"Pernicious Anaemia"

I wrote to Care Opinion about 6 months ago, at the beginning of a journey. I have pernicious anaemia and was fighting with a serious decline in my B12. Barton House, my surgery, were quick to help me because I had neurological complications. I found walking , talking, and even  thinking  difficult. Such a simple vitamin but it affects every nerve and cell in your body.

I started treatment in May of this year, and I know I have cost my surgery a lot , not only in B12 injections but in time and  the care given by nurses and reception staff.  They have all been so caring even though I am aware of how busy they are. Thank you Yesim, Kadi, Syrene and Pauline from the bottom of my heart for your care, your painless injections,  and help and keeping me going. Oh I was a moan ! 

Up to date I have had about 60 injections, Only when I got into the 40's did I feel so much better, then in the 50's the pins and needles in my legs and feet started  to fade. You can imagine how many appointments had to be made by the reception staff who were wonderful, always helped me and kept me smiling, waving me in like a friend.

I began to panic this week that now I was getting better I would have the injections cut down,  but Dr Freeman has been amazing . She listened and understood how I felt and was very knowledgeable about pernicious anaemia. She helped too with a memory test because I was convinced I was losing my marbles!

I will slowly  down the injections, letting her know how I feel and be given more if I need them. I can't explain how this makes me feel but safe is a good word, reassured. 

I honestly thought I was approaching the end of my life, sounds melodramatic but it is true.

I still have some memory problems but even my eyesight is improved, it was affected too. All the staff at Barton House have been amazing, I owe my recovery to them. Dr Freeman has given me a feeling of security.

I joined PAS , the Pernicious Anaemia Society a long time ago and sadly so many people with the same condition aren't getting the help and level of care I have been given. If any other Gp's get to read my letter I beg them to look on the site and act like the Gp's at  Barton House, go by symptoms not blood test results, they can be misleading.

I feel like there has not been enough research into Pernicious Anaemia , it is rare and misunderstood.

Thank god for Barton House surgery and it's wonderful staff. Thank you.