Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsD
Welcome to NeuroTalk:
Looking at your posting history, I see some initial things, that I hope you can clarify.
1) You say B12 was "normal"...? But we really need the numbers because doctors will call low levels "normal" when they are not.
2) Zocor? Well, statins are known causes of neuropathy and I'd discuss this with the doctor, and consider going off this drug. It can take years to recover, if one does recover, from statin damage. Zocor is a lipophilic statin, meaning it crosses into the brain, and damages there too. Statins prevent remyelination of axons in nerve cells. Statins vary in lipophilic traits and Zocor
is the most potent of these.
It was once thought that because statins supposedly reduced "inflammation" they would help MS patients. This study, resulted when the opposite findings resulted.
3) Actos is not a good choice for anyone today. It is linked to bladder cancer. Metformin is the best, if you can tolerate it.
4) Alpha lipoic acid, at your dose is not enough. If you use the newer improved R-lipoic stablized form, you can get much better results at 100mg a day. Not all R-lipoic is stabilized so check the label before buying. Many of us use Doctor's Best brand, which is available online from iherb.com, Amazon, and Swanson's at big discounts. Lipoic acid should be taken on an empty stomach.
5) you need to keep a record of A1C values, in addition to glucometer testing. A1C is more predictive of blood sugar problems.
6) if you start Metanx make sure you take it on an empty stomach. The B12 in it needs this factor, for absorption.
Peripheral Neuropathy once it starts, is a long term process difficult to interrupt. So be patient, and continue with your reduced carb
diet. Impaired glucose tolerance is a slow process and by the time it is discovered, damage is already happening.
To help with healing I'd suggest you take fish oil or krill oil daily.
3 fish oils, or 1 or 2 Krill, to help with repair of the nerves.
Magnesium is also important because it is a cofactor in lipid metabolism. Do not choose magnesium oxide...it is not absorbed.
Here is my magnesium thread:
The R-lipoic acid may help with your glucose handling, so continue to test to see if your blood sugar goes down some. Eating smaller meals, also helps with those after meal spikes. (postprandial spikes).
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Hi Mrs D,
I've enjoyed reading your posts to others and really am thankful for this forum to share my issues with.
I've been tested for B-12 twice over the last 5 months, both tests were within 5 points of each other. Here's some of my test numbers.
B12 - 465
Folic Acid - 11.1
B1 - 167
B-6 - 26.6
My A1C went from 5.8 to 5.4 after I went low carb. My fasting blood sugar went from 119 to 100. My low carb diet was limited to lean meats, mostly chicken breast, vegetables and low glycemic fruit. No breads, pasta, rice or any type of grain products. Since my last test and my doctor insisting everything was ok, I reintroduced some high carb foods, rice, potatoes, pasta, oatmeal etc, really small portions on a limited basis, just a single serving tablespoon or two. That's when I noticed the burning increased after I ate. My blood sugar is all over the place, right now, sometimes it's lower then 140 2-hour post prandial, sometimes it's over 180 depending what I eat. I'm afraid to really eat a significant amount of carbs, much less have any sugar like cookies, chocolate or ice cream, I don't want to see what my blood sugar would spike to then.
Yes the Actos really worries me, but I don't know if my Endo will put me on Metformin, my next appt is in Jan.
I took the metanx on an empty stomach as suggested, thanks.
Any suggestions on how to control my cholestrol without the Zocor, my LDL is 176, HDL 62, Triglycerides 71.
Any brand/type suggestions on the Fish Oil and Magnesium? I'll check out iherb.
Thanks for the help Mrs D!