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Vitamin B12 Deficiency

I recently had a blood test because of persistent stomach disorders associated with loss of energy. I have suffered this to a slight extent over the four years I have been taking Glivec but, in the last eight weeks, it has become much worse.

The blood test showed that everything was normal except for low Vitamin B12. I am now being prescribed a series of injections to restore the B12 level.

I suspect that they are doing this because it is the only thing they can measure which is out of spec. so I just wondered if anyone else has had any problems with B12 as a result of CML or Glivec. If so, what sort of symptoms did you have.

Cheers, John

Hi John

I had a series of B12 shots due to low counts. Although I wasn't suffering from gastric disorders or fatigue. They were truly horrid, I'm afraid, it felt like a nasty sting and I was physically sick about 30 mins after each shot, so you might need to move your Glivec taking time. Unfortunately they made little difference. However, I did look at my diet and added more red meat and liver once a week, along with vitamin supplements. My energy levels seem fine and I work as a supply teacher so not entirely sedentary. I'll ask my haematologist what my levels are like now when I seem him in Oct.

Marian

Hi Marian,

Thanks for your response. I am sorry to hear that you reacted badly to the B12 injections. I had my first one this morning, fortunately before I saw your post, and am pleased to say that I have had no negative response so far.

I am due to take my PCR blood test in the next week before seeing my haematologist in October. I will hear what he has to say about B12. I just wondered if prolongued use of Glivec might reduce the adsorption of B12 from normal food sources.

Still, on the bright side, I love liver but have been rather deprived over the years as my wife doesn't like it. I can now justify having it rather more often.

Best wishes, John

I'm glad it went well. Mine were done in the afternoon, it was term time so mornings were out. I suppose this might have made a difference.

Must admit I too love having an excuse to eat liver, especially mine and my daughter's favourite of calves liver. As for Tony and my son - may as well serve them their hats. :)

Marian