Vitamin B Shots

Last Thursday I had a voice mail message from my primary doctor asking me to call. When I returned the call, they were on lunch break and the answering service was on. In the flurry of getting ready to go to Mom's, I forgot to call back. Imagine my surprise when I got a letter from my doctor on Monday informing me that my Vitamin B levels are too low and that I need to come in for shots.

They explained that they had tried to call me but didn't get through. Still, a letter! I am impressed. No second call. No email. No lack of follow through. The doctor sent a letter, personally signed. Wow! I called. I made an appointment.

The nurse explained that what I have is called pernicious anemia. No wonder I have been feeling tired! It could also be what is responsible for the numbness and tingling in my feet and legs. What caused it? Could be anything from the chemo to the radiation to the bone marrow involvement of the cancer to taking the Prilosec for ten months to the damage done to my small intestine during my initial cancer.

No matter. There is a treatment! Monthly shots. Perhaps for the rest of my life. Time will tell. I recall when I was having babies and complained of tiredness one of the doctors back then gave me a Vitamin B shot. It was like a does of pure energy! Of course, I only got two in my entire life. So I expected instant zip.

No, nothing like that developed. I did sense a somewhat better stable level of strength, but nothing like a shot of caffeine or anything such. Perhaps I am so low in B12 that it will take time to reap the benefit. One month at a time. And one piece of the puzzle at a time. This is a good one to discover though. I am grateful for the shot!