b12 deficiency

[gansvoort]

I've long suffered anxiety/depression symtoms. I also was just diagnosed with a b12 deficiency by a Neuro, who ordered tests after she noticed that I had hyper reflexes in lower extremitis but slow ones in upper extremities. An MRI was normal, but the b12 score was slightly low 355. She said I should  get monthly shots, and that I would feel better in six months. A few questions:
1) I've been feeling cold and sorta stiff in the upper body since the shot 10 days ago. Is this alll in my head since I  was told about the slow reflexes in my upper body and I'm a bit of hypochondriac? A side effect of the shot? or a symptom of the underlying deficiency?
2) Is a once a month shot enough?
3) Why would she say it would take six months to notice improvement? I read accounts of people feeling better in days.
4 They called  me to reschedule and postpone my next shot since the doctor will be going on a long vacation. This means I won't get my second shot until 2 months after my first. They say this is not a problem.  Is it?

[gansvoort]

Thanks for your help. I will try and post a follow up at some point.

[opinmin]

I do not see a problem letting your other physician take over managing your situation with the b12 as long as he/she agrees.  That way you would have one physician to see to manage more for you; beneficial to you.  It is great the neurologist found the problem, but he/she doesn't have to necessarily manage a b12 deficiency.  Do let the neurologist know about your decision as well.  My biggest concern if you stay with the neurologist is his/her availability to you.

Keep us posted.    

[gansvoort]

Thanks for your comments, folks. I do feel a bit less cold and stiff in the last couple of days, so maybe it was just the freezing weather as much as the low b12. :)

I should also mention that the doctor said it might be worth taking a daily b12 vitamin, which I've been doing, and also eat a steak once a week. But I remain distressed that the doctor told me it will take six months of monthly shots before there is improvement, and then postpones one of those shots for a month.

Is there any advantage in sticking with the neurologist who discovered this  problem to treat it? I've also been to endocrcinologist for low testosterone, and I think that doctor can do b12 injections as well. Should I just let that doc take over this issue as well?

[opinmin]

You should be feeling better within in weeks.  Usually, the injections are scheduled weekly, then span out to monthly.  Waiting a two months between injections will make a difference.  

Secondly, the cold and upper body problems I believe are related to the low b12.  

Thirdly, I am not sure in your case if you would benefit from an oral tablet.  In my opinion you are better off with the injections at this time.  Sometimes, patients do not absorb b12 when taken orally; that is why they are prescribed injections.  That is definitely a physician's recommendation.    

[remar]

I've read the same thing. That you should feel better in days, not months.
The B vitamins should be replenished every day. I would recommend getting a good natural B complex. The B vitamins work together. Go to a health food store to buy this. Don't get it from the grocery store. Also, research foods that contain B vitamins.
I wish I could tell you why your having pain in your upper extremities, but I'm not sure what's going on. Take care. Remar