My regular doc ran a lab test for B12 when I complained to her about what I thought were side effects of Asacol. My B12 was so deleted that it almost wasn't there and she was surprised I was walking around. I got a B12 shot and another one the next week and another one the next week and now it looks like I'll have to do it every month. (I'll probably do it myself, though, rather than going in to the doc's office every month.)
Well, guess what I found out? The only place in your whole body that absorbs Vitamin B12 is the last part of your upper intestine -- and mine's gone! No wonder I was low on it. My son asked me about taking it orally and I explained that I can't -- because I can't absorb it.
I was having real trouble with fatigue, insomnia, the herky-jerky spasms at night keeping me awake, and was really exhausted and kinda depressed about the whole thing. No energy, no enthusiasm. It wasn't an overnight cure or anything, but I can sure tell now when I get low on it.
It's a smart doc who orders the lab test for B12, and if you're having trouble with your upper intestine (or if a chunk of it's missing like in my case) then get your doc to order this and check it out. Just keep in mind that taking pills might not do you any good.
Oh, and regarding the iron reference below, I don't have to mess with THAT anymore (pronounced hysterectomy) but for YEARS I had to do monthly iron shots because I couldn't absorb that either.
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Re: why people might NEED B12 shots
