Not taking B-12 - anyone do this?
It's been sooo long since I've written - now I'm in trouble and I need help. I am 4+ years post-op (RNY on 3/15/00) and have had no trouble what so ever. I took a weekly sublingual B-12 tablet for 2 years and felt so good. Then, I ran out of the B-12, and dumb me, I just forgot - and haven't taken any B-12 for 2 years. About 6 weeks ago, I started feeling really weak, fatigued, no energy, etc. My gp ordered a hemoglobin count blood test and mine tested at 6.6 - with normal being between 12 and 16. I was immediately sent to a gastroenterologist and he ordered an endoscopy for the next day - with two units of blood transfused to me immeidately after the scope. Saw nothing in the endoscopy. Next he did a colonoscopy - again nothing. Then a small bowel xray series - again nothing. Finally, he did a capsule endoscopy (swallowed a camera). He "thought" he saw erosions on the small intestine and since I was using Vioxx for arthritis, immediately took me off that. Two days after the camera deal, I started feeling really weak and had a dark stool - was told to get to the E.R. immediately. Did, and my hemoglobin was again 6.6. Admitted to the hospital and had, over the next four days, 6 more units of blood. Went to my g.p. about 5-6 days later, and again my hemoglobin was 6.6. Again the next day, two more units of blood. I had tried to tell the gastro doc and my gp about the malabsorption thing and the fact that I had not taken in any B-12 for over 2 years - they looked at me like I was crazy - and didn't pursue that. Now, I am scheduled to see a hemotologist this next Tuesday and as of last Thursday, my hemoglobin was 8.6. At least a little progress. Does anyone know of a similar situation? I am low on iron - and after doing some research on the internet, I have self-diagnosed as having pernicious anemia - caused by having a stomach surgery and not taking B-12 for a period of two years. Does any of this ring any bells? If it does, please email me quickly - as I need this information in hand before I see this hemotologist and maybe, just maybe, I can grab his attention. I apologize for this being so long - but after ten units of blood - and still only having a hemoglobin count of 8.6 and no good veins - I'm a basket case. Love to everyone - saw a couple of names that are familiar from the old days. A special hello to Michele Curran and Ray Hooks. Love to all. Sandy Combs
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