From Exhaustion to Recovery
A 5-year journey to diagnosis
Vikki(name changed)
Age 42
“I had lost hope of ever feeling normal again. B12 treatment gave me my life back.”
Vikki's Journey
The Beginning
I first started experiencing symptoms in my early thirties - overwhelming fatigue, memory problems, and a persistent tingling in my hands and feet. As a primary school teacher, I needed to be sharp and energetic, but I was struggling just to get through each day. My GP initially suggested it was stress from work and prescribed antidepressants.
The Struggle
For five years, I struggled with these symptoms, visiting numerous doctors and specialists. I had an MRI, nerve conduction tests, and was referred to a neurologist who couldn't find anything wrong. The turning point came when I found The B12 Society online. Their symptom checker highlighted that my combination of neurological and psychological symptoms could indicate B12 deficiency. Armed with this information, I requested specific tests from my GP.
Getting Diagnosed
My serum B12 was 180 ng/L - technically 'low normal' but The B12 Society's information helped me understand this could still indicate deficiency with symptoms present. The intrinsic factor antibody test came back positive, confirming pernicious anaemia. After advocating for treatment based on NICE guidelines, I finally received B12 injections.
Recovery
The improvement was gradual but remarkable. Within weeks, the brain fog began to lift. The tingling in my extremities started to improve after a few months. Most importantly, I felt like myself again - I could remember my students' names, plan lessons effectively, and actually enjoy my evenings instead of collapsing exhausted.
Where I Am Now
Now, two years later, I manage my condition with regular B12 injections through my GP. I've also become an advocate, helping others in The B12 Society's Facebook group navigate their own diagnostic journeys.
Journey Timeline
2015
First symptoms - fatigue and tingling
2016
GP prescribed antidepressants
2017
Referral to neurologist - no findings
2019
Found The B12 Society online
2020
B12 test showed 180 ng/L, started treatment
2021
Brain fog lifted, energy restored
2023
Managing well with regular injections
Advice to Others
Vikki's recommendations for those facing similar challenges
- Trust your body - you know when something isn't right
- Don't accept 'it's just stress' without proper investigation
- Request a serum B12 test if you have multiple symptoms
- Low-normal B12 levels can still cause symptoms
- Keep a symptom diary to track patterns
Key Facts
Cause
Pernicious Anaemia
Time to Diagnosis
5 years
Initial B12 Level
180 ng/LLow-normal range but symptomatic
Current Status
Successfully managing with regular B12 injections
Symptoms Experienced
Tests Performed
- Serum B12
- Intrinsic Factor Antibodies
- Full Blood Count
Treatment
Hydroxocobalamin injections
Loading doses, then every 10 weeks
Additional supplements:
Folate, Iron
What Helped
- B12 injections
- The B12 Society symptom checker
- Online support community
- Understanding GP who listened
Published: 15 March 2023
Last updated: 10 January 2024
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Medical Disclaimer: This personal story is shared for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. B12 deficiency affects everyone differently. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.