My Diagnosis Story
I am a 56 year old woman who is in a long-term relationship. My life has changed dramatically since getting diagnosed with pernicious anemia approximately 8 years ago. I don't really know as my memory is fading fast. I look forward to chatting to people who understand the illness which no-one seems to know much about or...
View MoreWhat symptoms led up to your diagnosis?
My feet went numb.
What tests did your doctor do, and what was this experience like?
No tests, had to wait 2 years to see a neurologist. He did an MRI scan and gave me short electric shocks. The diagnosis was pernicious anemia, which I found out more about on the internet than from any doctor... now I can hardly walk and I am stuck in a tenement flat, 62 steps from the pavement outside. I have not seen a soul for years except every 3 months when I get my B12 injection from the nurse. I need 2 buses to get to the health centre. They don't even ask for fasting blood any more. I feel alone and isolated but for my laptop, which am on 9am to 11pm on most days.
Upon learning about your diagnosis- what happened next?
I got sent to the doctor for loading B12 injections. One eveyr other day for 2 weeks then 1 every 3 months. I have seen a neurologist about 3 times since being diagnosed that long ago, but I can't even remember. Bad short term memory loss is one of the many symptoms. I reckon I had it for a few years before diagnosis. PA is known as the forgotten illness. It has turned my life upside down. I can only live this way because I am in a long-term relationship and my partner is also my carer, bless him.
