Calcichew D3 Forte

magenta
magenta Member Posts: 1,604
edited 18. Jul 2011, 14:08 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hiya,

I seen Tillys post about about osteoporosis and Toni had mentioned calcium and vit d tablets. I didn't want to hijack Tillys post by asking a question about myself so I'll ask on this one.

I was prescribed Calcichew D3 Forte recently as my vit d and calcium levels in blood were low. I've to go back after 6wks of taking the tablets to get my levels checked again and also to check my parathyroid hormone levels. I'm concerned about all this. Can this mean I'm more at risk of osteoporosis? What will they do if my vit d and calcium levels are still low? Is it more tablets? Any advice would be helpful, thanks.

Magenta x

Comments

  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I believe you can have vitamin D injections. However, I found 6 months of calcichew raised my very low vitamin D levels up to normal. So, if your vit D isn't yet normal, I'd not be too worried. I'm afraid I don't know much about calcium levels but 6 weeks on a supplement isn't a very long time. You may need to be taking it for longer. Are you taking 1 or 2 a day?
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Starburst,

    I take 2 a day. Did you ever get an explanation about why your vit d levels were low?

    Magenta x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Magenta

    Thanks for your post on my "osteoporosis" thread - and I really wouldn't have minded if you had "hijacked" my thread with your question :lol:.

    Will reply to your post properly tomorrow.

    Love Tilly xxx
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Magenta..

    I was prescribed the calcichew tablets as my vit D levels were low, i was told i need to take them long term, 2 a day.. and no real explanation.. i have been taking mine for about 2 months now.. i am naughty with taking though recently as they make me very constipated and that no good on my hips lol..
    So if your levels go back up does that mean you will stop taking them??
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya,

    Thanks Tilly, hope you're ok?

    Traluvie, I never asked :eek: I don't know. It was only after the appt. that I thought-why are my levels low? I would have thought I'd be on calcichew for a good while with my bloods being checked regularly. I honestly don't know what will happen if my levels come back up. Will it happen again? I've googled it and it can also mean there may be a problem with my parathyroid gland. Dr just said, we'll check your levels again and take it from there. As usual, I'm confused!

    Thanks all,
    Magenta x
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Magenta,

    I was given the Calcichews and they were ok. I was called by the rheumi nurse because mine was so low it was ridiculous. Considering they had never called me about my blood tests, I didn't just want to go in but she asked...."are you in a lot of pain"....yes I said.....ok thats cos your Vit D is really low. I got an injection and have to say it helped. She also advised that I should sit in the garden for approx 15-20 mins every day to get sunlight / daylight.

    They can get your vitamins back up ...........good luck with yours.

    Eve xxxx
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    magenta wrote:
    Hi Starburst,

    I take 2 a day. Did you ever get an explanation about why your vit d levels were low?

    Magenta x

    Apparently low vitamin D is quite common. I really hate the sun too and due to feeling so poorly, spent more time inside than out, so I think that may have contributed. I've heard there is a link between low vitamin D and autoimmune diseases too.

    Sophie x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Magenta

    I'm ok - thanks for asking.

    My trusty book about vitamins :roll: says that "Vitamin D is best known for its ability to stimulate calcium absorption" which is why Calcichew contains both calcium and vitamin D. Low calcium and vit D levels are not good for your bones so it is good that you are being closely monitored. Really not sure about the parathyroid though, sorry.

    Do try not to worry if you can Magenta - it sounds as if the docs are on the ball with this so that should give you some confidence.

    Tilly xxx
  • paulch
    paulch Member Posts: 103
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi . I to have to take Calcichew d3 Forte after being diagonised with Hypopathyroidism 5 yrs ago while in hospital with a blood clot :cry: So dont worry to much .Teir is a good web site called Hypoathroidism uk which are very helpfull.
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone,

    I'll keep taking my tabs and see what happens.

    Thanks again,

    Magenta xx