pernicious anaemia

[craft1948]

My sister has been diagnosed with pernicious anaemia, and as I display a couple of the symptoms (according to the internet) she is wanting me to get tested for it.

I'm not a great lover of internet diagnoses, but is this complaint genetic?

[petal54]

best visit your doctor

[craft1948]

I don't want to go to the doctor just 'cos my sister thinks I should...............I'll probably end up looking gormless and getting a rollicking for wasting his time.

[petal54]

not if they're anygood

[slaney]

PA is an autoimmune disorder with a genetic component, so is more common in first degree relatives.
No harm in asking your doctor about testing.

[rowanwitch]

Family history is mentioned in the Pernicious anemia society website but it only gets you a couple of points on the scoring tool...
Why not phone the practice and just discuss it over the phone you can get a form for a bloodtest if they think you need one

[craft1948]

Oh right Slaney, I think that's probably why she said I should get tested then. I'm surprised that her doctor didn't mention it when she was diagnosed.

[slaney]

The genetic link is not all that strong, so one would only test relatives if they had symptoms.

[rowanwitch]

The website I mention has a sympton scoring tool might be worth going through that to see if you have enough symptoms although most people would probably get a high enough score to get the go to your GP non urgent message

[craft1948]

Actually now I've been onto the website Rowan mentioned I do seem to have quite a few of the symptoms................oh well I'll ask next month when I go for my medication review, then I won't have wasted an appointment.

[Sqad]

I agree with slaney.

Serves you right for surfing the medical Internet for symptoms that we all my have despite being disease free

[mrs_overall]

Nothing wrong with surfing the net

Mrs O
Graduate of the Google School of Medicine

[cathfromsaron]

diet and lifestyle are often shared in families though!

i would have the wee blood test and be contented you have put your sister's mind at rest!

[craft1948]

Thanks sqad.......................I'll remember that if I test positive.

[Sqad]

Crafty........how much on that you won't?.....£20?

[craft1948]

OK sqad..............if it's positive you owe me £20. If it's negative I'll wear some Reger silk french knickers.

[mrs_overall]

<<<<stands by with smelling salts for Sqad>>>>>>

[HHBooks]

Sorry to hear that, hope you and your sister are doing okay. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine levels of Vitamin B12. The Pernicious Anaemia Society is holding a Q&A session on 24 May if you have more questions or want to talk to other sufferers http://on.fb.me/LRHC4u