several people have suggested i ask my doc for a megadose injection of vitamin b12 when i tell them i am having very low energy levels.i am 2 years ptd with the j-pouch and had endless energy for several months following the final surgery,but i have noticed a steady downslide over the last several months and i am getting concerned.i havent noticed any symptoms of pouchitis or blood loss but it seems like every day i tire more easily.is there an injection of multiple vitamins i can ask my doc for?

Hi Bowtie,

The only vitimin that you are likely to be deficient in is B12 and that is because it is absorbed in the terminal ileum. If your j-pouch is working correctly then you should be able to absorb it properly because your j-pouch is made up of your terminal ileum.

Also, if you are on any proton pump inhibitors (meds for gastritis, gerd etc) then they can interfere with the production of intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach lining and binds with the B12 so that it can be absorbed when it gets to the terminal ileum. Here's a link to some information on B12 deficiency:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/anaemiab12.htm

If you are indeed deficient then you will need B12 injections to get your levels back up. I had them initially once a week for 6 weeks then every 3 months after that. I don't have my terminal ileum so I will need them for the rest of my life.

Hope this helps.

Shell

thanks shell,that was a really great link also!

Rather than just assuming it's a B12 deficiency, you should really ask for the problem to be properly investigated. A lot of people seem to immediately jump to B12 deficiency as being the root of lack of energy when the most common culprits seem to be anaemia and chronic dehydration.

Bowtie,I just came from the DR. last week and because of all the talk here I asked him to do a B-12 test(along with the regular blood tests liver panel, cholesterol, cbc) just to ease my mind. It only took 3 hours to get it back and it was 625 the normal range for B-12 for this hospital is 243-894(I subscribe to the hospitals website and can get my results as soon as they are posted). So if you really want to ease your mind just make an appoitment with your family Doc and you will have you answer within a day. By the way I do use a supplement I take Super B Complex maybe 3 times week. Good Luck Scott Mc

thanks for the terrific advice everyone,i'll call for an appointment.