B-12 injections

I was just wondering if anyone gets the injections? Do they burn/hurt whatever? I am thinking about getting them cause genius can't have anything artificial for sweetners and hasn't been taking her B-12 and is now deficient. My PCP suggested I get the shots because of this. I checked with the insurance company and they will cover it for 3 months but after that we need to prove I still need them. I think this new PCP (my old one retired) will fight for them given the situation.

I do the injections. My aunt is a nurse and she gives them to me, since I just can't get the hang of doing them to myself. It really doesn't hurt. I am surprised your insurance is giving you a hard time about them... I thought it was a given after WLS. I've heard people really like getting them because it gives them a boost of energy. I have personally never felt the boost, but you do what ya gotta do.

I just have to prove it's medically needed. I mean I have had the surgery (they paid for it) and have a sweetner allergy that kills me. I would just need to prove I still need them after 2-3 months. I will cause I don't wanna risk a dang migrane. Gotta love getting doped up on all kinds of drugs and still feeling the effects almost a week after the I.V. was given.

Hi Kathy,
I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield - Century Preferred.  I go every month to my PCP *****commended I get weight loss surgery.  I don't pay a co-pay even.  I make 3 months worth of appts. at a time.  No paperwork, no hassles.
The nurse uses a fine needle and sometimes I don't even feel a pinch.  It is not painful after either.  I am right handed so I always get any shots in my left arm just in case I have a reaction.  I can still write and do my job. 
I hope this helps.
Bev 

That's good to know there isn't problems after. That's when I have issues. I have gotten knots when the medicine went and have cried after barely touching it.

You can give these shots to yourself, it's really easy as the needle is really skinny.  You inject into a muscle such as your arm or thigh.  I get a prescription and the vile lasts for a year so I just pay $3 for my prescription co-pay and a few bucks for the syringes.  Dr. Bell gives me a new scrip every year at my follow-up appointment.

Yeah, not gonna happen if I have to do it myself. My hubby was Byetta and my tummy turned watching him give himself the shots.

I get B12s at my PCP per my surgeons orders.  It's no big deal.  However, I'm too chicken to do them myself.  If it was a sub-cu rather than an IM injection, I might consider it.  Something about the though of sticking a needle in my muscle just...ugh!  can't think about it!

Anyway... I had them monthly for about 4 months.  Then re-tested on blood to check levels.  Levels were back to good, so we tried to back off and now I get them every other month.  Levels are still good, so I guess it's working fine.

My insurance pays for them, but I have to CO-pay for the visit!  Which stinks...but what can you do.  My doctor just went by my labs to justify need.  that was all the insurance needed.  So, hopefully, it wont be any sort of issue to 'justify' your need. 

Good luck to you.  BTW- I feel SO SO much better when my B12 levels are right.  It's wonderful.

Best,
Lisa

I am having bad nuerolgical issues with my right foot. I will prolly be having blood work to prove I need it and start them. I have an appt with my PCP (second this week) to see if I can get the shots. From what I see, I fall into the needs the shots catagory. Cross your fingers for me!

They're a breeze.  My husband gives them to me once a week...I was deficient prior to surgery - not sure why, its  hereditary thing.  Anyway, I typically don't even feel them....but it's like speed.....I get a boost of energy for like 48 hours after the shot.   I get so much done.  The generic B12 vil which will last you a year if you only do one shot per month, only cost like $5, without insurance.  The needles...not sure...my insurance covers both at 100%.  Once you get enough B12 flowing, you will start to feel much better.  I can tell when mine is low....I become scatterbrained, like I am in a fog or something...and I get tingling.numb hands feet....oh, and can't forget how insanely MOODY I become.  LOL