Pernicious Anaemia Society

[maddie]

Hi

I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency in 2006 and am on 3 monthly injections.

I have had stomach problems since then, but now they have been constant since the birth of my daughter last year. I have a gnawing sick feeling at the top of my stomach, irregular bowel movements and I am tired all the time. Doc thought it may be ulcer and put me on ppi's but they do nothing. Have been on them for 8 months now, surely if it was an ulcer it would have healed by now! Next step is an endoscopy, but I'm frightened of it, as I suffer with anxiety and have been a hypochondriac since I was a child. I haven't lost any weight, in fact I'm putting it on, all I know is I can't live like this any longer!!

Does anyone have these problems and know what it might be?

[kimks mom]

Hi Maddie,

It may be wise to have the endoscopy to make certain you don't have H-pylori. PPIs would heal an ulcer but if you have h-pylori the bacteria will still be active and causing damage. What about gall bladder. Top of the stomach pain can be indicative of other conditions, including gall bladder or even a hernia. What about acid reflux, have you had that?

PA/B12 deficiency does cause a lot of digestive problems, pain in the stomach, bloating, IBS and the problem you are having could be from B12 def. but to be on the safe side other conditions should be ruled out.

You can ask for sedation when the endoscopy is done. Kim has had 4 over the last 16 years, always with sedation. Discuss your concerns about the procedure with your doctor or the gastroenterologist.

Regards,
Pat
_________________
I don't have PA. I am a support person for my daughter who does have PA.

[AndreaM]

Hi Maddie,

Had you been finding the 3-monthly injections enough or did you get a return of symptoms part way through? It is possible that you are not getting enough B12 and you may also be deficient in folate. Unfortunately, acid-suppressants cause the very symptoms they are supposed to resolve and also make a B12 deficiency worse. They are well known for this. See my story here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1197979/Heartburn-pills-wrecked-life-How-antacids-effects.html

I'd suggest you get your folate level checked and, if less than at least mid-range, you are given a 5mg folic acid supplement by your doctor. This would help make sure you absorbed the most from each injection.

I had gastric discomfort for 30 years, had an endoscopy (which found nothing) and it has only cleared in the last two months after finally getting the right mix of ingredients for my own particular needs.

Andrea

[maddie]

Thank-you for your responses!! Part of my symptoms were heartburn and acid coming up, but the ppi's got rid of them, but make no difference to my gnawing stomach. I will have to go through with the endoscopy but I am so frightened of what they may find, as this is just not getting better!!

[maddie]

Sorry forgot to say, I don't feel any better for the 3 monthly injections, cannot tell any difference. My shortage was diagnosed after I lost a baby at 20 wks in 2006, my levels were 172. But I just feel like I'm getting worse and with four children to look after, a business to run and a home to take care of, I am extremely depressed and cannot see a way out of this!

But thank you for listening to me and replying!

[AndreaM]

Hi Maddie,

I'd really urge you to ask for your folate level to be checked. Folate deficiency is known to cause depression and also means that most of the injected B12 isn't absorbed as folate is essential for this to happen.

If your folate level is anything below mid-range, ask your doctor for a 5mg supplement for a few months. You should also be started again on the B12 loading doses before going onto a maintenance injection. Hopefully, you would begin to notice an improvement in your overall health and the B12 will get a chance to do its job.

Andrea

[maddie]

Thanks Andrea

I did start taking some folic acid last night after I read what you had to say. But they are only 400ug, so should I take more than one? I have booked in to doc's for next week, but would like to get started now. Can I buy them at the chemist, the stronger ones?

Thanks!!

[AndreaM]

Hi Maddie,

I wouldn't take any folic acid until you have had the test done as it will affect the result. Don't eat for 12 hours before the test either as even what you eat can affect it.

Hopefully, if you test deficient, your doctor will give you a 5mg supplement which is over six times stronger than the ones you are taking.

Andrea

[pvanderaa]

[AndreaM]