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.
I know there are many of you out there reading, so why not leave a comment about the symptoms you had or are having. This will not be anything scientific, and as always you should see a doctor for medical advice and a diagnosis. You can post anonymously, it would just be a way to share what you have experienced and maybe let someone else learn from it. I’ll go leave the first comment to get it started. Now I know you are out there reading, so don’t be shy.
Some of my B12 deficiency symptoms were typical and some were not. I had tingling in my feet for quite some time. It did progress to my legs, hands and arms. My head felt fuzzy. I know it’s a vague description, but it’s the most accurate one. I sometimes felt like I wasn’t getting enough oxygen to my head/brain. At times it was hard for me to form words. I would have to stop and really think of what I wanted to say. My heart would pound constantly and became erratic at times. It would burn and hurt when I would pee (felt like a UTI), but they could find nothing wrong. Those are a few to get you all started. What are your symptoms?
For the past year and a half I have been extremely tired, even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours. it was very difficult for me to fall asleep, and when I did, i would only sleep for a few hours at a time if I didnt take a sleeping aid. Ive had blood tests, sleep studies, etc. You name it, I had it tested. it finally occured to my doctor to test my B12 level. Well today I went for my resuls, and it turned out I have an extreme b12 deficiency.
My hand and feet have been a little tingley for a few months, but I just thought it was from lack of activity (Due to being so fatigued) But, my docotr went over some of the symptoms with me, and now a lot of things finally make sense.
I’ve been feeling very tired about past few months, though i’ve been sleeping 8 to 10 hours per night. During the day i often get “weak moments” when i just feel very powerless/faint… My hands and legs have been very tingley for a quite long time now,Lately I have been feeling some numbness too. It’s very hard for me to concentrate and i feel anxious all the time. I’ve had problem of forming right words too. Sometimes i find myself making up some words because i can’t find the word i’m looking for, it gets really frustrating at times. I’m going to have my blood test taken next week. I’m really scared that i’ve made myself sick because of my diet (vegan). And the fact that,if i have B12, i’d have to continue the treatments rest of my life really freaks me out because i’m only 19.
I am so happy to have found this site. I was diagnosed last week with B12 and Vit D deficiency and as crazy as it sounds, I am glad to have finally figured out what was going on!! I had been to a number of drs and had a variety of tests done with everything coming back as normal, but I felt off and knew something just wasn’t right. I have had the same frustrating issues with not being able to find simple words, muscle ache, mood swings and I have felt like someone has been sitting on my chest for months! I also suffer from a mild continuous headache on my left side. Fortunately for me, I am always on the go, and I did not realize that my body was feeling the fatigue–somehow I was able to push through most of the time.
I went for my first shot today and will continue weekly for the next month and then go from there. I am waiting to see how long it takes for everything to “kick in” and some of the aches to subside.
Thank you so much for all of the information. I have learned more from reading this blog than I have from my Dr and finally know that all of my symptoms were not just in my head!
Michelle,
I’m so glad that my blog was able to help you! I know how wonderful it feels to finally get a diagnosis, and you may not believe it now but be thankful it’s B12 deficiency. With all the things they probably thought it could be I’d bet this is the best outcome by far. It will take a while for you to start to feel better, and it is usually a gradual thing so give it a little time. In a few months you will feel better and a year from now will be a new person!
Thanks for commenting!
Lori
I was diagnosed with B12 anemia 7 yrs ago and at that time I needed infusions 3 times a week wo bring my counts up as well as B12 injections. I take perscription iron daily and was getting B12 injections monthly. I moved to a different state a year ago and got a new doctor who cut my iron pill to 1 daily, I was taking 3 and says I only need injections every 3 months. Lately I have noticed that my feet are a dusky blue and tingling again and I’m not sure that my doctor is on top of this. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that I also had neuropathy which has affected my balance, my memory, I have confusion and the feet issue. I live is the southern coastal part of NC does anybody know a good doctor in this area