I’m vitamin D deficient, are you?

Two years ago I injured my right arm and neck after working forty hours a week for several months at a computer station that was not ergonomically designed for me. The cause of the injury is embarrassing, and for two years I have felt like a pathetic 26 year old loser who whines constantly!

For some reason, I will not heal. I have seen at least six different doctors, three physical therapists, and a massage therapist. I have had seven ergonomic evaluations, and I have every piece of specialized-weird computer devices ever invented! Still, the pain is constant, nagging, and incredibly annoying.

This past summer my pain traveled to my right hip. My right hip pain was so intense that I had a hard time putting any pressure on my right foot. I literally felt like a 90 year old living in a 26 year olds body. I received an evaluation from a sports medicine specialized doctor, I had an MRI that cost me as much as a new car, I had x-rays that cost as much as a day at the spa, and I went to several follow-up visits that cost me several hundred dollars in co-payments! After all of my specialized care and advice, not one healthcare professional had an answer for my pain.

Last week, I went to talk to my primary care doctor. For some strange reason I never felt compelled to talk to her about my joint/muscle pain. I just thought that I was being a bright and responsible patient directing my healthcare concerns to specialists; after all, they are the best, right?
I explained my symptoms, and the first question she asked me was, “Have you had your vitamin D level checked?” She explained that vitamin D deficiency causes musculoskeletal pain. I had a blood test and presto, I am severely vitamin D deficient. I was actually kind of excited about the news. Replacing my vitamin D is something that I can handle! I also learned that I should take the advice I give patients, and direct my medical care to my primary care doctor- go figure!

When I went to pick up my mega dose Vitamin D prescription from the pharmacy, I talked with the pharmacist for about an hour about Vitamin D deficiency and the consequences associated. He told me that I would feel a significant elevation in my mood, mind, and concentration. He said that vitamin D not only supports the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), but that Vitamin D protects the heart against cardiovascular disease, improves digestion, and prevents certain types of cancer. He said that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with PMS, depression, and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation.

I hope that replacing my Vitamin D improves the pain in my arm, neck, and hip. I am excited to see if I notice an improvement in my mood, or any other positive benefits. I wanted to share my story because I had heard about the statistics related to vitamin D deficiency and Mainers, but for some reason the information never resonated with me enough to ask my doctor to check my Vitamin D.

I asked the pharmacist, and he said that everyone living in Maine should take at least a daily 1000iu supplement of Vitamin D. Ideally, he said, everyone should have their level checked because the longer your body is deprived of vitamin D, the greater the health consequences. Prescription strength Vitamin D will raise levels quickly to replenish the body. Once the vitamin D level is within an acceptable range, prescription strength is discontinued and replaced with a daily supplement.

Enjoy a happier winter in Maine, get your vitamin D checked!!!