Originally Posted by BBS1951

Pernicious anemia, which is a B12 deficiency caused by the gut not able to absorb B12 from food, is one of the most missed diagnoses, especially in the elderly. It takes at least six or more years to deplete the body's stored B12 so I must have had it before I was 50.Sometimes, a serum test will not pick it up, only a urine MMA test will, especially in th elderly. My case was finally diagnosed with a positive result on intrinsic factor antibody test. It's considered an auto immune disease

Sometimes B12 injections can partly reverse the damage, sometimes not. Some symptoms have improved, but brain damage is permanent as is most of nerve damage.

Ys, it can lead to death.I was at the door getting ready to knock...

Was your doc negligent in assessing you, or did you jsut never go to see docs? Yes I went to doctors. Had blood work done at least yearly due to meds I take. Went to a ENT specialist because my tongue was soooo sore and red and swollen (classic B12 deficiency symptom) about 10 years ago, and she dismissed me. It's unbelievable how little doctors know about B12. It cost me a lot and I don't mean just dollars!

PA is a mimicker of MS.Yes, that was one of the diagnoses I received.