Make sure to have you vitamin levels checked!

NicoS
NicoS Member Posts: 4
edited 17. Jun 2025, 10:38 in Living with arthritis

Hi guys,

In the first half of 2023 I complained to my GP about joint pains and stiffness. I was diagnosed with OA, and told to take NSAIDs. My pain got progressively worse over the year. I asked to see a rheumatologist, but was told it was more than 6 months to see him, and they wouldn't refer me for more x-rays, etc.

It takes about 6 weeks to get an appointment at my surgery, and since my first visit, I've seen four different doctors; because of case load there is very little continuity.

This progressed to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and feet, burning feet, and some of my toes started loosing feeling.

A couple of months ago, my vitamin B and D was tested (about a year after my first symptoms). Around the same time I paid some hundreds of pounds to see the specialist privately.

The rheumatologist made it clear that I have no signs of arthritis. I have very low vitamin D and B, which is a probable cause.

The very next day, I slipped and broke my tibia and fibula. I am now several weeks down the line and not much healing has happened.

The point of this post: ask you GP to include these tests in your blood work - you have nothing to lose. They are doing their best but are under immense pressure, sometimes things aren't picked up.

Good luck on your individual journeys,

Nico

Comments

  • Naomi33
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 562

    Thank you @NicoS for your advice and sorry to hear your about your journey.

    Onwards and upwards as they say.

    Best wishes @Naomi33

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764

    Hi @Nico and thanks for the heads up Many of us older ones take a daily Calcium and Vit D supplement to protect our bones but I guess vitamin deficiencies can affect younger people too. Here's what the NHs says:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/

    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
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  • jamieA
    jamieA Member Posts: 863

    Hi @NicoS

    Do you take a proton pump inhibitor with your NSAIDs - something like omeprazole? The reason I ask is that in the first year of my psoriatic arthritis I was prescribed NSAIDs and omeprazole. I ended up with anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequently vitamin D deficiency. It appears that PPIs can cause these deficiencies. The PPI was stopped and I was put on a course of cobalamin for the B12 and then vitamin D tablets for that deficiency. As I live in the west of Scotland with it's sunshine levels my GP actually suggested I take 400IU vitamin D daily ongoing - which I do.

  • Amelia234
    Amelia234 Member Posts: 3

    I also take vitamin D, and this vitamin B in complex daily. I also also take vitamin C - it is good for immunity. And when there are bad days with pain I also add boswellia or glucosamine supplements. And I'm thinking of adding some calcium supplements, maybe someone has any recommendations. Thank you for sharing, your blog is an inspiration for all of us! 🤗

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,416

    Hi @Amelia234 Have you read this?

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/diet-and-nutritional-supplements/

    I personally take a multivitamin as I am vegan.

    Best of luck

    Toni x

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