Hello Everyone!
I don't know who is exactly reading my story or not but I got my test results back from the doctors and so far (very happy) they don't have any more reason to suspect lupus or RA. That is the good news. However, I have a Vitamin D Deficiency. Vitamin D Deficiency can cause major joint pain and muscle aches, spasms, etc. So...that would explain why I am sore all the time and diffferent joints hurt on different days. So...now I am prescribed to take 2,000 units of vitamin d a day for 8 weeks and then return for more tests. HOpefully....that is the problem. If it isn't then I will keep going to the doctors searching for answers....because that is all we can do. I just thought I would share my diagnosis with others b/c they could be too just be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency and just need to add it to their daily supplement. I will be back to let you all know if the supplements help or not. Thank you all for the support. I love this board and it means a lot that their are so many wonderful caring people out there that are hear to give sound advice and a positive outlook.

Maggie

Great news I am really happy for you. I am going to ask for a vitamin D test thanks and I am really happy for you. Did you see a rheumy or regular Dr?

It was my family practice doc. I guess the research on Vitamin D deficiency is kind of new (since 2005) but there has been studies and I have done some research now on the internet. So crazy that it can cause whole body muscle pain....and fatigue. It does not explain all my symptoms...but I am hopefull that this is the answer and I will take my pills to see if they are right. If their wrong...then I will just keep digging. So many of these symptoms fit so many different dignosis....I think that it is why it is so hard to pinpoint all of us. Goodluck! Let me know how your Vitamin D turned out.

Hi, Maggie. I was anemic on & off for years, in conjunction with undiagnosed lupus. Anemia in lupus is fairly common, actually---but it can also occur "standalone" or in conjunction with other illnesses. (Dr. Wallace covers the subject in his hardcover on lupus.)

I *think* there may be some anemia tests that can help get to the underlying reason. You may want to ask your doctor for more info...? Anyway, if the pills do the job, GREAT. If not, you could always ask to see a hematologist. GOOD LUCK & take good care, Vee

I have been suffering with RA symptoms for 4 years. I just had my levels of vitamin d checked and they are dangerously low. I am hopeful that replacing the D will make it so that my Enbrell can be stopped. anyone with a similar story?

I too have a vitamin D deficiency. I was given a large dose once every week and when they tried to cut it back to every other week I could not do it. With the lupus I avoid the sunlight and so it puts me at more of a risk. I drink raw goat milk instead of fortified pasturized milk as well. I hope you can get your D balanced as quickly as I did. Good luck. troman;)

Hi, I was recently sent for bloodtests again b/c I have muscle spasms and cramping all over my body, it's unbelievable. Even my hands and face. I have had it before I had lumbar spine surgery, and a little here & there after, but nothing for concern. Over the past few weeks, though, it has gotten worse again. I wear a rigid big brace around my right foot & ankle, so it doesnt move at all....but yet I still keep getting foot cramps in there. Its not like I can stretch my foot the wrong way, it stays static. I was sent for more blood tests, to check this plus magnesium, and other tests (CBC, CMP, ESR). I hadnt heard anything back, so after over a week I called the office, but they never call back. I called a few times, with no call back as to if all was okay. So I just assume it has nothing to do with any vitamin or mineral deficiencies in my case. But I am glad your doctor was able to solve your issue!