Advice on B12 Supplements and Low Platelet Count

So, I'm going to ask two separate questions. I've had a permanent ileostomy since 2006. I have had issues with being deficient in vitamins D and B12, copper, coupled with a low platelet count. I take a chelated copper supplement along with vitamin D and have those two under control.

The B12, however, is always low. To the point that I've been getting a monthly shot for the past 9 or so years. Recently, my co-pay for the shot went up to $168!!! I am looking for advice on what supplements worked for fellow ostomates.

Now for the platelets. I have had a low platelet count for many years, but none of my doctors can/will tell me why or how to correct it. Is there a way to get the number back up into the normal range?

Paul

G-Day Elzie,

I can only tell you about B12; I don't have a shot. I take a B12 tablet every couple of days, and a bottle of 100 only costs $25. You could try that. You can also buy tablets of vitamin D.

As for your platelets, I would not ask the doctor how to fix it; I would demand that he tell you.

Regards, IGGIE

Gummy chewable B12...vitamin 3..are an option. I use them.

Got my B12 level so high the doctor said to cut back!!.

Turmeric gummies I use for pain.

Tablets can be rough to swallow and digest.

You are in Massachusetts.

Medical centers all over...reputable ones, too.

How can you not find a doctor who can help you? Talk to you. Explain to you?

Activated methyl B12 1000 mg daily, then as needed for maintenance.

I have had a low platelet count twice; no one knows specifically why it goes down and then goes back up. You can get a platelet transfusion if necessary; some foods provide platelet support.

Hi Elzie, maybe it's an absorption issue. These are chewable. I've been taking them for ten years, and my levels are good. Sideways photo again - sorry!

🔒 Login to see image

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Hi, I have a stoma, and recently my platelets are low, but I don't know why I'm still having blood tests. Have you been told anything about it?

Look forward to your reply.

Dianna

Thank you for the helpful replies, all!

Warrior, yes, I'm in Massachusetts, and there is great care here. Or, more accurately, there used to be. There seems to be two factions taking shape in Massachusetts as the big hospitals are acquiring the others. Now we have Mass General/Brigham and Women's on one side and Beth Israel/Lahey on the other. My wife works for Lahey, and since the merger, the insurance is a financial killer.

Add to that, Lahey is where most of my doctors are, and my PCP wanted to bring all my care under the BILH umbrella. That has turned out miserably for me. Since then, I have been left waiting an hour in the exam room, waiting to see one doctor, and it was only for five minutes as they were past closing time. The next week, I went to see my PCP and was brought into the exam room. After 55 minutes of waiting and not seeing anyone, I walked out. My PCP called me when I got home. I tried to reschedule, but nothing. I haven't heard from him since, even when I ask questions through my Laheychart.

Truly bad service and experiences. I am going to call my insurance provider today to see if I can go elsewhere for service.

Paul

Paul... that sounds awful, man. The big hospitals are acquiring the smaller ones? Geez... well, with costs going up, the smaller hospitals have no choice... but waiting almost an hour to be seen really sucks...

That's poor management. I think they schedule 15 minutes for each person here in NJ.

But... I'd never walk out. The sad part is most won't even say "sorry for the delay." They just get right into you.

"Why are you here?" kind of thing.

You gotta raise a little hell if this keeps happening.

I don't use my chart. Some of my doctors I can text directly...

Or go through a portal...

My cousin in Springfield retired a few years ago. Gonna ask him about these factions going on...

It's like the mom-and-pop shops going under... out of business.