Has anyone ever suffered with this problem. I am being tested for it after a hospital appointment yesterday.I have a swollen sore tongue,feel short of breath, facial tingling and itchiness , extreme fatigue that I have always put down to my RA. I take a huge amount of antacids because of reflux , the doctor said this could cause vit B def..??????? My legs have been swollen too and as I posted before they are giving me phelbitis or torn calf ligaments diagnosisI am - I take the B12 injections - my body doesn't break down and absorb the pills so once a month I go for a shot - no biggie doesn't hurt at all. I noticed a difference in how I felt right away and can tell now if I miss or am late in geting the shot - so if this is part of your problem hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Hugs and good vibes.Hi Pincushion - I was having B12 injections for a few months. I have been vegetarian for 24 yrs, my levels were within the normal range but low. I dont think the injections made any difference but with RA causing so many symptoms can be hard to know for sure. If you check it out on the net you will find the European & American ideas of normal B12 are quite different. It is important to find someone who is good at giving the injection otherwise it can be a little painful. When I ended up with a different nurse giving the injections it made a huge difference. It is important to keep your arm really relaxed and for the injection to be done quite slowly as there is a higher than average amount of liquid to be injected. Nevertheless it is really not that bad, hurts a bit but is tolerable. You can get tablets that are the only ones that can be absorbed by your body - they are absorbed under your tongue. You will find them at any health food store. I havent had my levels tested for a while so will get them checked out again soon.
I think if you are deficient you get tingling in your fingers and feet and it can, according to the net made a huge difference for some people in their mood. Maybe I do need some more!
Hope this is of some help.
Best wishes,
CassieTaking B12 is one of the things that my pain specialist is recommending for me although I haven't started it yet because I'm trying to find a way to pay for it. But it is supposed to help with nerve pain.
Pincushion, many RA sufferers seem to have a B12 deficiency and I'm familiar with some, but not all, of your symptoms. Take note of what 2manyaches said above, if nothing else B12 often acts as a good pick-me-up. It's also possible that B12 can help with neuropathy pain, which you seem to be having.
So try it - you've nothing to lose and it could help. Luck, Des.
Pincushion,
Are you on MTX? I developed a B12 def. when on that and had to do the suppliment injections for a while afterwards. My first rheumy did not tell me to take B12 when I started the methotrexate so I was really behind the eight ball on that. Some rheumys tell patients to start it when they start that drug protocol and I guess some don't..
I felt better shortly after starting the suppliment. Good luck to you with it...
MANY THANKS. No I am not taking MTX only humira. I think it could be due to antacid and omeprazole use a I use these so much.Additionally, these GERD drugs inhibit the absorbtion of many vitamins and minerals; not just B-12. There could be other deficiences also.