What to do when doctors disagree about treatment (B12 shots)?

Posted by peabody88 @peabody88, Oct 10, 2018

I have been having chronic health issues since June 1, and after seeing a new doctor (allergist/immunologist, also internal medicine) on Friday, she called yesterday and said my B12 was low (possibly causing my extreme fatigue, sore/swollen tongue and brain fog) and my vitamin D was really low (14 when she said it should be around 50, so potentially causing my flushing, skin problems). She wants to put me on a prescription vitamin D pill, and have me do B12 shots every two weeks for three months (I had been on a B12 oral supplement the month of August, but this most recent reading was even lower -- 200 on 10/5 vs. 281 on 8/2). When I mention this, she tells me she suspects I'm not absorbing it, possibly because I'm on Pantoprazole, which is why the supplement didn't help and she wants me to do shots. Ok, cool. I have her fax the order and results to my primary care to get the shots there since I'm closer. But when I talk to my primary care doctor today, she says no, she she doesn't want me to take the shots, I should do two tablets daily. I try to explain to the nurse the other doctor's reasoning on the shots, or offer to give her the phone number to call the other doctor, but I just get a call back that "Nope, she wants me to take two tablets daily and retest in four weeks." What on earth are you supposed to do when two of your doctors disagree on treatment?! Any advice on how to get the two of them to just talk to each other and come to a consensus on what they want me to do, or anyone with experience with B12 shots vs. tablets? I'm just too tired to deal with this nonsense!

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vdog | @vdog | Oct 11, 2018

to buy on line

drboat | @drboat | Oct 11, 2018

My doc said; Gluten intolerance may cause you to not absorb Vit D properly.

peabody88 | @peabody88 | Oct 11, 2018

In reply to @drboat "My doc said; Gluten intolerance may cause you to not absorb Vit D properly." + (show)

@drboat - Good point. I've had biopsies from an upper endoscopy and a celiac blood panel all come back negative though, so I don't think that's the problem for me.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 11, 2018

Hello @peabody88

That is confusing when two doctors don't agree, isn't it?

You asked about B12 shots or tablets. If your doctor recommended B12 shots that would probably be best for you.

If, however, you decide to take the B12 orally, get the sublingual B12, it is usually better absorbed. You put it under your tongue to dissolve.

toomanyoars | @toomanyoars | Oct 26, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @peabody88 That is confusing when two doctors don't agree, isn't it? You asked about B12..." + (show)

I had shots for years and when I switched to a new doctor they said it was an outdated idea that anyone under the age of 70 needs them. Along with other issues including a low Vitamin D, I have pernicious anemia..my body downtown readily absorb B12. I take the sublingual and although it doesn't raise the numbers to the levels I had with the shots, there is a big difference. Tablets and pills don't absorb into the blood stream at least in my case as well.

mkkv | @michellevojacek | Oct 26, 2018

I was on oral B12 for months and was told I do not absorb B12. My Dr prescribed B12 shots and they taught me how to do them myself. The prescription for the B12 and the syringes go directly to the pharmacy just like any other prescription. My opinion is new Dr's are trying to get away from prescribing B12 shots.