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What Causes Difficulty Breathing, Weakness And Lightheadedness While Having Low Vitamin B12 Levels?

Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2016

Question: One day last week I awoke feeling very weak and tired. I just turned over and went back to sleep for an hour or so. Awoke again, but still wasn't feeling too well. I started to get ready for my day and became weaker and started to perspire greatly and had difficulty breathing. I decided I needed to go to er at the hospital which I did. By the time I got there my symptoms had decreased somewhat. My breathing was still labored, but better. I was still perspiring greatly. My clothing and hair drenched. My blood pressure was ok, my oxygen 98. I was given CT scan to search for PE, it came out negative. They started drawing blood to check my enzym levels. When a bed was found for me, I was admitted to the hospital to continue running tests. By this time, I had a lot of blood in my stool. They checked my blood and found that my B12 level was low and that I was enemic. The next day I was seen by a physical therapist who checked my blood pressure sitting, standing, and sitting again. It was fine sitting, but everytime I stood it would go down, making me feel weak and light headed. I was given a B12 shot which perked me up somewhat. Enough that I was able to walk with the help of the PT for a short time. I was also given iron pills.

About a year and a half ago the same symptoms happened to me, only with more blood from my rectum . I saw a Gastroenterologist and had a colonoscopy which turned out just fine. It took me some months to regain my stamina, but I eventually did. The doctors at the hospital have still not been able to tell me what is going on. Can you help me?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
needs further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

How was your day?
Hope this message finds you in good health.

I have gone through your query in detail and understand your concern.

First of all i would like to thank you for sharing your history in such a wonderful and clear manner.

I certainly feel for you for the sufferings you have been going through.
As far as your complaints are concerned,its not just B12, there is definitely something else that is causing such episodes.

i suggest you to get another opinion from another gastroenterologist.

if this is not possible, you can get a contrast radiography of your intestines done- ( its called BARIUM STUDIES), as well as a HRCT OF ABDOMEN, to get any other clues. Some blood assays will also be helpful for concluding.
If all the tests i have mentioned come out to be negative,then you definitely are safe

Do continue taking Vit B12 tablets for atleast 3 months.

You should eventually get back to normal in coming few days.Nothing to worry about, as long as i am there to help you.

I hope your question has been answered.

Feel free to consult me anytime for follow-up queries. Take care,God bless.
Wish you a healthy life : )

If you do not have any clarifications,you can close the discussion.

Kind Regards..
Dr Mahaveer Patil, (MBBS,MS,Mch)

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng