Vitamin B 12 deficiency.

[sourland]

Is anyone dealing with a vitamin B 12 deficiency? I've been complaining about an extremely low energy level for a while. At my last physical, my doctor said, "Well, you're not 25 anymore, you need to slow down." No kidding! I was 70 then and am pushing 72 right now. Well, at my most recent physical my blood work indicated an extremely deficient B 12 level. I seriously doubt that it is dietary as I am not a vegetarian. So, it is probably some sort of a digestive/absorption problem. I am scheduled for a gall bladder ultrasound and HIDA scan to see if we can define the problem. Has anyone else dealt with this problem? Any advice? I can't believe that I am finally entering the 'doctor routine'.

The only medication that I routinely take is a statin.

They administered a B 12 shot yesterday, and I am to receive another in two weeks and then every 4 weeks for another 2 shots. At this point we will re evaluate and determine a further course of action. Call it 'placebo effect', but I feel more energetic today than I have felt in months.

If low B 12 is the issue, and the reasons for low B 12 are not too serious, this is actually good news.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I'm glad that the B 12 level was included in the blood work up. I did some internet research on B12 when I thought that my mother-in-law might be deficient after I read an article in the newspaper. It is actually not that uncommon to be deficient past 60 years old because out production of stomach acid decreases and that is needed to absorb the needed amount of B12. But malabsorption due to inflammation in the small intestines can contribute to deficiency as well. My mother in law was not severely deficient and got oral supplements, so she did not feel a dramatic difference. But some of the reading I did indicated that people felt a noticeable effect from getting shots.

Oh, Pernicious Anemia is another possible cause.

Here is a link on B12 with more than you ever wanted to know: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/b12/risks.html

 

[Baymule]

My ex had pernicious anemia and I gave him a B-12 shot weekly. Shots are really easy to give, can you do it yourself or can your wife? If you go on to receive regular shots, it is simpler to get the syringes and bottle of B-12 and do it yourself. It saves you the time of going to the Dr's office and hanging around like you have nothing better to do.

 

[sourland]

I'm not sure that the Princess can handle the shot giving, but I would have no problem with it. This week we start the process of trying to define the cause of the problem. Hopefully we can come up with some answers. I am fully aware that medicine is NOT an exact science. It's amazing how my energy leel has changed after just one shot. I feel alive again instead of feeling like a 'sleep walker'.

 

[theoldchick]

My Brother-in-Law suffers from Vit B deficiency and he injects himself on a weekly basis. He had his gallbladder removed years ago but does suffer from digestive issues. I don't know if the doctors ever discovered the reason for his deficiency but he does well with his weekly injections. He's been like this for several years.

 

[StupidBird]

Hi. For years I had very sub-normal, but not quite abnormal low B12. The injections were GREAT, but after a few months the insurance wouldn't cover, so I did supplements. Then also tested low on D3. After radically changing diet to cover even more food allergies and sensitivities, I also dropped all gluten, and went on a whole range of supplements after the gluten challenge proved that was an issue. All the vits, cause the doc agreed that there was no sense testing for everything since gluten intestinal inflammation interferes with wide ranges of nutrients.

Any how, rambling on, after a year of vegetables, meat, eggs, vegetables and some few specialty grains, and an array of supplements, my B12 is in mid-range for the first time ever. Except for a nasty exposure last weekend that has left me ill, the food thing worked and I'm slowly feeling the energy return.

the sublingual b12 is what i use. Good luck

 

[sourland]

Injections have been a great help, but I want to address the possible cause. My doctor says, "It just happens." What he really means is, "You are old - accept that fact." I have seriously cut back on gluten. It's tough because I am a lover of GOOD bread. I am also eating more slowly and chewing my food better - I always have tended to rush through meals. I also have discontinued the use of antacids. I also tested somewhat low on D3 and am now taking D supplementation and sublingual B12. It is so very good to have my energy back. I was tired of being tired. Thanks for the input, StupidBird.

 

[sourland]

Just prior to getting my eighth B 12 shot I had blood drawn to check my level of B 12. The results put me well in the normal range. Perhaps the lifestyle changes worked.

The doctor wants me to go to shots every 3 months followed by blood level checks in 6 months.

 

[Bunnylady]

I had just been thinking about this, and wondering how you were doing. Good to hear that things seem to have improved, for whatever reason!

 

[sourland]

I had just been thinking about this, and wondering how you were doing. Good to hear that things seem to have improved, for whatever reason!

Thanks to the internet not my doctor who said, "These things just happen."