After testing yesterday, just got a call from his doctor that he is Vitamin D deficient. He has been having unusual pains and digestive problems, trouble getting up from a chair, walking, etc. - all fairly new complaints from him. I was blaming it on the statin! So,,,,doctor has called in a prescription for me to pick up tomorrow. Anyone have this problem?
I know that the geriatrist who diagnosed my husband with Alzheimer's checked for a Vitamin D deficiency, among other things such as thyroid deficiency, which can give A-Z-like symptoms.
Found out same for myself last May. Rx called in turned out to be an OTc. Got lucky and store was running a BOGO (buy one/get one). Has made a noticable difference.
My dh as well. His neuro had a different approach - he told Dave to sit in the sun for 20 minutes everyday (a good source of vitamin D) with sunscreen, of course.
When they are inside all the time, Vit D deficiency is very common. You have found out there can be illnesses from this. Plus, Vit D is believed to help fight some cancers, and other illnesses. We take 2000 IU Vit D3 a day.
Getting out in sun works well if you live whee it's reasonably available all the time. By the time you bundle up in Michigan winters, you don't have enough exposed skin to get any good out of the sun there is. Also, some sun screens prevent the rays needed for D production. Dilemmas.
DH had same low Vit D issue a few months ago. Had to take a prescription D supplement once a week for 4-6 weeks (caregiver dementia--don't remember exact details).
DH does get out in the sun almost daily - but has a skin condition so has to wear sunscreen, which sometimes prevents the Vit. D effect of the sun. Can't win for losing! Anyway, going to pick up prescription this morning - will see what happens. Thanks for all your input.
Vickie, i have been on rx vit D (5000 IU) daily for 3 mos due to extreme deficiency as well. i see a great value now 3mo later. my achy back and joints are much better and the 'fog' has cleared alot, i think you will see an improvment but it takes a while to get the levels up. divvi
Thank you so very much, divvi. You told me what I hoped would happen with DH. His achy back, legs and other joints have been a pain for him and for me. Hopefully, this will help.
I read somewhere that 15-20 minute of daily sun WITHOUT sunscreen is all that is needed to absorb enough vitamin D. No worries about that here in Florida.
Well, the prescription the doctor ordered is Vitamin D 1.25 MG softgel PLI - taken once a WEEK. I think for 12 weeks - then he goes back for another test. Just hope there are no side effects and that it will work for him. DH does get 20-30 min. of sun almost everyday here in KY, but obviously, it hasn't been enough???
Just because someone is in the sun, does not guarantee their body is making Vit d. There are a number reason why a person's body will not convert the sunshine into vit. D. Age plays a factor too.
We each take 1000 IU Vit D-3 per day. My cardiologist said that nearly everybody at some point is vitamin D deficient. Especially in the winter, and the farther north one lives. I also try to get us out into the sun for a few minutes each day.
We also take 1000 IU of Vit D per day, but getting out into the sun - what is that? Yesterday and today are the first days of sunlight in about 6 weeks.
Marsh did you look up today? I saw peeks of something bright between the clouds! Might have to run naked through the sunshine to get enough Vitamin D, lol! I just started on levothyroxine for hypothyroid, and am having myalgia. I have to look it up to see if it or Remeron can cause it. I feel like I'm 90!
Sexy tan? Did someone say sexy tan???? I have some wonderfun Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Butter that smells and feels devine. I'm in a good mood today, I'll even massage it on, on my, I must control myself, lol!
We'd like some of the "clouds" and "rain" here please...109 yesterday on the car temp dealy...Humidity up there too with heat index of 110-115...Well, that's TEXAS for you :) Gardening will give you a "tan" as well, however depending on what you have on, the results can be 'strappy' :) Or "stripe-y"...
Testing your D levels is important. I was deficient and took 5,000 IU daily plus 50,000 IU D2 (RX) a month for one year. Testing at the end of the year, my vitamin D levels had DROPPED. On the nutritionist's advice,I continued at 5,000 daily and added weekly 50,000 IU D3 (non-Rx--supposedly better absorbed) for a year. My levels then came up to acceptable levels. Everyone's body responds differently and since you don't want to reach toxic levels, testing is important.
Just found out that my husband is very deficient in Vitamin D. I don't know yet what the doctor is prescribing. He goes to the VA so they will send it out to us.