I have joined another vitamin D deficiency group and it appears all the same symptoms manifest themselves as in B12 deficiency. So if deficient in both, which I was, it’s going to be a tougher ride than I thought. Then there’s trying to get my gut microbiome back to normality.
And although I’m following all the right protocol to get my levels back up in D and B12, it can take months for both the deficiency damage to repair, ie nerves and bone health.
So blooming hard. And just when you think you’re doing okay, you dip again. Lots of fatigue again at the moment. And fed up with lying around doing nothing, although I don’t have the energy anyway or the enthusiasm to do much. 😔😔
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Chickens44
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sending s hug chicken44 I’ve been feeling rubbish since before April , I gave up my job because I could find any energy. After more test I’ve got a vitamin D problem . I’m hoping some symptoms improve now I’m addressing it . But it also appears my thyroid isn’t great again , but I’ve improved my gut health by going gluten free .
I treated my B12d first and only then started with vitamin D. Turns out it had no noticeable benefits for me, other than a better immune system maybe. B12 was what brought me back from the dead.
The b12 level means nothing. Mine was 324 pg/ml, while MMA was high.I injected every other day (and still do after nearly four years). My nerve pain is 95 % gone.
I was wondering were you D def. while you were b12 def. and did you take the oral vit d. I just started to take more vit D yesterday. On another post you spoke about having gallbladder removed, I've had mine out 2 years ago, does that affect our vit d?
I’m on 50000 a week split over the 7 days. Did you take magnesium supplements too? What were your levels before you started and then after three months? Also what do you take as a maintenance dose?
I don't remember, but what I do know is you need that magnesium for the vit d.
My vit D deficiency occurred in 2013. Once I got back to normal, my maintenance dose has been 5000 IU daily in the summer and 10000 IU in the winter. I get tested every year or so. And have stayed at 70% of high end of the range.
I had a hematologist tell me I should back off, I just agreed and ignored him. he was a very arrogant doc. lol I ignored him because i had been doing this dose for 8 years without it elevating. I'm aware of such things as chronic toxicity which occurs with some vitamines like zinc.
but I haven't experienced that on vit d.
Now that I know about the magnesium, and am supplementing with that, I shall monitor my vit d levels to see if the magnesium in play will mean I can reduce the vit d.
I hear you too. I'm the same with the up and downs on different days and during the day too. I have a lot of back muscles and nerves this month I notice so I'm under construction there. I feel the vit. D in my body nerves and head I just started taking more yesterday. I was taking 1200 iu but I added 1000 IU more yesterday, so I probably was short on vitD. I hope you feel better today, I know for us know everyday is different but lots of work is going on in us for now.
You’re absolutely right—dealing with vitamin deficiencies, particularly when it involves both B12 and vitamin D, can be a real challenge. The symptoms often overlap, including fatigue, aches, cognitive issues, and nerve problems, making it difficult to pinpoint what’s improving and what still needs work. It’s frustrating when recovery feels slow or when progress seems to backslide, especially when fatigue leaves you feeling stuck.
A Few Points of Advice and Encouragement:
1. Recognising Progress Takes Time
Both B12 and vitamin D deficiencies can take months, even 1 or 2 years to repair the damage caused. Nerve healing, for instance, is particularly slow because nerves regenerate at a rate of about 1mm per day, and full recovery depends on how long you’ve been deficient. Bone health, too, needs steady rebuilding. So it’s perfectly normal to feel that the process is slow—it’s not a reflection of your effort or discipline.
2. Manage Fluctuations in Energy
The ups and downs are frustrating but common during recovery. Some days your body will focus energy on healing, which can leave you feeling more drained. Try to pace yourself:
• Energy budgeting: Break activities into smaller tasks and spread them across the day.
• Rest without guilt: Think of rest as active healing time rather than “doing nothing.”
3. Gut Health and Absorption
If you’re focused on restoring your gut microbiome, probiotics, prebiotic foods (like garlic, onions, or bananas), and fermented foods (like or sauerkraut) can help. I make my own kefir, mix it with powdered magnesium and take my D&K capsule at the same time. Make sure your B12 and D are being well-absorbed:
• Vitamin D: Pair supplements with fatty foods for better absorption.
4. Fatigue and Mental Health
Fatigue and a lack of enthusiasm can wear you down emotionally as well as physically. To help manage this:
• Take gentle walks or engage in simple chair exercises (even a few minutes can boost endorphins).
• Practise gratitude journaling or mindfulness to keep your mindset positive during tough days.
• Stay connected with supportive communities, like the groups you’ve joined, or friends who understand your journey.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Even tiny improvements, like a day with less fatigue or a more positive mood, are worth acknowledging. Recovery isn’t linear, but every step forward matters.
On Low-Energy Days
If you’re feeling too fatigued, perhaps focus on activities that don’t demand much physical or mental energy but can still bring some satisfaction, such as listening to audiobooks, light gardening planning.
You’re doing an amazing job by following the protocols and being proactive about your health. It is hard, but you’re not alone—and the effort you’re putting in now is laying the foundation for long-term healing. Give yourself grace during the hard days. This will get better!
Feeling in the same rickety boat as you, Chickens44! My ongoing stabbing leg pain was so bad a month ago that I called 111 in desperation after a day of agony. The only other factor I could think of that can cause bone pain was Vitamin D, and although I'm not clinically deficient my levels have dropped over the summer despite sunshine and supplements. When I mentioned this to the 111 doctor she told me she has Vit D injections twice a year but asked me not to tell my gp! So I had a high strength D jab privately (the D protocol group wouldn't like that!) and I think it has helped. My surgery (not my own gp) had absolute conniptions at this news and said I could have had a jab on the NHS then corrected to "oh but not at your levels" and then said I'd need to be tested for toxicity - in 3 months time!! So really urgent... Like you, I'm struggling to unpick what might be B12 or D. And with MGUS and its bone marrow implications in the picture now, I feel I need to keep both optimal. Oh and like JesusMercy60 I had my gallbladder removed 3 years ago, and compromised vitamin D absorption was never mentioned but is definitely a thing.
And to add to the mix, I think my symptoms may have been exacerbated by the Covid vaccine. I am going to chat with a lady who suffered the same. A link is attached to the paper she wrote if anyone is interested.
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he was a very arrogant doc. lol I ignored him because i had been doing this dose for 8 years without it elevating. I'm aware of such things as chronic toxicity which occurs with some vitamines like zinc. 
MMA test?!
Letters to doctor which led to treatment - feel free to copy any parts
No folic acid without B12 first.
B12 & Vitamin D Deficiencies 
Seems to me. 
