Blood work vitamin d defiency

[Dee5112]

Well after 6 weeks waiting to get results of blood work; I have low levels of vitamin D, everything else was ok. Doctor now wants to get a spinal tap. He said again if i have ms i only have a mild case. Told him my goal is in hopes to slow down my progression. I asked about getting MRI of spine since I only have two lesions on the brain, he said because I have had a cervical fusion the metal would distort the mri.
Why does ms patients have low levels of vitamin d?

[Dee5112]

Well I definitely avoid the sun because of the heat intolerance. Last few day it has been 100-104, ice packs have been my best friend. I am not hesitant about the LP because I have had a myelogram in the past and it really was not that bad. I just want to get answers to why I am having all these problems. This has been going on for 10 years now, but the last 4-5 symptoms are getting bad to the point all I do now is work and come home to head for the couch to get some rest. Fatigue and muscle problems are taking over my life!! Walking is a task in itself for me.

Only 5 week this time for follow up?? Hospital will call me with appt. for LP after they get approval from my insurance.

If LP postive what other test do they normally order?

Thanks for the info!!

[nikki_dash]

Hi Dee5112:

Yes, supermum ms is super in her answer. She's absolutely right.

Also, I don't know if you're hesitant about getting the LP (because it doesn't necessarily confirm MS and a lot of people think it hurts/not worth it), but I think you should definitely get it done because if it does comes back positive, your doctor will most likely expedite finding out whats wrong with you (i.e. confirming MS) and then will start running more tests fast.  In other words, it may get the ball rolling and then you hopefully wont have to wait something like 6 WEEKS for things like blood work results.

Feel better. Hugs :)

[supermum_ms]

There is a lot of research regarding vit D, one of the problems is that its currently being blamed for everything under the sun (pardon the pun lol). In Oz we are being inundated with vit D adds everywhere you look, 1 in 3 Australians have low vit D levels and thats dispite us being a hot sunny country. The problem seems to stem from the sun cancer campain being too good and now people are not getting enough natural sun exposure due to sun screen and the message that sun exposure causes skin cancer etc.

I think one of the main reasons that MSers are commonly found to have low vit D, is heat sensetivity and like people with Lupus who need to avoid direct sun exposure or set off a flare, we also tend to stay out of the sun.

Cheers.........JJ

PS a positive LP will only add to your evidence of MS but a negative LP with not mean its not MS, read more about LPs in our health pages, top right yellow icon :-)