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B12 injections

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  • 20-03-2010 2:26am
    #1
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭


    I cant find a health forum so hope I am posting in the right place.

    I have a B12 deficiency which means I have to get 6 injections weekly every 3 months. My doctor charges me 50 euro for every injection which over the year works out very pricey.

    Yes. I can claim money/tax back but I am wondering if anyone knows somewhere /doctor on the northside of Dublin who would charge less for the injections.


    If I could, I would inject myself as I am not afraid of needles

    Thanks


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    #2
    Zaph
    Registered Users, Subscribers Posts: 47,279 ✭✭✭✭Zaph


    Moved from PI.

    Mods, feel free to move it back if you don't think it should be here.


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    #3
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,667 Mod ✭✭✭✭RobFowl


    That charge is very excessive (I'm a GP BTW).

    Is there a practice nurse there? Usually these can be given by the nurse and there should be a reduced charge.

    It's also worth phoning other GP's in the area and asking how much they charge for this.
    Giving the injections yourself is problematic as insurance issues mean GP's have to ensure they are given by someone with appropriate traing and in practice htis means a doctor or nurse usually.

    It's also worth saying to your GP that you feel charging €50 for giving every injection is too much and try to negotiate a better rate. Trust me it works !


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    #4
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭music lover 2


    Thanks RobFowl for advice .No there isn't a practice nurse at the surgery.I suppose I am being lazy posting here.Yes I should call other GP's but i have been with this GP for 2 years. I suppose it's like everything else you buy I need to shop around.


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    #5
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭music lover 2


    Oh and yes I have gone down the "this is too expensive route" but no luck.


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    #6
    Reeni
    Registered Users Posts: 131 ✭✭Reeni


    Hi, I have B12 injections every month which I will have for the rest of my life. My doctor also said the same to me, that I was to come back every month which would cost me €47 euro a pop. Your doctor, like mine, is not giving you all of the facts. You can be referred to a public health nurse, who will give you these injections for free. Your doctor should give you a letter at your request. My doctor did not mention this to me. When I told him I wanted to learn to inject myself so that I could manage a lifelong condition more efficiently and inexpensively he refused and also would not give me a prescription for B12. You can ask your doctor also, but if he refuses then I strongly suggest a new doctor, who should have no problems issuing you prescriptions.

    If you get to the public health nurse, she can also teach you how to self inject, which is what I do. It is very simple, I practiced on oranges with saline, and then for my first time I went to the public health nurse who made sure each step was correct. Since then i do it myself and it works out far far cheaper and of course you have the benefit of managing your own condition.

    If you need any more info or advice from someone who's been self injecting for a year and a half, feel free to PM me :)


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    #7
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭music lover 2


    Reeni thanks for advice will find out about Public health nurse and might PM you then Cheers


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    #8
    Erren Music
    Closed Accounts Posts: 384 ✭✭Erren Music


    Hiya guys, I get weekly injections, got diagnosed in late 2008 and I have had over 70 injections since then.

    My levels never go above 200

    My doc charges 10 euro an inj


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    #9
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭music lover 2


    Erren Music wrote: »
    Hiya guys, I get weekly injections, got diagnosed in late 2008 and I have had over 70 injections since then.

    My levels never go above 200

    My doc charges 10 euro an inj
    Is your GP On the northside? if he/she is could you PM me their details please

    thanks


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    #10
    Erren Music
    Closed Accounts Posts: 384 ✭✭Erren Music


    music lover 2 wrote: »
    Is your GP On the northside? if he/she is could you PM me their details please

    thanks

    Surgery is closed to new comers.


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    #11
    neil_18_
    Closed Accounts Posts: 631 ✭✭✭neil_18_


    Hi i started a thread on B12

    Here :
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055813339

    You might get some more replies there too!

    Do you know Northwood in Santry? Its near Gullivers retail park where theres Homesbase and Currys. AFAIK there is a nurse in the doctors office who does them for €15.

    Unit 1B Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9.
    GP (specializing in Internal Medicine) Dr Marek Kapczynski Gynaecologist, Dermatologist, ECG, blood tests
    Tel: + 353 1 842 20 01
    Mob: + 353 86 046 50 40 / 01


    Maybe its best to ring first to make sure! If its not this one, im sure theres one around the Northwood area, maybe in the retail park itself.

    Heres some more in the Santry area : (Dr. Aboud in Omni charges €55 btw)

    http://www.santrycommunity.info/healthcare.shtml


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    #12
    Reeni
    Registered Users Posts: 131 ✭✭Reeni


    music lover 2 wrote: »
    Reeni thanks for advice will find out about Public health nurse and might PM you then Cheers

    No probs. Good luck!


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    #13
    music lover 2
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭music lover 2


    Hi Neil 18

    Yes I know area and it would be really handy for me.

    Cheers


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    #14
    kraggy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭kraggy


    Can I ask, are many of those who get b12 injections vegetarian or is mostly a case that those who get them are meat eaters but hey can't absorb b12 as well as others?

    How do people end up getting diagnosed? What prompts the initial investigation if you will?

    Lastly, is it expensive to get tested for b12 levels?


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    #15
    sousou
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭sousou


    Hi Reenee , I need to start SI could you please give me some information , where do I buy the b12 , and needles etc ..any information very much appreciated thanks


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