B12 where for art thou?

Hi all

Firstly, a big thank you to all the people who have viewed my blog since before my op.  I’ve just topped 5,000 views – i feel in awe.  I never really thought anyone would follow it – just me bleating on about my journey but I’ve realised that, hopefully, I have helped people along the way and hopefully I’m still helping them even though I don’t blog as much as I did.

I’ve talked about it before but I’m having a quick moan about B12.

First the techno babble:

Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue. If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, as well as nerve and brain damage, which may eventually become irreversible.

People with B12 deficiency may eventually develop pernicious anemia, a type of blood disorder. Patients with pernicious anemiacannot produce enough IF (intrinsic factor)in their stomach. IF is needed so that the body can absorb vitamin B12. People with this blood disorder need to have vitamin B12 injections which go straight into their bloodstream, bypassing the stomach.

Vitamin B12 also helps our bodies absorbfolic acid, facilitates the release of energy.

It has become more the norm these days to have Bariatric surgery and be put straight onto B12 injections (3 monthly) which was not routine a couple of years ago.  Some people do not have a problem with B12 after surgery and the routine blood tests will pick it up.  But a bigger percentage do so, in Bradford, at least, they put you onto the injections immediately.

Some people will say their energy levels aren’t affected by B12 as in, the last month of the 3 month cycle, they don’t feel any noticeable drop in energy but others, like myself, struggle.

The day after the injection I feel like a new woman – not necessarily bouncing like tigger but definitely ‘topped up’ with energy.  This lasts for about 2 months… then slowly I start to fade.  Today, 4 days before my injection I am lethargic, and very very sleepy even though I had a good 8 hours sleep last night.  It is frustrating but now a fact of life.  Thankfully I’m having the injection before my wedding else I’d probably snooze through the ceremony lol.

Don’t be tempted to not have the B12 if offered.  you might be like me, a sloth with out it 🙂

See you soon xx

B12 where for art thee?

Hi all

These last few days I’ve been quite tired, grumpy and just feeling ‘off it’ a little.

Driving over to watch Chas n Dave in Holmefirth on friday night it suddenly occurred to me….. I’m due my B12 injection in the next week or so!!  I forget every time why I’m feeling so tired and lethargic – you’d think almost a year on I’d have realised quicker!!

Routinely offering B12 injections on a three monthly basis is fairly new in Bradford.  I know that many who have had the op before me are only just being given it as it has come to the doctor’s attention that they are B12 deficient.  Thankfully my consultant, Mr Halstead, put me straight on it so within a couple of weeks of the op I had my first one.

Mark says that once I’ve had the injection I almost immediately become a bouncing bunny (put your own imagery to that one).  I would say that if you don’t get it straight away enquire with your consultant or his team as it seems almost certain that you will need it at some point.

I have to admit I don’t like getting it, as the injection does hurt (I won’t lie) but it’s because there is quite a lot of liquid that they inject into you (in comparison to a flu jab etc, NOT that they are injecting a pint of liquid).  It is painful as it is injected in but goes relatively quickly and believe me, it’s worth having.  Not only do you feel better but a deficiency of B12 can cause problems:

Quote from Web MD (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes)

If the deficiency is not corrected, it can damage the nerve cells. If this happens, vitamin B12 deficiency effects may include:

• tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
• difficulty walking
• mood changes or depression
• memory loss, disorientation, and dementia

Medical stuff aside – I went shopping for a long frock for a Spring Ball we’re going to and came back with two!!  A lovely gold dress which is simple and elegant (unlike me) and a lovely dark blue one with beaded flowers on the bodice.  I’m sure I’ll post a photo on the day.

See you soon x