Blood calcium level testing?

[Roltuba]

Having just read various posts about knee troubles, some mention blood calcium levels found to be too high, causing pseudogout. I have had knee troubles for a couple of years now, both stiff and painful and one swells up and has been drained several times and I’ve been put on Sulfasalazine to try and sort it out. X-rays apparently show nothing interesting. No real improvement, nor with 10mg pred. No-one has so much as mentioned blood calcium levels and I can’t find any evidence of that being done in my monthly blood tests. Do any of us have blood calcium levels tested routinely? The leaflet with the Ca supplement I take suggests it ought to be done.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It should be done every few months as part of routine tests if you are having them - monthly isn't necessary unless they have identified a potential problem that needs monitoring.

[Roltuba in reply to PMRpro]

Monthly is because of Sulfasalazine. Going to write to my GP as it’s easier to get a point over than telephoning. Not sure of attitude to a Forum, though Rheumy believes in it!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Roltuba]

I see no reason what they can't add calcium to the next request - lots of things are tested automatically but not reported so it isn't really always increasing costs

[Suffererc in reply to PMRpro]

I think I have only had the one I asked for

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suffererc]

Really not good enough ...

[Suffererc in reply to PMRpro]

If it wasn’t for this forum most of us would be pretty ignorant about PMR.

[jinasc in reply to Roltuba]

Add to your letter that excess calcium can lead to pseudo gout - swelling of the knee which needs draining.

This link gives a much better explanation and if you just put in your search engine

Calcium+ pseudo gout - loads of stuff. Then you won't have to mention forum, just arthritis UK.

arthritis.org/diseases/calc...

BTW It was my Rheumy that got me out of the muddle and then advised my GP to keep a check on the minerals.

[Sophiestree in reply to Roltuba]

I never say forum, I always say Prof Dasgupta's charity 😂

[Floridafan in reply to PMRpro]

I’ve just checked my medical records and noticed my calcium level has not been checked for over 12 months. Previously it was done every three months as part of a routine blood test. I suppose it could be because of COVID and cutting costs but I shall ask for it to be done again at the next blood test and see what they say. Thanks for reminding me

[Thelmarina]

My calcium levels are tested when I have blood tests - I’m in the UK.

[Pr0jection]

I asked my GP for calcium and magnesium blood tests, and my rheumatologist for Vit D test as they are not carried out routinely with my two monthly tests. They all came back high normal. I'm taking the appropriate supplements for all of these as well as eating/drinking the right foods. In fact, my rheumatologist said that I could stop taking the Vit D3 supplements, possibly without considering that the supplements might be doing the trick. He said he was concerned about Vit D toxicity. However, I've decided to carry on taking them as we are heading into the winter months here.

[Suffererc]

I had a blood calcium done after stopping Adcal. It was causing a few problems. My result was normal. I do take vitamin D and K2

[maxgarry]

Hi, I am interested in your post as I have very stiff and painful knees. I have had them X-rayed which has shown bone spurs in both. However, my right knee shows a condition called Condrocalcinosis. I have often wondered if it has been caused by excessive calcium, especially as I take vitamin D and calcium tablets. My GP has offered physio! 3 month wait to receive a telephone call 2 days before Xmas. As far as I am aware I have not had a blood test to check my levels.