Originally Posted by Jay1980

Hello friends,

I'm new around here (Hi ), and had some concerns with vitamin b12. First let me give you a brief background.

I'm a 29 yr old male, in good shape. I work out regularly, and watch what I eat. Back in Early January, I noticed a slight burning pain in my upper back. Within a week, that burning sensation was all over my back, waist line, and arms! It was horrible! Like a terrible terrible sunburn, yet no rash or anything! I went to the ER 3 times that week, because the pain was so intense, and my anxiety and fear only made it worse. The ER did absolutely nothing... They only said my vitals are fine, and I have to follow up with a neurologist.

My family physcian ordered blood tests, for autoimmune diseases, HIV, Thryroid, lyme, liver function, kidney function, cbc, and vit b12.

Everything turned out normal, except my Vitamin B12 Level was at 260. According to the Lab Values, that was borderline low, but still considered "normal". My doctor started giving me weekly b12 shots for 4 weeks, to boost the levels back up. 5 weeks later, after my first b12 test, my levels were at 850, and was I feeling soo much better. Some slight burning but nothing like how it was. The doctor stoped the injections, and asked i supplement bith 1000 IU B12 pills, and a good B Complex. Which I now take everyday.

Mean while, I've done alot of reading on B12, and asked my doctor to test me for Pernicious Anemia and Instric Factor. The tests show, I dont have the Anemia, and I do have the Instric Factor. So I am unsure WHY my B12 level dropped like it did. Though I never really took any vitamins, I was always a heavy meat eater.

Anyway, Last week I got another b12 level test (4 weeks after my 850 score) and it dropped to 540! I dont understand why?? I take so much Vitamin b12, every day! I thought my body is suppose to store YEARS worth of b12, why would it deplete again so fast?

I am so worried it will drop really low, and the burning pain will be really bad again. I have another appointment with my doctor, but that isnt until 2 weeks from now.

If anyone has any idea, I'd really, really appreciate it! Why Cant I absorb B12? The tests show I do have the instrict factor. I'm getting really concerned...

- Jason