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1536712 tn?1294043301

Retest - WOW!

9na
OK, I was diagnosed VDD in late november - my level was 31 nmol/L (about 13 ng/ml).
I started supplements in december, starting with about 2500 IUs of D3, gradually increased it to 5000, then for a period I took 7400, now I've been taking 5000 for the last month or so. I've also been using a tanning bed a couple of times a week - about 5-7 mins. each time - since the middle of january.

Last week I had my retest done, and got the result today - 141 nmol/L!! (about 56 ng/ml).

I'm seeing my doctor next week - a bit afraid she'll tell me I've been overdoing the supplements (she prescribed 800 IUs daily, D2...). the secretary I talked to today told me that ideal numbers are 50-113 nmol/L (it seems like the norwegian medical community is far behind... The actual ideal level is 75-150, I think). Anyways - my doctor will tell me I'm too high now... I know that's not true, I'm right where I should be :)

BUT I'm not feeling much better yet - I know other people have been having the same doubts, but I really do fear there's something else than VDD bothering my body... Well, either way the body is better off having the D it needs ;)

I wonder, though - how much should I lower my supplements, now that I actually have reached the goal?

I'm stopping the tanning, that's for sure - I don't like it much and fear the risk of my skin...

Would about 2000-2500 IUs be reasonable now towards the summer?
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Avatar universal
I don't think anyone has data on whether you should reduce or drop supplements on days you use a UV bed...My instinct would be that you could try reducing your supplements on those days, I just wouldn't drop them completely...I know having to be patient is not an easy thing to do!!! But, I just now you'll feel better and better it just will happen slowly.
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1536712 tn?1294043301
9na
Yes, I realize that I need a retest sometime.
I wonder, though - would it be a good idea to further reduce or even drop supplements on days when I use a UV-bed?
I hope - and actually am starting to believe - that all my symptoms will subside. Patience is hard to find, though... ;)
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Avatar universal
WOW!!!! Awesome D levels...I agree with Gadgetsmidnight. It's also what 2 of my doctors the endo and PCP recommend. They've advised that once you achieve your target goal that you go down to a maintenance dose and then get retested in a few months to make sure your levels don't drop again...I hope that with time your other symptoms subside...Great news, Phyllis
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1536712 tn?1294043301
9na
Thank you :)

ali - Like you, I have almost every symptom of fibromyalgia. I'll talk to my doctor about it, and maybe you are right - the VDD might have triggered fibro. But it might also be like Seattleanne have suggested - that D3 will 'kill' the fibro or fibro-like symptoms. In good time...
I've reduced to 2400 IUs a day now, I don't wish to get much higher now, and it seems my body is utilizing the D pretty well, so...

gadgets - I will ask my doctor for a retest. Maybe after summer, in the fall/early winter, to see how my numbers are doing. I see you are taking 2000IUs still, so that might be a good idea for me too, until summer sun arrives at least :)
I have also been fighting a cold for a looooong time now - I've not been feeling sick or anything, but it just never heals it seems. Huh. I've had colds like this last winter as well - and you reckon it is because of the vdd? Interesting! :)
Helpful - 0
1156694 tn?1265210026
Way to go!  I am glad you have gotten your numbers up.  Although your doctor will probably take you off your Vitamin D, I would request that your doctor do a follow up Vitamin D level in 3-4 months to make sure you are able to maintain your numbers.  When I got my numbers to the correct level my physician removed me from the high dose 50,000IU D2 (USA prescription strength) and I am continuing 2,000IU D3 (over the counter) daily.  He will recheck my numbers in June.  I was feeling pretty good with my symptoms until I caught a cold early February and have had some difficulty shaking it.
It does take time to heal.  
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Avatar universal
Wow, well done, that's great news!!

I am not sure what my levels are now ( was 109 nmol/L in early Feb) and I remember being very confused about why my symptoms had got worse although my levels were high.

I am still holding onto hope that this is a healing process and they will clear up within a year.. and I have had 10 mild-moderate days in a row now so looking positive...

... however, my other thought is that my D deficiency has triggered Fibromyalgia and I am looking at a longer term problem. I am waiting to see a specialist to confirm diagnosis but the symptoms of FM match mine so perfectly that I will be surprised if I don't have it....

I guess only time will tell ultimately - I am just enjoying the good days and doing my best to keep positive through the bad ones.

I have maintained my dose of 10k Vit D per day (I know it's loads!), then I will reduce to 5k as a maintenance dose I think. I am also taking Zinc, Magnesium, Boron and Calcium and have just read this about D-Ribose - it may help VDD too... http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/the-amazing-d-ribose.html

Whatever this thing is that we've got, it is certainly a great first step getting your levels up so, again, well done! :-)
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1536712 tn?1294043301
9na
Thanks again :)

I think you are right. If I continue tanning for a little while (until summer-sun arrives... Is it true that my shadow should be shorter than me in order for the sunrays to be a good source of D3?), I'll reduce supplements to 1000.

I'm happy to know that my body's got what it needs - but I sure am eager for it to heal faaaaaast!

Oh yes, this summer'll be the best one we've had in quite some time, Anne :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Again, congratulations!!!!
I think 1-2k  would be best :) it's what ppl who are not vdd should be taking. And consider continuing tanning too. The benefits are that by sound so your body actually produces chemicals (in addition to d3) that help d work and other stuff too. Also it's impossible to overdose by tanning. Assuming you want to keep your new levels and maybe even go a bit higher that's what I'd suggest.
Don't worry too much about not feeling better yet... All the stories on here and experience suggests that getting numbers up is crucial, but a lot of healing is still going on and takes time... Now your body has the tools it needs to comelet the job is all :)
Look out summer!!! Here we come!!!
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