B-12 Shots

[teacups]

Has anyone ever tried B-12 shots? What for? What was the outcome? Considering asking my doc about it and hoped to get some honest feedback first.
Thx!

 

[Virgo10]

Has anyone ever tried B-12 shots? What for? What was the outcome? Considering asking my doc about it and hoped to get some honest feedback first.
Thx!

I was diagnosed with B-12 deficiency about 6 months ago. I did some reading about it and found (this is very simplistic) that some people CANNOT metabolize B-12 and some people only keep a fraction of what they take in. I fell into the later category. If you cannot process it, it has something to do with your digestive track and pills wouldn't work. In my case because I can hold on to some B-12, the mega doses in the pills worked splendidly.

The doctor was all for starting me on the shots right away but I told him I wanted to try the pills first and when I went back 3 months later my levels had risen from 220 to 450.

There are a lot of great sites online for getting much more accurate info than I've posted here. BTW, the doctor picked up on a B-12 problem when I told him I had forgotten how to walk one day. I was outside and my legs simply would not move. It passed after about 2 or 3 minutes but, wow, what a strange sensation.

 

[Anewman]

I was thinking this was some kind of new DRINK...

I am always looking for new ways to drink Tequila.

 

[teacups]

I was thinking this was some kind of new DRINK...

I am always looking for new ways to drink Tequila.

I may have to resort to that! But, I havent had Tequila since I was about 20, and from what I recall... it made me pass out in a bathroom.

 

[Brianne]

I was diagnosed with B-12 deficiency about 6 months ago. I did some reading about it and found (this is very simplistic) that some people CANNOT metabolize B-12 and some people only keep a fraction of what they take in. I fell into the later category. If you cannot process it, it has something to do with your digestive track and pills wouldn't work. In my case because I can hold on to some B-12, the mega doses in the pills worked splendidly.

The doctor was all for starting me on the shots right away but I told him I wanted to try the pills first and when I went back 3 months later my levels had risen from 220 to 450.

I was diagnosed with the deficiency about 6 months ago as well. I was a bit surprised because I do eat meat, dairy & eggs (where most B-12 is found). My levels were below 200 & after the initial onslaught of pills, it went to 700; however, I started noticing symptoms coming back so we're still tweaking the routine. I'm currently on 2000mcg of B-12 a day but it's looking like I may end up on the shots for good eventually. I have a family history of not absorbing nutrients, etc so I'm not terribly surprised; however, I had figured it'd be an iron issue or something more common. Vitamin B-12 deficiency only affects about 200k people so it's classified as rare.

Lots of great information on the internet to read, although some of it can get a bit scary!

 

[Spoodleink]

My dad has MS and gets the shots, I think the not being able to absorb it through food and pills is related to the MS but and not 100% sure on that. He did feel a lot better with more energy after he started getting his shots. His MS meds are shots so one more shot every week or two ( I think) is not a big deal to him.

 

[DawnCt1]

People who require B-12 injections are those who suffer from pernicious anemia. PA is caused by the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B from the GI tract. This is because they lack the intrensic factor which is produced in the stomach cells. This can happen because of stomach surgery, chronic gastritis, etc. I gave B-12 shots monthly to an employee because she had Crohns's disease and had a partial colectomy. A blood test determines is one is low in B-12. There is no point in injections if B-12 levels are normal. n

 

[rie'smom]

I have a vial in my medicine cabinet and when I feel the symptoms of low B 12 coming 0n,I just give myself and injection.

 

[mookie]

I actually have a condition called MTHFR, which gives me high homocystine levels. This means that my body has trouble producing and keeping B6, B12 or Folic Acid, causing my homocystine to be elevated. Rather than taking shots, I'm taking a prescription supervitamin called Foltx, which helps my body to break it down and absorb easier. I don't know if this would help for you, but it might be something to ask your dr. about...

 

[ozarkmom]

My bosses wife had gastric by pass and has the shots every month. If she's late with the shot she feels really run down.

 

[Independent]

People who require B-12 injections are those who suffer from pernicious anemia. PA is caused by the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B from the GI tract. This is because they lack the intrensic factor which is produced in the stomach cells. This can happen because of stomach surgery, chronic gastritis, etc. I gave B-12 shots monthly to an employee because she had Crohns's disease and had a partial colectomy. A blood test determines is one is low in B-12. There is no point in injections if B-12 levels are normal. n

Dawn,

I am going to have to disagree with you...

Just because all your patients needed B-12
and
All your patients had Pernicious Anemia

Does not translate to All Patients who need B-12 have Pernicious Anemia.

At least not according to my Doc who is board certified in Oncology and Hematology

I require B-12 for a blood disorder, and after many donations to the lab of blood and bone marrow, I am absolutely sure I don't have PA.

Just wanted to clarify in case anybody else interpreted your post to read that

If you need B-12, then you have Pernicious Anemia.

 

[DawnCt1]

Dawn,

I am going to have to disagree with you...

Just because all your patients needed B-12
and
All your patients had Pernicious Anemia

Does not translate to All Patients who need B-12 have Pernicious Anemia.

At least not according to my Doc who is board certified in Oncology and Hematology

I require B-12 for a blood disorder, and after many donations to the lab of blood and bone marrow, I am absolutely sure I don't have PA.

Just wanted to clarify in case anybody else interpreted your post to read that

If you need B-12, then you have Pernicious Anemia.

You are right. I should have worded it, if you have pernicious anemia, you need injectable B12. Pernicious anemia is the most common indication and is often related to gastroenterological problems, but of course, there are other indications for B-12; all of which should be diagnosed by a physician. Malignancies and folic acid deficiency of course are indications as well.