B12 Deficiency

[Kathyan]

I have a B12 deficiency and I'm filling a form in for travel insurance. It says on the form 'In the last 12 months, has your haemoglobin level always been above 80 g/L (8g/dL)?' What does this mean please because I don't know?

[dannyk13]

Has your haemoglobin level been tested by a doctor or nurse recently?

[Anngel]

You have pernicious anaemia. The question is about iron anaemia, But to be on the safe side I would include it in your form. Any ongoing health matter which may affect you should be informed. It will probably add to your travel insurance premium unfortunately.

[Kathyan]

No I haven't. Because I have to have the injections for the rest of my life they say I don't need to have blood tests for it.

[dannyk13]

So how do you know what your haemoglobin level is?

[ladyalex]

I think the problem may be that Kathyan does not know what her haemoglobin is as it is no longer routinely tested.

[Kathyan]

That's right ladyalex!

[dannyk13]

Contact your GP who should have a record of it.

[Kathyan]

I think a phone call to the Doctor may be needed

[Kathyan]

Sorry Danny. Will do Monday.

[ladyalex]

In that case, I think you must enter 'don't know' on the form with an explanatory note saying that you have regular injections and no longer need routine blood tests

[ladyalex]

If Kathyan hasn't been having blood tests then nobody will know what her haemoglobin has been over the last 12 months.....

[dannyk13]

If you have time to, I would wait until after contacting the doctor before filling in the form and I would explain to the GP why you require this information.

[Kathyan]

I can wait until Monday. I don't want to make any mistakes on the form which could jeopardise any possible claims. Thanks all.

[ethandron]

I may be wrong but I don't believe haemoglobin level is tested for when you have B12 deficiency, or pernicious anaemia, it's the B12 level itself which is looked at in the blood sample, along with intrinsic factor and other markers.
That's what my blood is tested for regarding my inability to absorb B12.

[Kathyan]

I phoned the Doctor and he gave me the relevant information. Insurance obtained. Portugal here we come!

[naomi24]

Someone I know has been told she must have B12 injections for the rest of her life. What effect does this deficiency have on the body?

[ethandron]

It causes the body to produce abnormally large or deformed red blood cells meaning they can't function properly. It's easily rectified by the jabs.

[naomi24]

ethandron, thank you.

[ethandron]

You're welcome :)
I know when my jab is due, about two weeks before I start to feel very tired again. I have it every twelve weeks but am going to ask about having it more frequently as I believe it is possible.

[naomi24]

Is it just tiredness or does it create other problems too?