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Vitamin d and Fibromyalgia Pain
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

I just hate to hear stories like yours. I really believe that it should be considered malpractice for doctors to not check for:

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Adrenal Gland Fatigue

Gluten Sensitivity

Selenium Deficiency

and a whole host of other VERY EASILY obtainable nutritional tests before diagnosing someone with 'Fibromyalgia'. I doubt that all of your symptoms will go away with higher vitamin d levels, but there is a VERY strong link between Vitamin D and Pain- and your fatigue could be improved too with higher vitamin d levels.

And your instinct is correct about 1000 IU's of vitamin d- that is a ridiculously low dose that is a serious INSULT to your medical condition! A level of 20 ng/ml is actually QUITE low when you IGNORE the laboratory normal levels on your lab sheet and compare your levels to the researcher recommended 'Optimal' Vitamin D Levels- then your numbers all of a sudden are a low lower.

And that's a good thing because then you have something that can be fixed now! Yeah!!


As far as your dosage is concerned, be sure to read the Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency page and you'll see that 1000 IU's per day is silly and insulting. According to...

(continued below....)
Fibromyalgia continued...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

that chart, you should be taking 50,000 IU's per week- which is more than 7000 IU's per day! The dose that your doctor is recommending for you is a MAINTENANCE dose for a newborn infant! Not a TREATMENT for an adult!!

And also make sure that you are NOT given Prescription Vitamin D either as that is not recommended.

But Sharon, there really is SOOOOO much that you can do, you do NOT have to live with so much pain and fatigue.

If you optimize your Magnesium Dosage, start taking high dose Methylcobalamin B12, find out if you have Gluten Sensitivity, consider Carnitine for Fatigue, get tested for the H Pylori Bacteria and a ton of other things that your doctor just has simply not done- and you could definitely improve.

Really, you are not doomed to live your life like this and its criminal that doctors say that you have to. So, let me know what I can do to help.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Easy Immune Health.com
How long before Vitamin D improves symptoms?
by: Sharon J

Thank you, Kerri, for steering me in the right direction for taking the Vitamin D. I bought a bottle of 5,000 iu and a bottle of 2,000 iu for about $12.00 for both and can take one of each every day.

How long after increasing the Vitamin D will I notice any changes?

I am interested in the Chelated Magnesium Supplements, too, but when I have taken it in the past, it causes a lot of loose stools. So I stopped taking it. I am interested in the spray or cream instead. How effective are they?

I got laid off three times this year and now work a retail job part time where I am on my feet my entire shift, and I am really hoping for some relief soon. Can stress increase pain levels?
Yes, magnesium works...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Good. Taking higher levels of vitamin d is likely to help, although not guaranteed. If your pain is due to vitamin d deficiency, then it could take 4 to 8 weeks to see results... so be patient, sometimes even longer.

Yes, the magnesium gel works- especially for those who get loose stools quickly. Ancient Minerals has an excellent Transdermal Magnesium Gel. And for a 'cheap' magnesium boost, put about a pound of Epsom Salts from the drug store into warm bath and soak for as long as it comfortable up to 3 times a day if you have time.

And YES, YES- stress does make pain worse- because it depletes magnesium!! And it stresses your adrenal glands, makes your muscles tight, etc. But magnesium can help with all of that. I suspect that if you are undergoing a LOT of stress, that magnesium will be a big help for you- so try the Epsom salt baths and apply Transdermal Magnesium Gel after the bath like a lotion!


Here's the page on Epsom Salt Uses to tell you how to do an Epsom Salt Bath and other cool things about Epsom Salts.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Easy Immune Health.com
Espom Salt Miracle!
by: Sharon J

Kerri:

Last night I decided to try an Epsom Salt bath as you recommended in your first message to me, and I have to say that I am joyful this morning! I am in SO MUCH LESS PAIN! (is that possible??) I did not know the right "recipe" for the epsom salt bath before I got your new message, so I actually put 4 cups of salts in my bath. I soaked for about 25 minutes. When I got out, I was so relaxed that I could hardly stay awake, and I slept very, very well last night.

I also read online last night that epsom salts can also be applied directly to the body when it is still wet in the shower, gently massaging it in, and then rinsing it off. It is also supposed to act as a wonderful exfoliant. I would really love to get the magnesium oil that you offer, but being severely underemployed right now, I cannot afford it. So I am going to try another one of the Epsom Salt Uses by applying the salts directly to my body when I shower this morning and I will let you know how it works.

I am so glad that I found your website. I feel hope for the first time in 15 years! God bless you for your outreach to everyone who discovers your site!
Epsom Salts Really Helping Me!
by: Sharon J

Kerri:

I have been using the epsom salts in either a bath or applying them directly to my skin while showering twice a day and also soaking my feet and legs immersed in small wastepaper baskets that I purchased especially for soaking in epsom salts (they are great... the water soaks my entire foot, and leg & calf up to my knees while watching TV) since December 31 (today is January 5.)

I have to tell you something that I am so excited about: Today was the first day in many years that I had absolutely NO PAIN in my feet, legs, calves, or back! I worked a six-hour shift today on my feet the entire time, and what a difference in how joyful my work was as I was not crippled up in pain!

I am sold on Epsom Salt Uses. I can only imagine how much better I will feel when my Vitamin D Level is back to normal, too.

Sharon
Magnesium is amazing...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Oh Sharon,

I'm so happy to hear how much better you are doing. And from something so simple and cheap too! Well, it makes me sad that doctors can't just say, "Well, why don't you try taking some magnesium and see if it helps."


As in your case, I'm willing to bet that you have had your Magnesium Blood Levels checked at least several times in the past 15 years and they were normal. Yet, that is exactly what your body needed!

Normal magnesium levels do NOT mean that you are not deficient!!

So, keep us informed of your progress. I'm so happy that you are doing so much better now!


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Is it possible to overdose on Magnesium with Epsom Salt baths and soaks?
by: Sharon J

Kerri:

I have enjoyed day two of being pain-free after working an 8 hour shift on my feet all day. I have been suffering from plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis for years, too, and even that is much better.

It is 11:00 pm, and now I am feeling some stress in my muscles in my feet and calves. I am eager to take my epsom salt bath and go to bed, but after reading your notes about taking too much magnesium, I need to ask if it is possible to overdose on Magnesium from too many Epsom Salt soaks?

I am sold on Epsom Salt baths and soaks, and want to continue to enjoy the reduction in pain, but I don't want to overdo it.

Sharon J.
Epsom Salts are OK..
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

There was not one report that I have read that states that there has ever been an overdose on Epsom Salts when taken TOPICALLY. I'm sure it would be be a possibility if you had kidney failure, but it's extraordinarily hard to overdose on magnesium even taken orally.

There are just so few cases of it in the literature that I really only include the possibility of overdose in order to 'cover my behind' and let people know of its remote possibility.

The vast majority are very low on Magnesium and will benefit by it.

Also, you should check out my husband Joshua's website for your Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis issues. I'll bet that some of his recommendations will help those out a lot too!


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Recommendation for Oral Magnesium Therapy?
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

I have really enjoyed the benefits of the epsom salt baths, but I think I would like to try taking Magnesium orally, too. For the last two days, because of my schedule, I was not able to soak at all, and I am in a pain again. I really benefitted from soaking 2-3 times a day, but it is not always practical. I will continue with the soaks as my schedule allows, but I think I should be taking some magnesium on a daily basis, too.

Better Multi for Your Immune System

I am prone to loose stools, and am a little afraid of taking Magnesium orally. Based on what you know about the success of the Magnesium Bath Salts therapy that I am doing, can you make a recommendation for me with starting the Magnesium supplements that would help my deficiency and also minimize the chance of loose stools?

Sharon J.
Just go slowly...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Be sure to read the instructions on my Magnesiium Dosage page and start out with maybe 100 mg twice daily.

With Fibromyalgia, you might particularly benefit from a product called magnesium maleate.
Jigsaw Health's Extended Release Magnesium Malate is a particularly good form to use for fibromyalgia.

Magnesium together with malic acid has been shown to be helpful for Fibromyalgia, so a formulation that also contains malic or that says 'Malate' in some form would be the best.

Also, I know that your pocketbook isn't what you'd like and I was wondering if you could make your own magnesium oil from epsom salts, but apparently it seems that unless you have a particularly pure source of epsom salts, then doing so can concentrate toxins and is not recommended- darn!


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Liquid Magnesium?
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

Since I wrote to you this morning, I went to the Health Food store to see if they have Transdermal Magnesium Gel or magnesium cream, and they did not. BUT....the nutritionist told me about another form of magnesium, which is a liquid that can be taken orally, but suggested instead that I try applying it topically like the oil.

It is an ionic magnesium, 400mg per 3/4 spoon dosage, with NO OTHER INGREDIENTS in it. It makes sense to me that this would work topically as the skin would absorb it just the same.

I decided to purchase some.

Do you have any thoughts?

Sharon

P.S. I also got some Methylcobalamin B12, too.
Ionic Magnesium...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

I have no experience with it, and so I have no idea if it will absorb topically or not. If its safe to take it orally, it should be safe to try it on your skin too.

Ionic magnesium, however, seems to have a higher 'loose stool' threshold too. Dr. Carolyn Dean recommends it for those who reach 'loose stool' threshold at a low dose and feels that much higher doses can be taken with fewer digestive complaints.

So, play around with it and see how it works for you.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Trial
by: Sharon J

OK. I will give it a try for a day or two, and also use the epsom salts as my schedule permits. If it causes loose stools or doesn't work, I will get the Magnesium Malate that you recommended.
Magnesium Malate won't be better....
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Actually ionic magnesium will have the LEAST amount of GI trouble, according to Dr. Dean, so if it causes problems, just keep decreasing the dose. It's pretty concentrated, so even small amounts could really help.

Even bring an eye dropper with you to work and taking little drops of it throughout the day might allow you to be able to take more without problems.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Some Questions About Magnesium Effects
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

Last time I wrote, I told you about the liquid magnesium that the health food store suggested as a topical application in place of the magnesium gel. I have tried it for a few days topically, and did not really have good benefits like I had hoped for. In fact, when I put in on my skin, within 15 minutes I felt like I had been drugged and became much too relaxed and went too sleep! It actually made me feel impaired! I used 1/8 teaspoon and put it on my inner arms and neck. I did not like it at all. And it did not really help my pain like the epsom salts do. So, last night I decided to take in in water. I started out with 1/8 teaspoon in a glass of water (the bottle said to use 3/4 teaspoon daily) and took an epsom salt bath, and today I am doing better. I don't have as much pain. I have to say that I am some frustrated, because when I first started using the epsom salt baths, I was rewarded with three consecutive pain-free days, but since then, I have had some pain return. It is better overall, but I still hope for some pain-free days again and have not found the magic combination with the magnesium and epsom salts to maintain pain-free days.

I do have a few questions about magnesium, though. Since Using Epsom Salts, I have some developed some stool consistency issues. They are much too creamy and unformed. Not diarrhea, just very frequent unnatural movement and too much gas that is quite odiferous. This happened before I started using the liquid magnesium, and it occurs to me to ask you if I can have GI problems from taking magnesium topically through too frequent epsom salt baths? If so, how can I regain normalcy?

Also, since taking the baths and now adding the liquid magnesium, I notice what feels like a blood pressure drop, which leaves me feeling somewhat faint and needing to sit down to recover a lot. In general, I feel too washed out lately. I have high blood pressure and currently take blood pressure medicine, and I wonder if the magnesium can lower my blood pressure too much with taking medicine, too?

Thanks for your help.

Sharon J.
Get your medication reevaluated
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Yes, definitely get your Blood Pressure Medication needs reevaluated if you are feeling like its low. Magnesium can ABSOLUTELY lower your blood pressure and you may not even NEED your blood pressure medication any more if it's become too low!!

Your blood pressure problems may have just been due to pain and Magnesium Deficiency!!


About your stools. While it's rare, I have had one client who had SEVERE digestive complaints with topical magnesium! While it sounds unlikely, he was VERY clear about the correlation too.

If you still have problems with this, then I would suggest simply adding a fiber supplement to normalize this problem. Chia seeds or some ground flax will probably do the trick. Magnesium is also very detoxifying, so it could be a bit of a detox reaction as well- which the fiber can help with as well.

Everyone reacts differently to different formulations of magnesium, so you'll just have to find your balance. Also, its great that you've found some pain relief with magnesium, but it's certainly possible that you have some other imbalances that are contributing to your experience of Fibromyalgia and hopefully experiencing some pain-free days will spur you on to realize how much nutrients and diet can have to do with your condition.

So, have you tried out a Gluten Free Diet yet? Are you off of sugar and processed foods? What else could you be improving to get these imbalances fixed?


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Blood Pressure Changes and Epsom Salt Baths
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

I went to see my physician this week because I was feeling so weak and thought that my blood pressure was getting too low from the Magnesium in the Epsom Salt Baths. My doctor explained that my blood pressure was fine when I was in his office, but said that taking the hot baths after taking my blood pressure medicine was not a good idea. He explained that my blood pressure medicine lowers my blood pressure, and taking a bath dilates the blood vessels in my body, lowering it even more, and the two together would lower my pressure too quickly, and it would be hard to recover from the effects of the two together for many hours. So, he suggested that I take my blood pressure medicine at bedtime and take a bath during the day or in the morning. Then I would not be overwhelmed by the effects of the two together. Making that change made a big difference for the better.

Also, he was all in favor my my doing the epsom salt baths and taking the ionic magnesium (which is working fine now that I am taking it in water instead of topically.) He was also fine with my taking 7,000 iu of Vitamin D daily, too! He said that it would help boost my level up more quickly, and that after we retest my blood in a few months, we can adjust at that time.

I have been on the Vitamin D and Epsom Salt baths for a little over two weeks now, and I am definitely better. I am not where I want to be, however, but I am going to hope that over time the Vitamin and Magnesium therapy will help even more.

I have some good news to report, too. Since Jan 1., I have been working on losing weight, and I have lost 14 pounds already. I am overweight, and I know that shedding some pounds will definitely help the pain in my feet, back and legs.

I am not ready to do the Gluten Intolerance Diet yet. I may try that later on, but for now, I am focusing on finding a job and losing weight, and that is enough for me to handle at this time.

Sharon J.
Give it time...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Wow! That is GREAT Sharon,

Keep up the good work. And be patient too. 2 weeks is NOT very long- sometimes it takes 6 months for Vitamin D problems to fully resolve the fatigue and pain. So, in two weeks, you have made significant improvement after virtually none for 15 years!!

In my book, that's pretty good!

Yeah.....


Keep us informed too. I'm always happy to hear your updates.

Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Swelling in Legs a Sign of Deficiency?
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

I have another question for you. For over 10 years, I have had some edema in my legs that is quite painful in addition to my fibromyalgia and other foot problems. I get very large "dents" in my legs from even loose-fitting socks that last all night and still are visible in the morning after sleeping after I take them off the night before. It is also painful if I even apply a little pressure with my fingers on my shins, calves and ankles. If I press with my thumb, I get a thumbprint that lasts several minutes. If my cat walks across my leg when I am asleep, I wake up with a start, sitting up immediately, and crying out in pain from a sound sleep. Doctor have shown very little interest in this problem, saying that it is mild adema and not to worry about it. It causes even more pain in my feet and ankles after spending an entire shift at work on my feet all day.

Could this be cause by a deficiency of some kind? Do you have any ideas of how to remedy this? I find that the hot epsom salt soaks that I do with my feet in small wastebaskets filled with water up to my knees is very, very soothing, but I would like to once and for all solve this problem.

Sharon J.
Woodridge
Edema and You...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Edema is very often caused by not getting enough protein and taking a couple of protein shakes a day could really help that. You have protein in both your tissue and in your blood, but if you have more protein in your tissues than the water will 'leak out' into your tissues. You can 'hold' the water in your bloodstream better if you get more protein in there.

A couple of weeks of a couple of protein shakes a day should really see a difference IF that's what's causing the edema. BUT edema is usually not PAINFUL.

So, you MAY actually have some degree of peripheral neuropathy, which fortunately I've got a page on both the Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy and the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy, so check those out too if the protein doesn't help relieve the pain (which it very well might not).

So, a few more things for you to try out.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Signs of Improvement
by: Sharon J


Kerri:

I am definitely doing better! In fact, over the last two weeks I have weaned myself off of Ultracet, which has been prescribed to me for the last 6 years. I used to need to take up to 5 doses per day of 37.5/325 mg pills, and that usually did not help too much! For the last 7 days, I have not needed to take any Ultracet at all. And I was also able to discontinue the Voltaren that I have been taking for 2 years, too! The addition of the Magnesium and Epson Salt baths have made such a difference already, and I am very excited to not take so many drugs. I did check with my Dr. before stopping these meds, and he was fine with it.

I really enjoy reading all the threads that come to my mailbox every day from people asking you questions. I learn a lot from what you have to tell them.

I have been taking the Vitamin D3, 7,000 iu per day and the magnesium supplement and epsom salt baths now for a month already, and I am much more comfortable and get around a lot better than I have in years. I still have a ways to go, however, and I remember you said that it could take up to 6 months for the benefits of the Vitamin D3 to be realized.

In a post that I read this morning, you told a new person that in your practice you have your clients take a month's worth or three month's worth of Vitamin D at once. I have been taking it 7.000 iu every day with no side effects. Would you recommend a change to once a month for me, too?

I took your advice and got a very good coenzyme B-complex cap and also got a much, much better multivitamin from my health food store. They were not cheap, but I want to get well and take better care of my body. I also increased my protein intake through eating more meat and eggs to try to help my edema and resulting pain.

I have one question: Can taking ionic magnesium liquid form diluted in a glass of water irritate the bladder? I take 1 teaspoon at night in water (3/4 of a teaspoon=400 mg) and I am waking up several time a night with bladder pain and urgency. I already take D-mannose Powder , my bladder feels like a mild form of IC is active.

Thank again, Kerri. Once I find a job, I would love to have a phone consult with you so I can really get on the road to recovery!

Sharon J.
That's amazing ....
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

That's amazing that in only 4 weeks on Magnesium and Vitamin D, your pain has gone down SOOO much. Yeah!! And after so many years of being said to have 'Fibromyalgia'.

So, maybe you REALLY just have had nutritional deficiencies all along and THAT'S what gets called Fibromyalgia.

My husband and I have also been doing a lot of research on the Quinolone Antibiotics and suspect that some of their toxic side effects- particularly the tendon and connective tissue damage- is one of the causes of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

And- not so coincidentally- one of the most useful things to counteract this damage is.....

magnesium! And particularly Transdermal Magnesium Gel rubbed into the painful areas.

So, if you or anyone you know who has Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue should look into the damage that the Quinolone Antibiotics place on the body.


But back to your bladder. All the extra protein could be causing your urine to become more acidic and causing problems with your IC. Try adding a pinch to a 1/8 tsp of Sodium Bicarbonate in water when you take your magnesium. Not only will it help to alkalinize your urine, but the bicarbonate is supposed to drive the magnesium into your mitochondria where it is even MORE active.


So, give THAT a try too and see if that helps.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
More Progress
by: Sharon J

Kerri:

I am happy to announce to you that my progress has been exponential since staring the Vitamin D, Magnesium, B-Complex, and Methyl Vitamin B-12 a month ago. I am excited to tell you that since last Thursday, I have enjoyed FOUR completely pain-free days in a row! I am like a NEW WOMAN!

Since the Ionic Magnesium has been irritating my bladder, I did order Transdermal Magnesium Gel. Very easy to use, but the last two days I developed a problem: when I apply the magnesium gel to my legs, ankles and feet, I immediately develop a very painful rash as soon as the gel is applied. I have been applying the gel three times a day to the same area for the last three days, massaging it in. Last night after applying it, I needed to rinse off my legs only a minute after applying it because it stung and burned like salt in a wound and my skin got all red with the rash.

Any ideas why this is happening?

With regards to my painful IC bladder symptoms after taking the ionic magnesium, I had the thought to stop the ionic magnesium for a day or two and reduce my dosage when I start back up. I did not take it last night and my bladder was much more comfortable through the night. I tried the sodium bicarbonate with the ionic magnesium only once, but within 20 minutes after taking the ionic magnesium, my IC was flared.

You are a blessing to me. It was no accident that I found your website on Google. Every day I learn more and more from your website, and feel more and more hope every day that I, too, can get well and live a good life! Thank you for all that you do, and I look forward to the day when I can set up a consult with you.

Sharon
Double Yeah....
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Yeah and double yeah. I just wish that more people could see nutrition as a solution to their problems. Having been a nurse for over 15 years and now doing this work, its just SOOOOO clear to me how beneficial these high dose targeted nutrients are in 'so called' chronic illnesses.

So, as far as the burning on your legs, just rotate sites instead of putting the gel on the same place every time. And for SURE don't put it anywhere that you might shave. If you shave your legs, then that is DEFINITELY the problem right there.

So, one day use the upper arms, the next your belly, etc. and see if that helps.

Yeah! I'm so happy for you. Be sure to tell your doctor how you did it too so that he'll maybe start checking other people's vitamin d at least.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Vitamin D and Anticonvulsants
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your e-book on pain. It is so easy to read and I have learned a lot from it. You did a very good job making the book comprehensive and thorough.

I also read the report on Vitamin D that was in one of the links. There was a lot of it that went over my head, but I did catch that there is an contraindication of taking Vitamin D with anticonvulsants. I take oxcarbamazapine, and the report stated that: "Anticonvulsants (eg, carbamazepine), antiretrovirals (AIDS therapies), and antirejection medications (after organ transplant) may activate more rapid destruction of vitamin D metabolites, requiring higher vitamin D dosing."

I do not take oxcarbamazapine for convulsions, but rather, it has been prescribed to me as a mood stabilizer. I have been on it for about 8 years.

I am taking 7,000 iu of Vitamin D3 daily, but after reading the report, wanted to ask you if you have some other thoughts on my dosage.

By the way, I did try putting Dr. Mercola's Magnesium Gel on a different spot the last two nights, and did not have a rash at all. I will make sure that I rotate the application to different parts of my body each night.

Sharon J
Just get regular vitamin d levels
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Hah! I don't even think that I had read that about Carbemazepine. Thanks for bringing it to my attention and I'll do a little more research on that and I'll be sure to add that as a little factoid when I discuss the side effects of Carbemazepine on my new site Side-Effects-Site.com.

So, two thoughts on the Carbemazepine. Just make sure that your Vitamin D Level stays within 50 to 80 and you are good. Check it every 3 to 4 months until you are stable for two tests, then just once a year.

The other thing is that I have NEVER heard of anyone put on Carbemazepine to improve mood! That is just odd. I have to say that most people who are on Carbemazepine are not in a jolly mood- and most people are actually rather depressed who take it- and maybe its because it drops their vitamin d level...

YIPES! So, looking into this a little bit more, I'm curious when you were diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis? Before or after you were put on Carbemazepine?

I've found some references to urinary tract and kidney damage from carbemazepine. I'll put some of the studies below:

Carbamazepine-induced acute granulomatous interstitial nephritis

Is carbamazepine associated with NAG elevations suggestive of renal disease?


I also noticed that it can cause a condition called Interstitial Pneumonitis. There was nothing there about it causing interstitial cystitis, but if it can cause Interstitial Pneumonitis and Interstitial Nephritis, it doesn't seem so far fetched to cause Interstitial Cystitis either.

So, it seems that it can definitely cause some nasty inflammatory conditions including Meningitis!!

And the LAST thing that someone with Fibromyalgia needs is MORE inflammation!!

While I did find literature on its uses for mood disorders, it really doesn't seem like a great choice of drugs for that particular problem.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Oxcarbazepine use, not oxcarbamazapine
by: sharon J

Kerri:

I made a mistake in the medicine that I take. It is Trileptal, or oxcarbazepine, not oxcarbamazapine.

My mistake... I could have sworn it was oxcarbamazapine. Is this still the same family?

Sharon J
Same family...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

It's still in the same family, but I wasn't able to find as many inflammatory problems associated with it as I did with carbemazepine. It supposedly also helps with neuropathic pain, which I suspect that you have.

So... can't help you with pharmaceuticals, but maybe your moods have improved enough that you'll want to talk to your doctor about getting off of it!


Magnesium and Constipation
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

I saw my Doctor and told him of all the positive results from the Vitamin D, Magnesium, and the Vitamin B12, and he was so happy that he gave me a hug! He said that of all the things I am doing, the Vitamin D therapy was probably the most likely the thing helping me the most, and the Magnesium was the least likely to have any benefit!! I know better!

Kerri, over time, I have developed a very severe constipation problem. I told my doctor about it, and he suggested that I may be having a paradoxical effect from the Magnesium, where in some people it can actually cause constipation, and he suggested I stop taking it. Have you heard of such a thing?

Also, I am unable to tolerate the IC pain from the Ionic Magnesium liquid I drink at night any more, and want to know if you think I need to continue the Magnesium, and what kind and dose of Magnesium in a pill form that I should buy.

Sharon J.
Just try different ones...
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

Yes, it's likely that you'll need magnesium- potentially forever, but you'll have to just see how you feel and determine your own needs. There is no 'formula'- everyone is individual.

As far as your IC, you'll just have to experiment. With you having trouble with the magnesium bicarbonate, why don't you try something acidic like magnesium citrate- see if that helps.


Otherwise, you could just use topical magnesium. I've found a new source that included aloe vera so that it reduces any irritation. You can take a look at the Transdermal Magnesium Gel from ancient minerals at that link.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Finally! Someone who agrees!
by: Jennifer





More About Vitamin D

I had my son in 2001 and have suffered ever since. It started off with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue, then in 2004 the pain got worse and I was told Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Hog wash!

I did not believe in it then and definitely do not now. In March of 2006 I had my daughter following the worst pregnancy imaginable pain wise. In May 2008, I went into full body convulsions and was admitted to the Critical Care Unit for 5 days. I had EVERY test imaginable run, expcept Vitamin D levels!

MRI's, X'rays, heavy metal tests....everything. I had a spinal tap and was tested for MS. I had a completely inept neurolgist but in a small town with only one you get who you get. I was released with no etiology and was told it was all side effects of Fibromylagia!

On follow ups, they added Peripheral Neuropathy & Tremors to my list of diagnoses. I started to give up.

The pain began to get worse and my eye sight was decreasing. I decided to start over last December and went to see a new PCP. He immediately said I needed to go to a neurolgical research facility and send me to UT Southwestern.

It was there that the doc recommended a Vitamin D level and also told me that, according to my MRI, I had had a stroke during child birth in 2001 (I had started preclampsia 3 weeks before delivery). My level turned out to be 13 !

He told me to call my PCP to get a therapy dose and the PCP told me 2000 iu a day. I started with that 8 days ago and after 2 days I increased that dose to 5000 iu. My energy level is incredible for the first time in 9 years! My gums have stopped bleeding, my eye has stopped hurting, my headaches have gone away, the pain is even a better!

I am hoping for a full recovery....am I taking enough Vitamin D to get me there? I have already 'defied' my doc by taking 5000 iu's. My follow up appt. is May 1st. Do I take that dose until then? For some reason, I put more stock in you, someone on the internet that I have never met than my own PCP!!

Thanks for your help.
You are likely to be Magnesium Deficient
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Jennifer,

VERY maddening that you have to endure seizures, strokes and neuropathy and a trip to supposedly 'World Class' medical facilities in order to get a diagnosis of Low Vitamin D. Trust me, it's not just you and your small town doctors.

I have friends in Seattle who requested a Vitamin D Level and their doctor said no. Not because he didn't think they would be low but because "Everyone in the Northwest is low so we don't bother to check."

So, in other words, if EVERYONE has a nutritional deficiency that contributes to chronic pain, diabetes and cancer, we just simply aren't going to bother.

Unfortunately, this is still the norm- and I'm SOOOO glad that you haven't bought into the Fibromyalgia Lie!! Yes, you have pain, but fibromyalgia is a SYMPTOM - NOT a disease!!! Giving your pain a name does NOT help you to find the cause or help you to get rid of it. It just makes the doctors feel better and gets you to stop bugging them, "Well, you have Fibromyalgia- here, take this antidepressant. There's nothing else we can do."

Well, SOOO many people get better when they fix their vitamin d deficiency. But back to you...


OK. You need to Sign Up For My Newsletter and you'll get my free Essential Guide to Lasting Pain Relief and the Vitamin D Fact Sheet. Read them and follow the instructions- particularly the instructions about magnesium. I think that you are severely Magnesium Deficient.

Preeclampsia and eclamsia are absolutely recognized as magnesium deficiency- but ONLY in the hospital. Stupidly, they will leave you to suffer with no treatment for these at home, but the second you arrive at the hospital with these, they give you magnesium!!

The research on Magnesium and Seizures is overwhelming. But doctors still choose to go by Magnesium Levels in the blood- which are completely inaccurate.

So, get the books and get out of pain!!!


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
New Vitamin D Level after 3 months
by: Sharon J

Hi, Kerri:

It has been awhile since I gave you an update on my progress, so I thought I would give you one now.

It has been three months since starting all my different supplements, thanks to your help, and I just got the results of my newest Vitamin D level. Three months ago, my level was 20, and now it is 39 ng/ml. I have been taking 7000 units of Vitamin D3 daily for the last three months.

My doctor said that this is a NORMAL range, and said that I don't need the Vitamin D3 supplement any more, but I want to ask you if you think I need to continue with 7000 units a day to increase my levels further. I see the preference range on the paperwork I received with my levels says 20-100 is normal, so it seems like I am still on the low side of normal.


FYI: I will be going for allergy testing in a week or so -- I was hospitalized for three days with what turns out to be Vocal Cord Dysfunction, caused by years of chronic post-nasal drip which results in multiple sinus and bronchial infections per year. I finally decided to eliminate pasta and bread from my diet to reduce gluten to see if that helps. They keep giving me tons of antibiotics, and I think that has been messing up my GI tract for years, too. Glad to finally see a Laryngologist who did a scope and diagnosed the VCD so I could get off the inhalers -- according to him I never had anything that needed those meds, as I do not have asthma or Reactive Airway Disease like they diagnosed me with in the hospital last week. It is important to get to the bottom of what has been causing the post-nasal drip so I can continue my quest toward health, and I think I have some kind of allergy.

Sharon J.
Researchers believe that you are still low..
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Sharon,

I'm glad that you came back to ask about your vitamin d. 39 ng/ml is good, but if you read my Vitamin D Levels page, you'll see that most researchers recommend that levels be between 50 to 80 ng/ml- and NOT the 20 to 100 that is on your lab sheet.

You can safely continue taking 7000 IU's per day to get into higher ranges- just get another vitamin d level in 2 to 3 months.

Then, your doctor telling you that you don't need vitamin d anymore when your level is normal is ABSURD- does he think that vitamin d lasts forever in the bloodstream?

So, once your level is to within the optimal range, you'll need to continue taking a MAINTENANCE dose as I outline on the Vitamin D Requirements page.

If you think of vitamin d like you would food or water, you don't eat a meal and feel full so you never need to eat again. We need both food, water and vitamin d regularly for our entire lives to stay healthy. So, be sure to get your levels up and get on a maintenance dose.

I'm glad that you are now trying out the Gluten Intolerance Diet, you might be surprised at what a difference it makes in your health.

Especially if you have had multiple infections, that is DEFINITELY a symptom of gluten intolerance!! Also, with years and years of antibiotics, you may really consider taking a strong probiotic supplement such as Primal Defense Probiotic.



There is almost no way that you could have healthy bowel flora if you have taken that many rounds of antibiotics in your life and it's EXTREMELY likely that you also have some degree of Intestinal Candida Symptoms as well. Candida is nearly ALWAYS a problem in those with Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.



Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune System Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Immune System
Vitamin D and ringing ears
by: Susie

Hi Kerri. I just stumbled on your site looking for some answer to the ringing in my right ear. I am 51 years old have raised 4 children, have a loving husband but is a stress factory for me and have worked in a fairly stressful job for 25 years. I am now in a new job, 1 year, and it is proving to be much less stressful.

I have been taking Vitamin D Supplements for about 3 months 10,000 IU. But in the last 2 weeks have been suffering from a high pitched ringing in my ear so I put the 2 together on Google and found you. I am enjoying reading your advice. I went ahead and ordered Vitamin D Supplements and Magnesium Supplements from your site. I am concerned about the blood pressure issue because I have low BP along with most of my family members. The last time I had it taken it was around 87/55 but it usually is around 95/60. I really don't want it to drop so I am planning on taking 100mg of the magnesium to start out with.

Another issue, I had a very traumatic event happen almost 2 years ago and since then I suffer from dizziness, increased foggy brain, anxiety in high sensory situations and emotional stress, more muscle cramping than usual and on top of that I injured my Achilles tendon.I have been to a number of doctors. My blood Vitamin D was 30.

The ND thinks I have Adrenal Fatigue and wanted me to start taking an Adrenal Support Supplement and Vitamin D at 2,000 IU, which I did.

My friend read an article about Vitamin D and recommended I increase to 10,000. My mood did seem to improve along with the dizziness for a couple months but this week the dizziness has been back. Also I have always suffered with constipation. I am finally drinking more water (8 cups a day) and that has helped. Anyway I just thought I would throw all of that out there in case you could make any sense of it. Thanks

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