Posted by Larry Hoover on March 10, 2007, at 14:26:46
In reply to Re: Vitamin D deficiency, posted by natrfrk on March 7, 2007, at 23:42:26
> So, as far as hyperparathyroidism, I don't think so, they didn't say anything about that. What test determines that?
They measure circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH).
> My biggest complaint though, was my teeth were starting to "melt". They were shrinking and changing shape and becoming very pointed.
>
> They are returning to normal now.What changed that would bring them back towards normal? Saliva is rich in calcium and phosphate, and does indeed replenish mineral stores in teeth. That's how minor cavities heal. What's the time frame, here?
> But I know I need to get started on that Vit D supplement. I was just concerned about that dosage. I wish it was broken down into daily dosage.
As I say in my last post, you can easily do that by getting some 1000 IU tablets, and parcelling them out into daily doses, rather than weekly.
> Can you tell me how the body uses that much when it is taken all at once like that? What about the fact that it won't get any more for a week each time?The liver soaks it up, and gradually re-releases it. It would be more readily absorbed if taken daily, though.
> I would like to post back with my results when I get them. I am curious if anyone can tell me just how long I must have been deficient to get my levels as low as they went on to me over the phone.Years.
> I am curious too, how do I know the extent of the damage caused thus far? Since my teeth were demineralizing, I am concerned about my bones.
Guaranteed your bones were the source of whatever calcium was in your blood. That's why I asked about PTH. High PTH increases bone resorption (osteoclast activity), and suppresses bone deposition (osteoblasts). In your case, vitamin D deficiency would have led to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Secondary means "caused by something else going awry", in this terminology.
> No bone density tests have been done or suggested.
Have you had any low back pain? Muscle weakness? Pain in thighs, arms, or ribs?
> Thanks again for helping me understand...
I won't rest until you're satisfied that you do.
You will have to be patient with this. It didn't happen overnight, and it isn't going to be fixed overnight. Over time, getting your vitamin D stores replenished, and getting into a low-impact exercise program should get you back on track, even if bone density has already taken a hit.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:739011
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20070227/msgs/739896.html