where they should be.  At the point I am at now I have my B12 levels checked about every 3 months.  That isn’t a right or wrong amount, I’m just letting you know if you would like someone to compare it to. Continue reading ‘B12 Anemia – treatment’

B12 deficiency – possible causes

There are quite a few causes of b12 deficiency anemia.  The most common causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency have to do with stomach & digestive related problems.  Continue reading ‘B12 deficiency – possible causes’