Pernicious Anemia by Carole McCall

 Like most women I know I have  always  worked  hard at my job, loved being a mum, done the best I could  but …… I have never, ever felt well.

It did not help that I usually looked well so it was hard to explain how bad I felt.

I always felt uncomfortable in my body. I  had pins and needles, headaches,lacked co-ordination, and always had  stomach problems. Fortunately I had my family when I was young as by the time I was in my mid twenties I was quite ill. The first time I  saw  a neurologist was  because I had fallen over when I was pregnant and they diagnosed severe migraine.

Over time  I have seen  several neurologists and had lots of MRI Scans. I had many diagnosis  including  Multiple Sclerosis ,Stress,Spinal damage and Fibromyalga.

I have always been blessed with a positive spirit and loved my life. I worked hard and did all the things I needed to do but always in the back of my mind I always thought. "Why have I got so many things wrong with me and am I just imagining it?"

In fact I never remember feeling well until about 2yrs year ago when a wonderful doctor in Spain diagnosed that I had Pernicious Anemia. True pernicious anemia results from an autoimmune condition that impairs absorption of dietary vitamin B-12, resulting in vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 deficiency of any cause will result in anemia and neurologic symptoms.

I was so relieved to think that I did not have lots of things wrong. I had one thing wrong with lots of symptoms.

You may ask “What is Pernicious Anemia”, because I did.  It turns out the answer is quite complicated.

It is caused by the body’s inability to process vitamin B12. This is in found in foods that come from animals .(meat, fish, and dairy)

Some people either lack intrinsic factor in their stomachs so they cannot absorb it or they make antibodies that destroy it. Both these things may be hereditary and can lead to very serious consequences.

 
Pernicious Anemia has a long list of symptoms. Here is a list provided by the Pernicious Anemia Society www.pasoc.org.uk

 
Common symptoms.

Shortness of breath and, extreme fatigue

Poor concentration, confusion, clumsiness

Brittle flaking nails, dry skin,

Mood swings, spinal problems

Bumping into things, unsteadiness,

Numbness, tingling in arms, feet, legs,

General unsteadiness when showering and dressing.

Tinnitus, sleep disturbance

 Poor digestion, hair loss,

 Psoriasis, acne rosaceous,

Sensitivity to wheat,

Irregular heart beat.

Loss of sense of smell.

Sore Tongue

And more…..

 

The good news is that the treatment is very simple, regular injections of B12.

After research I now know that I was diagnosed with this in childhood and I should have had b12 injections for life.

In my experience there is not a lot of information available about this condition but there is a research programme  at St Marys Hospital in Manchester in which I am taking part.

I am sharing my story because I feel passionately that information gives us the ability to make good choices about our own health and our families health.

So if you are feeling unwell with any of these symptoms it might be a good idea to ask your doctor to check your B12 levels.However as I explained the insidious nature of the disease, and the fact that there is no single definitive test for pernicious anemia, can often mean that a diagnosis is delayed. The Schilling test is no longer widely available, and the other main diagnostic tool of testing for low levels of serum B12 cannot be relied upon as sufferers can have high levels of serum B12 and still have pernicious anemia.

I have found the people at The Pernicious Anemia Society very helpful.

I do not pretend to be an expert in any way but know how this has affected my life. I am happy to answer any questions by email on this subject at carolemccall@hotmail.co.uk

I am feeling so much better after 2 years treatment that I back working very hard with lots of energy left to do all the fun things as well.

 
Carole McCall

Managing Director

www.diva-stores.com

 

 

 

Please note

 It is possible get Pernicious Anemia if you lack B12 because you have been a lifelong vegan or had a very poor diet. You should check this with your GP