b12 injections

[whiteorchid]

I've been experiencing muscle stiffness, tingling and numbness in legs and feet.   I don't notice anything while sitting, but when standing or walking, it just feels strange walking - almost like a heaviness and burning if I'm on my legs for too long. The tingling is pretty minor now (it was worse) and I no longer have the constant muscle twitches. It all started after a whiplash injury, followed by severe anxiety, I'm still experiencing the anxiety on a daily basis as a result of all of these weird symptoms -- rarely a panic attack, though.  It feels like my gait is slightly off and I've noticed my left knee has been aching and stiff.  I've asked my doctor about b12 injections -- I've been tested for b12 deficiency (serum "535" and intrinsic factor blocking antibody "negative") but I still think b12 injections may help, I know they can't hurt.  Does anyone know if the tests I've had done completely rule out b12 deficiency?  I am a vegetarian and have been for 10 years and have read that anything below 535 can show symptoms, particularly following a trauma.  I've been taking b12 orally but I feel it wouldn't hurt to try the injections and see what happens.  Anyone have any success?  

[kimpton]

did you have a methylmalonic acid test?  and did you stop taking b12 a few weeks before you were tested?   i too was b12 def.  it was caused by candida.   i wasn't the typical candidate for it so why i had it still remains a mystery.  the shots felt good in the beginning, but when my levels were too high i stopped and it was seriously unpleasant.  it was as if i had become addicted to them.  the jury is still out as to whether or not high b12 levels cause other health issues.  also, you cervical spine can cause problems in your hips and legs.   as for the b12- here's a link that might help.  sounds like you have ruled out pernicious anemia?

http://www.answers.com/topic/intrinsic-factor   scroll down to clinical significance.

[mll134]

I got my first B-12 a week ago today (5/21) and have had bad side effects ever since.  I'm the 'rare person who reacts to many meds/etc" so it doesn't surprise me.  Medical staff say 'no side effects to worry about'... can't prove it by me.  I was very low in B-12 deficiency + bad iron deficiency anemia for years, which have caused my fibromyalgia and bad pain levels to escalate beyond tolerance.  At first I became lethargic and so sleepy (3 hrs after the shot) I had to lie down - not me by no means - and then the other symptoms of chest pressure/pain, horrible hiatal hernia discomfort, nausau, head/neck pains and joint/back pains all over; frequent urination and pressure where I thought I had bladder infection (turns out I don't)... are some of the major ones.  I finally looked up B-12 side effects and saw the list since after 24 hrs, I still felt awful.  Long story short, a week later and symptoms get horrible periodically and I'm forced to take everything I can to counteract them and go lie down or go to sleep - which is also gravely affected!  I'm taking Benedryl to counter-act against it but was just wondering if anyone else has had such awful side effects to just 1 shot and how long they might last???  I did the same thing with Iron Infusion twice now and that lasted weeks.  I don't really want to go thru this so doubt I'll take another B-12 (which is to be monthly) or even Iron!  Like many, my intrinsic factor is nill also.  Any advice out there???  Please email me at marylou_24136***@**** - thank you.

[hope1980]

I was having the same symptoms and was b12 deficient, injections didn't help(for a month daily) MRI showed I have MS. see a neurologist. hope you donot have mine.