pernicious anemia and MS

mikie65 · 10-21-2007, 05:31 PM

Hello everyone, just found your forum, looks great reads like a lot of good people, glad to be here.
I have MS, first diag in 1967, been on Avonex since 11/2000, mild flair ups since then.
Came across an article about pernicious anemia, symptoms are very similiar to MS.
Views from anyone? Thank you.

dorrie · 10-21-2007, 07:43 PM

Hi Mikie65! Welocme to Neurotalk!

Snoopy · 10-21-2007, 08:12 PM

Hello Mikie and

to NeuroTalk.

Are you questioning your diagnosis after all these years?

I'm not very familiar with Pernicious Anemia other than symptoms can mimic MS as can many other things.....low B-12, lymes and much more. I guess that's one of the reasons it can be difficult for many to get a diagnosis of MS. There is no single test to rule in MS it's more a clinical diagnosis and ruling other things out.

rose · 10-21-2007, 08:26 PM

Hi Mike,

True pernicious anemia is a cause of severe malabsorption of B12. When one has pernicious anemia (lack of intrinsic factor-----not actually a type of anemia), one would go down relatively fast (within many months or some years, not decades).

A person who has a less severe malabsorption can go down very slowly for decades. And that person can progress to severe malabsorption or not.

So, unless there are other circumstances (such as periodic B12 treatment) it is very likely that you do have MS.

However, even people who do actually have MS usually become low in B12. There are apparently various relationships that some researchers are still trying to sort out.

And, in fact, a percentage of those with actual MS are helped by very large doses of methylcobalamin B12 even when not B12 deficient.

So, there are reasons for you to look into B12 even if you have MS, which sounds very likely.

rose

rose · 10-21-2007, 08:30 PM

It is important to realize that many people incur unnecessary damage due to B12 deficiency because most doctors think that a B12 test or lack of anemia rule it out. NOT TRUE.

So it is worth your while, even if you have a diagnosis of MS to look into B12.

rose

mikie65 · 10-25-2007, 09:26 AM

Thank all of you who replied to my question. I will be seeking my nuerologist soon and I will discuss the B-12 issue with him. Perhaps a trial of B-12 injections might remedy the fatigue associated with MS. Thank you all once again. God Bless

AfterMyNap · 10-25-2007, 11:27 AM

Hi, Mike!

Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I'm glad that you've found us. You will find many friendly and supportive folks around here and in the MS forum. Let us know if we can help you navigate the boards, see you out there!

I have SPMS and many of us can relate to your experiences.

lolad2 · 10-08-2012, 07:00 PM

I cannot figure out what to do on this site. How do I post a new thread?

lolad2 · 10-08-2012, 07:21 PM

Sorry to post on here about this....I looked and looked. Then, of course, right after I posted my last reply, I figured it out. Thanks anyway.

Darlene · 10-09-2012, 12:14 AM

lolad2,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.