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pernicious anaemia

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craft1948 | 14:18 Fri 11th May 2012 | Health & Fitness
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My sister has been diagnosed with pernicious anaemia, and as I display a couple of the symptoms (according to the internet) she is wanting me to get tested for it.

I'm not a great lover of internet diagnoses, but is this complaint genetic?
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best visit your doctor
Question Author
I don't want to go to the doctor just 'cos my sister thinks I should...............I'll probably end up looking gormless and getting a rollicking for wasting his time.
not if they're anygood
PA is an autoimmune disorder with a genetic component, so is more common in first degree relatives.
No harm in asking your doctor about testing.
-- answer removed --
Family history is mentioned in the Pernicious anemia society website but it only gets you a couple of points on the scoring tool...
Why not phone the practice and just discuss it over the phone you can get a form for a bloodtest if they think you need one
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Oh right Slaney, I think that's probably why she said I should get tested then. I'm surprised that her doctor didn't mention it when she was diagnosed.
The genetic link is not all that strong, so one would only test relatives if they had symptoms.
The website I mention has a sympton scoring tool might be worth going through that to see if you have enough symptoms although most people would probably get a high enough score to get the go to your GP non urgent message
Question Author
Actually now I've been onto the website Rowan mentioned I do seem to have quite a few of the symptoms................oh well I'll ask next month when I go for my medication review, then I won't have wasted an appointment.
I agree with slaney.

Serves you right for surfing the medical Internet for symptoms that we all my have despite being disease free
Nothing wrong with surfing the net

Mrs O
Graduate of the Google School of Medicine
diet and lifestyle are often shared in families though!

i would have the wee blood test and be contented you have put your sister's mind at rest!
Question Author
Thanks sqad.......................I'll remember that if I test positive.
Crafty........how much on that you won't?.....£20?
Question Author
OK sqad..............if it's positive you owe me £20. If it's negative I'll wear some Reger silk french knickers.
<<<<stands by with smelling salts for Sqad>>>>>>
Sorry to hear that, hope you and your sister are doing okay. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine levels of Vitamin B12. The Pernicious Anaemia Society is holding a Q&A session on 24 May if you have more questions or want to talk to other sufferers http://on.fb.me/LRHC4u

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