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Meet me – Tracey Witty

Hello I’m Tracey. And just like 1 in 10 people in the UK, vitamin B12 deficiency is something I will live with for the rest of my life.

Since my diagnosis in 2012, I’ve been fiercely committed to raising awareness, campaigning for better treatment for patients, and to changing attitudes around this life-altering condition.

My promise to you

You can absolutely live a long and happy life with the right treatment – you just need to know what that looks like. And that all starts with you getting the right information… which is where B12 Deficiency Info comes in. It was born out of an incredible need for accurate information and practical help – I’ll be here with you every step of the way, backing your corner as you navigate your way towards the right treatment and a better quality of life.

My story

I inherited vitamin B12 deficiency

I can’t absorb B12 from food and I will require injections for life. Although that might sound daunting, these injections mean that I’m able to live life to the fullest – for me that looks like spending quality time with my incredible husband Damian, my family and friends, without terrible memory loss, insomnia and blurred vision. I know what it’s like to be a B12 deficient patient and how hellish the symptoms can be on a daily basis. I had to fight for my correct treatment. I know first-hand the problems that people face, one of the main issues being significant under treatment due to a lack of awareness and understanding.

The lack of knowledge around B12 deficiency is staggering

The biggest thing I struggled with before I gained my diagnosis was the huge lack of knowledge about the condition amongst health professionals. I first learned abut B12 deficiency when researching for a loved one who had been misdiagnosed with bipolar when it was severe vitamin B12 deficiency at the root of their many symptoms. Nobody involved in her care understood vitamin B12 deficiency, doctors suggested she eat broccoli! Like so many others I’ve now spoken to, it just felt like I was hitting dead ends at every step. Neither me or my loved one was being heard. That was the hardest thing to understand.

I personally know people who’ve been sectioned due to B12 deficiency. I know people who’ve been misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s autism and fibromyalgia. And most sadly of all, I’ve known people who have tried to take their own lives due to lack of adequate treatment.

I eventually got the right help. Now I want to help you

For me, it’s become a mission to raise awareness and to highlight misdiagnosis, the many causes, the effect on children, mental health, pregnancy and infertility. I feel compelled to help patients who’ve found themselves lost in the same position and to help health professionals to understand the truth of the situation.

There’s a real, genuine need for people to be able to find accurate, reliable, up to date information all in one place. Information that’s not hidden behind a paywall. Facts that are transparent. Help with gaining a diagnosis and getting proper support for ongoing treatment. So that’s what I do. 

Now? Well, I’m delighted to report that as of March 2020 I’m studying for a PhD, researching the barriers to diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency. On a personal note, I’m in pretty good health and I’m thankful that I have my prescribed weekly injections as they’ve genuinely saved my quality of life. 

It’s worth noting that there isn’t a big team behind the scenes. It’s me who runs and updates the site day to day and answers your emails. I am the researcher and the administrator and I have read thousands of journals and articles on this subject over the years. I’m committed to helping anyone navigate their way through the maze of information about B12 deficiency so they can have access to correct life-changing treatment. But, I could not do what I do without the support of my husband Damian.

If you need personalised help please see the Work with me page.

Think you might be affected by B12 deficiency? Please see the What to do next page.

If you are looking for a kind community forum then please join us!

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