: Doubling Calcium Intake?!

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In a message dated 6/4/2003 6:44:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

kukalaka@... writes:

> I'm eating a good diet, like you. My doc percribed calcium because of the

> lupron. I'm taking twice her recommendation. I'm in the high risk category for

> osteoporosis (spelled wrong). My Mom had it and my Aunt has it. So this

> deeply concerns me.

>

> I seem to have a constant light headache. Sometimes it gets worse.

>

>

Hey, Ku:

Ro here.

You're taking TWICE the recommended dosage of Calcium?!! Yikes!

A word of caution here!!!! Yes, it's true that many, many women are

calcium-deficient. And I understand your concern. I, too, have a family history

of

osteoporosis. And the Lupron thing.

But if you take calcium supplements, it's imperative to have it balanced in

proper ratio with magnesium and Vitamin D--so that it is properly absorbed by

your body.

Furthermore, this self-medicating ain't always such a good thing when it

comes to calcium.

First of all, there's a well-known link between too much calcium and the

formation of kidney stones. I know how much you loved suffering from gall stone

pain......So I don't think you would want to tempt fate with the formation of

kidney stones and THAT pain (which can be even more excruciating!)

Even worse, as strange as it seems, TOO MUCH calcium can be a very bad

thing--a medical condition in and of itself.

About 10 years ago, my hospital roommate was a 50-year woman admitted to the

ER with terrible neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms: headache,

malaise, confusion, stomach probs they thought was an ulcer.....

Turns out her diagnosis and all of her symptoms were due to

hypercalcemia--(high serum calcium level). She wasn't born that way--she just

started popping

the calcium-based antacid TUMS throughout the day. She had osteoporosis, and

thought she was doing a good thing by loading up on the calcium!

WRONG!!!!!!!

I still remember the lecture the doctor gave her about how excessive calcium

can really endanger our health--in many ways.

I notice you mention having a constant light headache. Needless to say, this

could be caused by a myriad of things: anemia, an unsympathetic spouse, and

but even HYPERCALCEMIA.

Be careful with the calcium, Ku!!!

I'm usually an advocate of " doing your own thing " but NOT when it comes to

calcium!

-Roma

PS. Many of you LOL wonder where I acquire my medical info--just thought of

another source: My hospital roommates and their intriguing histories! I've

always lucked out with congenial and fascinating hospital roomies.....and even

this last time, with my myo surgery---Well, ok, the woman in the bed next to me

was in a coma the entire time....True--but at least she didn't create any

problems for me, did she?