Vitamin D blood test

[Aseamark]

I have been given a written blood test form from the GP to have my Vitamin D retested once I have taken D3 for 2 months.

She has only written Vitamin D in the examinations required box. I am right in thinking that she should request for 25 hydroxy D2D3 to get the required result and possibly o recheck calcium?

Thanks

[Moggie]

Dont know about the 25 hydroxy D2D3 bit but when I was but on 50,000iu VitD tablets for two weeks my doc then re-tested my clacium as well as my VitD.

What strength and what sort of suppliments has she put you on?

Moggie x

[Aseamark in reply to Moggie]

I am on Fultium 800IU , one day...... My results were 24.2 (I think ) so too low a dose in my opinion...

[Moggie]

Fultium, as well as containing VitD, also contains colecalciferol which is calcium so I would say your doc should definately be doing a calcium test as well as another VitD test. You might want to point this out to the nurse who is taking your bloods and ask her to add the calcium test onto the form. If she refuses ask her to phone through to the doc while you are there telling him/her about your concerns over the lack of a calcium test.

800iu is, for most of us, a maintenance dose so it will be interesting to see if your VitD levels have moved at all.

Hope this has helped.

Moggie x

[shetlandscooby]

I was put on the same dose just over a month ago. My vit d levels were insufficient at 39. I have just had my vit d and calcium levels retested and am waiting for the result. I can't see my levels moving that greatly as the pain is lessened but still there. My GP treats result numbers rather than people so tries to forget to involve my feelings and what I'm experiencing into her treatment plans. She doesn't get very far treating me this way though! Good luck at getting calcuim added to the test

[Aseamark in reply to shetlandscooby]

I would be interested to hear from you to see if your levels are changed please. Anna

[Jackie]

Hi D has to be increased slowly because of the effect on Calcium. Calcium is an electrolyte and must always be in range. D takes about 3 months to alter the blood for retesting.

Jackie

[Aseamark in reply to Jackie]

So starting off at 800IU is correct but I must get my calcium rechecked too? Anna

[Jackie]

Hi Anna, Yes that is correct.I knew about the calcium but even so mine suddenly went too high. First I reduced the D ( endo ) as I needed a huge amount ( 3 times normal script) then I had to stop the D altogether because calcium too high. It is the corrected calcium that matters. If Ca, D and PTH done am together and all high , then the PTH needs investigation , That is unusual.

Jackie

[shetlandscooby]

I will post my results, I'm going to start annoying the GP surgery Monday as I want to know them

[shetlandscooby]

I've finally managed to get hold of the GP and my results. My vit d levels are now 43 and my calcium is still within the correct range. They want to re-test my levels in 3 months time and I have to continue my tablets and try and sit out in the sunshine and eat fortified cereals and bread. I would love to know where to find the sunshine in the UK in December!!

[Aseamark in reply to shetlandscooby]

So your levels have gone up from 39 - 43 on 800IU in 1 month ?That seems a long haul slog doesn't it.... Or is it better to increase slowly? Do you feel any benefits?

Anna

[shetlandscooby]

It does seem like a long slow haul, but at least is going up and not down. I'm sure the levels are better going up not too quickly. I was suffering with bone pain in my legs and arms, and this has lessened. I had a battle to get more vit d capsules and when I didn't have them for just over a week the pain became greater again.