Pernicious Anemia

[Mtndog]

I was recently told I am anemic and I'm wondering if it's pernicious anemia. I know that for the last month (after a really harsh glutening) I have been having some of the symptoms I had before I went gluten-free like the tarry stools, nausea, muscle pain and spasms, numbness and tingling and I'm wondering if if may be this.

And if so, how is it traeted? b12 shots? Anemia confuses me because i always thought it was low iron so anyone willing to educate me, please explain! Thanks, B

[ravenwoodglass]

What kind of anemia did the doctor say you have? There are many different forms. I am assuming it was diagnosed through blood work?

True pernicious anemia is caused by the body not producing something called the intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor is what allows the body to absorb and utilize B12 from our guts. Many celiacs because of the damage done to the intestines are also unable to absorb the vitamin from food or supplements and are low in B12. It is not exactly the same thing but the effects are the same.

For many the use of sublingual B12 is enough to get relief. The sublingual tabs dissolve under the tongue and are absorbed by the mucous membranes into the blood stream. This can be a very effective way of bringing levels up quickly. Some folks choose to get injections, my Mom did for years, but for some the oral method works well. I had relief, even pregluten free, from 'tingles' in under a week with the sub tabs

[Mtndog]

What kind of anemia did the doctor say you have? There are many different forms. I am assuming it was diagnosed through blood work?

True pernicious anemia is caused by the body not producing something called the intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor is what allows the body to absorb and utilize B12 from our guts. Many celiacs because of the damage done to the intestines are also unable to absorb the vitamin from food or supplements and are low in B12. It is not exactly the same thing but the effects are the same.

For many the use of sublingual B12 is enough to get relief. The sublingual tabs dissolve under the tongue and are absorbed by the mucous membranes into the blood stream. This can be a very effective way of bringing levels up quickly. Some folks choose to get injections, my Mom did for years, but for some the oral method works well. I had relief, even pregluten free, from 'tingles' in under a week with the sub tabs

They actually didn't say what kind of anemia- I didn't realize there were different types. thanks for the info. I was looking over my labs and it looks like B12 and iron.

[tiffjake]

They actually didn't say what kind of anemia- I didn't realize there were different types. thanks for the info. I was looking over my labs and it looks like B12 and iron.

You might want to find out if it is pernicious anemia or not. If so, you will need B12 for life. I have pernicious anemia. I used to give myself weekly shots. I stopped doing that b/c I developed bad bruises and scar tissue. I started using the sublingual tab (from GNC).

If you do not have pernicious anemia, then you can use over the counter Iron or B12 tablets. (They would not have to be sublingual). The only reason people with pernicious anemia need the shots or sublingual is because they can not absorb the B12 through the stomach lining. Otherwise, regular Iron pills or B12 pills would be fine.

Hope you figure out what kind of anemia you have!

[chatycady]

I too have pernicious anemia. And will give my self monthly injections for the rest of my life. I was diagnosed through the "Shillings" test. Don't know if they use that anymore.

You can be anemic, due to poor absorption. I do not have that problem. I lack intrensic factor. Pernicious Anemia is an autoimmune disease.

[Mtndog]

Thanks for all the info everyone!