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Vitamin D Deficiency ?
Can a Vitamin D deficiency cause this much pain? Went to the doc for muscle pain & weakness with increasing shooting pains to the point of affecting everyday functioning.
Blood test came back low in Vitamin D. Result was 11, (should be 26 to 55). Other results OK. Cervical Spine & lower back MRI
OK. Treatment is 50,000 units of D per week for 4 weeks and thereafter once a month. Been on it for 4 months. Feel at times like I was in accident.Have researched on the net, and still find it difficult to believe that this can cause this much suffering. Anyone familiar with anything like this?
Blood test came back low in Vitamin D. Result was 11, (should be 26 to 55). Other results OK. Cervical Spine & lower back MRI
OK. Treatment is 50,000 units of D per week for 4 weeks and thereafter once a month. Been on it for 4 months. Feel at times like I was in accident.Have researched on the net, and still find it difficult to believe that this can cause this much suffering. Anyone familiar with anything like this?
Vitamin D deficiency is caused by something,some underlying disease process so I'd ask my doctor WHY I was vitamin D deficient. It can be cause by numerous conditions. With it that low, I'd want to find out what was causing it. Google "what causes vitamin D deficiency?" and you will come up with many reasons why this can happen the go to your doctor and ask about those conditions. I'd also get a referral from the doctor to a specialist ASAP. An endochronologist might be good.good luck
True enough that vitamin D deficiency has been in the news but that isn't any excuse, doctors seem to give us cursory care and don't seem to try very hard to get to the bottom of things sad to say. the system is a mess that much is for sure. I was partially and under diagnosed and I know the feeling. One thing I did was learn all about blood testing because they say "your fine, just a vitamin deficiency" and blow off the symptoms and your quality of life is in the dirt. It's frustrating and can be dangerous. I got to the point where I went to the doctor and ASKED for specific tests and that worked. A CBC can included a lot or not very much depending on what they check off. It's almost as if they don't care to search for the answers. Hopefully with persistence you will get to the bottom of it. I know rickets ( don't laugh it happens!)can be a result of lack of vitamin D absorption and that is said to hurt quite a bit. Definately have your bones checked for hypocalcemia and various other conditions involving the bones. Could be a malabsorption issue, I am no doctor but some of the more dangerous things should be ruled out that are clearly associated with this condition. I'd have my bones checked, kidneys checked and a good GI evaluation if you can't come up with anything with the endocronologist. Good luck with finding answers. Don't give up!
If you go to the doctor and they do not give you the reason for something like vitamin D deficiecy, you might not realize that that only happens if you have an underlying disease process going on. You don't just develop a vitamin D deficiency in isolation, it happens for a reason. It is a good way to show your doctor his job is not over, he needs to go deeper into why this is occuring and not just load her up with vitamin D and send her on her way. Taking huge amounts of vitamin D and ignoring what is causing it is not good medicine. For that reason she/he needs to see that there IS a reason and the easiest way is to google it or go to the ibrary and read up on it.
Sorry but if you have developed something like a vitamin D deficiency your best shot is to do research yourself to find out why, EVERYONE is utimatey in charge of their OWN medica care in this world. This is not a symptom she is googling it is a SPECIFIC condition she has already been diagnosed with.
I guess you'd prefer she just not know what is really wrong with her and think it is just a vitamin deficiency? That makes no sense and she still does't know WHY this occured even after going to the doctor and being "diagnosed" she has NOT been diagnosed, she is only partially diagnosed at this point.
Sorry but if you have developed something like a vitamin D deficiency your best shot is to do research yourself to find out why, EVERYONE is utimatey in charge of their OWN medica care in this world. This is not a symptom she is googling it is a SPECIFIC condition she has already been diagnosed with.
I guess you'd prefer she just not know what is really wrong with her and think it is just a vitamin deficiency? That makes no sense and she still does't know WHY this occured even after going to the doctor and being "diagnosed" she has NOT been diagnosed, she is only partially diagnosed at this point.
Thanks so much for your responses. Kalio1 - I agree totally that I have only a partial diagnosis, and that this is most likely a symptom of something else. It appeared that my doctor was going to take an agressive approach to figure out what was happening to me when she ordered such extensive blood work, but she is now resolved to accept Vitamin D deficiency as the end all, be all. There's been a lot of press lately on the topic of decreased levels of D in women. Most of what I've read attributes this to sunscreen and adults no longer drinking enriched milk, and listed symptoms include general muscle and joint pain. I guess my doctor is reading the same thing. Ok, I can understand where this can create mild symptoms of discomfort. In fact, some articles state that most women won't even know that are deficient. But I am saying that sometimes it takes all I have to walk my dog or get up the stairs, and the shooting, stabbing pains come out of nowhere. I am frustrated and depressed about how this is affecting my life. I was thinking of seeing a neurologist, but maybe an endocronologist is a better next step. Won't quit until I have answers that make sense!
Caregiver222 - Have not taken Levoquin or cyclosporin. Why do you ask?
Kalio1 - Thanks again!
Kalio1 - Thanks again!
I have been dealing with a Vitamin D deficiency for a few years. I know what you are going through. It took me 6 months to realize I needed to see an endocronologist. I had been to different doctors and in the emergency room so many times within that 6 month period. I was given blood tests over and over and everyone told me the samething. That I was depressed and needed to get help.
I have suffered from anxiety(which is a form of depression) in past. So I knew it wasn't that. I finally went to an endocronologist and had more blood work done. Only this time they found that I had NO vitamin D in my system. They started me on Vitamin D and I have been doing great ever since. I don't take it in the summer. Every Fall I go have my levels checked. If they are low I take a Vitmain D. What a difference it made in my life. I honestly thought I was dying. I couldn't function. I couldn't even fold laundry. My muscles, bones and joints hurt. I had problems breathing,walking,thinking,etc....
For me, this started after the birth of my daughter. I was working out hard every single day. I read in an article that people who workout alot tend to have lower Vitamin D levels.
So I don't know if it has something to do with my last pregnancy or working out.
I have suffered from anxiety(which is a form of depression) in past. So I knew it wasn't that. I finally went to an endocronologist and had more blood work done. Only this time they found that I had NO vitamin D in my system. They started me on Vitamin D and I have been doing great ever since. I don't take it in the summer. Every Fall I go have my levels checked. If they are low I take a Vitmain D. What a difference it made in my life. I honestly thought I was dying. I couldn't function. I couldn't even fold laundry. My muscles, bones and joints hurt. I had problems breathing,walking,thinking,etc....
For me, this started after the birth of my daughter. I was working out hard every single day. I read in an article that people who workout alot tend to have lower Vitamin D levels.
So I don't know if it has something to do with my last pregnancy or working out.
I understand the pain you are going through. I was just diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency in May 2007. I've always had tight muscles since I was a child. I knew something was wrong in 1988. In 2002 my symptoms got progressively worse. All I got from doctors was I don't know. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia even with having an ANA of 1 (it's a test for autoimmune diseases like Lupus) My headache is unbearable at times. I've had a 24/7 headache for over 15 years. I have blurred vision and double vision. I have a problem with my cervical spine (that's the only MRI that was done). The insurance companies refuse tests all the time. I have symptoms of an autoimmune disease and the doctors are unable or unwilling to tell me if the vitamin D deficiency is a symptom of another disease. I even have symptoms of Lyme Disease yet I consitantly come up negative. I agree with Kalio1. I think that any vitamin deficiency is a symptom of an underlying cause. I'm frustrated with the doctors, they don't seem to care to look hard enough so I'm sure you are frustrated too. I've had to resort to googling and that hasn't seemed to help. I've been on so many websites and all I'm able to do is look for a specific disease. I've found it difficult to be able to list my symptoms so I could get a list of diseases that I may have so I can go back to the doctor to request it to be ruled out. After resorting to watching a tv show called Mystery Diagnosis on the Discovery Health Channel I've learned that all bacteria and all parasites hide. I've learned that parasites can cause all sorts of symptoms and make you become malnourished because they consume all the nutrients from your food that you eat. If you have yourself tested for parasites don't be surprised if it comes back negative. Same with Lyme Disease (the bacteria hides). All I can say is be persistant and look for help anywhere you can get it. X-rays, MRI's etc. do not always show anything abnormal. When I was a child, I spent 6 years in agonizing pain and cold sweats and a body tempurature way below normal. I spent years getting all sorts of tests and probing.All the doctors did was tell me that it was in my head and gave me prescription pain medications. Every test came back normal and the tests could not find my appendix, therefore I was told I did not have an appendix. So, by the time I got into high school I was so bad off that my parents insisted that they remove my appendix (of course the doctor said I didn't have one because of the tests), but my parents insisted and low and behold I had a rare case of appendicitis. My appendix was loaded with stones and I almost died from the surgery and nearly slipped into a coma. So good luck and all you can do is be your own adocated.
I just went to mayoclinic.com and Celiac Disease is listed as having many symptoms and can cause vitamin deficiencies. You might want to get tested for Celiac Disease as well as getting checked out for parasites.
The only cause for Vitamin D deficiency is not enough quality sunlight. Vitamin D is not a vitamin. It is a precursor hormone necessary for the production of important hormones like calcitriol, which helps control rampant cell proliferation.
It is estimated that just a half hour of peak sunshine can t produce trandermal concentrations of the hormone as high as 20,000 iu. When your body has synthesized enough of the substance via this route it will close the door to any further amounts.
Now, if you ingest capsules and have and are deficient in other vitamin co-factors, and are enzyme deficient with malabsorption complications, yes, oral ingestion could be comprimized. Just get some
sun, or HELIOTHERAPY!
It is estimated that just a half hour of peak sunshine can t produce trandermal concentrations of the hormone as high as 20,000 iu. When your body has synthesized enough of the substance via this route it will close the door to any further amounts.
Now, if you ingest capsules and have and are deficient in other vitamin co-factors, and are enzyme deficient with malabsorption complications, yes, oral ingestion could be comprimized. Just get some
sun, or HELIOTHERAPY!
I have a low vitamin D and a high vitamin D 1,25 hydroxy --- due to vitamin D dysregulation (I have CFS). I'm now on a research protocol (although the medications are not research meds) that is able to kill the bacteria in my tissues and due to cell wall deficiency. The name of the protocol is the Marshall Protocol if you would like to check it out via google.com
First let me say I am so glad I found this site and forum. I really thought I too was dying until I just read you guys statements! I go through days of either a really bad headache with blurred vison and concentration. I try so hard to hold it together because I have children to take care of. It seems like everyday it gets harder. The headaches are becomining unbearable and there are many many sleepless nights. My mid back along with my neck & spine hurts tremendously! Sometimes it feel as though someone is givivg me a bear hug and it hurts aound my upper waist! I went to the doctors and of course he took a few xrays and prescribed naproxen for muscle pain, but it do not help when you know there is an underlying condition that you know in your heart that is causing such pain! Now when I go back I will definately ask him to refer me to an edcronologist! Thanks so much and it is comforting to know that I maynot be dying as I am feeling and there still may be help for me afterall!
I'm so glad I found this site (& I hope someone will write back). I am so tired of not feeling well. I cry about so often and it's not just depression. I wish I had someone to talk to because I don't want to tell my husband every time I hurt - he'll think "I married a defective woman."
I have had muscle & joint pain/tenderness (biggest symptom) for almost 21/2 years. I also am very tired & feel forgetful or spacey sometimes.The writer/blogger who said the top of their waist hurt... for me its more around my rib cage or chest - it feels like the flu sometimes. I often run a low grade fever.
I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia & recently with Hoshimoto's disease (& am being treated with synthroid). I still felt (feel) like #%@! So the Dr. did more tests & I am low in vitamin D (or however that other blogger explained it). Now I'm gonna add "D" to my supplement intake - I take so many already...
Have any of you all tried other alternative treatments? Massage therapy, acupuncture etc?
I have had muscle & joint pain/tenderness (biggest symptom) for almost 21/2 years. I also am very tired & feel forgetful or spacey sometimes.The writer/blogger who said the top of their waist hurt... for me its more around my rib cage or chest - it feels like the flu sometimes. I often run a low grade fever.
I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia & recently with Hoshimoto's disease (& am being treated with synthroid). I still felt (feel) like #%@! So the Dr. did more tests & I am low in vitamin D (or however that other blogger explained it). Now I'm gonna add "D" to my supplement intake - I take so many already...
Have any of you all tried other alternative treatments? Massage therapy, acupuncture etc?
I've had massages, acupuncture treatments and probably everything else you can think of ! I have CFS and am now being treated with the Marshall Protocol. The MP recommends that I avoid foods and sunlight until I'm done with their research protocol.
Hi,
When i said my upper waist, I meant my rib cage & my chest area as well as the sternum area. I have went several times to the emergency room because I thought it was a "Heart Attack!" But when the emergency room got sick of seeing me they told me that you can't be having a heart attack every other week! I also thought that I was pregnant again because the breast area is always tender and painful! But being 39 I knew that couldn't be it. But I have had (5) Epidurals with my pregnancy and my mom always told me that they tend to cause many midback(around the ribcage) and chest pains as you age. To all the ladies who are experiencing this---Have you had any epidurals in the past and do you think that this might have an effect on our backs and spine which is causing so much pain in these areas? My pains mimics the beginning stages of labor. That pain right under the breasts and the back which lets you know that labor is starting slowly and dilitatation of the cervix is beginning! It is so depressing and sometimes my focus is way off because I can't think past my pain!
When i said my upper waist, I meant my rib cage & my chest area as well as the sternum area. I have went several times to the emergency room because I thought it was a "Heart Attack!" But when the emergency room got sick of seeing me they told me that you can't be having a heart attack every other week! I also thought that I was pregnant again because the breast area is always tender and painful! But being 39 I knew that couldn't be it. But I have had (5) Epidurals with my pregnancy and my mom always told me that they tend to cause many midback(around the ribcage) and chest pains as you age. To all the ladies who are experiencing this---Have you had any epidurals in the past and do you think that this might have an effect on our backs and spine which is causing so much pain in these areas? My pains mimics the beginning stages of labor. That pain right under the breasts and the back which lets you know that labor is starting slowly and dilitatation of the cervix is beginning! It is so depressing and sometimes my focus is way off because I can't think past my pain!
Geesh, I have been trying to figure out why I have this pain, upper abdominal pain, been to the Er twice, xrays, endoscopy, gastric emptying test, ultrasound and lots of blood work, and basically have been told its all in my head! But now, maybe I have a lead. I had a vitamin d test done back in March and it was lower than 11, the doc told me thats really low and to take 5000 a day of the stuff, well of course i havent been. Should I change my appt with the internal medicine doc. to an appt with an endocrinologist? I love this site, thanks for the lead on my excruciating pain.
Caregiver 222- I have been prescribed both levoquin and cyclosporin before. What does this do?
I have also taken many different steroids from time to time. Deltazone-when trying to get pregnant, Steroid injections when bad allergic reactions, and flonase for 2 years now. I have all of the same problems that I am reading about. I feel like my muscles are giving out on me. I have had to quit exercise because of bursitis in my hip and a problem with a rotator cuff. I am only 53 and don't want to feel like this .
I have also taken many different steroids from time to time. Deltazone-when trying to get pregnant, Steroid injections when bad allergic reactions, and flonase for 2 years now. I have all of the same problems that I am reading about. I feel like my muscles are giving out on me. I have had to quit exercise because of bursitis in my hip and a problem with a rotator cuff. I am only 53 and don't want to feel like this .
COOL! vitamin D! check this out... the only way your body can utilize vitamin D is through sunlight. so, go outside, and without sunscreen . yes, if you are worried about burning go out before 10am and after 3pm. Sunscreen blocks out a certain spectrum of light that our bodies use, kind of like a plant. i know this might sound crazy but it is grounded in good sense. look at the statistics of skin cancer before and after the sunscreen craze.
hi there. have you ever been checked out for pleurisy? or pleuritis it is also known as? The pleura is the lining around the lungs and this gets inflamed for some reason and causes incredible pain.
This started with me at 14 evidently and a doctor told my parents to give me 4 Advil a day for it.. that is all i remember about it.. and now? I just know i have this incredible pain as you descibe again in my chest like area up around the rib cage that alot of times can start in the lower back and move towards the abdomen and yes it does feel a bit like labor pain.. i am not sure if it is the pleurisy or not but i know a friend who said she has it and she is having to take steroids for hers and the pain is worse than kidney stones, ( which i have had) and labor pain.. yes i have been in labor and oh yes i have had spinals and epidurals in the past..several times but am not sure if that is related or not.. nor am i sure if this is pleurisy but i think you and I both need to probably ask our doctor. I am just not thrilled at all about going on Hormone treatment myself because i have an array of medical problems beside that pain and am now looking into this possibility of Vitamin D.
Now i am wondering though to the rest of the forum.
I have been reading about Kidney Problems and it relating to Vitamin D loss in the body.
I mean yes IF ANY OF US are having problems with low Vitamin D levels i agree with one of the responders to a point .. there has to be an underlying reason and to just down doses of Vitamin D is not the answer because there lays the risk of us #1 overdose on Vitamin D later on IF we really don't have a Vitamin D problem or #2 if there is for example a Kidney problem as i have been trying to understand and investigate, we all or some of use need to see a Doctor ASAP and find answers and insist on answers or we could be in big trouble!
Now see i myself am having major bladder problems and urinary problems. I don't know if any of you are.
I am on URISTAT all the time. And the bladder infections are few and far between.
For myself i don't get a ton of sunlight but i do get outside and Vitamin D synthesation occurs when the sun touches even just parts of your skin for not very long periods of time.
I think there is definitely a real problem if any of us are not synthesizing it naturally in the small minutes it takes naturally.....
This started with me at 14 evidently and a doctor told my parents to give me 4 Advil a day for it.. that is all i remember about it.. and now? I just know i have this incredible pain as you descibe again in my chest like area up around the rib cage that alot of times can start in the lower back and move towards the abdomen and yes it does feel a bit like labor pain.. i am not sure if it is the pleurisy or not but i know a friend who said she has it and she is having to take steroids for hers and the pain is worse than kidney stones, ( which i have had) and labor pain.. yes i have been in labor and oh yes i have had spinals and epidurals in the past..several times but am not sure if that is related or not.. nor am i sure if this is pleurisy but i think you and I both need to probably ask our doctor. I am just not thrilled at all about going on Hormone treatment myself because i have an array of medical problems beside that pain and am now looking into this possibility of Vitamin D.
Now i am wondering though to the rest of the forum.
I have been reading about Kidney Problems and it relating to Vitamin D loss in the body.
I mean yes IF ANY OF US are having problems with low Vitamin D levels i agree with one of the responders to a point .. there has to be an underlying reason and to just down doses of Vitamin D is not the answer because there lays the risk of us #1 overdose on Vitamin D later on IF we really don't have a Vitamin D problem or #2 if there is for example a Kidney problem as i have been trying to understand and investigate, we all or some of use need to see a Doctor ASAP and find answers and insist on answers or we could be in big trouble!
Now see i myself am having major bladder problems and urinary problems. I don't know if any of you are.
I am on URISTAT all the time. And the bladder infections are few and far between.
For myself i don't get a ton of sunlight but i do get outside and Vitamin D synthesation occurs when the sun touches even just parts of your skin for not very long periods of time.
I think there is definitely a real problem if any of us are not synthesizing it naturally in the small minutes it takes naturally.....
OOPS I MEANT MY MESSAGE TO GO TO KRIPTO I THINK? AND MAYBE it did pertain ALSO to 2yung also.. LOL SORRY!
Hello,
I watch this thread "EVERYDAY" to see how others with this condition is progressing! It's funny you mentioned "Pleurisy"--The first time I went to the ER room thinking this was a Heart Attack--They told me it definately was not that but it could be Pleurisy! They ran several tests and x-rays and gave me a diagnosis of "Myofascial Strain!" He explained that the cushions in between my spine that suppose to cushion it from shock is extremely thin and is causing the pain around the ribs and upper back that mimics a "Heart Attack!!" He referred me to a Doctor that --of course--did not find anything but a case of Slight Scoliosis which he said at my age-39- will cause pain but that i had to live with the rest of my life!! That is a bunch of ****--and You are right we have to keep searching and pushing these doctors to find answers to this condition because it is very painful & depressing!
But i will never forget the look on that ER room doctors face when he diagnosed me w/ the "Myofascial Starin"--I asked him is there something that can be done to recushion the vertebre so that they will not cause so much pain--He said "Very Little Can Be Done!!" In my heart I "TRULY" believe it has something to do with the "EPIDURALS"--because it feel like I am balled up on the operating room table and the anesthesiologist is putting one in my back "EVERYDAY!!" Its the pain around the midback that travels around the midsection and to the top of my abdomen which makes me think this. I could be wrong but I strongly think this is it!! But i will continue to investigate and find out what is this disease we have! I must say since I start drinking more milk, my headaches has been far and few!! I use to suffer from them "EVERY" single day. It has been two weeks!! Yeah!!
So lack of vitamin D may have played a part in these headaches. Either way I can now focus more on the ribcage Pain!!
I watch this thread "EVERYDAY" to see how others with this condition is progressing! It's funny you mentioned "Pleurisy"--The first time I went to the ER room thinking this was a Heart Attack--They told me it definately was not that but it could be Pleurisy! They ran several tests and x-rays and gave me a diagnosis of "Myofascial Strain!" He explained that the cushions in between my spine that suppose to cushion it from shock is extremely thin and is causing the pain around the ribs and upper back that mimics a "Heart Attack!!" He referred me to a Doctor that --of course--did not find anything but a case of Slight Scoliosis which he said at my age-39- will cause pain but that i had to live with the rest of my life!! That is a bunch of ****--and You are right we have to keep searching and pushing these doctors to find answers to this condition because it is very painful & depressing!
But i will never forget the look on that ER room doctors face when he diagnosed me w/ the "Myofascial Starin"--I asked him is there something that can be done to recushion the vertebre so that they will not cause so much pain--He said "Very Little Can Be Done!!" In my heart I "TRULY" believe it has something to do with the "EPIDURALS"--because it feel like I am balled up on the operating room table and the anesthesiologist is putting one in my back "EVERYDAY!!" Its the pain around the midback that travels around the midsection and to the top of my abdomen which makes me think this. I could be wrong but I strongly think this is it!! But i will continue to investigate and find out what is this disease we have! I must say since I start drinking more milk, my headaches has been far and few!! I use to suffer from them "EVERY" single day. It has been two weeks!! Yeah!!
So lack of vitamin D may have played a part in these headaches. Either way I can now focus more on the ribcage Pain!!
Also I wish alot that i was having a baby---because with a baby you know that the labor pain is temporary but with this there is no baby and the pain lasts for days and weeks! I wonder if this is hormonal also! Are we producing too much or too less of a certain hormone! i am going to see my gynecologist soon for Hormone therapy. If i get any new answers--I will post to let you guys know!! I can only speak for myself but I "DO NOT" want to be on pain medication all my life as that too will have some kind of negative effect on your body also! I saw a special on Dateline(I think it was) where a doctor in New York has been doing a study on pain--back pain in particular--where he found that back pain is in our minds and can be cured in our minds. He found out that in the part of our brain where we process pain can be turned on and off like a light switch. Once it is turned on it sends the message down the spine and our spine acts accordingly! I don't know how true this is but his patients have been free of mid & lower back pain for years because they learned how to manipulate their brain to send painfree messages to the spine and relieve their backpains. I think yoga and other forms of things like acupuncture have been geared to reach the spiritual being and relieve alot of stress which in turns relieve pain! Has anyone tried these as a natural alternative instead of taking medications?
I am also Vitamin D deficient and B12 deficient. It seems we all think there is an underlying cause, but have any of us found one? I feel like I'm searching for something that's not there. It's been a 1 1/2 years of pain, fatigue, and many other things that doctors thought I was crazy! I've been on the vitamin D 50,000 IU's 2 times weekly for two weeks now with 2 more weeks to go and then 1,000 daily after that. I do B12 injections monthly. It does seem to have helped. I was thinking of going to a gastrointologist next....has anyone out there found an underlying cause??? If so, please share so we know where to look next!!
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