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[Justjules]

Hi, read through a few old posts on this but the last reply I could find was 120 days old apparently so thought I'd ask again.....been prescribed 20,000 ui D3 twice a week for the next 8 weeks as my level is very low apparently. I asked for the blood test so was surprised when it came back that low but reading other info I do take a daily PPI so that could be the reason.  Trouble is now, as with most meds, I am worrying about whether the dose will give me side affects after reading a few posts. I wish Dr had given me lower dose maybe daily but don't want to question her decision and she said it could explain my anxiety and low mood so want to help myself. I'm useless at medication and because my anxiety is so high at the moment I am scared to take it. I'm mainly worried about heart palps or such.  Also, keep reading such conflicting advice such as it should be taken with K2 and magnesium but I am confused and don't want to start supplementing myself.  Anyone taken the mega dose ....everybody seems to have lower doses or spaced out tablets? I know Sarai had big problems.

[CLKD]

Go to a Pharmacist on Monday and discuss?  Most have private rooms now.  I believe that some minerals need others to assist 'take up' ………. in the mean time, get into as much sunshine as possible; and let us know!

If you are worried about side-effects and quite honestly, many of us do worry, myself included; take the first dose in the evening so that you have nothing else to do except warm bath and bed ;-).

[Taz2]

Hi Justjules - funnily enough a close friend of mine also found out her level was very low - 18 - and was prescribed exactly the same as you have been. It worked really well and her levels were back up by the end of the eight weeks. She now only has to take a maintenance dose to maintain the levels. The only side effect she had was to need to go to the loo (bladder) more often. She reacts badly to lots of medications and usually has to have half doses so, like you, was anxious about the side effects. However, she was also told in no uncertain terms by her GP that to carry on with such a low level was putting her health at risk.

Taz x

[Justjules]

Thanks ladies. I am just terrible at just taking anything without researching all the possible affects etc. not so long ago, I took a 400iu VitaminE capsule as I had read it was good for heart at that dose and that night I had the most indescribable achey indigestion I was on all fours thinking I was having a heart attack it was that bad and could only put it down to the tablet so never took another one.

CKLD, I tend to take things in the morning so I can get help if needed!

Need to check with food or without as it doesn't say anything....not even a leaflet with the capsules...

[babyjane]

My levels back in January were 37, last July they were 42, need to be 50 or above apparently so I am only slightly low.  I am using the Vitamin D3 spray that Taz2 recommended, my endocrinologist was happy for me to use this as I swallow enough pills as it is.  I use the 1000iu spray and my multivitamin tablet also contains vitamin D along with vitamin K so I am happy with what I am taking.  there is also a 3000iu spray available.  My bloods will be rechecked in July.  I have had no bad effects and my fatigue, sleep and muscle pain has improved.

[Justjules]

Thanks Sparkle, I will bear that in mind re the fats. It's just the high does I am frightened of as its 20,000 ui twice a week which I've read isn't dangerous obviously, but might have a word with pharmacist tomorrow first. I'm that bad with HA and tablets that I even thought I'd go and sit outside a&e and take it and if I do have a bad reaction at least I'm at the hospital!!! My family think I'm nuts 

[Justjules]

Bloomin Internet can be a godsend or a curse! Done too much googling about side affects and it seems the VitD council don't recommend high dosing and that GP's don't understand enough about the side affects and consequences. The worst main side affects seem to be heart and chest problems which is my biggest fear and anxiety so it has really put me off taking it now as I can't bear anything to do with heart symptoms as they completely freak me out. It seems that it sends a lot of folk being put through all sorts of heart tests to rule problems out. Don't know whether to just start a much lower supplement that I buy myself.

[Justjules]

Think I will Sparkle. Thanks. X

[Taz2]

Hi Justjules - are you on a heart medication at the minute?  I researched quite a lot about vitamin D when my own level was low and the Vitamin D Council do advise caution if you are on a certain type of heart medication. Their upper limit is 10,000iu per day in people without any heart problems which would give you 30,000iu more per week than you have been prescribed so it doesn't seem that your 40,000iu a week is considered high.

You also have to consider the effects of low Vitamin D - the main one being cardiovascular problems. Lots to consider but depending on how low your level is it might be worth getting it raised as quickly as possible and then go on to the maintenance dose?

I appreciate the worry over starting something new.

Taz x 

[Taz2]

I was reading an article last week in the paper that said the hayfever season had begun a month early. People sensitive to tree pollens are already showing symptoms so maybe that's the reason?

Taz x

[babyjane]

Thank you, I have started with itchy eyes and runny nose so that explains it. 

[dahliagirl]

Silver birch is out around here (def snuffles and itchy mouth - have hit the antihistamines).  I have noticed the rape beginning to flower in the fields over the last few weeks.

My GP said they used to give vitD injections in large doses in the past.  I just take 25ug a day (1000) and try and get out in the sun, when it arrives.

My husband's was much lower than mine and he was prescribed the same (along with pills to stop bone loss - he is on high dose steroids which can reduce bone density).

[Justjules]

Taz, no, I'm not on any heart meds. Have just come off betablockers after 20 years as Dr said I had only ever been given them for anxiety and a bit of a fast heart rate but no heart problem diagnosed. I used to suffer palpitations years ago (had ecgs and an echo back then and recent ecgs...all ok) so I've always had heart anxiety so very frightened of possible episodes after reading up on the side affects. Just don't know what to do as info out there is just so conflicting.

[Taz2]

I would give it a try - if you don't then your low level could lead to problems. I would say to trust your GP. You haven't got a heart problem - remember that - you have suffered from palpitations like a lot of us but these, if they are checked out, are not life threatening although they feel frightening at the time. If you did get this side effect from the vitamin D from what my own GP said it is not something to worry about as long as you are not on a heart medication. Maybe return to your GP before you take them just to put your mind more at rest?

Taz x

[Justjules]

Yes, Taz, will do because I'm getting myself in a right state about it which is ridiculous. Most people go to the dr, take advice and the meds and just get on with it yet I have to google it all, dither about it and then get anxious which I hate myself for.