Friday, September 16, 2011

Raised calcium and low vitamin D

This has really been a month of tests. For some inexplicable reason, this is the month I have scheduled many of my annual tests: the opthamologist, gynae (have to have Z-sampler every six months) and my thyroid doctor (endocronologist). Next month is the oncologist.
One hassle about this is that it costs me a lot of money. For example, the gynae cost me R1660 of which the medical aid paid back R527. Look, I am grateful to have access to such good doctors and am lucky I can afford to see them but the reality is that I then tend to spend the equivalent on something frivolous - and why not? If I always have the money to spend on the excess costs when it comes to my health - and I do believe in prioritising my health, why shouldn't I spend the equivalent on something fun and fulfilling?
Anyway, this week I had to have a series of blood tests before seeing The Thyroid Doc. Guess I could call him Mr Sexy. He had said a year ago that he needed to look at my general health and so he was scheduling me to do a series of tests. When I got thrush in my mouth, I did the glucose fasting test earlier this year. But did all the others this week.
And the results have thrown me a little.
My thyroid and cholesterol were perfect. In fact, my cholesterol was 4.9 which for me is excellent. And then in the general examination, my resting heart rate was 64 which I am totally chuffed about as I am clearly getting fitter by the second, and my blood pressure was 104 over 70. And I had lost 3kg since last year.
So far all very good.
But... my calcium is slightly raised (2.6-something instead of 2.3 or something) and my vitamin D is very low (15 when 30 is normal and 10 is dire).
Dr Sexy said the raised calcium could be because I am taking calcium pills and so I have stopped them with immediate effect. And he has prescribed this potent vitamin D tab to be taken once a week (rushed out from work today to get them so can start tomorrow) and am scheduled for more tests in two weeks' time.
He also said the raised calcium could a benign tumour on the parathyroids.
But I have been googling "raised calcium low vitamin D" and it all sounds so fakking dire I could vomit.
Oh well, nothing I can do about it right now. Doing the tests on October 11 and getting the results the next day, before Dr Sexy leaves the country for three weeks.



2 comments:

  1. Gillian, overall you would have to be happy with improvements in your general health.
    I have no idea what to make of the calcium and Vit D levels, however, I am so pleased you have been tested and will now be working on bringing things back into balance. With help from an attractive doctor..

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  2. I have really low vitamin D levels and have taken the prescription D followed by steady doses of over-the-counter D, plus I am in the sun a lot. I think that low D is related to getting cancer in the first place. I am glad you are getting your level boosted up.

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