Comments for B-12 ANEMIA http://www.b12anemia.org Understanding vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:35:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by Chris http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12521 Chris Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:35:06 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12521 I started out feeling good this morning, went to pool for so excercise, made veg. soup, ran a few errands...then it hit. I started to get spots in my left eye, more than floaters...then noticed my vision was getting worse. I drove to eye doctor and after testing found the retina had come loose...was told this should resolve itself, not a tear or detachment...also told I have 2 bleeders. I have low blood presure so that is not a concern. Doctor can't say for sure it is from B12 problems, side effect from medications, or just one of thoses things. Was told it should all resolve itself over the next few months...recheck in 3 months. Has anyone had problems like this from B12?? I started out feeling good this morning, went to pool for so excercise, made veg. soup, ran a few errands…then it hit. I started to get spots in my left eye, more than floaters…then noticed my vision was getting worse. I drove to eye doctor and after testing found the retina had come loose…was told this should resolve itself, not a tear or detachment…also told I have 2 bleeders. I have low blood presure so that is not a concern. Doctor can’t say for sure it is from B12 problems, side effect from medications, or just one of thoses things. Was told it should all resolve itself over the next few months…recheck in 3 months. Has anyone had problems like this from B12??

]]> Comment on Methylmalonic acid by B12 Anemia http://www.b12anemia.org/methylmalonic-acid.html/comment-page-1#comment-12513 B12 Anemia Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:04:30 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=185#comment-12513 While I am glad that your doctor started injections quickly, I am surprised that he did not check her MMA or homocystine levels. It would have been good to know the results. It wouldn't worry me too much though. It may just be that he felt confident enough to rule out other factors if she didn't fit any other criteria or from what he already knows about her other autoimmune conditions. Many times they never find the cause of the deficiency anyway. The most important thing is that she is getting the B12 shots and can start to heal. Good luck with your daughters recovery. While I am glad that your doctor started injections quickly, I am surprised that he did not check her MMA or homocystine levels. It would have been good to know the results. It wouldn’t worry me too much though. It may just be that he felt confident enough to rule out other factors if she didn’t fit any other criteria or from what he already knows about her other autoimmune conditions. Many times they never find the cause of the deficiency anyway. The most important thing is that she is getting the B12 shots and can start to heal.
Good luck with your daughters recovery.

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by B12 Anemia http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12512 B12 Anemia Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:52:44 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12512 Chris, I know it is hard to have patience when you are trying to recover from B12 deficiency, but unfortunately you have no choice. Your doctor is correct it can (and usually does) take years to recover as much as you will from this deficiency. You have to remember that it probably took many, many years for your body to become so deficient. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a long road. When I started getting shots, I felt like I was taking one step forward and two steps back for the first 6 months. Then little by little I would start to have one good day, then another until I was having as many good days as bad. Then more good days than bad. Now I only have a few bad days every once in a while. While no one can determine how much you will be able to recover, you need to give your body lots of time to heal. It's ok to have days when you feel sorry for yourself, not many people truly understand how horrible B12 deficiency is. Hope you were able to have a nice walk and feel a little better:) Chris,
I know it is hard to have patience when you are trying to recover from B12 deficiency, but unfortunately you have no choice. Your doctor is correct it can (and usually does) take years to recover as much as you will from this deficiency. You have to remember that it probably took many, many years for your body to become so deficient. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a long road. When I started getting shots, I felt like I was taking one step forward and two steps back for the first 6 months. Then little by little I would start to have one good day, then another until I was having as many good days as bad. Then more good days than bad. Now I only have a few bad days every once in a while. While no one can determine how much you will be able to recover, you need to give your body lots of time to heal.
It’s ok to have days when you feel sorry for yourself, not many people truly understand how horrible B12 deficiency is.
Hope you were able to have a nice walk and feel a little better:)

]]> Comment on Methylmalonic acid by Lynn http://www.b12anemia.org/methylmalonic-acid.html/comment-page-1#comment-12502 Lynn Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:36:03 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=185#comment-12502 Just curious, my daughter's serum B12 came in at 223. The doctor immediately started injections and said that she lacked intrinsic factor. He didn't do any further tests. She does have other autoimmune conditions. Is it okay to assume she lacks the intrinsic factor without confirming it. He did not check her MMA or homocysteine levels after the low serum B12 came back. Just curious, my daughter’s serum B12 came in at 223. The doctor immediately started injections and said that she lacked intrinsic factor. He didn’t do any further tests. She does have other autoimmune conditions. Is it okay to assume she lacks the intrinsic factor without confirming it. He did not check her MMA or homocysteine levels after the low serum B12 came back.

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by Chris http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12487 Chris Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:04:10 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12487 Only 2 weeks out from last shot and am having so many symptoms. Swept kitchen floor, then cleaned it, then had a shower, now feel like I could lay on floor...could hardly stand in shower! Even with my numbers being in the low 400's I suffer so much. Doctor said be patient, it may take years to resolve, may be permanent. This is hard...I am normally the person who does it all. To top it off, I am sleeping 10 hours a night and usually have to give in to a nap every day. Guess today I am feeling sorry for myself. When I feel better in a few hours will get out for a little walk, library etc. to lift my mood. Only 2 weeks out from last shot and am having so many symptoms. Swept kitchen floor, then cleaned it, then had a shower, now feel like I could lay on floor…could hardly stand in shower! Even with my numbers being in the low 400′s I suffer so much. Doctor said be patient, it may take years to resolve, may be permanent. This is hard…I am normally the person who does it all. To top it off, I am sleeping 10 hours a night and usually have to give in to a nap every day. Guess today I am feeling sorry for myself. When I feel better in a few hours will get out for a little walk, library etc. to lift my mood.

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by sarah http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12466 sarah Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:20:47 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12466 That should have said 'borderline 165' - sorry - keyboard playing up!!! That should have said ‘borderline 165′ – sorry – keyboard playing up!!!

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by sarah http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12465 sarah Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:19:32 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12465 I have been having tests in rhematology in the hospital for variou ailments including paresthesia - 9 years plus, ongoing which causes intense itching in arms which, when scrathched causes horremdous burning pain like someone has set fire to me but continues to itch (on reserch I have found something called Brachioradial pruritis - but doctors fail to ee this as a recognised illnes), I also have posible cervical facet disease and joint pain in hips and recurrent nodular epicleritis. They don't think I have any underlying stematic autoimmune disese and dsay my B12 is ok, noderline 165 ??? Can anyone tell me what this level means? I have been having tests in rhematology in the hospital for variou ailments including paresthesia – 9 years plus, ongoing which causes intense itching in arms which, when scrathched causes horremdous burning pain like someone has set fire to me but continues to itch (on reserch I have found something called Brachioradial pruritis – but doctors fail to ee this as a recognised illnes), I also have posible cervical facet disease and joint pain in hips and recurrent nodular epicleritis. They don’t think I have any underlying stematic autoimmune disese and dsay my B12 is ok, noderline 165 ??? Can anyone tell me what this level means?

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by B12 Anemia http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12403 B12 Anemia Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:07:50 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12403 Amanda, You need to have patients when it comes to recovering from B12 deficiency. It takes months and even years for you body to heal as much as it can. Some people have full recoveries, some partial and unfortunately some don't recover much. It is great that you're already getting the shots, and every two weeks is super (that's the schedule I am on ). If you can get your levels between 1000 - 1200 that is fabulous, but it can be hard to do. You want to be at least 800 if you can. As for the neurologist, you should definitely see one, but be aware that not every neurologist is as aware of the severity of B12 deficiency as they should be. If they brush you off, or don't think that 272 is deficient (many doctors won't diagnose B12 deficiency unless you are under 200, others realize you are deficient under 400) then be sure to get a second opinion. Good luck with your recovery! Amanda,
You need to have patients when it comes to recovering from B12 deficiency. It takes months and even years for you body to heal as much as it can. Some people have full recoveries, some partial and unfortunately some don’t recover much. It is great that you’re already getting the shots, and every two weeks is super (that’s the schedule I am on ). If you can get your levels between 1000 – 1200 that is fabulous, but it can be hard to do. You want to be at least 800 if you can. As for the neurologist, you should definitely see one, but be aware that not every neurologist is as aware of the severity of B12 deficiency as they should be. If they brush you off, or don’t think that 272 is deficient (many doctors won’t diagnose B12 deficiency unless you are under 200, others realize you are deficient under 400) then be sure to get a second opinion.
Good luck with your recovery!

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by Amanda http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12380 Amanda Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:56:21 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12380 Hello! I am a 29 year old female. I went to my gyno to have some tests ran because my mom recently got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I had been feeling extremely sluggish and started gaining weight. My thyroid came back fine but my B12 was 272. My gyno started giving me B12 shots once a month, then every two weeks and over the past 4 months its only went up to 344. A week or so ago, Dr Oz had a special on B12 and had a neurologist on with him. They acted like if your B12 was low you need to seek a neurologist immediately. So, I called my gyno and they sat me up with one. The one thing I am questioning is before they would take me as a patient they said I have to be having headaches?? My gyno told them I have been, but I havent? I dont understand. Will I just be wasting my time? I do feel like the B12 shots help me for maybe 3 or 4 days then I feel bad again. I am unsure of any of this. Any helpful information would be GREAT! And where exactly should my level be for my age? I was told that my B12 level was that of an elderly and that I should be pushing 1100-1200. What is correct? Thanks! Hello! I am a 29 year old female. I went to my gyno to have some tests ran because my mom recently got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I had been feeling extremely sluggish and started gaining weight. My thyroid came back fine but my B12 was 272. My gyno started giving me B12 shots once a month, then every two weeks and over the past 4 months its only went up to 344.

A week or so ago, Dr Oz had a special on B12 and had a neurologist on with him. They acted like if your B12 was low you need to seek a neurologist immediately. So, I called my gyno and they sat me up with one. The one thing I am questioning is before they would take me as a patient they said I have to be having headaches?? My gyno told them I have been, but I havent? I dont understand. Will I just be wasting my time? I do feel like the B12 shots help me for maybe 3 or 4 days then I feel bad again. I am unsure of any of this. Any helpful information would be GREAT! And where exactly should my level be for my age? I was told that my B12 level was that of an elderly and that I should be pushing 1100-1200. What is correct? Thanks!

]]> Comment on B12 deficiency – what the numbers mean by Elena http://www.b12anemia.org/b12-deficiency-what-the-numbers-mean.html/comment-page-3#comment-12357 Elena Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:24:55 +0000 http://www.b12anemia.org/?p=50#comment-12357 Read this article and comments with much interest. Excellent information from all of you. I agree with getting not just a B12, but thyroid and Vit D. I've just gone through 2 1/2 years of pure hell and felt I would surely die from LPR. My esphogeal spinchters just went "limp" on me and didn't work anymore. My Drs gave up on me last summer. They said there was not much more they could do for me. No one every bothered to give me any of the tests you have all mentioned. I've always been tired my whole life, had anemia always, had bad memory...on my own I found out I was deficient in Vit D. I've been slowly recovering. I am going to try to get my B12 levels up to 800+ after reading your comments. When I think too much about how badly I've been treated by my Drs its makes me want to cry. They even sent me to mental health in Oct 2010 as I couldn't take the throat pain anymore. I looked at all the men laying in the ER room hooked up to monitors laughing with their families and I laid on a gurney in writhing throat pain and the Dr sent me to mental health. They later said they were sorry that they believed me. My throat was seared from the spinchters not closing off the stomach and acid hitting my throat and burning through the nerves that go up into the head. It was a horrible thing to go through. To know your real sick and Drs think its mental. I am totally digusted with my health care and I'm stuck as I'm in a HMO. If they pharmacuetals don't work then they blame it on mental illness. I think its worse for women.One Dr told me to "...you have an allergy, keep taking the Flonase, if the pain is not gone in two months then there is nothing more we can do for you." That is an exact quote. I will never forget it. If you all have time check out Dr. Gomainak's opinions. She has indexes at the top of her page and its so interesting. She mentions B12 and Vit D and sleep. Read this article and comments with much interest. Excellent information from all of you. I agree with getting not just a B12, but thyroid and Vit D. I’ve just gone through 2 1/2 years of pure hell and felt I would surely die from LPR. My esphogeal spinchters just went “limp” on me and didn’t work anymore. My Drs gave up on me last summer. They said there was not much more they could do for me. No one every bothered to give me any of the tests you have all mentioned. I’ve always been tired my whole life, had anemia always, had bad memory…on my own I found out I was deficient in Vit D. I’ve been slowly recovering. I am going to try to get my B12 levels up to 800+ after reading your comments. When I think too much about how badly I’ve been treated by my Drs its makes me want to cry. They even sent me to mental health in Oct 2010 as I couldn’t take the throat pain anymore. I looked at all the men laying in the ER room hooked up to monitors laughing with their families and I laid on a gurney in writhing throat pain and the Dr sent me to mental health. They later said they were sorry that they believed me. My throat was seared from the spinchters not closing off the stomach and acid hitting my throat and burning through the nerves that go up into the head. It was a horrible thing to go through. To know your real sick and Drs think its mental. I am totally digusted with my health care and I’m stuck as I’m in a HMO. If they pharmacuetals don’t work then they blame it on mental illness. I think its worse for women.One Dr told me to “…you have an allergy, keep taking the Flonase, if the pain is not gone in two months then there is nothing more we can do for you.” That is an exact quote. I will never forget it. If you all have time check out Dr. Gomainak’s opinions. She has indexes at the top of her page and its so interesting. She mentions B12 and Vit D and sleep.

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