Re:B12 and amount of intestine used

Hi Irish.....a CBC is a complete blood count......the Bl2 is a separate draw and actually takes 2 days to complete whereas the other is determined pretty quickly. So you should have had one draw into a vial for your CBC and another vial for your Bl2 unless they did the urine MMI test which most major hospitals will do but i'm still amazed at how many docs don't know about it:dry:
Pat

Hi Patricia,

Not sure what a CBC is, just had my blood tested this morning for B12 and potassium, will that pick up on it?

Thanks

Actually my point here is simply to get tested for Bl2 deficiency...you will only absorb so much from a shot and your body will quickly throw off the rest. Once the B12 deficiency is detected its important to have monthly blood work to determine how your body is reacting to the shots. Everyone will be different. Even though i was told my liver had a 3 to 5 yr supply of B12.....it didn't...i was at a dangerously low level within 7 months of my cystectomy. My uro picked up on this...not my oncologist...not my surgeon. a CBC won't pick up on it....you must have either a serum level or a MMI which is a urine test (which i happen to think is the most accurate)
Once my levels stabilized I was put on once a month shots and believe me i know when i'm low...for me i get a sore tongue...other people might get tingling sensations. I now have my blood serum check every 6 months. I don't believe there is any one correct formula for everyone.
Pat

Haven't had cystectomy, but I had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. i give myself a b-12 shot every month. It can also be given every three months, every other week or twice a year, depends on how your body handles the removal of that part of your small bowel. i started at three month intervals, but after a couple of years had to step it up to once a month.

Rebecca

Sorry KC...but the shots are actually once a month. There is a transdermal patch out that you wear just behind your ear...i know that a former forum member Marigold was using that and her tests seem to be ok. I have yet to get official confirmation on the efficacy of that though.
Pat

B12 deficiancy can lead to some serious conditions. If a person does end up not being able to absorb B12, there are shots you can get. You only have to get the shot a couple times a year. Again, its a good idea to have your B12 tested just in case.

KC