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pernicious anemia symptoms
Hematology
Question #7457
32 days ago
44

pernicious anemia symptoms - #7457

Anonymously

For the past few months, I’ve been feeling extremely tired, even after a full night’s sleep. I’m 50 years old and thought it was just due to my busy lifestyle and work stress, but the fatigue has been getting worse. I also have a pale complexion, and I’ve noticed my tongue looks different—kind of swollen and smooth. I went to my doctor and had some blood tests done, and it turns out I have pernicious anemia. I’m still not fully sure what that means, though. My doctor explained that pernicious anemia is a condition where my body can’t absorb vitamin B12 properly, which is affecting my red blood cell production. I’ve been prescribed vitamin B12 injections, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else I should know about managing pernicious anemia. What are the pernicious anemia symptoms that I should watch out for? I’ve heard that this condition can cause nerve damage, but I’m not sure what other effects I should be concerned about. Could pernicious anemia lead to more serious issues if left untreated? I’m also wondering if I should make any diet changes to help with the condition. Can I still live a normal life with pernicious anemia, or will I need regular treatments like the B12 injections for the rest of my life? I’ve also been feeling more forgetful recently—could this be linked to pernicious anemia, or is it just another sign of aging?

Pernicious anemia
Vitamin b12 deficiency
Fatigue
Anemia treatment
B12 injections
Nerve damage
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
29 days ago
Pernicious anemia occurs when your body can't absorb enough vitamin B12, which is necessary for producing healthy red blood cells. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and even cognitive issues like forgetfulness, which could be linked to your condition. Nerve damage is also a concern if pernicious anemia is left untreated, as vitamin B12 is important for nerve health. It can lead to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, and even balance issues. The good news is that with treatment, such as vitamin B12 injections, most people can manage their symptoms effectively. You may need lifelong treatment with regular B12 injections, but with proper care, you can lead a normal life. In addition to the injections, focusing on a diet rich in B12 (like meats, fish, dairy, and fortified cereals) can help, though it may not fully replace the need for injections in your case. If your forgetfulness continues or worsens, it’s definitely worth discussing with your doctor to see if it's directly related to pernicious anemia or if other factors might be at play. Keep up with your treatments, monitor your symptoms, and stay in regular contact with your healthcare team to ensure the best management of your condition.
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