Vitamin B12, annual scan and summer holidays.

For some months now I have been feeling under the weather. Constantly tired, lack of interest and enthusiasm, struggling to concentrate and generally lacking energy. My running has also suffered and I have been getting steadily slower and slower and on my last run ended up stopping several times as I just didn’t have the strength to keep going.

 I felt utterly demoralized and pretty sorry for myself but also worried over what might be causing it? The mind can jump to the worst conclusions. It came to a head when at its worst I was running out of energy by around three in the afternoon and in bed by eight thirty.  So I finally gave in and decided it was time to see the doctor.

 After a thorough examination and blood tests it was found that I was vitamin B12 deficient.  My reading came in at 64pmol/mL. http://www.patient.co.uk states-

“Serum vitamin B12 is the most commonly used method of establishing B12 deficiency. In general, levels less than 111 pmol/mL reliably indicate deficiency. Neurological deficiency or anemia is usually evident in patients with levels less than 89 pmol/mL”

Thankfully it’s been confirmed that I’m not anemic. The likely cause is the amount of bowel surgery that I have undergone and in particular surgery involving the ileum where vitamin B12 is absorbed. The concern however is that if I’m not absorbing vitamin B12 properly then what else am I not absorbing?

I have been referred locally to the colorectal consultants and await an appointment for further investigations.

The timing is pretty good as I am also due for my annual scan at Basingstoke on the 4^th September. A good thorough checkup is always welcomed!

On a positive note we have just returned from our summer holidays in Devon. We had a great time and the weather was kind. We visited many of the seaside towns in the vicinity-Brixham, Torquay and Dawlish to name a few. We also got up into Dartmoor visiting Dartmoor Zoo which the film “We Bought a Zoo” was based on, Becky Falls and Woodlands Family Fun Park. 

Otters at Dartmoor Zoo

Brixham

Torquay

Becky Falls

Whilst we kept ourselves pretty busy the well earned rest did us all good. We spent quality family time together and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

So the next few weeks sound like they might be busy! Annual CT scan at Basingstoke and a local referral for further investigations on the whole vitamin B12 thing.

I’ll keep you posted…