So question? Is there a reason your drs test you for vitamin D deficiency? Is it just to do with the RA or is it something else?
My Dr who I dont much care for has never tested it or for anyother deficiencies. I dont think shes tested for anything besides my liver. Should i ask for these tests?

Sarah
do you know what products monsantos is in? Since I have been diagnosed with celiac my food choices are limited and corn is something I can have so it'd be nice to no what to avoid.

Sarah,

I completely agree with you about corn, and Monsanto's genetic corn, especially, which has been forced down most farmer's throats, by unethical business practices. If you haven't seen it, check out the movie "Food, Inc." Pretty scary stuff.

And, corn IS in everything. High fructose corn syrup is a big contributor to a national health crisis. Corn has an extremely high glycemic index. I never did eat much. However, I like polenta, but I've reluvtantly given that up. That and potatoes (mostly). I use olive oil almost exclusively for cooking. The almost is because I use some butter. I started using a mostly soy based substitute, because my DIL is vegan, but that has corn in the flavoring, and aside from dairy considerations (see how easily I brush that aside?), butter has a lot less *stuff* in it.

With regard to kidneys not functioning, I had a worrisome creatinine level a while back, attributed to NSAIDS. So, no more ibuprofen or the like. I had a metabolic panel done 2 months ago, and all is good. My Vit D level was very good the last time it was checked, but that's been a year and a half, so I should probably have it checked again.

I've been wondering about my intestinal health, and have tiptoed around the fringes, trying to find how best I should approach it. In my complicated case, there's a chance that my panc (1/2) isn't producing digestive enzymes properly. My lipase and protease were great in a post-surgery check, but II should have it checked again.

And, processed foods... I agree. It's a worthy goal and very doable.

doug

Doug,
I've been wanting to watch that film because I've heard it's a must see. I know Monsanto has the soy crops under their thumb too but I don't know by how much, do you?
Ahhsushi,
Maybe you should ask for tests that can check your kidney function. I don't know how willing a doctor would be or what tests could be done specifically, but if I had a doctor I would definitely ask to have them more specifically checked.
-Sarah

Sarah,

I think Monsanto has 90% or so ofthe US soybean market. Maybe even more than corn. You know of course that they devloped Roundup, and some other nasty stuff. They were a chemical company before they got into agri-business. They basically developed genetically modified seeds that resisted Roundup, and then cornered the market through nasty business.

Checkout this article:

http://www.france24.com/en/20090418-superweed-explosion-threatens-monsanto-heartlands-genetically-modified-US-crops

Also, just for fun, do a google search on "monsanto evil". These guys are the very worst.

doug

Here's the link to an article about vitamin D. http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/the-truth-about-vitamin-d?page=4

It 's about 4 pages but worth the read.

I am cutting a pasting part of the article about drugs that interact with vitamin D ----

" Does vitamin D interact with other medications?

Yes. Steroid medications such as prednisone can interfere with vitamin D metabolism. If you take steroid drugs regularly, discuss vitamin D with your doctor.

The weight loss drug orlistat -- brand names include Xenical and Alli -- may cut absorption of vitamin D. So does the cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine (sold as Questran, LoCholest, and Prevalite). People taking these drugs should discuss vitamin intake with their doctors.

The seizure drugs Phenobarbital and Dilantin (phenytoin), affect vitamin D metabolism and affect calcium absorption. So do anti-tuberculosis drugs.

On the other hand, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and thiazide diuretics increase vitamin D levels."

Opps sorry the link was to the last page of the article. Here is the link to the first page of the article -

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/the-truth-about-vitamin-d?ecd=wnl_rhu_011510

Here's another article about vitamin D and osteoporosis -

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/vitamin-d-for-osteoporosis?ecd=wnl_rhu_011510

Thank you Doug and HMbaby!

I'm getting ready to try these supplements: Calcium D-Glucarate and DIM (Diindolylmethane) which helps to lower down the excess "bad' Estrogen from the plastics that used in everything in our lives. Then I believe the vitamins/supplements that I take (including the vitamin D) will be better absorbed in my body and I won't have such great deficiencies.

{{{hugs}}} :-)

I also had a very low Vit D level and am now on Vit D 2000units per day. I have noticed an improvement in my fatigue and muscle pain. I don't know if this was an issue prior to being on MTX, but I've had these problems since before I was diagnosed with RA. I also wonder it can be all related since so many of us RA pts. seem to have a lot of the same deficiencies. Can't they find a cure for this debilitating disease? UUHHH! It's such a struggle somedays just to get out of bed.