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Sublingual B12 supplement causing pulmonary edema

(37 Posts)
violet29 Thu 29-Aug-19 20:05:36

My 89 year old mum has tried to take sublingual B12 pills, but they seem to create some fluid on the lungs. We've tried breaking the pills up into quarters to give a dose of 250 mcg, but still seems to cause some fluid, so it's too worrying to carry on. Has anyone else had this? We could try cutting the pills into 1/8 I suppose. She has hyperthyroidism, so has an increased need for the vitamin. My doctor is useless BTW and doesn't have much time for vitamins.

Barmeyoldbat Fri 30-Aug-19 11:19:28

Why won't you listen, GET A BLOOD TEST DONE to see her levels of B12. Its what I have done and its the only way.

wildswan16 Fri 30-Aug-19 11:22:27

You sound like you are very stressed and have little faith in your mother's physicians. I wonder if you are passing this stress on to her. She is clearly a lady with multiple health issues and needs peace and quiet.

I'd never advocate adding any kind of OTC supplements to anyone with such complicated health issues unless instructed to do so by their doctor.

Gonegirl Fri 30-Aug-19 11:27:08

I appreciate you re trying to do your best for your mum Violet, but I really don't see how giving her Vit 12 tablets will help her sleeplessness. Maybe the doctors feel she is getting enough sleep overall.

Perhaps you could try some simple measures. Perhaps try to discourage the napping during the day. Take her out for car/bus rides into the countryside. Even a little walking if she is up to it.

I do wish you both all the best.

Gonegirl Fri 30-Aug-19 11:28:31

Perhaps encourage her to listen to the radio during the night. I found the World Service bores me to sleep gets me off.

Gonegirl Fri 30-Aug-19 11:28:48

Find. not found.

Farmor15 Fri 30-Aug-19 11:42:25

The insomnia is quite likely related to the hyperthyroid condition. Carbimazole can be effective- I took it for years with no side effects. However, it can have bad effects in some people. My friend’s elderly mother was prescribed it and became very ill. They then treated the thyroid with radioactive iodine- one pill. www.btf-thyroid.org/information/leaflets/39-radioactive-iodine-guide
After treatment the person may have to take thyroxine but this is safe at the right dose and better than carbimazole.

If it’s possible to get your mother to see a geriatrician they might take a holistic look at all her health issues and medications. Some hospitals have depts where they take an elderly person in for a day for full assessment.

EllanVannin Fri 30-Aug-19 11:47:28

Anyone who's already on medication should not take vitamins unless prescribed by the GP or pharmacist.

Barmeyoldbat Fri 30-Aug-19 14:34:12

Exactly, also lack of B12 wold cause tiredness and your mother would be sleeping.

janeainsworth Fri 30-Aug-19 15:09:32

I have to say violet that for someone coming on here asking for advice, you are being rather rude to some of those who have taken the time to respond to you.

I too hope that your mother gets her health issues sorted but I fear that you’re doing her more harm than good by trying to diagnose her yourself and then giving her OTC remedies which may well be interfering with her prescribed medication.

Boosgran Fri 30-Aug-19 15:10:35

Actually b12 deficiency can cause insomnia and sleep disturbances Barmeyoldbat so it’s entirely possible that the OP Mother does have b12 deficiency. She may have low stomach acid which is very common in older people and that may prevent her from absorbing her vitamins and b12 from her foods. B12deficiency.info has all the information and signs and symptoms.

janeainsworth Fri 30-Aug-19 15:19:59

Here’s a link to an article about B12 and a screenshot of serious side effects.