Recently I wrote a story about pernicious anemia. I had never written anything for the web or Triond before, so I feel that I left a lot out. If you haven’t yet read my story “Pernicious Anemia,” then I’ll bring you up to speed.
I was 24 years old and quite healthy (or so I thought), when within three days; I went from lifting 100 pound CO2 cylinders (easily), to not being able to walk even a short distance of say, 10 feet. I don’t smoke, I’ve always taken vitamins I’ve also eaten somewhat of a balanced diet. So I thought. “What’s wrong?”
At some point I know that a lot of people have felt weak or fatigued if for instance, they work in hot weather and don’t eat. Or maybe you might need that occasional candy bar for a “pick me up.” So I tested that theory.
I stopped for an extra long lunch break and ordered about $25 dollars worth of food at a nearby Subway. That of course is a LOT of food. I probably shouldn’t have eaten quite that much in the 90 degree heat, but I have always had a large appetite, and I never gain an ounce.
Amazingly, the food seemed to do me good for a few hours. Then once again, I wasn’t even able to walk to the back of my truck without running out of breath and my heart pounding as if I had just ran the two mile!
Now I know I probably should have gone to a doctor at that point, but like a lot of people in America, I don’t have the money to spend on finding out it may be something simple. I am also one who refuses to go to a doctor unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The next two days were progressively worse, and the third day was when I passed out in the shower, crawling out after I came to. I couldn’t even stand. So I had my room mate carry to the car, and then to the doctor.
I was admitted immediately, because when the receptionist saw my face she literally yelled down the hall to the doctor. Apparently I was ghost white.
The doctor told me after checking my blood that I had a hemoglobin count of 4, and was about 31/2 pints low on blood. Also my red blood cells were megoblasted- or larger than normal as this is generally what happens when they are “in trouble.”
I asked if the part about being low on blood could be from bleeding- such as an ulcer, and I was told possible, but not probable. So to the hospital I went.
I learned quite a bit in the 5 days in the hospital. They of course first gave me 31/2 pints of blood, and checked for an ulcer. That involved an “n.g.” tube. It’s like having a garden hose put up your nose, down your throat, and into the stomach. Then you wait 30 minutes! (NOT pleasant).
A bone marrow biopsy was done the next day, because pernicious anemia often has some of the same symptoms as bone cancer, and leukemia. Fortunately neither was the case.
The verdict was in. Pernicious anemia, or in simple terms: B-12 deficiency. I was given an injection of 1,000mcg (micrograms) of B-12 every day for 3 days. Even after the first shot , I felt like a million bucks.
I was told however, that it would take a few weeks to get back to the normal hemoglobin level (about 20 vs. 4), and also to get the blood back in order.
I was told that one of the MANY functions of B-12 is to “trigger” the red blood cells in the bone marrow to make blood. So what had actually happened is that I didn’t lose any blood; I quit making it. Had this been in the early 1900's, it would (and was often) have been fatal.
This is when I really started to research the “red vitamin” as it is sometimes called, because it has so many important functions throughout the body. Also chances are you’re not getting near enough- even if you’re healthy.
You see B-12 is a very difficult molecule to absorb, especially when you have any digestive disorder. So all of the expensive tablets are really a waste.
This is why I stress sublingual liquid. I mentioned in my previous story that I HATE SHOTS (I’m a big baby O.k.). I found out about it, tried it, checked with my doctor, and after fifteen years of using liquid B-12 sublingual (and the no longer available nasal gel), I’ve been fine.
The disadvantage of the sublingual tablets is the fact that you have to break the tablet down first to get the benefit. The liquid goes under the tongue, wait 30 seconds or so, and swallow. I am fo course sharing my results. Yours may vary depending on age, diet, health, etc.
I don’t know if I am allowed to say which brands to look for, but I will say that in most larger nutrition and health food stores you should be able to find either B-12 liquid sublingual by itself, or B complex which usually has B-6, B-5, riboflavin, and niacin. (Niacin may make you flush).
In closing I wish to share some of the benefits B-12 can offer. I for one have noticed stronger faster growing nails. B12 helps keep your nerves and brain operating properly, better memory, releases carbohydrate energy from food, aids in digestion, and that’s just scratching the surface.
Good health and thanks for reading.
