Vitamin D Insufficiency

shandy4greenday

I have just received another letter from the hospital it seems my blood tests have revealed I also have a Vitamin D insufficiency and have now got to have more tablets what will be next.I have no idea what it means as I don't know much about vitamins but I assume it's not a good thing and I don't know if I will be on them permanent or not i will find out from my doc when he decides to call me back.

LignumVitae

Sorry Shandy, I forget what kind of arthritis you have? Vitamin D is increasingly noted as playing some role in RA kinds of arthritis but I think what role is still under scrutiny. Indeed, there was an article about some research into it yesterday on the BBC news site - I think it is probably still in the health section and might help you understand a bit more? I was tested for Vit D myself a few years back and was considered borderline so escaped the extra supplements. It's part of the woe of living in a cold and dark country...and possibly why we feel better when we go to sunnier places

I know taking more and more pills is annoying but if they make things better then hopefully, walking about rattling as we do is worth it. Good luck and please let us know how you go.

salamander

Hi Shandy, I've just been started to be tested for Vit D levels when I get my bloods done, for reasons Lignum states I guess. Good thing they picked it up.

dreamdaisy

This is an increasing problem for many people including non-arthritic ones. We live in a pretty gloomy part of the world so there is insufficient sunlight especially in the winter months and, during the summer ones, thanks to very efficient sunscreens not enough of the beneficial rays can be absorbed. I chew calcium with added Vit D on the advice of my rheumatologist to ensure that my levels stay reasonable. I don't feel any benefit as such but I guess they're helpful. I doubt the tablets will be a permanent thing, you will take them until your levels pick up again but your GP will be able to advise on that. I hope your measures improve soon. DD

frogmorton

I've noticed this too on the forum more and more people getting told they have a deficiency in vit D :? .

Should I get out in the sun ?

It's out today?


Toni xxx

Jo90

<puts hand up>
Another one here that has just had their bloods taken with a request from the consultant to check vit D levels....here's hoping we can get holidays in sunny climes on prescription on the back of this latest finding

shandy4greenday

I have Inflammatory Arthritis as of my first Rheumatology appointment.I have been waiting all morning for my doc to call me back and just tried calling them again and it now seems they are closed for the rest of the day so it seems they have just wasted my whole day and left me waiting.I have to have a further blood test in 6 months to check my levels and the hospital recommends I get put on Adcal D3 or similar.I have to go for my flu jab tomorrow I am now slowly on the mend after being ill for a week now I just feel ill all the time lately and have no motivation at the moment but I will not let this beat me and try getting back on the move better tomorrow hopefully will feel loads better by then.

daffy2

Hi Shandy
It's annoying to have yet more pills to pop but the Vit D could be something that's helpful and without a downside, as lack of it can cause aches and pains.I would check whether Adcal is the best solution though - do you need that much extra calcium?
I'm on the osteoporosis (not so)merry-go-round(in addition to arfur)since a rather alarming diagnosis back in October, so this is something I've been having to read up on. I would not have known my vitd levels were very low(only just above the lowest category) unless I had asked for the test. Bearing in mind that I spend a lot of time outdoors and have a good diet it was a real shock. I had already discussed supplements with the GP as I didn't want to take the Adcal for various reasons, so now have Boots vitd, at a dosage agreed with the GP. Thanks to special deals they have worked out way cheaper than prescription. One tiresome thing is that there are 2 different units used so a certain amount of arithmetic is necessary to make sure of the correct dose.

tjt6768

Vitamin deficiency problems are cropping up everywhere on here lately.
I've just began a course of vitamin B12 injections.
I can't believe how it's effecting me.

Hope that you start to feel better soon.
X

shandy4greenday

This is all new to me I didn't even realise it was so important when I posted this post but have since read up about it and now realize why it's such a big thing to a lot of people I'm glad my rheumatogist now issued these tests for me and I hope they become more routine for everyone.I will try and get hold of my doctor again in the morning and see how I get on again.

kellerman

I'm afraid vitamin D deficency is increasing common in this country.and there are very few foods with enough in them but it is in oily fish.
There have been many papers written on this.In this country we get very little sun but in the summer even if its dull as long as its warm enough getting out in it helps.I would be inclined to ask your GP if you need more at this time of year....which you probably will and maybe a smaller dose in the summer months. I would like to see more people checked for this on a regular basis.I applaud you medics for doing this.

shandy4greenday

I've just picked up my tablets of Adcal-D3 I've been given 2 week course my doc has not said whetyher I need further but I would assume until the blood test in 6 months so I will contact him just before they run out.This was my first rheumatology appointment I knew I had 5 lots of bloods taken but had no idea what for or what they meant so as it seems I too am glad he tested for this I am back for my next appointment a week on Tuesday where I will get the rest of my results and see if they say anything about the Vitamin D Deficiency,I will keep you all posted on this appointment.