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Vit D Level dropped 40 pts w/hip replacement

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joy47826
joy47826

Some history first. I've been a sun lover all my life up until early 50's and then the sun started to bother me so I "came in" from the sun I had bathed in all my life prior.

Then in 2006, my sister who is dealing with MS mentioned the Vit D connection with MS...so she makes sure her daughter in NJ is taking adequate Vit D. They have not big sun lovers like me but did some sun over their lives.

So in 2006, I had my D levels checked, never thought I'd be deficient as I live in So. Cal. with sun shining 360 days per day....The beach and sun were my gods.....

I was stunned to find my level was 16, the range in US is 20-100....the doc I was seeing who did the test, did his Vit D levels and he was a stunning 13....so he was shocked too...

So I got on 4,000 Vit D3 per day and in 6 months my level came up to 34. The mild depression I was having lifted, so I knew too it was the Vit D Deficiency.

I talked about the Vit D deficiency to everyone I could as we just didn't know even though alternative MD's were writing about it, many did not pay attention.

So I kept taking my D3, having labs done once a year or so and got my level up to 80, I was feeling so good.

Then in Oct 2010, I had the hip replacement and since I got info via email from The Vitamin D Council, read everything I could...there was mention that D levels COULD drop with surgery...don't recall if it was ALL surgery but that was engrained in my mind, levels could drop and at that time of surgery my level was 80.

So a few months after surgery I had my labs done and of course, Vit D, and sure enough the level dropped 40 pts!!!! I was shocked but prepared that this could happen...but 40 pts.

So, anyone living North of Atlanta, GA and those especially having surgery, be on TOP of the Vit D. You can find tons of info online, books at the Vit D deficiency.....

Vit D deficiency is an epidemic especially for those who do not do sun or live North of Atlanta.

I think of all the poor souls living in senior homes just existing, I'm sure they are all Vit D deficient.....

So my history on this issue.....and the deficiency is more I'm sure due to so many sitting at computers, etc. Take care and be Aware!!!

1 like, 32 replies

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  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK joy47826

    Posted

    Hi Joy

    Ignore the last post I sent or part of it....I said she put me on Ad Cal...dont know where I got that from????? Its Alendronic Acid....sorry

    Been a hectic day and I'm just back from a meeting....thats my excuse biggrin

    Eileen

    • joy47826
      joy47826 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Alendronic Acid is equivalent to the drug Fosamax in the U.S. I've heard from other women about the side effects of these drugs....there are some comments on this drug and the side effects and its from a group at this site.

      Magnesium, Vit D3 and some calcium are your best bets to strength your bones.Those drugs can break down the bones as I recall.....

      If you could get to a more holistic MD you would get better help, this is my opinion and I see only integrative MD's which we have many.

    • joy47826
      joy47826

      Posted

      This is from the Bones, Joints and Muscles group on this forum.

      (()Having taken Alendronic acid for more than one year, I experienced a lot of pain between my shoulder blades and indeed difficulty in sometimes swallowing. This concerned me a great deal. After having a Dexa scan to assess my current bone density, the technician remarked (after I had told her about the pain between my shoulder blades) that this was a common side effect from taking bisophosphates. I told my Doctor that in spite of an increase in my bone density I had decided to come off of the Alendronic Acid and would also just take one Calcichew tablet per day. I feel better for it, but do sometimes even get some nausea (I understand too much calcium can cause this problem. I would advise anyone with similar problems to talk to their Doctor to see if they can check if they have kidney problems etc., as taking Calcichew can apparently be bad for your kidneys too! :cry:

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK joy47826

      Posted

      Hi Joy

      Yes the side effects seem to be horrific......Break down of bones in your jaw I think tends to be one of them. OK I'm not taking that one.....but this other one...thats why I've got to have a full dental check up beforehand

      {I think} {I've got them but not to take them until afterwards} I've got an appointment with the dentist this morning

      It will be interesting to see what he says about them

      As for holistic MD {GP'S??} there isnt really such a thing over here ...if anyone else wants to come in and say there is ...great but I havent com across them.

      We dont pay for our GP's {well not outright} we have a lot of alternative/complimentary/holistic people practising but that costs a small fortune.

      You also have to be careful .,......lots of people can set themselves up as a homeopath or whatever and not have qusalifications.

      Love

      Eileen

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK joy47826

      Posted

      Hi Joy

      Yes I knew that family of drugs was bad for your bones but didnt know the kidney bit of it

      Love

      Eileen

  • joy47826
    joy47826

    Posted

    For new member Ginger....
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