Vitamin B12 Injection

[Big Boy]

Since having a stomach operation 8 years ago I need a regular Vitamin B12 Injection (every 4 to 6 months). Failure to have it turns me into Mr Sleepy.

When I moved here, none of the local hospitals could oblige. I received the first couple at Petcharat Hospital, before finding the clinic on Soi 55/1 could help, and its where I have been going ever since. I went today, and was told they can't help me any more.

I don't really want to drive to Petchaburi for a vitamin injection. Mrs BB has just phoned and confirmed local hospitals can't oblige. Does anybody know where I may be able to get the injection locally please?

[PeteC]

It begs the question have B12 injections been restricted by the Gov., preventing hospitals and clinics from administering them?

I would think Bangkok Hospital would have everything under the sun.....but perhaps you don't want to use them on principle.

[Big Boy]

I don't see why, as B12 tablets are 2 a penny. It's only a vitamin, but a vitamin my body can't produce.

After multiple misdiagnosis, I do not trust BH. I'm sure if they didn't have it, they'd inject a placebo, rather than turn a paying customer away. Yes, that has happened to us before as well, resulting in a mad dash to Petchaburi with Mrs BB for specialist help, which saw the BH pills thrown straight in the bin.

[Meerkat]

You can certainly get B12 injections at the Bangkok Hospital, Hua Hin. I visit for that purpose every 3 - 4 months. Once the doc is happy that your need is genuine, your file is marked and on subsequent visits you only need to see a nurse.

[Big Boy]

Thank you, but after past experiences, it would have to be a very last resort. A drive to Petcharat sounds more appealing.

[oakdale160]

What about trying to get a few vials and give it to yourself or have a family member inject you. It is not difficult.

[Big Boy]

Yes, that has crossed my mind this morning. I know it's Christmas, but I think that might give them too much pleasure

[Edit] 629฿ for 5. I've been paying 300฿ per injection, so tempting.

[handdrummer]

Can you use sublingual Vit. B12? It absorbs well under the tongue. B12 doesn't absorb trough the stomach wall. If so you'd have to order from overseas.

[caller]

I too go to BH Hua Hin and prior to that, at Korat. In Korat, I just turned up and got the injection. In Hua Hin, a youngish female doctor insisted I had to be tested first, said the level was fine and wouldn't give me the injection. I subsequently changed Doctors and the new Doctor looked at my records and just authorised the injection.

[Big Boy]

You guys won't believe how scared I am to use BH. Too many previous incidents to be comfortable with. It will really be a very last resort. Out of interest, do you get to see what they are injecting, and what do they charge please?

[oakdale160]

Vit B12 was first synthesised in the 1930s, before that patients had to eat RAW Liver everyday. I would not recommend that as an alternative.

[Big Boy]

[caller]

You guys won't believe how scared I am to use BH. Too many previous incidents to be comfortable with. It will really be a very last resort. Out of interest, do you get to see what they are injecting, and what do they charge please?

As they inject it into the bum here, I have to confess I have not really seen it, but I don't think for one minute I am being conned. I am sure it's more than elsewhere and as I am away over Christmas and the new year, someone else should be able to supply the price.

One point of interest, in the UK, this was for me, a really painful injection into the arm. The first time I had this in the UK, the nurse at my local surgery warned me it would hurt. The Thai method is much kinder.

[Big Boy]

You are right, it is painful in the arm. In the UK I always had it in the bum. When I came here, Petcharat did it in the arm. The clinic on 55/1 gave me the option - I always chose bum.

[Big Boy]

As a follow-up to this, I have still not had my injection, and I am extremely drowsy. I just distrust Bangkok Hospital too much to even consider using them.

It was time for my routine 3 month check-up at Hua Hin Hospital this morning, and I discussed it with my doctor, who was very knowledgeable on the subject. He had my shirt off, and had great fun examining my scars . He was amazed that I had survived 8 years in Thailand receiving the injection locally. He told me that the type of operations requiring the injection have only been taking place in Thailand recently, and then, only in a few Bangkok Hospitals.

He even explained why tablets won't work, and also told me that ibuprofen could be deadly.

He asked the hospital's head pharmacist to enquire where locally the injection was available. The answer was nowhere. I guess the likes of Bangkok Hospital are supplied centrally, and have their own distribution service.

He suggested I go to Silirat Hospital in Bangkok to have the injection, and buy the entire box. I could then take an injection to my regular Hua Hin Hospital visits, and they would inject me. That sounds like a good plan. However, I think I have a better Plan B, which means buying direct from South East Pharmacy in Bangkok, or as a last resort, Plan C to purchase from Lazada.