[drswami]

I have been on 90mg of Cymbalta and 150mg of Lyrica for about 9 months, and still experiencing pain each day with severe pain and flare ups a few times per week.

I recently had my vitamin D level measured. It was 40ng/ml. I started taking a 5000iu of vitamin D per day. I increased the dose by 1000 each day until reaching 15,000.

Within 10 days my pain had diminished by an astonishing amount, more than 50%. I still get an occasional flare up, maybe once every two weeks or so, but it is far less intense and goes away quickly, whereas in the past it would last all day, and not go away until I had slept.

Previously i was unable to stand on court and teach tennis for more than an hour without pain. i can now stand on court and teach for 6 hours!

Now my legs get tired before my feet start hurting. In fact my feet hardly ever start hurting from standing. The only thing that occasionally sets them off now is stress.

It is absolutely amazing. The vitamin D has had as much impact as the drugs, possibly even more, and the improvement seems to be ongoing.

I have been taking it for 5 weeks now, and will continue at this level for a while to see what happens before trying a higher dose, or maybe a reduction in the drugs.



3 years Idiopathic PN
small fibre sensory
muscle cramps

[mrsD]

Thank you for your update. I am so glad for you that you are
feeling better.

This is why I post so much about B12 and Vit D levels.

Perhaps your PN was viral in part? Vit D improves immune functions and lessens viral infections. It has shown good results in Japan for preventing the flu.

[Stacy2012]

I have never had vit D checked...something to think about.

Any specific forms of Vit D or namebrands that are best? Should you take it if you have not tested for it?

[mrsD]

You will want Vit D3 OTC, and without a test, the upper recommendation is 2,000 IU daily.

It is not typically expensive. I get mine from Puritan's Pride.
But many other places have their own. I prefer the gelcaps,
as the tablets are rather large with lots of fillers and junk.

[Sallysblooms]

Yes, it is very iimportant for pain and immune system as well as many other things. My doctor has me on the drops.

[Idiopathic PN]

I have been reading posts from another forum that VitD3 is good for the lungs too. But, of course, patients with lung problems should take a higher dose of VitD3.

Also, when you are taking calcium supplement, it is recommended to take VitD3 and K.

[mrsD]

If you take high dose Vit D....it is suggested now to cut way back
on your calcium intake. Some doctors say no more than 600mg.
Some are saying NONE... This is because Vit D enhances calcium uptake in the intestine considerably. Normally average absorption is 20% from supplements.

[Idiopathic PN]

Originally Posted by mrsD

If you take high dose Vit D....it is suggested now to cut way back
on your calcium intake. Some doctors say no more than 600mg.
Some are saying NONE... This is because Vit D enhances calcium uptake in the intestine considerably. Normally average absorption is 20% from supplements.

Mrs.D, is this even when you are menopausal and diagnosed with osteopenia?
I am taking a 630mg from supplements and I drink milk, eat yogurt and kefir daily. And of course from other food.

[Sallysblooms]

That is scary, another reason I will always take bio iden. hormones. Do you get your bones checked often? Foods with K2 are important also.

[Idiopathic PN]

Originally Posted by Sallysblooms

That is scary, another reason I will always take bio iden. hormones. Do you get your bones checked often? Foods with K2 are important also.

Not sure if th is question is for me -- my primary care physician is giving me a bone density test every 2 years. I get my VitK from the multivitamin.