Some Thoughts on B12 Shots

A long, yet slender 23 gauge needle, pierces through my leg muscle to give my body the much needed nutrients found in a small dosage of B12, or Cyanocobalamin.

I learned how to self administer the shot after being diagnosed with an immune disorder that left my body malnourished, exhausted and fatigued from weeks of trying to heal itself.

When my family doctor recommended I start taking B12 shots weekly, I was intrigued. Would it make me feel better? Would I be able to give myself an injection? And, how would my body react to the medicine?

These are my thoughts after nine weeks on B12 shots.

What is it like to give myself a shot?

At first I was very nervous. I'm a photographer and journalist. I have no medical training, unless you count my countless hours of interviews in a nearby medical community. I have never even had a flu shot, let alone a B12 shot.

The day I would receive my first B12 shot, I was assisted by a nurse at my doctor's office. She carefully walked me through the steps form washing my hands, to cleaning the B12 vial and how to "poke myself with a darting motion." She was very comforting, but that inch and half long needle made me nervous. I followed her instructions, but when came time to poke myself, I looked up and told her I was scared, and asked if I could close my eyes.

I was surprised at my reaction. I have had blood drawn many times. Approximately ten times the previous week alone, to aid in my medical diagnosis. But, when the syringe was firmly placed in my own hand, I froze. After a deep breath, I went for it, and jammed it in my thigh.

Would I recommend self administering the B12 shot?

Maybe. If you want to avoid the cost of an office visit fee, and you are diligent about staying on schedule, go for it. But, if you have a fear of needles or blood, you may want to have a registered nurse administer your B12 injections.

Would I recommend the B12 shot?

The day my doctor told me I should start taking B12 shots, he painted a picture nobody could refuse. He talked of increased energy, the ability to type faster (that is music to a journalist's ear!) and an overall good feeling. I told him that sounded great, as I was recovering from four weeks of intense illness.

After my first shot I was disappointed. I didn't fit one bit different. I didn't test my typing skills because I was still tired. To my body's credit, I was just beginning to eat normally after four weeks of minimal caloric intake.

But, after the third shot, I could indirectly tell it was working. I took note of how productive I had been over the weekend, and wasn't sure why. The next week was the same, even after working a week full of 12 hour days. I finally realized, I was getting healthier, and the B12 shot must be making a greater impact.

If you are contemplating starting a B12 shot routine, I recommend trying it, but without the hope of a burst of energy after the first day. For myself, it seems to take effect a day after I administer the shot, giving me an overall more alert feeling and sharper memory.