Calcium/Vitamin D

Scampoodle

Are you referring to Alca D 3. Which I’ve been taking for some time. It helps strengthen the bones, it’s better than the over the counter stuff.

There should be no damage as it’s mainly a supplement, I didn’t start taking mine till nearly the third year.

What I would do phone or see the doctor, the hospital won’t prescribe it as I’ve said it’s a like a supplement. 
stay safe 

Joe

Hi Joe

I've no idea what it's called - I still havnt yet spoken to the GP. The hospital requested the GP prescribe the calcium and vitamin D and didn't give any name.

It's good to hear you didn'tstart yours  immediately.

Many thanks for your response.

Regards

Stuart

Hi Stuart.

My oncologist recommended that I take Adcal D3 (Calcium + Vitamin D) tablets 'to protect my bones'. They are supplied monthly by my GP practice. I've been on them for 3 years. Now that I have finished Zoladex injections I have decided not to take them any more for the following reasons: Internet research has revealed some disagreement among experts as to the benefits of inorganic calcium (with Vit D) in the diet in protecting bone health. A number of trials have shown that inorganic supplements are not effective in reducing bone loss and it's better to include organic forms along with Vit D supplements (e.g. tinned sardines - bones and all). I have recently been quite scared by strong evidence that inorganic calcium supplementation can cause aortic calcification (stenosis) in some people leading to heart problems and potential need for e.g. heart valve replacement surgery. I have recently had a DEXA scan (bone density scan) but haven't had the results yet. I may change my mind when I get the results but am hesitant at trusting advice about e.g. dietary advice/supplementation by a medical profession that still believes that 'drinking milk is good for bone health' - the evidence for which is slim and stems from old advertising campaigns based on flimsy evidence by the dairy industry. Remember also that there is a strong link between calcium in the diet and prostate cancer. Please do your own research and make your own mind up, but be a little sceptical about simple claims about the benefits of supplements! Good luck.

Vitor

Hi Vitor

Many thanks for the detailed response - much appreciated.

Regards

Stuart 

I now wonder if I should have been told about this supplement. I have found that at my GP's the letters from the hospital are never looked at. I did have some terrible trouble with some medication prescribed by a consultant and had to be contacted even though I had a copy of the hospital discharge form (I'd given them the original) stating the medication and signed by the consultant. I sometimes think they just have a dustbin under the letter box.

Good luck and best regards Reg  

Hi perfect

I have found that the correspondence between hospital and doctors, is down to the back room staff, hate saying that, I’ve found time and again me chasing things up especially prescriptions. Sometimes their on the ball fast as when I had kidney stones and there was an infection, they phoned not long after I got home enquiring about my health.

stay safe

Joe

I agreed a treatment plan with my oncologist (which meant that I made sure that I was aware of most issues regarding my diagnosis and treatment options beforehand). I received a letter detailing this which was copied to my GP. The NHS is much more patient-led these days than in the past. This means that the patient has a lot more control over their care than in the past. I book telephone consults with my GP to discuss issues relating to my care and request face-to-face appointments only when necessary. Being in control of my treatment means that I book appointments for e.g. 3-monthly injections, reviews on treatments and side-effects etc. I don’t expect my surgery to be that proactive. I’m very lucky that my GP practice is excellent. All I can advise is that patients make sure that their GP practice is made aware of their treatment plan and acts accordingly.

Eat sensibly, drink moderately, keep fit and enjoy life.

Vitor

Hi Vitor

Couldn't agree more we need to manage our health. 

My problem was that I didn't get a copy of the letter asking the GP to prescribe- had I done so I would have been on them like a shot 2 years ago!

Regards

Stuart

A friend just sent me this Youtube link.

https://youtu.be/YjtROU1MeTo

Dr John Campbell analysing the effect of taking Vitamin D. I'm going to increase to 100 micrograms per day as there is evidence that Vit D can reduce Gleason score (mine is 9) and reduce the risk of death - from all causes.

Thank you for this link Chris. Like you I was Gleason 9. Dr Campbell explains the science very well. Updating a previous post, I have now had the results of my DEXA scan which showed that I have borderline osteoporosis. I refused treatment unless things get worse - e.g. I get a fracture. Instead I intend to rely on diet (mainly plant-based, including lots of green tea), exercise and the following: I am taking vitamins D3 + K2 to support my immune system and bone health. The dosage is 75ug (3000 IU) of D3 and 75 ug of vitamin K2. I take this together as a 3-shot mouth spray (by 'BetterYou', available in most chemists). I also take Vitamin B12 as an oral spray too. I don't think I need to up the D3 to 100ug now that summer is approaching as I'm out a lot. Hopefully, as long as I don't weaken and stick to my plan, my PSA will stay zero (as it has now for circa 4 years).

All the best.