Hi,

Research is being done in Birmingham university funded by Arthritis Research into the link between Vitamin D3 and arthritis and to see if it can be helpful in the medical treatment. Apparently, there seems to be a link between Vit D3 and the activation of our immune system (to do with T-Cellls) - time will tell. Results out in 2014 so hopefully will be interesting.

I am in the early stages of the disease but i have found that a combination of sun and a lot of gentle excercise really makes a big difference in limiting the negative effects. Unfortunetly, the winter sun doesn't allow us to produce our own Vitamin D so supplements seem the best option during these months or to take long holiday! The levels perscribed by governements as safe are about 500iu but others suggest that at least 3-5000ius in a single pill are needed if you are ill so worth looking into this if you are taking supplements. My levels were really low so i was given an emergancy high dose. Almost immediately my fatigue levels dissappered however i felt no difference when later on the DCal pills (500iu) and i returned to fatigue and stiffness. I am not keen on taking too much calcium either with the DCAL and perfer to get that from my food so perfer to take just D3 supplements by themselves.

This website is interesting for general information:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/

I did a small test last winter when i went on 2 winter sun holidays. I arrived feeling very fatigued and with very stiff morning hands/ painful joints and found that this went after a few days only to come back again when i got home. My consultant thinks that it is just the rest and this may help but i also did a lot of walking throughout which i think helps too.

I would be interesting to see if others out there have found sunshine benefical against arthritis.

Emma

Hi I've been prescribed calcichew, containing calcium and vit D. Have never had a check for vit D, in fact, did not know such a problem could exist. I just thought that it was included so that we can absorb the calcium better. Could this check be done alongside our normal blood test? assuming it is checked with a blood test.thankyou Zena x.

Hello everyone, I too have been diagnosed last week as having low vit D. So am interested to read other peoples experiences after trawling the net to find more info. I have been in alot more pain all summer and feeling really tired and rang the rheummy nurse who suggested a vit d blood test. My level is 13.8 the normal level is apparently 25.

Sorry i have not been on here all summer, on top of this i have been really busy sorting out my late dad's house sale etc. Plus supporting Patrick my son who had major surgery in May!

Hope you are all reasonably ok despite ongoing health problems.

Hopefully i will have more time to get back onto the forum now.

Bevxx

Hi Bev - I've joined the forum fairly recently, so I don't thnk we've met yet. Hope to get to know you online. I'm 54 and recently diagnosed after struggling for about 3 years. I'm on MTX and HDX which are working well for me, and I'm now feeling loads better. I love this forum and try to pop in most days for a "chat"


Sylvia xx