Question:
3 Yrs Post-Op...showing signs of Pernicious Anemia

Has anyone here been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia (B-12 deficiency)?? Have your symptoms been reversed at all after getting B-12 injections? For the past few months, I've had terrible pain in my legs, fatigue, memory loss/confusion and bruising. I haven't been to the doctor because I haven't had any health insurance. I will be getting health insurance starting on September 1st but until then, I'm a nervous wreck. I keep hearing that nerve damage brought on by B-12 deficiency can be degenerative and irreversable. Am I doomed to be in pain forever?    — MsKandice (posted on August 16, 2004)

August 16, 2004
I would highly recommend getting a complete set of lab work done! You need to make sure that your B12 is appropriate. Are you taking B12 supplements. It is something we have to take as we can no longer get it from from foods.
   — coffenut

August 16, 2004
Don't go without your B-12 just because you don't have health insurance. Call your surgeon and tell him to call in a scrip for B-12 for you to inject yourself. You can get a several year supply and needles for less than 10 dollars. The people at the pharmacy can show you how to do the injections. This is important, please do it now. You can not get B-12 from your food. Secondly, the moment you get insurance...run to your doc and get full labs done. Make the appointment now so that you can be there september first.
   — RebeccaP

August 17, 2004
Hi Candice: I was 3 years last week and have "HORRIBLE" anemia. I go in to my dr 3 times a week for B12 injections and next week go back for blood work. My iron counts are terrible also. I am constantly exhausted during the day, but at night I have terrible insomnia (classic symptoms). My hematologist says that if my counts don't change next week, that I will be having blood transfusions. My hemaglobin counts should be between 14 & 16 and they are at 6... Even after a blood transfusions, I might still have to go in once a month for 12 months for Iron Infusions (iron by iv).....those are NOT FUN !!! Get on top of this.....It is miserable....Do you have a Free clinic in your area or a clinic that lets you pay per your income???????? Call your local hospitals for referrals to someplace for those that have no insurance...by the way....with the cost of health insurance, for some it is a choice between eating and paying for health insurance......we can thank your great government for this disaster...
   — Joi G.

August 17, 2004
To back up what Rebecca said, my 30-shot vial of B12 was $7 at Costco. The syringes are 4/$1 at Walgreen's, no tax if there is an Rx in my hand. My PCP was giving them to me and I had no copay, but I also had no TIME. Believe me, it was less than I'd pay for a fast food for 2 of us to do ample B12 for two for many months. WITH ins, I pay more like $3, but I never know if I'm going to get a few 1-shot vials or a 10-shot vial. I'll prolly fill the next one direct because I can fill it less often for cheaper.
   — vitalady

March 20, 2006
You may also want to have your Vitamin D level checked as well. I had problems with that since I am no longer able to consume milk products. The Vit D deficiency caused horrible pain in my legs and joints. Also Vit B1 deficiency has all the symptoms you were discussing. It states headache, nausea, malaise (fatigue), myalgias (muscle aches and pains). As it worsens severe mental changes including depression, amnesia, inability to learn, confabulation (making up stories unintentionally) and hallucinations. You can read more at Thinnertimes.com/gastricbypass
   — hagilmer