Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsD
Different people need different things basically. We are all very different.
I went and viewed another post of yours... on autoimmune.
You have veins that are appearing varicosed?
This would suggest some autoimmune process and/or inflammatory process.
Without a test for B12 it is difficult to decide if you need it. Certainly it can't hurt, to start at 1000mcg/day on an empty stomach. Not expensive. Choose the methylcobalamin form.
But patients who have autoimmune and inflammatory issues, should consider
1)R-lipoic acid stabilized 100mg a day to start
2)grapeseed extract 200-300mg a day
These two may show you some improvements within a month or so. If you start too many things, you won't know which is working best for you.
Making sure you get enough magnesium from food, or a supplement at 1/2 the RDA recommendations is a good idea too, esp for muscle pain and/or cramping.
I am testing out an anti-inflammatory helper, and nerve helper called NAG... it is supposed to help with soft tissue inflammation, tendonitis, and joint pain. It is too soon for me to recommend it. But it has shown up on MS studies to help them and since it is not toxic or expensive I am trying it too.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread158430.html
regular glucosamine never worked for me BTW.
Foods high in antioxidants, or other antioxidant supplements like curcumin may be helpful. Choose quality products, as curcumin is not absorbed well. CurcuGel 500 is one that is absorbed more efficiently. One a day of that may help with inflammation. Ginger extract also is helpful. It all depends on how much you want to spend.
I tend to start slowly and add things in later...so you can see what is working, how much, if at all etc, and then add another. |
OMG! I just typed out a lengthy reply, my phone rang, took the call and I lost the entire reply. Frustrating. So, here I go again...
Thank you, Mrs. D for replying to my post and giving me a starting point with the supplements. I am so grateful to you! I think the vitamins may be my only chance of getting better, since most of the dr's seem unable to help or diagnose.
Yes, I have developed a varicose vein on my right calf over the shin bone and down to the top of the foot. It hurts. I purchased a pair of knee length compression stockings at Walgreen's yesterday and wore them all day. The stockings seemed to intensify the tingling in my feet and legs and I was uncomfortable. I will go back today to see if they have another pair that might be more comfortable.
I am also going to purchase the vitamins that you recommended. Are they available at Target, Costco or Walgreen's? Are there any particular brands that you recommend? I'm excited to get started on them, see if they help, and eventually nail down a vitamin regimen that will allow the healing process to begin.
I had some bloodwork done in October and my B12 was 269 (range 246-911). My multi-vitamin has 25mcg of B12. Do you think I need more? My Vitamin D and calcium were low. Vitamin D Total - 16 (range 30-100); Vitamin D3 - 9; Vitamin D2 - 7. My dr. upped my Vitamin D to 5000 IU's per day. I'm due for a recheck in a week or two. My calcium was 7.9 (range 8.5-10.4). This was the first time I have ever tested low in calcium and the test was done on the first day of my period, which I was wondering if that could affect the results? Dr. told me she will retest both and if still low, it could indicate a thyroid issue and she would send me to an endo. All other tests were normal.
My multi-vitamin has 100 mg of magnesium and 6mg of B6. Do you think that is enough?
As for the autoimmune and inflammatory issues, I am confused. Are they the same thing or different issues? Can inflammation from say, PN/SFN/nerve damage, cause inflammation in the body which can then lead to autoimmune issues? Are they always intertwined or can you have one without the other? I hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question, but it confuses me.
As part of a PN work-up a few months ago, I had the following blood tests done which all came out normal...ANA w/Reflex/ANA Direct; Hemoglobin A1c; Methylmalonic Acid, Serum; Protein Electro., S; RA Factor; RPR; SED Rate; TSH; Vitamin B1; Folate (Folic Acid) Serum; Vitamin B12. Over a year ago, I also had much more extensive autoimmune testing done as part of a MS work-up (it was determined that I do not have MS). All came out normal except a slightly elevated ANA. However, this most recent ANA test was normal. So, if I'm testing negative for autoimmune, does this indicate a purely inflammatory process? The PN dr thought I had SFN. Is that purely inflammatory?
If there are any other supplements that you feel could be beneficial, I will surely take them. I appreciate all the great advice and help with these difficult issues! Thank you!
Karate Mom