Living With Pernicious Anemia

People treated for pernicious anemia can recover, feel well, and live normal lives, although they must be sure to receive enough vitamin B12 throughout their lives. If a person has developed health problems caused by pernicious anemia, such as nerve damage, treatment may reverse the damage.

Ongoing Health Care Needs

People with pernicious anemia usually need to see a doctor regularly for checkups and ongoing treatment with vitamin B12. If you are being treated for pernicious anemia, you will need to take vitamin B12 supplements as directed by your doctor to prevent the return of symptoms.

Visits to the doctor will focus on monitoring for signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in your body, making treatment changes as needed, and checking for the possible development of stomach cancer.

Doctor visits will also focus on the foods that you eat and whether you are eating enough foods that contain vitamin B12. A pediatrician may prescribe vitamin B12 supplements for infants and children of strict vegetarians.

Continued treatment may be needed for any ongoing problems due to nerve damage.

Family Members

If you have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, you should tell your family members about the disease—especially your children and your siblings. Because pernicious anemia runs in families, they may be more likely to develop the disease.