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Tuesday 8am - 12pm Wednesday 8am - 12pm Thursday 8am - 12pm Saturday 8am - 12pm

The Pernicious Anaemia Society, Ipswich (2026)

16/02/2026

At PAS, we're always grateful for your generous support and donations, which fuel our mission to raise awareness and support those affected by pernicious anaemia.

While donating directly with Gift Aid is fantastic and greatly appreciated, we're thrilled to introduce another way for you to support us while also getting something back in return!

🌍 We've partnered with http://charitablebookings.com/ , a platform that allows you to select The Pernicious Anaemia Society as your chosen charity when you make your travel and holiday bookings.

By booking through http://charitablebookings.com/ , you'll still enjoy the same great rates and deals offered directly by the companies, but a small percentage of your booking will be donated to PAS! ✈️

So, if you're planning your next getaway or travel adventure, why not check out http://charitablebookings.com/ and nominate The Pernicious Anaemia Society as your charity of choice? It's a simple way to support our cause while booking your well-deserved holiday. 🏖️

Thank you for your continued support!

Support our charity by becoming a member or donating regularly. Follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!

14/02/2026

Happy Valentines’ Day!

It may not be as romantic as flowers and chocolate, but a gift from the Pernicious Anaemia Society online shop shows that you care about research and support for loved ones with Pernicious Anaemia. And if you haven’t had a chance to get a card, check out our e-cards for this and all occasions!

(But don’t forget the flowers and chocolates, too!)

https://shop.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/

12/02/2026

🔬 What Three Nobel Prizes, Spanning a Century of Discovery tell us about Pernicious Anaemia

In our latest blog, PAS CEO Katrina Burchell explores how three Nobel Prize–winning discoveries, spanning nearly a century, have shaped what we know about pernicious anaemia – and what they could mean for the future.

From the 1934 breakthrough that kept people with PA alive using liver therapy…
to the discovery of vitamin B12 itself…

to the 2025 Nobel Prize, which revealed how the immune system’s “off switch” works in autoimmune disease.

Why does this matter for PA?
🧠 Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition
🧬 The immune system attacks the stomach and intrinsic factor
💉 Treatment today manages symptoms, not the underlying cause

The latest research helps explain why autoimmune diseases happen – and raises an important question:
👉 Could future treatments stop the immune system attack itself, rather than relying on lifelong B12 replacement?

While PAS continues to focus on the “small science” that improves diagnosis, treatment access, education, and patient voice today, this blog shows how big scientific discoveries can open the door to long-term change.

📖 Read the full blog here: https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/pernicious-anaemia/how-three-nobel-prizes-spanning-a-century-of-discovery-help-define-the-future-of-pernicious-anaemia-care/

10/02/2026

💬 “I felt like I was dying a little bit every day – and no one could tell me why.”

Jill, from Minnesota in the USA, lived with unexplained illness for most of her life. Her symptoms began at just six years old with joint swelling, Raynaud’s phenomenon, nausea and fatigue. Over the decades that followed, her health steadily declined – yet no one could join the dots.

She was told she was “too sensitive.”
She was labelled unstable.

Jill saw countless specialists. Her blood tests were repeatedly described as “mostly normal,” even when results sat outside reference ranges. As the years passed, she developed serious complications – osteoporosis, neurological symptoms, gut issues, breathlessness, bone fractures without trauma, and the loss of her words.

Eventually, exhausted and barely functioning, Jill came across a reference to pernicious anaemia in a book. For the first time, her life made sense. She pushed for B12 testing – and was repeatedly told her levels were “fine.” It wasn’t until her B12 dropped far below range, and she accessed an intrinsic factor antibody test through a naturopath, that the truth was confirmed.

💉 Jill was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia at 51 – after more than four decades of illness.
Treatment changed everything. Not overnight, and not completely – some damage was permanent – but slowly, steadily, her life returned.

Today, seven years on, Jill walks miles a day, lifts weights, practises Pilates, and continues rebuilding her strength. Most importantly, she now understands her condition and listens to her body.

Jill’s story is not rare. It reflects what so many people with pernicious anaemia experience – long diagnostic delays, dismissal of symptoms, over-reliance on blood numbers, and a lack of awareness about this autoimmune condition.

💙 Jill credits the Pernicious Anaemia Society and the US support group with helping her feel seen, informed and supported – and with giving her tools she never received from the medical system.

👉 Read Jill’s full story and learn more about pernicious anaemia at:
🔗https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/articles/personal-story-jill/

If Jill’s journey resonates with you, you are not alone – and help, information and community are available.

09/02/2026

🔴 Understanding Pernicious Anaemia Symptoms 🔴

When it comes to Pernicious Anaemia, recognising the symptoms is crucial. Here's what you need to know:

1. Neurological Focus: PA primarily exhibits neurological and anaemia symptoms. Surprisingly, neurological signs often precede anaemia, so don't dismiss the condition if anaemia isn't immediately evident.

2. Gradual Onset: Symptoms typically develop gradually over the years, leading to potential misinterpretation as signs of ageing or a hectic lifestyle.

3. Varied Severity: Symptoms vary widely in intensity from person to person, with some experiencing numerous indicators while others may have only a few.

4. Overlap with Other Conditions: Many symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses, contributing to delayed diagnosis—a significant challenge for patients.

Consider the following symptoms:
- Numbness, pins and needles, or a burning sensation in the extremities.
- Muscle fatigue, cramping, or restless leg syndrome.
- Unexplained hair loss.
- Persistent headaches.
- Feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Changes in mood, including irrational anger, behavioural shifts, or signs of depression.
- Gum bleeding or mouth ulcers.
- Unexplained fatigue or exhaustion.
- Intermittent diarrhoea.

Remember, this list isn't exhaustive. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to explore further. Reach out to us to learn more about Pernicious Anaemia and its diverse array of symptoms. Don't hesitate to seek support and information—we are here to support you and your health care professional.

Support our charity by becoming a member or donating regularly. Follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!

09/02/2026

A recording of The Wren Project seminar entitled 'The power of listening in the lives of people with autoimmune disease' is now available in our online shop.

The Wren Project exists to bridge the gap between a life-changing autoimmune disease diagnosis and access to mental health support.

Purchase recording here: https://shop.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/product/the-power-of-listening-in-the-lives-of-people-with-autoimmune-disease/

Learn more about The Wren Project here: https://www.wrenproject.org/

05/02/2026

🔬 Why “normal” B12 ranges don’t work for everyone – especially children

A recent publication in the British Medical Journal asked the question:
“Do high vitamin B12 levels in children matter?”

While the original paper isn’t publicly accessible, experts from CluB-12 identified a serious issue and submitted a rapid response to highlight what was missing from the discussion.

👉 The key message is simple – adult vitamin B12 reference ranges are not suitable for children.

Research shows that:
Vitamin B12 levels are naturally higher in children and vary significantly by age

Using adult reference ranges can lead to:
- false concerns about “high” B12 levels
- missed diagnoses of B12 deficiency, especially in children
- People of Black backgrounds may also have different normal reference ranges, increasing the risk of missed deficiency when inappropriate ranges are used

Why this matters:
Vitamin B12 is essential for brain development, nerve protection, and neurotransmitter function.

When deficiency is missed in children, the consequences can include:
- developmental regression
- permanent neurological damage
- long-term impacts on quality of life

Clinical laboratories and healthcare professionals must use age- and ethnicity-appropriate reference ranges to ensure children are diagnosed and treated safely and accurately.

🧠 This is exactly why PAS continues to advocate for better education, research translation, and evidence-based practice.

📖 Read more on our research page and access the published rapid response:
🔗 https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/pa-research/

03/02/2026

Heavy Periods (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding) is very common. HMB affects 1 in 3 women and the most common cause for and . Despite this the UK NICE guidance does not advocate testing Ferritin. The reason? - because there are no data suggesting that HMB causes iron deficiency and that iron deficiency causes symptoms. To address this The Iron Clinic has launched a screening project to gather data to change UK guidance.

Please help us https://www.shineonwomenshealth.org/

Note: HMB is a symptom that can have many causes, but it is often the HMB that can impact a woman's quality of life - here is a simple guide to symptoms (any 2 means HMB): -
The need to double protect
To get up at night-time
Double protect
Worried about going outdoors one or two days of the week

Note a tampon or sanitary pad can hold 10-15 ml of fluid. So more than a dozen per cycle means you are losing more than 80ml of blood. That adds up to ONE LITRE of BLOOD per year!!! HMB needs treating!

That is a LOT of IROn i.e. 500mg. and a normal diet will not support those losses.
Iron Deficiency needs treating!

Iron is stored in Ferritin and Ferritin is the best marker of iron stores
Ferritin > 50 is normal
Ferritin < 30 is iron deficiency

Iron Deficiency causes symptoms that can be disabling.

Yet there is no charity, no central place to get good advice, no recognised source for information, nowhere for women to get help advice and direction!

We will soon be transitioning to the IRONliFE, a Charity headed by Prof Toby Richards to raise awareness for women about heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency. To offer the correct medical advice to empower women to get the correct information in order to get the correct treatment and to stop the suffering of many. Please watch this space over the next few weeks.

03/02/2026

🧠 The Ologist Trap

Julie Wichlin’s latest piece, The Ologist Trap, captures something many people living with pernicious anaemia know all too well.

It explores how patients with complex, multi-system symptoms can be passed from specialist to specialist – gastro, neuro, rheumatology, cardiology – without anyone stepping back to ask the most important question:

What explains all of this together?
Julie describes how pernicious anaemia and B12 deficiency are particularly vulnerable to being missed because they can present across so many systems:
neurological
psychiatric
gastrointestinal
cardiac
autoimmune
haematological

Each referral can look reasonable in isolation. The problem is what happens when no one is responsible for joining the dots.

For many PA patients, this leads to years – sometimes decades – of misdiagnosis, symptom management instead of root-cause treatment, and growing self-doubt, even when something is clearly wrong.

This blog speaks directly to:
the importance of whole-person assessment
why “normal” blood results don’t always tell the full story
how fragmentation in care contributes to delayed diagnosis
why listening to patient experience matters

📖 Read Julie’s blog on Substack: The Ologist Trap
https://substack.com/inbox/post/181961229?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=5791340&post_id=181961229&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=5q7kms&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

It’s a powerful reminder of why education, integration, and curiosity in medicine are essential – and why PAS continues to advocate for better understanding of pernicious anaemia and B12 deficiency across healthcare.

👉 Read more articles on Substack
🔗 https://substack.com/

03/02/2026

We offer group sessions where you can meet regularly with people who are experiencing similar things to you, and understand what it is like to have an autoimmune disease.

🗓️ Next group starts 9th Feb 2026

Sign up here: www.wrenproject.org/group-listening-support

02/02/2026

🩸 What is Pernicious Anaemia?

Pernicious Anaemia (PA) is an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12—a vital nutrient needed for healthy red blood cells, nerve function, and brain health.

For over a century, doctors and scientists struggled to understand why patients were dying from what was once a fatal condition. It wasn’t until the 1920s that replacement B12 therapy was discovered, eventually leading to the availability of effective treatment.

🔬 How does PA affect the body?

✅ The stomach normally produces Intrinsic Factor, a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12.
❌ In PA, the immune system attacks Intrinsic Factor and the stomach lining, making B12 absorption impossible.
⚠️ Without enough B12, red blood cells become misshapen and enlarged, leading to severe fatigue, brain fog, nerve damage, and long-term complications.
🚨 Why is early diagnosis crucial?
🔹 Many cases of PA go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because symptoms mimic other conditions.
🔹 Some doctors only check B12 levels if anaemia is present, but PA can cause neurological symptoms long before anaemia develops.
🔹 Testing limitations mean that even those with PA might not test positive for the standard Intrinsic Factor Antibody test.

💉 The Lifesaving Treatment
PA can’t be cured, but it can be managed with lifelong B12 replacement therapy (usually injections). However, many patients still struggle to get the right diagnosis and proper treatment.

💡 Want to learn more?
Our webinars cover everything from symptoms to diagnosis and ongoing care—perfect for patients, carers, and professionals.

Explore our webinar recordings and resources in the PAS shop: https://shop.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/

Support our charity by becoming a member or donating, and follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!

31/01/2026

🛒 When you shop with PAS, you’re doing more than just making a purchase - you’re supporting resources that make a real difference.

Our webinars help you better understand Pernicious Anaemia (PA) by providing expert-led guidance for anyone affected — whether you’re newly diagnosed, a family member, or a healthcare professional. They offer:

✔ In-depth knowledge about PA symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
✔ Practical advice on managing day-to-day life with PA
✔ The latest updates on research and medical advances
✔ A chance to connect with others who understand the journey
By joining or purchasing access to these webinars, you’re not only gaining valuable insights but also directly supporting PAS’s vital work. Every contribution helps us:
✔ Keep our helpline running to provide personalised support
✔ Fund research into lesser-known symptoms like iron deficiency
✔ Organise more support groups and educational events across the UK and beyond
✔ Advocate for better diagnosis and treatment through national policy change

Plus, you can support us in other ways - by exploring our shop’s range of awareness items and eco-friendly eCards, all designed to help raise funds and spread knowledge.

🎁 So whether you’re learning, gifting, or both, you’re making a real difference for the PA community.

🛍️ Explore our webinars and shop: https://shop.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/

The Pernicious Anaemia Society

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31/01/2026

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Tuesday	8am - 12pm
Wednesday	8am - 12pm
Thursday	8am - 12pm
Saturday	8am - 12pm