Lupus and Vitamin D Deficiency
The Lupus Foundation of America has many walks for lupus coming up. I can’t walk myself because there’s no walk near me and I can’t handle the long time out in the sun. I am sensitive to the sun. Lupus makes some people photosensitive. The person’s body does not react normally to the affects of the sun. If I’m out in the sun for too long it usually sends me in to a full flare. It’s not as bad if I cover myself up from the sun.
I really need the sun because I have problems with not getting enough vitamin D levels. About a year ago my vitamin D levels were critical. I had my doctor’s nurse yelling at me because she couldn’t reach me. My phone voicemail wasn’t working right. I couldn’t understand why she was so upset over a supplement. I checked the internet for information on vitamin D supplements. Last time, I had my D levels check was not normal again. Once again I was put on 50,000 units of Drisdol once a week for 8 weeks. I take high dose calcium and vitamin D supplements by doctors orders. I go back to the doctor next month. He told me that people with lupus and other autoimmune disorders have difficulty with keeping vitamin D in there body. He actually told me somewhere they are doing a study about it.
Vitamin D is received into the body from the sun and from your diet. Now I can see why in school they preached about drinking enough milk and getting out in the sun. Well outdoor sun isn’t an option for me too long. When I do go outside I usually wear my silly aqua colored hat with the floppy sides to cover my face. It’s the kind of hat that blossom use to wear on the TV show. I have tried finding a different hat and most of them don’t cover my face enough. I have special sun block that I wear when I’m out in the sun. And let me tell you that stuff is greasy.
The lupus foundation of America has a few articles on vitamin D deficiency. The article I read states the vitamin D deficiency is the most common deficiency in lupus patients. There is also a good web module on lupus and bone health.
February 21 2008 09:37 am | Life with Lupus
February 21st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hi! Thank you so much for dropping by and your comment. I’ve already added you to my links.
If you don’t mind, may I ask how you got it? Sorry if I had to ask, it’s just that I’ve met quite a few bloggers with lupus.
I’m glad to have met you and I’m looking forward to getting to know you more.
Take care and have a nice day.
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I never drank mild until I was in my 20’s. I hate the sun. No I live in cloudy Seattle. BUT, I feel I know what started my MS, and people who drank milk, gots lots of sun, still got MS. I hink the trigger of all the immune system diseases is less impoetant than the inner mechanism that fails.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I changed your link on my 100 Chronic Illness Blogs list. Let me know when you change your address, so I can send viewers straight over. GO PINK! Diane-
PS: I plan to highlight your blog tomorrow on my site.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:37 am
Love your new site. I’m adding it to my blogroll.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
First time visitor here on your new site, it looks great! Wordpress can be tricky sometimes..
I too have to take mega doses of Vitamin D, my doc always comments on my pale appearance, duh!! It’s not like I’m going to go out and lay in the sun
Wishing you a pain free day today
Michelle
July 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Although all my symtoms indicate that I have lupus and my doctors are almost sure that I do because of my medical condition but testing is not conclusive,I have now found out I have a vitamin D deficiency which is more evidence to me of the lupus.