Tingling from Vitamin B12 deficiency/pernicious anemia?

[Sue812]

My feet have both been numb for several months and at night, I get sharp, tingling pains in them.  After researching, I found this can be due to Vitamin B12 deficiency associated with pernicious anemia.  I am the fourth generation having to get B12 injections (once a month).  My great grandmother died from pernicious anemia and my grandmother had it also.  To my knowledge, I don't have it.

My question is, can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause these symptoms?  I have been getting the same dosage shot (1,000mcg) every month for over 10 years.  Could the deficiency have gotten worse?  Or could I be deficent in another B vitamin?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has knowledge about this or who has a severe deficiency like I do.  Thank you.

Sue ;0)

[mammaz]

I have pernicious anemia and only 38 I was diagnosed a few years ago. I don't know about the other vitamins or dying from Pernicious anemia while on treatment. However, they tell me I should be able to live a normal lifespan. However, I have some heart issues which I take medicine for and had some other issues all due mostly likely to the disease. I had a long time but could't tell you how long. My entire family including my daughter have all been tested as a result and my daughter will receive routine testing. All the data shows that you should not show symptoms until you are serious deficient. I did as my B-12 was almost at 0. In reply to your question, my doctor checks me routinely as for some patients once a month may not be enough. Insurance companies don't like paying for the treatment and will try to deny so I suggest getting a good doctor and getting tested regularly. I get tested about every 3 to 6 months. I was at once a month and after a year my b-12 was only at 172 then they put me to 2x a month and I went up to 857. After that second year they put me back to once a month and retested to see if my body was metabolising the b-12. I unfortunately was not. I dropped 500 points to 300 and this all came with symptoms. So I am back to 2x a month. Every case is individual and some people can live off low b-12. It is when you have none your body starts to shut down. I know my did. And as a result now my body feels the drop. One last thing once you have been on the shots for a while your syptoms (symptoms) should subside. Some of mine did but some damage is permanent. Do you research to see how Pernicious Anemia affects you physically.  Good Luck and God Bless you.

[vicky661]

i have had pins and nedles in my hands every morning for almost 4 years now, i feel very tired and weak most of the time and feel very sensitive to light, also rapid heart beat, they say i have minor anemia but nothing to worry about . could i have b12 deficiency?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The symptoms mentioned by you also occur due to the deficiency of Vitamin B1. Please take oral Multivitamin and multimineral supplements . But numbness and tingling may be due to other reasons as well . These could be due to a compressed nerve , Sciatica , Brain or Spinal cord pathology . Please go for an MRI spine and consult a neurologist for the diagnosis . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[Sue812]

Hello.  I apologize for taking so long to reply.  Somehow I missed your reply (and that of Vicky661) since my original post was quite awhile ago.

I am taking multivitamins and multiminerals.  I also have been taking extra doses (not huge) of Vitamin D and a Vitamin B complex.  The Vitamin B pill has a large dose of B vitamins (including B1).  I have found that I now have very few stabbing pains anymore (feet are still numb).  I think maybe the B1 and others have helped.

I have had an EMG test (and a couple others) and been seen by a neurologist.  I was shown to have "mild" nerve damage.  Due to financial reasons, I haven't pursued it any further for now.

Vicky, (if you see this) I'd recommend you get tested for B-12 deficiency.  Anemia is part of that and if let go, can turn into pernicious anemia (very serious).  Before my B-12 deficiency was diagnosed, I was exhausted all the time.  The "pins and needles" can come from B-12 deficiency.  (I've been tested and my B-12 level is fine at this time.)  Good luck in finding an answer.

Thank you for your replies, Dr. Rajgopal and Vicky661.

Sue

[Beth423]

My 77 year old mother was diagnosed with pernicious anemia several years ago and takes monthly injections. My grand daughter was recently stillborn. The docs say that my daughter's genetic testing show the MTHFR factor. My general practitioner said I am too young for the anemia (I am 44) and there isn't enough info to prove the factor would cause my daughter to lose my grand daughter. I want a second opinion as to whether I should be tested. Should I see another GP or see an internist? Is seeing a hematologist overkill?