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WHAT'S THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING FOR VITAMIN D

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Posted 6/9/2012 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
As we have blood tests checking for PSA and T-levels while on HT, I don't believe our Dr. ever checked for his Vitamin D level.

Should that be a standard test and if so what should our numbers be on the vitamin D count.

Thanks,

BOOGEE

Posted 6/9/2012 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Good question. I was put on 1200 mgs of calcium and 800IUs of Vit D for my bone health while on HT.  Then I read articles about how Calcium can cause a heart attack so I don't know.  I'm going to ask that question on my next appt.
Posted 6/9/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
BOOGEE,

I think it is good to check it once in a while. Vitamin D helps with absorption of calcium and is important for overall bone health, especially for somone on HT. HT will reduce bone density. If your Dr checks the vitamin D, they will provide a range to go with it. I assume they are monitoring his bone density and advising him on supplements and possibly using Zometa, XGEVA, or Prolia if needed. I am on Prolia -- every 6 month injections.

Posted 6/9/2012 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
SC,

Yes he just had a bone density test and will get the results next week.
I have been giving him 1500 of calcium/ D, Costco brand, but the guys at our local PCa meeting says it needs to be 4000-5000 IU and they take D-3- 25 hydroxy, I believe.
Brand I have heard of is Vita Claus I think, or life extension brand???
They say the calcium count needs to be 60 or above which we will discuss with our Dr.
Any info on this?

BOOGEE
Posted 6/9/2012 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I take generic Walgreens calcium/vitamin D supplements: 1200 mg of Calcium and 800 IUs of Vitamin D a day. The Prolia info sheet insists on thee need for supplementing with calcium and vitamin D. I am going to discuss this with my medical oncologist on Monday. That will be the first time we will have had the chance to discuss this since my vitamin D test result, which is in range, but barely. My calcium blood levels are completely within range.
Posted 6/9/2012 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Some experts feel a level of 30ng is needed for adequate immunity. Life Extension Foundation recommends 50ng for optimum immunity.
Posted 6/9/2012 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Interested to hear what he thinks of the intake amount of calcium with D. as well as your results.

Good Luck,

BOOGEE
Posted 6/9/2012 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Boogee,calcium level should be 8.7 to 10.2 mg/dl and vitamin d 25 hydroxy should be 30-100 ng/ml. our dr has my husband on 1000 mg of calcium(citracal because of it's absorption value) and 5000 ui of vit d3.be sure to ask about this before you take them.Too much can become toxic.
Hope this helps.Also the bone medications mentioned above but all have side effects so make sure they are needed.These are usually given if you have bones mets to inhibit bone breakdown. Bone density will give the answer.

Hope this helps. Luci
Posted 6/9/2012 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Luci,

Will definately talk to our Dr. about this and thanks.
Is the 60 count perhaps measured in something other then mg/dl?

BOOGEE
Posted 6/10/2012 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Boogee,I think the 60 is vitamin d 25 hydroxy level on the blood test. If it is under 30 then you are deficient and may have to test further to find out if there is a problem with the paratyphoid or kidneys .if it is over 100 then you have too much. 60 would be a sufficient reading. The calcium level on the blood test should be within the levels mentioned above.
Don't worry too much.A blood test and a bone density test will answer these questions.

If on hormone therapy the dr should also be watching cholesterol ,diabetes and blood pressure . Heart health diet and excersie can really help.


Relax the answers will come .

Luci
Posted 6/10/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Reading again I see you are getting The vit d level confused with the calcium level.

Vit d 25 hydroxy should be 60 for sufficient reading
Calcium should be 8.7-10.2

Also read the labels on your calcium and multiple vitamin check for vit d in those .


1000-1500 mg of calcium
4000-5000 ui of d3
Your dr. Will advise how much to take .

Luci
Posted 6/10/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Luci,

I noticed your husband started HT just when my husband did. Was he having pain that caused him to have CT scan that found lymphadenpathy?

What is the suggested length of time to be on HT? Is your husband planning on surgery or RT for PCa

Good luck!
BOOGEE
Posted 6/10/2012 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
My husband had pain in his lumbar region and thigh which we thought was from Crestor the statin drug for cholesterol.that stated the process and lead to alot of scans and the biopsy for PC.Because of widespread bone mets surgery was not an option.He will be on therapy for at least a year to 18 months if he does not become hormone refectory .Dr. said it could work for 5 months or 15 years.Each treatment works differently on each man with Pc.As individually as each snowflake or each fingerprint(no two are the same).Radiation for mets can be done if there is one or two mets that cause him pain and if they are not in an area that would be too risky.
He has not had any pain since beginning Ht.and is very active.His psa is going down,maybe not as fast as I would like,and our Dr. says he is doing great.

Each man is a snowflake and each treatment works differently for each one.Do
not worry there are alot of treatments out there and more being developed.
My wish is that your husband and mine do well on Ht for a long long time.

Luci
Posted 6/10/2012 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Luci,

I too wish for you and your husband to do well on HT.
Keep us updated as to his progress as will I.

BOOGEE
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