I have pernicious anemia. I’ve had it since 1980 and I have to have B-12 shots every month. The first of every month I’d head for the doctor’s office, get my shot and go back to work.
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder in which parietal cells of the stomach responsible for secreting intrinsic factor are destroyed. Intrinsic factor is crucial for the normal absorption of B-12, so a lack of intrinsic factor causes a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood.
Simply – my stomach does not produce the intrinsic factor so my body cannot absorb B-12 from food or vitamins taken orally.
When we decided to full time, I was in a panic about how I was going to get these stupid shots taken care of. (Remember, B-12 is necessary for the brain and nervous system and I need all the help I can get in those areas.) Lori, our nurse in Billings, MT, told me I could give them to myself and tried to teach me how to do it. That was a total disaster.
My wonderful husband stepped up to the plate and said he would give me my shots. So Lori worked with him and for the last three years he’s done a great job and will continue to give me these shots for many years to come.
Now why did this subject come up today? Because I had to get my B-12 serum refilled today. I still have a bunch of needles because they give you a year’s supply of them but only three months worth of the serum. We got it filled at WalMart. And the cost of this prescription made me decide to make this post.
When the nurse was giving me the shot they were $35 every month. Thank goodness my health insurance covered the entire cost. My prescription today cost me 84 cents. That’s for three months worth. The 12 needles cost from $1.39 to $1.89. So around $6 a year keeps me healthy. One of the best deals I’ve ever run across.
Oh – and for those of you have read that B-12 shots can help you lose weight, not true. They do give you more energy. If I miss a month I really notice how tired I feel. But weight loss? Take a look at me. Not happening.
Having Lupus, I know all about auto immune disorders ! I got some prescriptions filled here the other day - cost was over $500 for a three months supply !! Yes, Thank goodness for insurance plans.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Sandie. Stay healthy, you have a lot of living to do.
ReplyDeleteThat is the cheapest Rx of Any kind that I have ever heard of. That's great deal and Jim is so sweet to do the injections for you. Stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteI get as many of my prescriptions as I can at Walmart. I take over-the-counter Vitamin B12--luckily I don't need to get the shots. Stay healthy, Sandie. Kudos to Jim on playing nurse!
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that your brain is working just fine - Love your sense of humour and your posts! You make me feel that we are just sitting back and enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine together.
ReplyDeleteNever been one for hard liquor.
ReplyDeleteOh wait. Wrong kind of "shots"! Sorry. (can't help myself sometimes)
Not so sure I would be able to poke my wife every month with a needle, and certainly not myself. I guess we'd have to cross that bridge when/if we ever were to come to it.
I guess that's where the "for better of worse" part comes in?
Good for Jim. I had to inject myself for years with methotrexate. Paul would have NEVER been able to do it. I actually gave him his blood thinner injections when he had his hip replaced. Glad there is something that can treat your disorder. I think your brain is doing just super!
ReplyDeleteTerry gives himself shots every day. I gave them to begin with but I'm not always available when he needs it done so he took over that job. I was glad to give it up.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should go buy some B-12 for extra energy. Sometimes I feel I need more. Glad Jim knows what to do to keep you ticking the way you should.
Good on Jim to step up and take on giving you your shots! It is a team effort!
ReplyDeleteI admire anyone who can give a shot to themselves or anyone else! I found out quite by accident that on my bp medication, it's cheaper paying it myself than with my insurance plan. I found out by accident when I was in Washington.
ReplyDeleteI decided a while back to take Centrum Silver, B12, Vitamins C and B. I went through a period where my extremities, mostly, would drive me crazy with itching at night. I'd wake up tearing at my skin. I had cortizone cream by my bed at all times. I tried changing soaps, shampoos, etc.
When I got the shingles I stopped taking vitamins for a while and to my amazement, the itching disappeared.
Glad you can stay well and energetic with the B12.
Very interesting post, Sandie.
ReplyDeleteEnergy, brain function...important!
ReplyDeleteWeight loss ..... a wanna be, isn't it. Sure love the prices of your med and materials.
I hate needles and don't think I could give those shots - good for Jim.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Jim is able to give those shots. I gave Mike his T shot and it always made me nervous....I hate to hurt anybody.
ReplyDeleteYou take care and stay healthy!!
Dave would do that for me. Aren't our guys wonderful?
ReplyDeleteIt's not fair is it, that the way to lose weight is diet and exercise!! Nothing magic in that. :(
ReplyDeleteYou taught me something I knew nothing about! But of course Loyce the RN started rattling off all the facts and details. So I married her for something. She would give me the shots in nothing flat, but I would have to have some training before it would go the other way.....
ReplyDeleteLosing weight? I do Zumba 4 or 5 times a week and run 3 times a week. Once I went thru menopause the pounds packed on. I'd be bigger if I didn't do so much exercise. Some things just aren't fair.
ReplyDeleteDragonfly from http://littlesanitee.blogspot.com
Drugs on the road are tricky. I have been using Walgreen since we started FT in 06. It has worked out fine so far.
ReplyDeletegood job Jim!!..all in the name of keeping the 'wife' healthy! so you can enjoy the lifestyle!!
ReplyDeleteGood job JIm! and what a savings. I agree your brain seems to be working just fine.
ReplyDeleteI believe you are only the second person who I know of who has pernicious anemia. I have it, too. Usually when ( which is rarely) I tell anyone they usually give me a blank stare or look as though they are afraid it is something dangerous.
ReplyDeleteB-12 shots have been my friend for years. I'm sure B-12 will be with me until the end.
B-12 is a painless injection but if you add folic acid to the mix - -well that's another story. I'm sure you are very aware of that.
Anyway, travel on and continue to share your wonder adventures with this ole stay-at-home.
That's interesting - I know people who go in for shots when their energy level is low, I guess it really does work. You are lucky that if you HAVE to get shots, at least a side effect is more energy.
ReplyDeleteI've also heard about the weight loss part, too bad that doesn't work. :(
Ha ha ha - OK, I won't take any B12 shots - I'm fat enough already. Glad your costs are so low for such a necessary drug. I give myself one shot (Enbrel) each week - not a fun job - thought I could never stick a needle in myself, but I do it.
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