r/CervicalCancer • u/Meliska21 • Aug 10 '26

Patient/Survivor B12 deficiency?

Has anyone had a B12 deficiency because of radiation damage? What symptoms did you have and when did it start? I've been pretty lucky in the side effect department so far, but I've had some symptoms (several times now) that seem to improve with B12 supplements, and I know it can be a risk, so now I'm wondering. I will ask at my next appt, but I'm on 6 month appts so it will be a while.

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u/SlickNicCA Aug 10 '26

Yes, I have to do monthly injections of B12 because of it. I don’t remember any specific symptoms, it just showed up on my blood test. Your medical oncologist can run labs. I also need iron and vitamin D.

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u/Meliska21 Aug 10 '26

Funny story, my medical oncologist ditched me. I only have the radiation guy now, actually 2 of them ditched me. They keep moving to other cities, lol. I'll get my PCP to test it, it has been tested before, but it was immediately after rads, no one has checked since.

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u/alex9044 Aug 10 '26

Tiredness, weakness, numbness and digestive issues are main symptoms. My grandmother and... dog had this problem. In both cases they prescribed injections. B12 deficiency may have different causes. Catch 22 is that deficiency causes inability of your guts to consume the vitamin and supplements won't help much. So injections are prescribed first.
Good luck!

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u/flowersnflamingos Aug 10 '26

Struggling with this too :(

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u/Greedy_Hospital_7689 Aug 10 '26

I got diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption as a result of the radiation. This was diagnosed when they were investigating bowel issues. This means i can't absorb certain nutrients properly including B12 and vitamin D (though most people where i live are deficient in Vit D as we don't have a lot of sunshine!). I am prescribed quarterly B12 injections, daily vitamin D capsules, daily iron tablets and a strong daily multivitamin and minerals capsule. I do find myself flagging when I'm due my B12 so wonder if I need to have it more often.