Am I at risk of having too much calcium in my blood?

[Fetlar73]

diagnosed Sept. 21 now tapered to 2 mg.

in the summer I was informed that I would require some dental treatment, possibly an implant. After speaking to my dentist about the risks involved, as I was taking Alandronic acid, which I have always disliked taking, I decided for better or worse (and especially for my peace of mind) to cease taking A.A.

I have two stents in my heart (2014) as a consequence I have to take daily aspirin to thin the blood. I was informed by my pharmacist not to take K2. It does warn people on the bottle not to take K2 if taking thinners. Question is as I don’t take AA to push the calcium into the bones am I now at risk of having too much calcium in my blood stream?

I take calcium and Vit. D3 800iu daily. Is there an alternative supplement I can take? I am intending to have dexa scan early next year, 16 months since my first scan to see what is happening. I have some osteopenia. I am feeling confused and guilty I am not taking AA, I just thought I would run this past you to see if you think my thinking and actions are reasonable . Thankyou.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Just get your GP to check your calcium level as part of the bone panel. But the body is very careful about how much calcium it allows in the bloodstream, both too low and too high are dangerous. If the calcium level is too low and there is a lack in the diet, the body scavenges the bones to keep the blood level up. If it is too high it may create grit and even stones in the kidneys or gall bladder or cause deposits in the joints causing psuedo gout. There is another condition that will lead to high calcium - your calcium levels should be checked every 6 months or so anyway.

K2 is the supplement you should be using - and it has very little to do with coagulation, that is K1. That is a factor is the anticoagulant therapy is warfarin or the like - aspirin is an antiplatelet drug and they do not interact with vit K anyway.

[Fetlar73 in reply to PMRpro]

thanks for all that info. I shall speak to another pharmacist about whether or not to take K2. I shall also speak to GP about a test re calcium levels. He has never suggested that I have any tests. Haven’t spoken to him since I paid for my bone scan. He didn’t offer me that either. But onwards and upwards, and thank you again for your rep,y. It is so goo to have this platform available for us.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fetlar73]

Well he should be monitoring you at least 2x annually, checking cholesterol and Hba1c as well as all the usual stuff. Pred is a powerful drug - with side effects that he should be watching out for.

[borednow in reply to PMRpro]

Hmmm. When I was first diagnosed with PMR in 2017 I was prescribed prednisolone, omeprazole and calcichew-D. Since then I have received no further tests with regard to any of my PMR medication whatsoever and have handled the pred reduction myself. How long do think it will be before I'm qualified??!!!???

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to borednow]

Never according to many doctors OTOH - there are probably many patients who are far more qualified than their doctors to handle their tapering!!!!

[Fetlar73 in reply to borednow]

thank Borednow.Do we share the same GP !

[borednow in reply to Fetlar73]

Difficult to say really - I never see mine!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to borednow]

Maybe they are figments of your imagination?

[AdoptMeow]

Magnesium is also essential for incorporating calcium into new bone. Avoid Calcium carbonate because that form is not effectively absorbed into the bloodstream or easily utilized for bone formation.