After seeing my family doctor before Christmas, she gave me a referral to see a rheumatologist. I already know I have arthritis in my back and I receive epidural steroid injections for that, but I have been experiencing a lot of aches and pains. My hands, feet, neck….you name it, it hurts. I am also exhausted all the time. The problem is, that all my systems could be some form of rheumatoid arthritis or the result of all the other trauma I’ve endured. OR it could be a combination of the two.

I went to see the specialist and she did an extensive exam; read my chart, which is the size of War and Peace, and gave me a requisition for a bunch of x-rays. She also prescribed some medication that I can only take for a short period as the side effects are as bad as the symptoms its supposed to treat. The doctor also asked me how much vitamin D I take. I told her I don’t take any supplements, I just try to eat well.

“Vitamin D, Vitamin D, VITAMIN D!!!!! You can’t have enough. In your case, dealing with arthritis, fatigue and especially cancer, you need to take A LOT of vitamin D. You can’t get what you need from food alone. And since we live in Canada, we don’t get enough sunlight to provide healthy levels. I am going to write you a prescription for a mega dose. Let’s see if it helps.”

“If I need more sunlight, can you write me a prescription that says I should move to the south of Spain?” I joked. I wasn’t actually joking. If a doctor could write a prescription that said I needed to live in a sunny climate, my bags would be packed in an instant! I’d love to submit that prescription to my insurance company and see their reaction.

I had the prescription filled but have been waiting to take the vitamin D pill. Studies I’ve read say you should take anything from 200 IU to 1000 IU a day of vitamin D. My prescription is for….ready…50,000IU! Yup, you read that right. I am to take one pill a week. 50,000 IU?! At that kind of dosage I’ll have the “sunniest” disposition going!

I’ve taken the pill. So far, I’m not glowing but it’s only been an hour. I am excited by the prospect that I may have more energy and less stiffness. To be honest, I get excited about anything that might help me feel better. Eye of newt? I’ll try anything.

Today is a sunny day, albeit -8C. I will try to go out, even just to stand on my driveway, to get some sunshine and fresh air. I also realized that I have to get my passport renewed as it expires today! I need to ensure that if and when I do get a prescription to move to a sun drenched climate, that I’m ready to go. See? My disposition is sunnier already!

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