I'm back!!!!!! I fell asleep during the procedure Had all three done. Brain scan took the longest as I had to get an

[debm55]

IV. Didn' t offer me any meds so i took my own.I didn't get any results from the MRIs . I have an appointment on January 29 about those Doctor called about the results of my blood work. B12 was 266 it is supposed to be 1000/ She said to take Vitamin BI2. She said that is why I am falling , depressed and tired all the time. . I want to cry when reading your posts. Thank you all. I love you all. You are my family. Love. Debbie I hope the blood work and MRI show the same results, The did play music play but I kept beat with sounds of the machines, After the brain scan I took a bathroom break and transfered to the other one for the remaining tests, Total time 3 hours

[marble falls]

1. I had a brain scan, Doc says there's nothing there. I asked for my money back.

[Polly Hennessey]

4. And he said "no refunds".

[tanyev]

43. *snort*

[debm55]

64. Ty MarbleFalls

[North Shore Chicago]

2. Great news!

Welcome home.

[debm55]

67. Thank you NorthShoreChicago. Still have to wait for the MRI results.

[Polly Hennessey]

3. Yay 😃. I knew you would be ok with the procedure.

Funny thing about B12, we really need it. We can now scold you to take your vitamins. 😇

[debm55]

68. HaHA I just took one this morning.

[XanaDUer2]

5. Sending light

[debm55]

69. Thank you so much.

[multigraincracker]

6. I've been feeling a lot better on B12.

Last appointment the doc said I had symptoms of low B12. Feeling a lot better. Had to do with stomach meds I’ve been on for 30 years.
Be getting my levels checked next month.

[debm55]

70. I wish you well my friend. Mine was 266 when it should have been 1000 Waiting on MRI results.

[Diamond_Dog]

7. That's great news, Deb!

I had no idea about B12. I learn something every day from our DUers. Glad you made it through! Now you can settle in and watch the Steelers!

[debm55]

71. Steelers stunk. I turned off during the second quarter. I am glad one think I can fix. Thank you.

[Liberty Belle]

8. Good for you! Get the B12 that dissolves under the tongue-works fast.

I take it occasionally for nerve pain and it is amazing.

Glad it wasn't anything serious.

[Jarqui]

36. My doc recommends that. It helps.

When my B12 was bad, I gave myself injections.

[debm55]

75. I don't think I have the bravery to do that. You are a strong person.

[Jarqui]

127. Here's some more ideas & info that might help

Some studies claim oral is as a effective as an injection and as effective as sublingual.
At the time I needed it, that was not the case. They said injection was best, sublingual 2nd best but that was 20-30 years ago.
So there is a decent chance orally will be pretty or as good.

I did all four: injection, orally, sublingual and via food rich in B12. I balanced the intake so the four delivered what I was supposed to get daily.
I can't tell which was most effective for me. My focus was on correcting the issue.
The shots seemed to have the quickest effect in improving how I felt at the start.

National Institute for Health Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=In%20the%20duodenum%2C%20digestive%20enzymes,endocytosis%20%5B1%2C5%5D.
A thing to look at there and you can look at other sites in google - foods that can help deliver B12

All the best

[debm55]

130. Thank you Jarqui. I will print out the link.

[debm55]

72. Thank you. that was just the blood tests, I took last week, Won't get the MRI results back until end of January.

[hlthe2b]

9. Great, debm55

Keep up the positivity and follow medical and nutritional advice!

[debm55]

73. Thank you,hithe2b.

[underpants]

10. Good news.

[debm55]

74. Thank you, underpants.

[Jeebo]

11. In 2017 I had scary low hemoglobin in my bloodwork.

One of the technicians in the lab called me, sounding alarmed, and told me to get to the emergency room for a blood transfusion immediately. During that process in the emergency room I lost consciousness briefly and they put me in a room overnight. Long story short, I ended up spending four days in that hospital and undergoing an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. That was when they got me started taking these black iron supplement pills, and I've been taking one per day ever since. I had been feeling extreme fatigue before all that happened. Sounds like something like that is happening to you, although in my case it was low hemoglobin and in your case it's low B12. It sounds like things are looking good for you, Deb, and I am feeling relieved for you. I look forward to the lively discussions you get started in the DU Lounge.

-- Ron

[debm55]

76. Thank you , Jeebo and I wish you good health.

[Niagara]

12. What a relief, Debbie!

Easily treatable my friend.


Welcome home.

[debm55]

77. Still have to wait on the MRI results. but I can't believe I fell asleep. DUH

[Aaeia]

13. Hope so!

My uncle had the same issue. He was pill adversive so tried to restore his b12 with food alone. I don't think he truly recovered by that method. Recently, I was feeling deep muscle & joint pain. SIL recommended Vitamin D: 3 -5,000 IU per day. It definitely has made a difference. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that can impact good health. Have a speedy recovery.

[debm55]

78. Thank you Aseia.

[calimary]

14. You hang in there, debm55.

Please keep us updated, and let us know how you’re doing along the way. Cuz otherwise, we’re gonna worry.

[debm55]

79. Thank you calimary . Still have to get the MRI results .

[LoisB]

15. Yay!!!!

Welcome back. Thank you for the heads up on B12.

[debm55]

82. Thank you LoisB.

[sinkingfeeling]

16. I had a MRI this morning as well. Had to clean the ice

and snow off my car in -9 Temps. I also fell asleep.during mine. I don't know that I like my results. Found a cyst on my spine. My follow up with my doctor is 1/23.
Glad your results seem minor.

[sheshe2]

37. Love and hugs to you, sinkingfeeliing.

Sending good vibes your way.💙

[lpbk2713]

51. Best of luck to you.

[debm55]

80. Thank you. I am sorry for you. I don't know why I didn't get my MRI results back.I have to wait until the end of January

I will keep you in my prayers. Do you have another appointment with your doctor?

[sinkingfeeling]

106. Yes, a week from today.

[debm55]

107. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[emulatorloo]

17. Wonderful!

[debm55]

81. Thank you. emulatorloo,

[debm55]

108. Thank you emulatorloo.

[malthaussen]

18. Slept through it, that's good. n/t

[debm55]

83. Thank you malthaussen.

[Lonestarblue]

19. What good news! I'm glad you're finding out what to do to help.

You might want to ask about a multivitamin too since you’re low on B12. Best of luck!

[debm55]

84. Thank you Lonestarblue.

[twodogsbarking]

20. I took b12 for years and stopped. Now I will go back.Thanks and be well.

[debm55]

85. That's just for the blood work. I didn;t get results from the MRIs. thank you for your kind words.

[MiHale]

21. Great news Deb...right back at ya...

[debm55]

86. Thank you MiHale.

[Hope22]

22. I'm so glad your tests are behind you.

A family member had low B12 and he was a wreck. I’m glad you are finding answers! Rest easy!💗🙏🏼💐

[debm55]

87. Yes, now waiting on the MRI results.Thank you

[fierywoman]

23. So pleased!

[debm55]

89. Thank You

[moniss]

24. Wonderful to hear

and glad you could sleep through part of it all. I had an MRI once and I'm big time claustrophobic. It was a good thing they sedated me and that it didn't last very long. Being in the "tunnel" with it inches from my face was really way more than i could have taken if they hadn't sedated me so well.

[debm55]

90. No the didn't sedate me, I took one of nerve pills before I left. Thank you

[beaglelover]

138. I would have to be sedated as well. I would completely freak out if the ceiling was inches from my face.

A valium shoud do it for me. When I had my lasix they gave me a valium and I was completely chill as they laser cut my eyes open and did the laser surgery. At one point the laser shut down and my doctor leaned in and said "this part if REALLY important, so you HAVE to keep your eyes open". LOL.

[debm55]

140. Oh my. I opened my eyes a couple of times, Then of to a nice warm nap for me, Even with the blasting noise, the brain

scan they used these band bags? to keep my head from moving, I don't sleep on my back but I did
yesterday for three hours

[beaglelover]

142. OMG, your head was confined as well? They'd have to knock me out in that case!!

[RoadRunner]

25. Great news!

I don’t want to miss your question posts. 😏 And I’m right there with you on doing your own meds!

[debm55]

91. Thank you RoadRunner,

[Warpy]

26. Are you vegetarian or vegan?

B-12 refined from bacteria that ferment soybeans into tempeh and the like is available, here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Vitamin-Sublingual-Liquid-LiveWell/dp/B07NLHYZDZ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=vegan+b-12&qid=1705358701&sr=8-5 There are loads of options in various dosages. If you're not vegetarian/vegan, there are even more options.

Most vegans get enough b-12 from fruits and veg, fermented foods, and even their own gut bacteria.

How soon will you need to go back for a second test?

[debm55]

92. My appointment for the results of the MRI is the end of January, That was just for the Blood work I had last Friday,

[colorado_ufo]

27. Debbie, be sure that they check your thyroid level!

This can influence how well you absorb B12. I don't know your age, but as you get older, you can lose the amount of what is called intrinsic factor, which allows absorption of B12 from your stomach. You can either get B12 shots or get the sublingual (under the tongue) tablets that dissolve in your mouth. Then, it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. It comes in different strengths and flavors.

Also, be sure that your iron levels are checked, including your iron reserves. A B12 deficiency is often linked to pernicious anemia.

I went through everything that you have due to severe hypothyroidism.

Best wishes for a healthy future!

[debm55]

93. Thank you , colorado_ufo

[elleng]

28. GOOD, 'just' B12!!!

[debm55]

57. No, that was just the blood work I had. I didn;t get results from MRI tests

[elleng]

58. Right BUT B12 situation good, imo.

[debm55]

109. Thank you. elleng. Yes, it is good news that they found it.

[VGNonly]

29. Did the Dr. mention Pernicious Anemia?

Most people even if they eat animal products have a shortage of B-12.

[Kali]

55. I don't think that is accurate

most people (in the US) are not deficient, problems mostly occur with vegan/vegetarians but even so most are not deficient.

here is what Mayo says - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663

[debm55]

94. Ho, But I have an appointment for the MRI the end of January

[debm55]

95. She said it should be 1000, it's 266/ I am glad they found that as I have hand tremors and this will help. Thany you.

[debm55]

96. No it was just the nurse, Giving me the results of the blood work. I did ask for meds to go in the MRI and she told me

They don't give them out. I have to go to the drug store. They were closed so I took my own.

[debm55]

111. I haven't seen the doctor since Novemeber. It;s a Neurology Doctor's assistant

[Richluu]

30. So good to hear!

I'm a vegetarian and so I've taken B complex , especially B12 for years. When I give some B pills to my carno friends they are amazed at how good they feel. Knowledge is power! And healing!

[debm55]

97. Thank you Richluu.

[Srkdqltr]

31. I was thinking about you this afternoon. Glad you are ok .

Virtual hugs

[debm55]

98. Thank you

back to you too.

[Bayard]

32. Best wishes for a quick recovery, Debbie

At least you're getting some answers.

[debm55]

99. Thank you, Bayard

[rurallib]

33. Great news - I bet you feel like the world's been lifted from your back!

[debm55]

100. Yes, I will be waiting for the MRI results, But i feel better

[badhair77]

34. Glad things went well.

I take metformin and I read that it affects B12 levels. I was lethargic and couldn’t concentrate. I blamed it on brain fog from widowhood and anesthesia. So I started taking a B12 supplement and it’s made a big difference. Brain fog gone. I wish you well with your upcoming appointment.

[debm55]

101. Thank you badhair77, I am so glad you are feeiing better

[TygrBright]

35. YAAAYYY! Thanks for letting us know.

More than 50 years ago my Mom worked for some docs in private practice. It was the era of "Mother's Little Helpers" and most docs were writing prescriptions like crazy, but the docs she worked for swore by B-12 injections for the women who came in with symptoms of exhaustion, lassitude, depression, etc.

I've often wondered how many people they saved from being pillheads...

appreciatively,
Bright

[debm55]

102. Thank you TygrBright

[sheshe2]

38. such good news, deb.

[debm55]

103. Thank you sheshe2

[irisblue]

39. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[debm55]

104. Thank you irisblue,

[Hermit-The-Prog]

40. Welcome back, Now take care of yourself dammit!

[debm55]

105. You sound like my husband Hahaha

[highplainsdem]

41. I'm glad you got through the scan okay, Deb - and that's wonderful news that the blood work

found the likely cause of those symptoms you've been having!

[debm55]

112. Thank you highplainsdem.

[ProfessorGAC]

42. I'm B-12 Low, Too

Not as low as your test shows, but low. I take 500 micrograms each morning.
I'm low in vitamin D, too. I take 2,000 units of that.
My last blood test (early this month) was normal, so those doses must be enough.
Hope the rest of the results come put well.

[Old Crank]

60. B12 is water soluble

Excess gets flushed out.

I was B12 deficient. But I have been taking Omeprazol, prilosec, for acid indigestion. It inhibits the uptake of B12.
If any of you are doing the same it might be wise to check with your doctor to see if you should also.

[debm55]

113. Thank you ProfessorGAC. I am taking the 1000mcg tablets. Yes, will wait for the MRI results.

[LudwigPastorius]

44. : )

I guess you were pretty chilled out!

[debm55]

114. I didn't post my Ty yesterday as I had lunch/dinner. Started to watch the game and fell asleep.

[Quakerfriend]

45. Best news I've heard all day! I'm so very

relieved for you, Deb!

B12 by injection is best but, sublingual is fine too.

I have had patients tell me they are taking “bilingual B12” or “subliminal B12”.

- Hope you feel a whole lot better soon!!

[debm55]

115. Thank you. Quakerfriennd. Will wait for the MRI to come back the end of the month.

[tanyev]

46. Oh my goodness.

Hoping you can soon report that you feel much better after getting your B12 level up!

[debm55]

116. The said it was very low. Hve to still wait on MRi results. TY

[Trueblue Texan]

47. B12 deficits could explain it all...can cause nerve damage. nt

[debm55]

117. Thank you. I will be interesting to see if the MRI show anything. or if the BI2 was the problem all along.

[DoBW]

48. thanks for being here

i suffered a TBI in Jan '21 followed by long recovery and I know no one can do it for you,. please keep writing

[debm55]

118. Thank you DoBW

[ailsagirl]

49. That's GREAT to hear!!!!

[debm55]

119. Thank you ailsagirl

[lpbk2713]

50. Glad it's something you can bounce back from.

It was time and money well spent. Hurry up and get better.

[debm55]

124. Thank you so much.

[Ziggysmom]

52. Such great news! I felt depressed and like crap when I was low in B-12 and vitamin D!

So glad you made it through the tests and found out about the B-12! When I was low on B-12 I also had annoying pins and needles sensations in my feet; I was afraid I was developing neuropathy, but it cleared with B-12 supplements.

Praying the rest of your test results will be normal. Never forget - you are loved!

[debm55]

123. Thank you very much Ziggyamom.

[area51]

53. Sending good vibes.

[debm55]

125. Thank you area51

[claudette]

54. Welcome back!

So glad it's over! Hope the results are good news!

[debm55]

126. Thank you claudette.

[Mr.Bill]

56. We all love you, too, Deb.

Glad to hear things went well.

[debm55]

128. Thanks Mr Bill

[debm55]

59. kick

[Mr.Bill]

61. Congratulations, Deb.

You hold places #1 and #5 on the greatest page.

[debm55]

129. HAHAHAH I am on the greatest page. How did that happen?

[PJMcK]

62. Glad it's behind you

I hope all the results will be to your satisfaction!

[debm55]

131. Thank you, PJMck.

[OldBaldy1701E]

63. I am glad it went well.

[debm55]

132. Thank you OldBaldy1701E

[democrank]

65. Sending a hug

We’re here for you

[debm55]

133. jThank you my friend. I think it was the lose of my father too, going into the MRI

[pandr32]

66. I'll bet you are relieved.

Hopefully the B12 will give you some noticeable benefit.
I certainly hope you rest up and feel much better soon.

[debm55]

122. Thank you pandr32.

[Emile]

88. Glad everything went well and good to see you back.

[debm55]

121. Thank you Emile

[Different Drummer]

110. Wonderful news, Deb!

Please let us know how things go with the MRI!

[debm55]

120. I will. that won't be until the end of January.

[CousinIT]

134. Nutritional yeast (fortified) is a good B12 source.

It's like parmesan cheese. It can be sprinkled on soups, popcorn, salad, vegetables, etc. But also take a supplement as well. Methylcobalamin (sp?) is the more bioavailable kind of B12 so look for that. https://www.drugs.com/npp/methylcobalamin.html

I'm vegan so I have to watch my B12 since most sources are dairy and meat (which I do not consume) so this is a thing for me. My B12 is high though, last it was checked, so I think what I'm doing (supplement and fortified nutritional yeast) is working (slightly too well so backing off on the B12 dosage a bit).

[debm55]

135. Thanks Cousin IT will print out the information at link.

[cayugafalls]

136. Glad they caught that low B12. I was low on it as well a few years ago. Now I take sublingual daily.

It has helped.

That and the other vitamins...lol. I guess I don't eat the way I should.

[debm55]

137. Me either. Love the emojis', Fits me to a tee also.

[beaglelover]

139. Glad it went well. Waiting for the scan results is always hard. Hope it all turns out OK!

[debm55]

141. Thank you beaglelover

[soldierant]

143. I hope she gave you some guidance on getting B12 absorbed.

My grandfather (mother's father) died from whay they used to calll :pernicious anemia" (and now just call "vitamin B-12 deficiency." Back then thet weren't able to put it in a pill that would succeed in getting it absorbed - it was injections or nothing. Then a way was dicovered to get it absorbed under the tongue - I believe in a liquid. I can't find it now, but I read recently that if you just take a pill, it requires saliva to be absorbable - water alone won't work (at least not as well), so if you have dry mouth, that's another challenge.

You do want to keep tabs on your level to be sure whatever you are using is working for you. There isn't just one way to take it, and peoples' bodies are different - some respond to this, others to that.