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B-12 Shots and An Interesting Note...

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/20/2011 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
So I received a notice in the mail today that my bloodwork came back (thank god) and my doctor wants me to go on vitamin B-12 shots. Apparently, my number was low (250 out of 400 approx.). Has anyone else had to do these? I have to go get syringes tomorrow...and have to learn how to stick myself! As someone who hates needles...this oughta be good. They said they can do it for you, but I have to do them weekly...and I would rather not have to do that constantly. Any tips?

Secondly, I received two things. One, a prescription for the vials and syringes for the B-12, and the second was an order for more bloodwork. At the bottom was written Dx: Vitamin B-12 deficiency and crohn's disease. I was diagnosed by my original doctor over a year ago with colitis. But, when I mentioned many of my symptoms to new doctor (who will be doing a new colonoscopy soon) he responded...oddly. I told him about my acid reflux issues (which only shows up once in a while), and how I occasionally have difficulty with mouth sores (canker sores that just won't go away until things start to clear up, so definitely related). I also have several other symptoms that are disease related. (Red eyes, swollen joints, etc.) He seemed to almost question the diagnosis at the time. Now, we know I've got something. After multiple blood in stool experiences, and pooping my pants several times, I can guarantee I've got an IBD. But, he never mentioned a Crohn's dx in the appointment. Now I'm wondering if he reacted strangely because he believes I might have Crohn's versus colitis? Or, it could just be a mess-up? It seems he wrote it though, and signed it. So...do I approach him on it? Or wait? He's doing a colonoscopy in a few weeks anyways, so I feel like waiting won't make a difference anyways, simply because I'm already on meds. I'm kind of wondering if it's possible that the initial diagnosis was wrong? Does anyone know of any symptom differences between crohn's and colitis?

Sorry it's so long! Just have a lot on my mind.
Posted 8/20/2011 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hey girlzilla, Crohn's and UC can have very similar symptoms but people with Crohn's are more prone to strictures and constipation. I believe UCers tend to bleed more but I am sure there are cases of Crohn's where people bleed a lot too. It seems like it's very hard to differentiate between the 2 illnesses, especially by trying to diagnose based on symptoms. I think the best tool for getting a diagnosis may be an endoscopy because that will allow the GI to see the upper part of the intestines. If you had inflammation throughout the colon, that doesn't say anything about whether the small intestine is involved. Biopsy results say "consistent with UC" but I don't feel like that is 100% accurate. I would like to get an endoscopy to see if there is any evidence of inflammation in my upper GI tract. I have a lot of the same symptoms you describe, cankers, I also have some irritation in my throat according to my ENT and GERD. Crohn's and UC are treated with a lot of the same medications. It is strange that your GI wrote Crohn's when you've never been officially diagnosed with Crohn's. I would be curious if it were done on purpose or by accident...

I have not tried b12 but I have seen it mentioined here. You may want to try searching. I am scared of shots too but I think you will do well. It's probably not as bad as we think.
Posted 8/20/2011 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I'm just not sure if it were an accident or not, but it's written on a prescription slip, probably copied from a record? I don't know. Ugh!

I guess at this point it's wait and see :P Ugh.

Thanks :)
Posted 8/21/2011 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
I give myself b-12 shots once a month.  I do it in my stomach.  It is no big deal.  The stomach hurts less.  Good luck.
Posted 8/21/2011 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I recently had to start getting B12 too.. my Dr. says I dont absorb it. I have been going to their office though... first it was once a week.. for a few weeks now its to every 2 weeks. I love it... it gives me a boost and makes me feel better!
Posted 8/22/2011 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
chrons vs. colitis - I'd definitly call the doctor/nurse back and ask why it says Chrones when doc has told you have colitis. there's a difference, they easily could have made a mistake on teh label

B-12 : I got one at a spa, in my glutes(buttocks), hurt a bit but was amazing energy for a few days. Got it again at the Doctors office month later on the hip, didn't hurt at all, but I don't recall a increase in my pep. I'm going to get two this week as I'm headed on vacation next week.
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