VITAMIN B12 INCLUDING PERNICIOUS ANEMIA
PROBLEM
You have been diagnosed with a condition called vitamin B12 anemia. You may have a type of B12 anemia called pernicious anemia. It is a condition in which vitamin B12 is not well absorbed. Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell function.
CAUSE
Vitamin B12 anemia is a common problem in pregnancy, with vegetarian diets and with previous stomach problems, and as you get older. If you have been told you have pernicious anemia, your condition may be caused by the lack of a special factor in your stomach juices whereby your body cannot absorb the vitamin, or it may be from an autoimmune reaction.
PREVENTION
Vitamin B12 anemia is treatable; however, pernicious anemia requires lifelong treatment.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.If you have pernicious anemia, you will need vitamin B12 injections for the rest of your life. This treatment cannot be given in pill form:
1.After you have been on the shots for a while, the nurses can teach you or a family member to give the shot. Please ask your healthcare provider about this.
2.Common side effects of vitamin B12 shots include:
a.Pain and burning at the place the shot is given. This does not last very long.
b.Some people experience diarrhea after taking the shot.
B.You may need to take iron tablets, too.
C.You may be sent to see a nutritionist to help you review your diet and how you prepare foods.
Activity: Vitamin B12 anemia may cause the loss of some senses and give you numbness and tingling, memory loss, loss of coordination, and some depression or irritability:
A.It is important to avoid extremely hot foods and drinks.
B.It is important to use caution in your home, such as:
1.Do not use loose scatter
rugs, which can cause slips.
2.Install shower or tub rails to help get in and out, as well as toilet rails to get up and down more easily.
3.Use handrails going up and down stairs.
4.Do not use extremely hot water for bathing, showers, and doing dishes.
5.Use nonslip surfaces in the tub and shower.
6.Do not use a heating pad if you do not have all your sensations, in order to avoid burns.
A home safety evaluation should be done to reduce the risk of falls. A checklist can be obtained from the National Safety Council, 1250 Eye Street, NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005; www.homesafetycouncil.org.
Diet: A balanced, healthy diet is important. Increase your liquids to eight to 10 glasses a day; iron supplements tend to cause constipation. Increase the fiber in your diet. If you are over 50 years of age, you need to increase your intake of low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and milk, and B12 fortified foods. If you follow a vegan diet, include foods fortified with vitamin B12.
Medication:
You Have Been Prescribed the Following Iron Supplement: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take It: ___________________________________________________________
Your Next Vitamin B12 Shot Is Due: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If: ___________________________________________________________
A.You feel worse the first week after the shot or have symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
B.You have worsening symptoms, such as problems with balance and walking.
C.You have leg pain, especially when you put your weight on it.
D.You would like to make arrangements for home injections.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE