I had my first visit with a Rheumatologist a week ago. I had been referred by my GYN after having a bad reaction to monthly Actonel after the first dose.
I was pleased with the thoroughness of the exam, questions and discussion. The visit was about 1-1/2 with a full hour with the doctor. He suggested that my bad reaction to bisphosphanate may be due to low Vitamin D level, and ordered bloodwork to test for that, parathyroid and others. The bloodwork came back all in the normal range with the exception of the vitamin D level. I will be taking a prescribed supplement for the next 4 months and retesting. In the meanwhile he "prescribed" taking Citracal with Bone Builder and vitamin D3 and daily exercise. This does give some hope that I can gain some bone density without taking the drugs.
So I thought it interesting that low vitamin D levels can cause pain from bisphosphanates, don't know if taking D3 afterwards can help with the pain, or if bringing up the vitamin D level would make it possible to take bisphosphanates in the future. But for now I am happy to try the route he has suggested.
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
Rheumatologist visit - good news - Vitamin D levels
- By ejoyce
- Posted November 24, 2008 at 5:59 pm · 2 replies
- In Finding a healthcare provider
- Shared with the public
- Edited November 29, 2008 at 4:16 pm
2 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By huessysignoret
- Posted November 25, 2008 at 6:48 am
- Report post
Everyone's different, of course, but here's my experience -- My vitamin D level, like that of 50% of American women, was low, so I was presecribed a hefty dose of Vitamin D. My D level zoomed right up to normal. But, with Fosamax, I still had the excruciating pain (which has subsided and is virtually gone after about a month off the drug.) Please let us know if the Vitamin D did indeed (how's that for alliteration?) protected you from pain or made it possible to take bisphosphanates. This is a new theory -- one I hadn't heard before. I hope it works for you!
Pam
- By rt57413
- Posted November 25, 2008 at 8:41 am
- Report post
My level was 11, very low and was given way too much RX Vit D 50,000 units a week after 8 weeks my level was 28 and 4 weeks later it was 68 which is great! The only think was I thought I was having a heart attack! Much too much Vit D. Heartburn was horrible. Now I take Jarrow Vit D3 1000 mg a day, no heart burn and my levels is 68. I don't take any drugs yet as I still have a period. I do also take Bone Up by Jarrow which I think is good plus it has Vit K. Those RX drugs scare me!
Add to the discussion