Vitamin B12 Injections

[Jennykenny]

A friend has been unwell for a while but was helped by vitamin B12 injections. Her doctor has since died, and the new doctor says that they are unnecessary. That her blood count is good.
If she manages to find a private doctor who will give the injections, is she then not allowed to have her other medications on the NHS.
(I know she could do it without revealing it to the new doctor, but is that the rule: if you pay for one medicine you are disqualified from receiving any others?)

[Sqad]

It the private doctor prescribes the medicine then she will have to pay for it UNLESS she can persuade her GP tp prescribe it on a NHS prescription.
If she pays for her B12, then any other medication prescribed by her GP can still be had on the NHS.

if she ha B12 for a B12 deficient condition, then her blood count will be normal and she should continue on B12.
HOWEVER...if she has been given B12 as a "tonic" her levels of B12 have always been normal, then the new GP has every right to discontinue the treatment. Whether he should or not is a different matter.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks Sqad,
God what a complicated world we live in.

[Sqad]

LOL.

[ummmm]

I didn't realise how poorly I felt until I was put on B12 (tablets, not injections)

Maybe ask the GP for tablets instead and make sure she gets a prepayment card.

[Scarlett]

I have heard of instances where B12 pills are taken and the blood count shows as fine, but the person still feels ill. Then they have injections and get suddenly much better. I would really like to try B12 injections, as I have constant neuropathy in my feet which stops me walking and standing, and am short of breath whether I use my inhalers or not. Do you know if my GP will prescribe injections or do I have to go private- and in which case, what sort of specialist should I see?

[Sqad]

See mu first post 09.11 Friday, which should answer your question.

[Scarlett]

Sqad- thank you. I am concerned that my GP will just tell me to take B12 pills (made no difference) or order a blood test which will show the levels as fine, even though this is not the case for some people. I really want to try the injections as my inability to walk and stand COULD be solved by trying these. I guess I just have to be persuasive?!

[Sqad]

yes.Scarlett, you will need to sweet talk him ;-)

[bednobs]

or her

[Sqad]

LOL ^^^

[Scarlett]

I have a few lovely ones to choose from so I'll give it a whirl!!