Doctor Told Me I'm Vitamin D Deficient
I must tell you that this made me set up and take note. You see my doctor just told me that I have a problem with my level of D vitamin - my blood work was back. So he has put me on a vitamin D supplement to bring my level back up. I already take a vitamin B supplement. My point is "you might want to have this checked out next time you have labs drawn".
I had been having symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) for several years and had complained about it to my general neurologist when he informed me that Vitamin-D deficiency can cause those symptoms. As an RN, I knew that low potassium could cause muscle cramps in the legs, but not Vitamin D. He checked by my blood levels and mine was significantly low. Long story short, I started supplementation and he kept checking my blood levels as I titrated up until my serum levels reached the "normal" range (30-100), when my symptoms went away completely. I haven't had any more problems with RLS except for the one time I ran out of Vitamin D and stopped taking it for about 10 days. I take 5000 IU per day in order to keep my serum level at about 40-45, but everyone's needs will vary.
KevinD. Thanks for the post! I have yet to see the Neurologist, that is scheduled for this Monday. As I said once before I am just getting back to the VA Hospital after a long time away. Maybe after hearing what you are going through he will tell me the same thing, I also have pain and restlessness in my legs... my primary care physician just put me on a vitamin D regiment as I was low in that area my last blood work up. I have had this disease for years myself and I am getting better answers to my questions here on this community site than any where else. THANKS TO YOU ALL!
TerryB.
