Recently I wrote a story about pernicious anemia. I had
never written anything for the web or Helium before, so I feel
that I left a lot out. If you haven't yet read my story
"Pernicious Anemia," then I'll bring you up to speed.
I was 24 years old and quite healthy (or so I thought),
when within three days; I went from lifting 100 pound CO2
cylinders (easily), to not being able to walk even a short
distance of say, 10 feet. I don't smoke, I've always taken
vitamins I've also eaten somewhat of a balanced diet. So I
thought. "What's wrong?"
At some point I know that a lot of people have felt weak
or fatigued if for instance, they work in hot weather and
don't eat. Or maybe you might need that occasional candy
bar for a "pick me up." So I tested that theory.
I stopped for an extra long lunch break and ordered about
$25 dollars worth of food at a nearby Subway. That of
course is a LOT of food. I probably shouldn't have eaten
quite that much in the 90 degree heat, but I have always had
a large appetite, and I never gain an ounce.
Amazingly, the food seemed to do me good for a few
hours. Then once again, I wasn't even able to walk to the
back of my truck without running out of breath and my heart
pounding as if I had just ran the two mile!
Now I know I probably should have gone to a doctor at
that point, but like a lot of people in America, I don't have
the money to spend on finding out it may be something
simple. I am also one who refuses to go to a doctor unless
it's absolutely necessary.
The next two days were progressively worse, and the
third day was when I passed out in the shower, crawling out
after I came to. I couldn't even stand. So I had my room
mate carry to the car, and then to the doctor.
I was admitted immediately, because when the
receptionist saw my face she literally yelled down the hall
to the doctor. Apparently I was ghost white.
The doctor told me after checking my blood that I had a
hemoglobin count of 4, and was about 31/2 pints low on
blood. Also my red blood cells were megoblasted- or larger
than normal as this is generally what happens when they are
"in trouble."
I asked if the part about being low on blood could be from
bleeding- such as an ulcer, and I was told possible, but not
probable. So to the hospital I went.
I learned quite a bit in the 5 days in the hospital. They of
course first gave me 31/2 pints of blood, and checked for an
ulcer. That involved an "n.g." tube. It's like having a garden
hose put up your nose, down your throat, and into the
stomach. Then you wait 30 minutes! (NOT pleasant).
A bone marrow biopsy was done the next day, because
pernicious anemia often has some of the same symptoms as
bone cancer, and leukemia. Fortunately neither was the
case.
The verdict was in. Pernicious anemia, or in simple
terms: B-12 deficiency. I was given an injection of 1,000mcg
(micrograms) of B-12 every day for 3 days. Even after the
first shot , I felt like a million bucks.
I was told however, that it would take a few weeks to get
back to the normal hemoglobin level (about 20 vs. 4), and
also to get the blood back in order.
I was told that one of the MANY functions of B-12 is to
"trigger" the red blood cells in the bone marrow to make
blood. So what had actually happened is that I didn't lose
any blood; I quit making it. Had this been in the early 1900's,
it would (and was often) have been fatal.
This is when I really started to research the "red vitamin"
as it is sometimes called, because it has so many important
functions throughout the body. Also chances are you're not
getting near enough- even if you're healthy.
You see B-12 is a very difficult molecule to absorb,
especially when you have any digestive disorder. So all of
the expensive tablets are really a waste.
This is why I stress sublingual liquid. I mentioned in my
previous story that I HATE SHOTS (I'm a big baby O.k.). I
found out about it, tried it, checked with my doctor, and
after fifteen years of using liquid B-12 sublingual (and the no
longer available nasal gel), I've been fine.
The disadvantage of the sublingual tablets is the fact
that you have to break the tablet down first to get the
benefit. The liquid goes under the tongue, wait 30 seconds
or so, and swallow. I am fo course sharing my results. Yours
may vary depending on age, diet, health, etc.
I don't know if I am allowed to say which brands to look
for, but I will say that in most larger nutrition and health
food stores you should be able to find either B-12 liquid
sublingual by itself, or B complex which usually has B-6, B-5,
riboflavin, and niacin. (Niacin may make you flush).
In closing I wish to share some of the benefits B-12 can
offer. I for one have noticed stronger faster growing nails. B12
helps keep your nerves and brain operating properly,
better memory, releases carbohydrate energy from food,
aids in digestion, and that's just scratching the surface.
Good health and thanks for reading.