Please, Please, Please

Hi all! For some reason, I haven't been able to log on to OH.com for over 2 weeks. I finally did and just in time to post this warning to all of you.... If you haven't had your Vitamin D levels checked (lab work) Please do so ASAP with your next appointment. As far as I know, mine haven't been check at least since surgery over 1 1/2 years ago. I do not know what prompted the PA at my rheumatologists office to check it this time either, but I was severly deficiant. From the research I have been doing, I THINK "normal" is 30 - 60 ngs I was at 17 ngs. I am on Vitamin D supplements now and in a few months, will be rechecked and if anywhere near normal, I will be scheduled for a bone density test, and several xrays to check for broken bones in some of the areas I have been having chronic pain. I do not want to scare anyone, (I think most of you know me better than that anyway! ) but you really should do some research and see all the different things this vitamin can effect. I was surprised. I am also surprised at how much better I feel after not even a week on supplements. My Fibromyalgia pain is better (Carolyn.... )not gone, and probably never will be, but I can live with better. I am not so tired all the time and my battle with severe depression (Lisa Y..... ), seems to be getting a little easier too. Just a heads up for all my OH sisters, I want you to be able to learn from my mistakes so you don't have to go thru this too. (God knows I make a lot of mistakes too!!) (((HUGS))) Elizabeth PS who knows, I keep feeling better and you folks might be wanting me to go back to feeling bad so I am not posting so much!

Elizabeth I wanted to say thanks for posting I wrote down about getting vitamin D checked how long should we wait before asking for them to check do you know? Is there any reason why they just don't do it at a certain time that makes me nervouse you think the DR's would keep a schedule for us to be checked how are we suppose to know whats all to be checked if you wouldn't of said anything I would of never known so I thank you alot for sharing and I will keep that in mind. I wish you the best. Lavonda 421/389/160

Hi Lavonda, I am not sure how long, but it doesn't hurt to have it checked anyway. Vit. D is a fat soluable and since we don't absorb much fat anymore, we don't get the benefits of it. Don't feel bad about not knowing, I had no idea either, but KNEW there had to be some reason for my feeling so tired all the time. HTH Elizabeth

Thanks Elizabetth I wonder if it hurts to take some extra D anyways ??? Is D the one you get from the sun??? I am glad to hear you are starting to feel better.....I need to get in and get my levels checked....thanks for the reminder! Take Care JEsi

Hi Jesi, No it doesn't hurt to take some anyway, it is just kind of hard to find. Yes it is the one you get from the sun, but because of some of the other meds I am on, I am ALMOST alergic to UV rays now. I get spots and rashes when I am in the sun for more than a few minutes. I have prescription strenght hydrocortizone cream I have to use. Elizabeth

Elizabeth -- thanks for the heads up. Fortunately, I have a very good dr. (Glas****) *****quires a full blood workup at 6 mo., 1 year and then annually after that. My PCP also wants to follow-up with me after the blood work as I have diabetes and will continue to have A1C tests done on a regular basis. It is so important for there to be a good follow up program after our surgeries. Thankfully, all of my bloodwork came out terrific at my one year check in April! Janie

Janie, You may want to check to be SURE the D level is checked. I am not sure it is included in the "full work up". Like I said before, I am not sure mine had ever been checked and I have had many, many blood tests for more reasons than just gastric bypass. Glad to hear your 1 yr labs were good! Elizabeth

This is great advice. I went to Dr Glas**** as well and my 3 month check up is on Wed so I will ask if they check your blood at 3 mos or just wait until 6 months. I didn't even think about Vitamin D!!!! I can't drink milk anymore so I should really watch that! Thank you so much!! Hugs, Jen

Hi Jen, Milk is the main source of Vit. D besides the sun and I don't drink much of it because I drink it too fast and it makes me sick! LOL Also, from what I have read, you would have to drink so much milk in order to get what I need, that I would float all the way to the bathroom and not come out all day! Elizabeth

Hi Thanks Elizabeth. Do you know by any chance how much it would cost to have these tests cost out of pocket? Just curious. I am still fighting this insurance crap. I know mom and dad would pay, so I will make an appointment. Thanks again. Lisa Young