B-12 supplement for fatigue, numbness, and tingling?

LaBigGirl · 08-28-2006, 09:53 PM

Hello, many days I wake up feeling tired and run-down, like I need more sleep. Recently I have noticed a LOT of numbness/tingling in hands-arms-legs, etc. esp. when I wake up. Last week I even had a whole leg "fall asleep" on me, from the hip down, while I slept! It scared me, never happened before.

Because I'm on Metformin and have the above symptoms, I think I am chronically low on vitamin B-12. I thought my multivitamin (and food intake) had enough of it, but now I'm not so sure.

If I were to take a separate dose of B-12, how much would be good to start with? I know it's hard to overdose on that one, but I don't want to waste money on extra that will just run through me.

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks

cathb · 08-29-2006, 03:34 AM

Hi,
If you are B-12 deficient, (apparently according to my nurse!) you cannot actually extract B12 from vitamins or food. It would be diagnosed via a blood test and then you get an injection every 9-12 weeks which is not B-12 itself but a sort of suppliment and something that makes your body extract it from food!
Mine presented itself with similar symptoms, however I was very aneamic (brought on by low B-12).
If you suspect that it is B-12 associated I would recommend you get to your GP asap and get a blood test which will test for Iron and B12. Hope that helps!

LaBigGirl · 08-29-2006, 04:14 AM

Thank you, I shall check into it!

kutrina · 08-29-2006, 04:40 AM

b-12 injections are the way to go. im b12 defficent. i havent givent myself a shot in a bit, but should.

its around 12$ for a vial from the pharmacy.
Then i get a prescription for needles from my GP. and he taught me how to inject.

they realy do help. when i do them, i do it every week, as the exta you just pee out..

Allison. · 08-29-2006, 02:42 PM

I take B12 sub-lingual pills, 2-3 times a week. I also get a B-12 shot once a month. This keeps my numbers up. It is important for you to have your B-12 and iron levels checked. The tingling you feel can lead to permanent numbness.

LaBigGirl · 08-30-2006, 02:23 AM

Come to think of it, I have never been tested for B12 or any other vitamin level. But two weeks ago I had a complete blood count (because of slightly elevated white blood cells since early 2006) and they said everything other than my slightly high WBC was normal.

Wouldn't a seriously low B12 level affect my RED blood cells? I've read some articles since I first posted this thread, and I read that either outright B12 deficiency or body's lack of ability to use B12 causes a type of anemia. But my number of red blood cells is in range, and the lab didn't see anything abnormal about size/shape of them.

I started taking a B-complex with a good level of B12 yesterday. Up to 30% of people on Metformin can develop B12 deficiencies, I read.

I do plan to ask my doctor about this issue soon. Maybe it is a symptom that is just at the beginning stage, where it wouldn't show in a blood count. I am just so sick of calling a doctor every time I am bothered by something new, you know?

Allison. · 08-30-2006, 02:30 PM

I have never been tested for B12 or any other vitamin level.

Your doctor can easily order a B-12 blood test. If you are taking Metformin, it should be checked regularly.

I had a complete blood count and they said everything other than my slightly high WBC was normal.
Do you get copies of your lab test values? I keep track of any changing levels, sometimes you may be at the very low end of normal. You can make adjustments in supplements, if needed.

Wouldn't a seriously low B12 level affect my RED blood cells?
I don't know, but I would ask for a B-12 test , and stay on top of it.

I started taking a B-complex with a good level of B12 yesterday.
I also take that, but mine only has 30mcg of B-12, so I don't use that for my b-12, I supplement with a b-12 subligual. (1,000mcg) 2-3 times a week.

Up to 30% of people on Metformin can develop B12 deficiencies, I read.

Yes, and some doctors don't tell you. I try to keep my B-12 level above 500. When it's lower, I feel fatigued

I do plan to ask my doctor about this issue soon. Maybe it is a symptom that is just at the beginning stage, where it wouldn't show in a blood count. I am just so sick of calling a doctor every time I am bothered by something new, you know?

That's what they are there for. I use to not want to "bother" my doctor. I believe that we are partners in my healthcare. I have learned to advocate for myself. I developed anemia last year and needed to go to the hospital for a ten hour iron infusion. Not fun. I hope that you can get that blood test soon.