waiting to improve on vitamin D

[ambernut]

Hello all.  Just wondering, from those who have been treated for vitamin D deficiency, how long it was before you started feeling better.  I mean, really better, back to normal?  I have been taking D for 4 weeks now and only feel a little better.  Going to have labs rechecked April 11.  Thanks in advance for your reply.  

[kate1975]

Hi ambernut,
  I just found out that my level is 13 and I feel terrible. My Doc put me on 50,000 iu of Vitamin D. I just took my first dose and almost feel worse... What is your levels?

[Liz94]

When I had mine checked several months ago mine was 13. I was put on 50,000 iu of prescription vitamin D once a week.  It took about 4 weeks before I really started to feel better.  And after 4 weeks on the prescription it had only gone up to 25.  4 weeks after that I was in the "normal" range.  I think it just takes some time. Hang in there.

[ambernut]

Hi Liz.  Mine was 17 initially, and I have not had it rechecked since.(  I am contemplating finding a new MD because he doesn't seem very interested in rechecking my levels)  After two weeks on the mega dose my joint pain was greatly improved, but didn't start to feel better until about two months.  I am also taking calcium and multivitamins in conjunctin with the Vit. D.  After 4 months my prescription was up and about two weeks later all of my symptoms returned!  So, I called the doc and all he did was pt me back on mega dose.  I feel better, but am really wondering why it is that my body can't seem to utilize Vit. D on its own.  

[Liz94]

I don't know why our bodies are so screwed up!  My doc told me that I would probably be on the prescription Vitamin D for at least a year. Then I would switch to an over the counter megadose.  It's only been about 3 months for me so far and it's only gone up to the beginnings of the normal range. I think the last check was 32 and that's the low end of normal.  After the last check he sent me for a baseline bone density test. My bones are apparently looking great so far but he says he'll keep a close eye on that as well for the rest of my life.  Woo stinkin hoo!

[ambernut]

Yeah, I know.  At least your MD is checking things.  I was concerned about my bones as well ( osteoporosis in family ) and MD said on my xray bones looked good.  He should know better.  I am in the medical field and I know an xray is not going to tell you enough about bones to know if they are "good" enough.  Be glad your doc at least is checking things out.  See, my doc never told me how long I would be on the Vit. D.  He just said it could take a long time before I felt better.  Then, my prescription was only for 4 months.  When I called the office and talked to his nurse I asked if he wanted to see me to recheck levels, etc.  She said no, just to call and let them know how I was doing.  I will use your phrase and say Woo stinking hoo!  LOL.  Hopefully, you and I will be back to normal soon.

[lissa304]

My vit D level was 17 I took 50,000 iu's weekly for 6 months my level went only up to 32 but I was feeling better and did not go back to the doc. now only two months later I was feeling crappy again terrible joint pain and now my finger wont bend. my level went back down to 18.1 that fast without the meds.

[ambernut]

Have you seen your MD?  If so did they give you any indication as to why you were unable to mantain an adequate D level?  Liz94 mentioned that her MD told her she would be on the prescription dose for a year.  That was news to me.  I did what you did...felt bad after onlyl 4 months of mega dose.  Now that I am back on I am feeling better.  Who knows.............

[ckupets04]

This website is a godsend.   I have finally found others that have the same problem as me and its good to know that this is a place that we can share information and help each other.

I have a question to all of you.  Ive been suffering from depression for a few years now and my doctor never thought to test my Vitamin D levels.  I recently changed doctors and the new doctor tested my Vit D levels and said my Vitamin D was at 14 nmol/L.  Severely deficient!

If it is not too personal may I ask all of you what types of symptoms you have been experiencing?

Symptoms I have experienced include (but are not limited to) the following:
low energy levels (fatigue)
sleeping difficulties
trouble concentrating
low sex drive :-(  
low interest in activities I previously used to enjoy
thinning hair
mood swings

Liz, you said you were on 50,000IU per week, was that tablets or Vitamin D drops?  

[pep88]

You need to post a new question and people will respond.  This is an old thread and will probably not get many responses.  I also am on 50,000iu's vit D a week currently.  I'm not sure that Liz94 still is.  I was dx'd deficient after a TT for cancer.  I can't tell you which symptoms were which between the thyroid and the vit d...  But that dosage is supposed to bring you up to healthy levels within a few months, but is not for long term use.

[matd22]

I can tell you some of my symptoms with a test result of 8 then up to 85 back down to 14--------
bone pain in the foot and lower leg,
wrist and shoulder pain
thumb pain, neck pain, mostly generalized bone pain. Any other Fatigue or depression or other problems present I cannot attest to but I do have  along with thyroid problems (for years). However I took vit. d and  it went up to 85 then I went on maintenance dosage of 1000 mgs a day and it went back down to 14. so I am back on the 50,000 dosage as per doctor, I am considering an endo next to look deeper into symptoms as I feel there is an underlying reason such as the body not absorbing vitamins and minerals properly because I certainly take enough of them. Allopathic doctors do not address how the body really works they only look at bits and pieces.
I hope to find an endo who will check to see WHY vit.d3 is bouncing around. I will report results soon I hope. Good luck with your quest. I know vit d can wreek havoc. The pain is unbearable at times. I take Vicodin to help with that but it really never goes away, and just comes on really out of the blue when it hits hard. It is depressing yes for sure.
I do have severe A/O in shoulders and neck so that does no help situation with bone pain and it is sometimes difficult to distinquish one bone pain from the other.
I wish you best of luch.Hope you find the right doctor. and make sure They are open to your suggestions to different tests. (do your own research !!) or try another doctor !!!!!! Good Energy to all.