For ten agonising years, Sarah Blease felt like she was merely existing rather than living. The 42-year-old teaching assistant from Cornwall battled constant exhaustion that no amount of sleep could cure, alongside debilitating brain fog that made everyday tasks feel impossible.
'I felt like I was wading through treacle every single day,' Sarah recalls. 'Getting out of bed required monumental effort, and my memory became so poor I'd forget conversations almost immediately.'
Like many Britons struggling with persistent tiredness, Sarah initially blamed her stressful job and busy lifestyle. She tried every remedy suggested by well-meaning friends - from early nights to energy supplements - but nothing made a difference.
The Turning Point That Changed Everything
Everything changed during a routine appointment when Sarah's GP suggested a simple blood test. The results revealed what countless others across the UK might be missing: a severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
'The diagnosis was both terrifying and relieving,' Sarah admits. 'Finally, I had answers after years of feeling like I was going mad.'
What Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause:
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Brain fog and memory problems
- Mood changes and depression
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Vision problems
Those most at risk include vegetarians and vegans, older adults, people with digestive conditions like Crohn's disease, and those taking certain medications long-term.
Life After Diagnosis
Sarah now receives regular B12 injections through the NHS, and the transformation has been remarkable. 'Within weeks, the fog lifted. I had energy to play with my children, concentrate at work, and actually enjoy life again.'
Her message to others suffering similar symptoms? 'Don't dismiss persistent tiredness as normal. Push for that blood test - it could change your life.'
If you're experiencing unexplained fatigue that lasts more than a few weeks, consult your GP about checking your vitamin levels. What feels like burnout might actually be a treatable deficiency.
