Ad Cal C

[Wayfair]

As soon as I started taking pred, I a year ago, I was prescribed Ad Cal C to protect the bones. I have to see a consultant this week as my kidneys are not functioning well. Prior to this appointment I had bloods taken and it appears that I have too much calcium in my blood. Have to stop taking the calcium supplement. Apparently too much calcium has an adverse effect on bone density, and can result in making you really ill. Had I not been tested this would not have been noticed. Surely this test should be done when you see the Rheumatologist before being dosed with calcium D?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Calcium and vit D should both be tested at some point in the diagnostic period.

How high is your calcium - do you know?

[Wayfair in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. I intend to check how high my calcium is when I see the Nephrology Consultant. When you asked about calcium and vit D in the diagnostic period, I am not aware that this would be done. Was tested for inflammation in my blood. Referred then to a Rheumatologist. No mention of there being a calcium issue. My GP had blood work done for a kidney infection and this came to light, and has referred me to a Renal Consultant who I will see later in the week.

[GlynisE in reply to Wayfair]

My Rheumatologist prescribed calcium and vit D every day my own doctor has taken me off it saying too much damages thr kidneys.

[Wayfair in reply to GlynisE]

The damage for me has been done now, I’ve encounter too many side effects too. Our health is so important to us in our later years.

[HeronNS]

I ended up with high Vitamin D and was only tested because I have sarcoidosis so was aware there could be a problem and asked for the test. As far as I know calcium has never been done.

There can be a number of reasons for high blood calcium, not just the possibility of too much supplement, so this should be investigated, not least because you may, ironically perhaps, be at risk of bone thinning. Ask to have your parathyroid hormone level tested.

Vitamin K2 and magnesium help to send calcium to the bones, vitamin D does not do this.

[Wayfair in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you for your reply. My parathyroid hormone test is being repeated, so will know more later. Ironically it seems that high calcium in the blood weakens the bones rather than the opposite, seems a very complex issue.

[HeronNS in reply to Wayfair]

Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but I think what's happening calcium gets leached from the bones and ends up in the bloodstream, possibly be to redeposited in places we don't want it, or excreted from the body. We are such complicated beasts it's astonishing more things don't go wrong!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Wayfair]

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

That is because in some cases the high calcium is due to calcium being leached from the bones into the blood - not the high calcium providing a source of calcium for the bones. The range of calcium in the blood should be fairly tightly controlled and a high level is a sign there is something going on besides too much calcium being ingested. Very high levels can be life-threatening.

[Wayfair in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you and the link you provided was very interesting.

[Thelmarina in reply to PMRpro]

Such an informative article. Thanks x

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

Should I be requesting calcium and vit D test? I have been off pred since 5 Dec 19 after nearly 3 years starting at 15 mg for PMR. I phoned Gp to inform him and asked if I should continue with AdcalD3 as my scan showed osteoporosis and osteopoena. He said yes. My next Dexa scan is due next year.

I should be grateful for your thoughts.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Urtica]

No harm asking - he can only say no! Some seem to think the vit D test is very expensive - it isn't.

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks

[Bridge31]

When I refused my Rheumy’s recommendation to take AA even though my Dexa scan was fine I asked him about continuing the Adcal and he said “ Waste of time. “ !!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bridge31]

Hadn't done me any harm - but you would only find out if it wasn't a waste of time if you develop low bone density wouldn't you?

[Bridge31 in reply to PMRpro]

Exactly. Not my words 🙄