All test results back; Vitamin D questions!!

Okay, so lupus, RA, thyroid issues, all ruled out! Vitamin D is significantly low (didn't get the number), iron was somewhat deficient. So I'll start supplements for those today.

I guess my question is, could it be ONLY vitamin D deficiency? I'm thinking not, because I have so many of the other markers (tender points, depression, IBS, migraines, significant pain for more than 6 months-heck more than 6 years!, etc.). I've had all of them (well, don't know about the tender points, but the other) for a long time. I know that's what my husband is going to think, though; he even thought that maybe the doctor would say today that I didn't have fibromyalgia, but that it is all because of the vitamin D. I don't think he's read anything I've sent him, either; he's been out of the country part of this time, so until the last several days, he probably hasn't had time. I told him if he hadn't, that he needs to. I'm afraid I'm in for a battle, with him thinking I can just magically get rid of this. :(

(On a side note, I went searching for vitamin D posts on here, and read that Sherrine (maybe?) had great luck with vitamin D helping feet pain--that would be awesome!! Mine hurt ALL the time!)

Thanks, Sherrine! I will look at that link in Fibro 101. I have heel pain, foot cramps, pain in my toes and in the ball of my foot...all at different times, of course, but my feet in general (all over) are a giant pain in the morning, especially, when I first get out of bed. I need to up my calcium & magnesium, anyway, as I'm on prilosec, and it can help to make those levels be off.

ROFL...I tried to text our pastor's wife earlier that they had me on Mobic, and it autocorrected to Monica. I'm taking Monica for arthritis, LOL.

Yikes! on the Prilosec! I've been on it for nearly four years, every day. I had been taking Zantac before that (which actually helped with my IBS, too, for whatever reason). I'll definitely get off it! Thanks so much for the heads-up! How long did you take it?

The FDA has actually warned about the possible risk of bone loss/fractures with the long term use of medications like Prilosec.

Steph...I'm actually a bit surprised that your Gastro is recommending taking this long term for IBS....

All I can say for me, I was diagnosed with IBS back when I was 20 years old (I am almost 45). And the absolute best things that have helped me are daily exercise which includes both walking 1.4 miles and gentle yoga/stretching. I actually massage my belly while doing some of the yoga poses.

And then moving to eating all organic. This was actually a very noticeable difference after just a few weeks as taking out all the additives, preservatives, and chemicals that are added to foods to make them survive a nuclear blast really helped things move through my colon in an easier way.

I have mentioned this before, but there is a video on youtube that shows a scientist who swallowed a camera pill and then did one test eating Ramen noodles which are chock full of preservatives, and then another test eating all natural/organic noodles.

The results are astonishing....To actually see how the body has great trouble digesting and breaking down the Ramen noodles. It really helped me visualize what my body is trying to do every day when I was eating things that had a lot of not natural ingredients.

I'm not perfect with it, but close to 98%:) And these days, with cutting coupons and with most every grocery store having their own version of natural/organic, it is not expensive to do. I am actually on food assistance and get $200 a month and have no trouble staying within this amount.

I also drink 12-14 glasses of water a day after my cup and a half of coffee in the morning.

Because I am on other medications for my spine pain issues, I do use Miralax a few times a week when needed. What is good about Miralax is that it is NOT a stimulant and it uses the water that you drink to make things "easier" to go through.

My version of IBS was always on the more constipated side so obviously someone who is on the other end of the spectrum would not need the Miralax part! LOL

I also was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus back then as well because I am missing (from birth) part of the esophageal sphincter which can make the stomach acid come back up into my esophagus. So I am just very careful about spicy foods as well as I eat an early dinner so that I am never lying down after eating.

Just wanted to share some other non-medicinal ways to help things as it is not worth the risk of long term meds like Prilosec if you can help it.

In regards to the Vitamin D..Sherrine is right, studies show that most people are low in this. It really can be the cause of many ailments! It is best to try and get it through foods, 15-20 minutes of sun, and then supplements.

Congratulations of having all the other tests come out negative! That is something to celebrate:)

The foot/toe pain sounds similar to mine. I take calcium and occasional potassium, but prefer to get the potassium from foods like bananas. I also stretch my feet when I can, but they are still quite touchy. A few mornings ago, I got out of bed and went to feed my cats. Just from the simple stretch to put the cat food down on the deck, my foot suddenly lost sensation and I knew the next thing would be cramping, so I quickly began to gently walk on it until it was normal again.

I also have a very high foot arch, and absolutely have to have soft arch insoles, or I'm 'doomed.' It helps me to wear very supportive shoes with lightweight but thick soles (not always easy to find!). I have a pair of gel-soled tennis shoes which are the best (ASICS, I think?). I need another pair! I can only wear sandals or go barefoot for a short time or my toes tend to cramp, or else my arches do. Even in the bathtub or shower, I have to wear lightweight socks going in and out (careful of the soles if you try this so you don't slip!)

Drinking lots of water throughout the day also seems to help.

I wish I could wear the Birkenstocks like Sherrine has, but whenever I wear a hard sole, my feet get stubborn and go into a cramp.

Best guess is that this is more about my undiagnosed-as-yet neuro condition, rather than the fibro.

Hope you find relief soon! Oh--and I also try to alternate sitting and standing when/if possible.

I don't think it will only be Vit D. My Vitamin D levels are only a bit low and I've been taking high doses since and there has been no significant change.

However, when I first started taking Vitamin D I noticed a lot less overall muscle pain...but it did not help any neurological or dermatological symptoms. I plan for some fun in the sun this weekend plus the high dose supplements...lets see if that changes anything.

And yes be careful with Nexium and Omeprazole. I only take them 1-2 weeks at a time and then nothing for at least 3 months in between. Those pills are not meant for long-term use. For best results, stay on a low-acid producing diet while off the pills.

-Liz

Steph: I so miss cute shoes! I do occasionally have good luck at Famous Footwear, when I find some with the more flexible soles (used to call them 'Earth' shoes; now, I believe, they still are called 'Earth' (something--sorry, don't remember exactly).

I'm going to hunt for those Sanita clogs! They sound promising. :)

ETA:  There are still 'Earth' shoes, but the ones I'm referring to are 'Earth (something--sorry, drawing a blank.  Fibro fog??).

-sigh-

Cute shoe penchant here as well. I have broken my right big toe twice, once in college and again during moving four years ago. I have several pairs of heels I can wear that don't cause shooting pains, and twice as many pairs of shoes that I just cannot wear.

-sigh-

Sorry to hear that, Myself 09. Hey--we likely have lots of unworn/gently worn shoes among all of us. Maybe we need a shoe sale?  That would actually be fun!).   

 I miss heels, also!!

I forgot to mention earlier that I found a $5 pair of what appears to be brand-new tennis shoes at our local thrift shop. I wasn't positive they would 'work' with my feet, but decided to take a try. So far, I've worn them around the house and they are fairly comfy. Steph, you may be interested. The brand is Champion, and they have the rocker-back (only in the back--not the front) soles. The soles are very thick, but also very, very lightweight.

I was leery of the rocker-back, but find they aren't bad. But I'm not sure I would wear them on a day my balance was somewhat off!

We gave all of my sister's clothes to one of these organizations.

I forgot to add that I buy the cheaper store-brand soft shoe liners (kind of like the generic form of 'Odor Eaters') and also the soft orthotics that I found in Wal-Mart's foot care section. Sorry I don't recall the name of the soft orthotics, but I really like the 3/4 foot length lavender-colored ones. They're fairly thick and really help if you have a high foot arch.

Using both together really helps the soles of my feet. I'm more liable to get cramping in my feet without them. 

Edited to add that I did find the name of the soft orthotics:  ProFoot

Steph: I've been eyeing those mary janes for a while, too. Wonder who has the best prices? They seem a little beyond my current budget.

Oh yes, and for the low iron, a supplement I used when I was anemic was Floravit which is easy on the digestion both in terms of not having nausea and not causing constipation (I get it at a health food store where I also get Prairie Naturals Magnesium which is also liquid and easy to absorb): http://www.kinat.com/en/products/by-company/Flora_En/floravit_formula.html