vitamin d deficiency

[wishforchange]

Not sure which forum to place this.  I have recently found I have very low vitamin d levels, well below 30, in a blood test.  I have in recent years experienced severe pain and weakness in my pelvis and legs and always felt doctors were not taking me too seriously.  I did some research and found that this deficiency could be the cause.  Can I reverse the damage to my body by supplements and what supplements should I take?  I am fair skinned but not a sun worshipper.  My mobility is terrible now and I'm only in my 30's.  The pain in my pelvis is so unbearable I regularly take morphine.  I cannot get up from a squat without support.  My bottom is so weak I am unable to clench the muscles even.  I am seeing a neurologist soon, for a second opinion, but don't know whether to tell them about this blood test result or if they will dismiss it.  Any advice please?

[Renee Radenberg]

Vitamin D, along with calcium, helps with the keeping our bones strong, however, when there is low amounts of Vitamin D it is associated with higher incidents of fractured bones not the bone pains that you have described. I suggest you ask the MD for tests to be done and find a diagnosis of your issues. If you are still concerned about Vitamin D, a multivitamin with Vitamin D 400 IU is sufficient. You should not go over that amount in supplementation. Vitamin D is available through our foods also. Fortified milk, breakfast cereals, egg yolks, fatty fish, fish oils, and the sun. Sit at a window with the sun shining in for about 1/2 hour (few times a week) and that will help you get enough Vitamin D.

[Totie]

Have you been tested for arthiris of the hips? I was also found to have a vitamin D and B12 defenciency. My pelvic area, butt, and thighs just flat out hurt. They did a CT Scan of the hips and found out I have arthritis of the hips. I do take B12 and have to take presciption Vitamin D for tweleve weeks for now. I don't know how long i have been defiencet in either, for the last two years my Primary doctor never told me i was defiencent in either. I do eat a lot of protein, but I can not tolerate milk or ice cream. I am hoping I do not have irreversible damage as well, but won't know for awhile. I would not keep anything from a doctor. Hopefully it will be an understanding one that you get to see. But do not let them blow you off. Good luck.

[wishforchange]

Thanks for responses.  Totie I have been tested for hip arthritis and there is some.  There is also a query about whether the problem is neurological and I am awaiting further tests.  Dr Radenberg I did look into vitamin D in some medical journals and it seems there is a connection with pain and weakness in the pelvic area, very similar to what I am experiencing.  I have just been put on 1000 IU per day and will wait and see if that helps any.  Admittedly the neurologist I saw was not too keen on this deficiency as the whole answer to my problems.  It would be a bit magical if just a supplement could give me back my previous health, but there's nothing wrong in wishful thinking.  Re the arthritis it is only mild and I was told it should not be causing such severe symptoms at this stage.  I take glucosomine 1500mg daily and it has helped the stiffness immensely.  I'll try to remember to keep you posted if the vit d supplement works wonders.  Have some MRI scans booked too so maybe these will show some answers.  

[Renee Radenberg]

I am glad to heard that the glucosomine is helping you and that you are getting some relief. Best of luck and looking forward to hearing from you.

[sarac304]

A related discussion, Vitamin D Defenciency was started.