Pernicious Anaemia

[PurpleParis]

I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia a couple of years ago...every twelve weeks I have my B12 jab. I've been today had the jab then to be told by the practice nurse that next time I will be having a blood test to determine whether I have Pernicious Anaemia or a B12 Deficiency. She says if PA then I carry on with the injections but if B12 I won't have the injection anymore but will have a tablet?? I'm confused...I was led to believe that PA and B12 Deficiency is the same thing...can anyone explain please? I am hoping this isn't just a cost cutting exercise!!

[Peter Pedant]

I am confused as well
you can ask her to clarify rather than us

[ for a dumb-ass analogy common on AB, it is like saying your front lawn doesnt need trimming or cutting, it needs mowing.... excuse me what was that?][ or it isnt a lawn it is something else - a paddock]

[Patsy33]

I hope it isn't a cost cutting exercise but unfortunately I think it may be. I hope you can get sorted out.. properly.

[pastafreak]

This may help explain...

https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/b12deficiencyandperniciousanaemia/

[NoMercy]

If you have a slight deficiency you can be treated with tablets, if you have a severe deficiency (ie you're in the pernicious anaemia range) you will need larger doses than your stomach can handle in one sitting, hence a subcutaneous injection is given.

[Sqad]

It is not cost cutting.
B12 deficiency is due to many causes of which Pernicious Anaemia is just one.
P.A is due to an absent factor present in the stomach and hence B12 cannot be absorbed and has to be given by injection (bypassing the stomach)
Now, other causes of B12 deficiencies have nothing to do with the stomach problem and hence B12 can be given by mouth (tablets)

Is that clear?

[Sqad]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1602908.html

Try this thread for size.

[dunnitall]

Sounds very much like cost cutting to me. However you may find out so much more on this brilliant site if you click the link below. Lots to read, makes sense and you can see just how little the medics know about this condition. Btw P.A is not the same as B12 deficiency, there are different causes for this, even down to it being an hereditary condition.

Good luck with your results but why didn't they fully establish it was PA in the beginning, that's why I think it's cost cutting as many patients are having their jabs withdrawn.... Or as in my OH's case refused treatment.

http://www.b12deficiency.info

[rowanwitch]

I think that as science progresses a lot of conventional treatments will be withdrawn or change,

[Sqad]

dunitall....that "brilliant link" has been written by someone who has no medical qualification and this should be taken into consideration.

[dunnitall]

Sqad yes I know but she has got doctors on side and supporting her, also giving her information to put on the site. With the reticence of most medics (you're lucky if you find one clued up) how else can us patients be helped?

Not on just this site, there are people complaining they can't get the jabs and when they do they only then get 4 a year which people say aren't enough because their symptoms return to a level pre diagnosis. Sorry Sqad but honestly, with the way some of our docs treat us (often with contempt) we have to look for further help.

However I will add, ALL my research into it was done on the NHS sites, their guidelines and all from a medical point of view and that's where I have quoted from re my posting. The above site is for a more comprehensive view and from those of a patient's perspective. x

[Sqad]

LOL.....O.K I give in.

[dunnitall]

Wow Sqad.... You feeling ok lol. X

[Sqad]

LOL...LOL..

O.K message from sqad....medicine's best kept secret:

Pernicious anaemia can be treated by B12 TABLETS, thus avoiding injections.

You heard it first on AB....;-)