Low Vitamen B12 & Iron + alcohol
 

Hi

I have just recieved blood test results from my doctor. My body has not been absorbing B12 or Iron for quite a while. I am now on iron tablets and have to have a B12 shot every week for the next three weeks, plus have a colonoscopy test done to try and work out why my body is not absorbing as it should.

Do you think this is related to drinking?? I have drank heavily for the last 15 years.

Welcome to SR....:)

Glad to know you are seeing a doctor.
Did he/she suggest alcohol might be a factor?

Obviously years of heavy drinking does affect
your health. That's why you are wise to
seek a medical opinion.

I do know I started a healthier lifestyle when
I quit. Are you planning to stop drinking?

Good to see you here with us....:hug:

What does your doctor think? (heavy drinking and the effect it has on iron/b12 metabolism)

My doctor retired so I am seeing a new GP, I have high blood pressure so he put me on medication for that and ordered full blood tests. I did not really have a chance to mention alcohol to the doctor. I have not been drinking since late January but I had the blood tests done in November. I will have further blood tests done in four weeks to see how I am doing. I just thought maybe my body was not absorbing vitamins because of the alcohol.

Good to know you quit...Congratulations!
:)
When I was newly sober my BP quickly
returned to normal. No more meds needed
and I hope that will be true for you too.

Please let us know how you are doing

I think I will always have problems with my blood pressure (family history) The doctor was surprised I felt so healthy considering my blood tests. i am looking forward to feeling very normal in the next few weeks. I am just worried that the B12 and Iron have something to do with the liver???

usually, low iron and low B12 occur in alcoholics because of deficiencies in their diets (aka drinking your dinner).

Well....
I never had a problem with Iron or B 12
I drank for many years and alcoholically for 5.

:) That's why a medical check up is wise.
Too many varibles to be certain
of exactly what damage has been done.

BTW.....ask your doctor about following
an eating plan for hypoglycemia.
I found it helpful early on
and know others who did as well.

Google for info if you are interested.

Congrats on quitting drinking, it would be a very good idea to let your GP know about your past drinking. I am not a doctor, but did learn in detox and by reading "Under the Influence" & "Beyond the Influence", that heavy long term drinking not only messes with you liver, but your entire digestive tract including your intestines. The intestines in time quit absorbing many important nutrients from the food we eat because we are getting most of our nutrients from alcohol so they kind of shut down.

The good news is most of your bodies organs will heal with time once one quits drinnking entirely.

Please make sure your GP knows about your past drinking other wise your GP will be looking for problems that simply are not there because your problems may be all alcohol related.

None of us are doctors, please let your doctor know.

Nice to meet you, welcome to SR. Did you get your user name from my wife? LOL.
This is what I thought too, but I learned without alcohol and with proper diet and exercise it was managable without meds. If it were me I would tell my doctor about the years of drinking.
It may take you body time to repair and adjust to being alcohol free. Everyday sober will put you one step closer. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

My H is in the hospital with liver failure. He is being given a B12 vitamin daily as well as a prenatal vitamin (since they're chock full of necessary vitamins) and a thiamine tablet. The b12 and thiamine are definitely connected to liver disease. I can't explain it, my brain is so tired right now...but let google be your friend the way I have and I'm sure you can find an article or 50 to connect the dots that I can't for you.

Take care...

My doc has me on a multivitamin, folic acid and thiamine, all because of my alcohol consumption. I don't know if that will help but anyway, that's my experience. Good luck at your GP's :0)