B12 Injections

[Scarlett]

Does anyone have any experience of these? I had a genes test which shows that I don't absorb B12 even though my blood test shows that it's okay. I have had constant neuropathy in my feet (soles) since 2009 and have tried a caudal epidural, physio, several podiatrists, giving up sugar and carbs for 3 months, losing weight, having nerve tests on my legs to check the main nerves work (they do)... the only thing left that I can try is low B12 levels which can cause neuropathy. I also have ulcerative colitis so absorption could be a problem, although it is in remission now. My doc has agreed to let me try the injections but I wondered if anyone else has had them and found any benefit or otherwise?

[ummmm]

I haven't had the injections but I do take B12, B1 and Folic Acid. I feel quite poorly without them.

[Rockrose]

I have them every 3 months sue to being unable to absorb enough naturally, without them I feel drained and have no energy, the last 2 weeks leading up to them is awful - within 48 hours I feel great again.

[retrocop]

I suffered from neuropathy in the soles of my feet. Akin to walking on broken glass. I am prescribed Thiamine tablets.Seems to do the trick.

[Sqad]

No I haven't been in your position.
However if your blood picture is normal, then you are absorbing and utilising B12 satisfactorily.

I cannot see that B12 in any form is likely to help but i agree with your GP........if you must........then try.

I assume that you peripheral neuropathy has been diagnosed by a Neurologist and if so many neuropathies have nothing to do with B12 defy.

[Scarlett]

Sqad, (and in fact anyone interested) please do if you have time take a look at this: https://midwifediaries.com/vitamin-b12-deficiency-midwife/ I would love to know your view. I know that sometimes blood tests don't show what they should/ should not. I know three friends who have rheumatoid arthritis and swollen/twisted joints, but whose blood tests always come back with no sign of anything.

[Khandro]

scarlett; Just a thought, but do you drink much alcohol and/or smoke?

[Sqad]

Scarlett...that is a link to a Midwife's Diary and doesn't indicate a knowledge of B12.....and i quote.

"Even more interesting - before dual qualified midwife and nurse Samantha Nash was diagnosed, she’d never heard of it either, despite working with vitamin deficiencies in her infant feeding co-ordinator role."

That is unacceptable in a qualified nurse, not to have heard of B12 defy and presumably pernicious Anaemia.

Again I quote:

"Vitamin B12 deficiency is a disease of the nerves – the myelin sheath, which is the fatty covering of the nerve, becomes frayed so messages don’t pass easily."

No it isn't, it is a disease of the blood, red cells in particular and the nerve problem may or may not follow the undiagnosed B12 deficiency.

I do not accept that link as an accurate or useful fact provider on Vit B12 defy.

as for arthritic diseases, they are quite different and often produce negative blood tests, but B12 defy are always apparent on blood tests.

[Scarlett]

Thanks squad- that's interesting. I feel I should try it as I have tried everything else.
No, I have never smoked and very rarely drink.

[Sqad]

Scarlett.....no harm in trying.

[Scarlett]

Sqad- should I worry about side effects if indeed I do not need any extra B12?

[Sqad]

No.....no significant disadvantages to trying the extra B12.

[dunnitall]

Hi, I have them and felt better since I did. I have researched this subject because they have refused my hubby the jabs even tho' his results were low with neurological symptoms where the guidelines are to trial injections everyday until symptoms stop. He has been so bad to the point of collapse at times.

B12 isn't a disease, it is linked to so many problems and doctors are rare to find who actually know anything comprehensive about this matter. You are lucky if they agree to at least trying you on the jabs.

They only treat by blood results which has a huge range so you can be very low but within their range and they not treat, they will tell you all is normal. This problem needs to be treated by symptoms and low range results. You cannot overdose on B12 as it excretes through the urine, so where necessary they should treat just to see if there is a change. Also the usual test done isn't comprehensive enough they should also test for MMA and intrinsic factor if symptoms are severe, often they don't.

Sorry for protracted post for an answer but there are thousands of people suffering from effects of this who aren't being treated and are desperate for help. I would say try the jabs if you can but things don't usually get better quickly so hang in there for a few months and you will know. Good luck...I know how difficult a subject this is.

[Scarlett]

Thanks all, I guess the best thing is to try it and see!

[ummmm]

Why don't you start off on B12 tablets?

[Scarlett]

Retrocop- interesting about Thiamine, which is basically vitamin B1. I'd like to try that- could you please tell me the dose and brand you had success with?

[ummmm]

I'm on that. It's 100mg twice a day.

[dunnitall]

Ummmm ...tablets aren't as quick acting and effective as injections, even a spray B 12 supplement is better than tablets as the spray goes into the blood stream very quickly. X

[Peter Pedant]

yeah try it

( "I had the injections and the doctors had no idea why they worked" )

Dr Sqad is going thro a mr grumpy phase. I am sure it will pass. [thinks: should Dr S try Vit B12?)

I still have the remains of a vinc neuropathy and Vit B12 doesnt work

[Scarlett]

Ummmm I have been taking B12 tablets for years. Made no difference to the neuropathy. But I do know people who also tried this and had no joy until they tried injections. It's all trial and error.

[ummmm]

I suppose being on B1 and folic acid helps me as well.