Today starts Vitamin B12 Awareness Week. This is a big deal to me because I suffer from severe B12 deficiency caused by Pernicious Anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is somewhat common (with varied causes). Pernicious Anemia is an autoimmune disease that was fatal in my grandparent’s lifetime (there’s still no cure, only treatment). It is still fatal without proper treatment. This chronic, invisible illness is incredibly debilitating since Vitamin B12 is ESSENTIAL to all body systems. B12 is what provides you energy and the ability to thrive. It is so much more than ‘just a vitamin.’ A B12 deficiency is very dangerous and can cause a long and varied list of symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the signs and symptoms here: http://www.b12deficiency.info/signs-and-symptoms/
Essentially Autoimmune Pernicious Anemia means I’m unable to absorb Vitamin B12 through food or supplements, and my immune system is broken (fighting itself rather than viruses). Even though I’ve been symptomatic since I was a toddler, I was not diagnosed until earlier this year. So this week I’ll be sharing more about how I finally got a diagnosis, how this chronic disease affects my daily life and how I learned to give myself injections despite a needle phobia.
Today’s #OneGoodThing is the start of Vitamin B12 Awareness Week!
Day 263 of 366.
What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments!
UPDATE: This post has been updated to reflect that Pernicious Anemia is still fatal today, if it is not treated correctly. Additionally, I’ve been informed that Pernicious Anemia is not actually rare, though it certainly seems so here in the United States. I’ve personally spoken with many doctors who simply weren’t familiar with it at all, but since I have no actual proof of whether it is rare or not, I’ve removed that.
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Similar story here, I was born severely anaemic and looking back now aged 46 after 6 particularly bad healthwise years, I’m surecPA/b12d is responsible for all of it. Still fighting for more injections as only had 15 in total over 11 years (since diagnosed). But determined to remain positive and happy – #knowledgeispower 🙂
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Thanks so much for sharing your story Jacqueline! The struggle for injections is real. I feel your pain. I’m in the middle of yet another battle to continue daily injections! Wow, only 15 injections in 11 years? That seems so low! I’m glad you’re able to remain positive and happy. That really goes a long way! Wishing you the best of luck in your recovery journey!
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Thank you Gabriana for your efforts in raising PA/B12d awareness. I too was diagnosed 19 years ago. I was extremely sick for several years, had gone to four doctors and was terribly misdiagnosed. I spent my time in the local hospital’s medical library searching for answers and finally convinced a Doctor to perform a Schilling test. I now self inject B12 as needed and feel much like a normal person most of the time! Thank you again for all you do.
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Hi Renate! Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling so much like a normal person. That is my ultimate goal, but I’m afraid I’m a long way off still. Thank you again for sharing your success story!!! Wishing you all the best!
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