Initially, I had proximal muscle weakness beginning in 2000, followed by muscle stiffness in my legs a few years later. I had numerous tests, but the only positive test was a muscle biopsy which showed neurogenic changes, and none of the neurologists could definitely diagnose the condition. I remained relatively stable for several years until about 1 1/2 years ago, when I developed extreme muscle fatigue in my upper arms when using my arms, such as washing my hair, as well as muscle pain in my upper back, and in the area around my rib cage, when walking very short distances, washing dishes, and extending my arms outward and above my head. Prior to this time I had been walking almost 2 miles a day, but now cannot walk more than 1/4 of a block without unusual pain around my upper back/middle. I went through more tests, still no definite diagnosis. I know more what I don't have than what I do have. In Dec. 2008, my internist suggested Vit. D deficiency. I'm on week 9 of the supplements, but no drastic improvement. I have noticed a slight difference just in the last 10 days in that I seem to be able to do things like hang clothes up for a little longer than usual. However, I've also started taking Amantadine as a possible help for the muscle problems, so it's hard to say if either is really helping, or if it's just a fluke. I am more puzzled than ever now because my neurologist told me that Vitamin D deficiency doesn't cause problems with the muscles, contrary to what my internist told me and several studies I've read in respected medical journals which report that people with myopathy who were found to have Vit. D deficiency have improved significantly after being placed on supplements. I don't know what to make of his comments, unless maybe he means that the type of problem I have which showed up on the biopsy wouldn't be caused by a Vit. deficiency. On the other hand, other neurologists that I've seen don't seem that interested in the biopsy results, as if they don't mean anything.
I hope the Vit. D. helps with your symptoms. I know how frustrating it is to have these problems and go through all the tests and not be able to get much help.
Best wishes.
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you if your vitamin D deficiency is causing your symptoms. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
In general, most research has shown that most commonly vitamin D levels below 20 cause symptoms, but any low level could potentially cause symptoms, and even if it were not causing symptoms, it could lead to bone loss/damage. Some research has shown that levels need to be on the higher side of the range (closer to 75-80) in order for cell function and vitamin D metabolism to be entirely normal.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bony pain or more generalized, nonspecific pain, muscle weakness of proximal muscles, change in gait, or fatigue. Treatment with vitamin D should reverse symptoms within a few months if they were (at least in part) attributable to the deficiency. Care should be taken not to over-replace levels (only recommended doses should be given, dose and duration of therapy should not exceed physician recommendations) because excess vitamin D (i.e. toxic levels) can be harmful and cause symptoms as well.
Continued follow-up with your physician is recommended.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
I,too, have been diagnosed with low level Vitamin D (17). After two years of exhaustive testing (lupus, M S, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, some cancers), all normal. Would you describe for me your symptoms?
A related discussion,
extremely deficient in vitamin d was started.