Thanks, Mrs. D.

Although I have been taking the ALA for a few weeks now, I guess I had better get my doctor's approval when I go for my visit on Thursday. I hope he doesn't think the opposite with me having hypothyroidism. It doesn't sound like there's been anything conclusive regarding studies with rats or humans. I wish there were, as it would make me feel even better about taking it or not taking it. It's time that I get blood work done for my TSH level anyway, so that'll tell enough, hopefully.

Mrs. D, I'm trying to read and understand how this ALA helps the burning, and I don't quite get the "whole" idea, but enough, I guess, and I just can't thank you enough for the information you've given to me, and I'm sure anyone else looking for help on this board. I don't know if it's the combination of the B1 and ALA or just the ALA, but one or both is making it tolerable for me. It's like night and day!

One more thing, Mrs. D. I'd like to know if you have any idea as to why Lyrica makes you gain weight. I'm thinking it must slow down the metabolism, as I can't imagine what else it could be. I'd love to get to the point where I can try and get off of it one day, that maybe this nerve damage can be reversed enough so that's a possibility, so I guess it'll be a love-hate relationship till then. I know it's helping me more than the Neurontin, but I'm too scared to get off of it now even for just a brief time to see if I'm better. I know some people on this board say it could take months or years.