[Rhapsody]

I got a call from my doctor yesterday and was informed that my blood work came back and while my iron, potassium and b-12 are fairly good.... I have a very low Vitamin D deficiency, so low that it is near to nothing, and my doctor says it probably due to my lack of time in the sun combined with a few of my medicines that prevent the assumption of calcium and vitamin-d, along with the stress my body constantly lives under with all my autoimmune disorders.

What is your average suffer to do?
I live in a bat cave with darkness as my friend - the sun and its heat makes my body physically ill.

LIFE is trying to put ME under.... but I shall WIN!

[Amazonmom]

There are prescription and over the counter Vit D supplements that can really help. Lots of folks over where I am in Seattle have Vit D issues.

Did the doc tell you how much extra D to take? When I take Vit D like I am supposed to I am happier, have fewer aches/pains, and I am less tired.

[Rhapsody]

My doctor told me to take 2000 units 2x a day for thirty days - then go down to 1000 1x daily until I see her again in four months.

I am buying some today and just pray that I can take it with out any bad reactions as I am highly allergic to nickle and I am not sure how much of it is in vitamin-D, as all vitamins and minerals have some nickle in then, hence why I had to stop taking my daily vitamin a few years back.

PRAY for ME -

[January]

Rhap, I have Vit D problems, too. My Dr. has me take prescription strength D. Each pill is 50,000 mcg. I had to take one daily for a while and now I take two per week. I haven't had a problem with the D at all, and I have problems with most vitamins. While you're at it, can you take some zinc? It will give you some energy. Also, did the Dr. mention taking some prescription strength calcium?

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by January

Also, did the Dr. mention taking some prescription strength calcium?

My rheumy doctor already has me on prescription strength calcium and I take it as I can.....
due to my allergies it often leaves me severely sick to my stomach.

LIFE SUCKS being ME sometimes.... but I do my best with what I got.

I will start slow with the vit-D and if I do alright with it then I will get some zinc in two weeks..... is that ok

[January]

I think your plan to add the zinc is a very good one. I, too, have problems with calcium. It makes me toss my cookies sometimes. Ewwwwwwwwww.

[(JD)]

That's great that your doctor discovered this! You know, as little as 15 minutes a day in the sun will add vitamin D to your system. Of course, since you are deficient, you will need supplement too...but try to get a little sun while you're at it... it will help. be well.

Originally Posted by Rhapsody

I am buying some today and just pray that I can take it with out any bad reactions as I am highly allergic to nickle and I am not sure how much of it is in vitamin-D, as all vitamins and minerals have some nickle in then, hence why I had to stop taking my daily vitamin a few years back.

PRAY for ME -

Hi Rapsody,

I too am highly allergic to nickle. In one hour my ear lobe turns red if i put an earing that contains nickle . I cannot use surgical steel . Three to six hours infection develops.

I have not heard about nickle being in vitamins .sams club has vitamin d .

what concerns me is Nickle is a part of Paxiltaxil carbo platinum chemo.

http://www.paec.gov.pk/newsletters/n...004/ms-572.pdf

I just can't figure out how and I get all my concerns down played.

I doubt my surgeon has ever been asked that question.

or really knows.

Patricia

[jerrymichele]

Sky is right 15 minutes a day in the sun increases your vitiam D, and it also increase serotonin level.

[Michah]

Rhapsody,

I also have severe vit D deficiency.......

I cannot take the tablets and find the sun(heat) horrendous.......

I try and get out in the sun in the morning for half an hour when it is the least hottest........my doc says I must do this for 3 months........I must have my legs and stomach and face exposed.......the early morning sun is not as bad....ice packs on your wrists help keep your core temp down......

My gynea told me that there is a vit D injection that is waiting in Aussie for FDA approval.......they may already have it in the States.......you can do this injection yourself.......I have a terror of injecting things into my self, but you may be okay with that.......the good thing is that it is intramuscular.......I do not know if contains nickel.....

Good luck babe.......vit D defiency is not fun.......

Take care,

Michah

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by auroralso

I have not heard about nickle being in vitamins .sams club has vitamin d .

Sadly nickle is found in a lot of foods and vitamins.... if just a little bit in each item, but then it adds up over the day week months for a person that is allergic to it.

Ex: Wine which is fine within its self as it does not have nickle present in it, but the equipment used to make the wine has nickle in it, therefore, some is transferred to the wine.... a horror story just waiting to happen to a highly allergic person when they go out to eat and do not know this information or where/how the wine was made.

[jbug]

I too have a deficiency but luckily I have been able to build it back up enough that I only have to take my Vitamin D once a month. I was having to take prescription strength twice a week and get out in the sun for 15 min a day.

I recently had some blood work done that says my Vitamin D levels are coming back up so may be able to quit taking it.

My symptoms I was having that I asked to have my levels checked was I was having some severe bone aches to the point I just hurt all the time and now that I take the vitamin D they don't hurt as much now the only thing that hurts is my knees.

Jan

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by jbug

I just hurt all the time and now that I take the vitamin D they don't hurt as much

That is what I am hoping for "less pain" as I already have RA & Fibro.

[January]

I had no idea Vitamin D deficiency caused bone pain. No wonder my bones hurt!

((Rhap)) and ((Jan))) that is part of the reason i sit out in the sun. It does wonders if you can sit out there. I know my hair grows faster ...so do my nails ...Of course i tan and do not burn. So that is not a problem.

[lynn P.]

I think everyone should have their vit D levels checked. They now know that vitD does help with aches and pains. It's also good for depression and more importantly new research reveals it plays a fundamental role in cancer prevention. Regarding the nickel - go to a specialty vitamin store, They may be able to advise which vitD is less likely to contain nickel. Best of luck.

[January]

I can't stay in the sun. I wish I could. My meds make me allergic to heat and sun. I miss it. I really do. Suncreen-R-Me!

(((Jan)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[splitimage]

I started taking a vitamin D supplement along with calcium and magnesium, once I learned that loss of bone density was a potential side effect of one of the meds I'm on. I guess I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now, and I've really noticed a generaly improvement in my mood. A guy I know in AA had told me that vitamin D was good for depression, but I didn't take him really seriously, but I'm convinced now.

--splitimage

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by January

I can't stay in the sun. I wish I could. My meds make me allergic to heat and sun. I miss it. I really do.

((((((( HUGS ))))))) ~ ~ ~ ~ ((((((( HUGS )))))))

Same here Jan... 15 minutes in the sun/heat of Florida leaves me severely sick for 6 to 8 hours.