Quote:
Originally Posted by kemokimo
Back in 2008 when I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy with no explanation of why or how I got it, I decided to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. After an incredible amount of testing and wasted time, I received the same diagnosis. And no cure.
The burning pain in my right foot is worse than in my left, but somehow neither is as bad as when I first got it. But it's still plenty bad. I can't walk anymore than 20 minutes and I can't stand more than 15. In addition, I have spinal stenosis(arthritis in the spine). I am also developing joint problems from being on my back so much due to both the above problems. I am almost 70 and in reasonably good health otherwise.
I am anxious to start on some of the supplements mentioned on this forum to see if I can get some relief. I have taken 40 mg each of statin and reflux medication for over 3 years. In addition, I take Caltrate 600mg + D and glucosamine chondroitin w/MSM. I used to take omega 3 fish oil soft gels from Omapure but stopped when I read the results of a major study that determined that only oil consummed directly from fish flesh could help avoid heart attacks.
I recently read thru several posts about supplements on this site but based on a previously read local newspaper article, I had already started taking 600mg of alpha lipoic acid(1/day). I have also received a bottle benfotiamine (250mg) which I haven't started yet. I am now thinking that maybe I should stop the acid and go to a physiatrist. He could check my level of B12, D, etc. and, hopefully, get me started on on the right track.
What do you think? Is there anything I'm missing. Is there any harm in continuing the AL acid or starting the benfotiamine. Can they be taken at the same time? Is there any combination of drugs, supplements etc. that should not be taken at the same time? By the way, I took the fish oil daily for at least 3 years and it never had any effect on the feet.
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Welcome to NeuroTalk:
I see some glaring problems right off the bat....
1) reflux medication depletes many nutrients that are dependant
on acid in the stomach to get absorbed:
B12
folate
calcium
magnesium
iron
zinc
some trace minerals.
2) 40 mg of any statin is alot...and very damaging. Every day we get new information on how statins hurt nerves. Just this week, an article in Science Daily showing in photos nerve damage:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0510150143.htm
Anyone taking a statin has to supplement with CoQ-10. This vital nutrient our livers make, is blocked by statins so that the mitochondria in our muscles and nerves cannot make energy anymore.
So right off the bat you need to do this first!
There are new versions that have be solubilized chemically to be absorbed better. Qunol is one and affordable at Costco and WalMart. Another is Q-Gel...available on line. If you use this type 100mg a day is enough for most people. If you choose an oil gel cap type with soybean oil in it, you'll need at least 300mg a day.
Next up in priority is magnesium. You need this because of your reflux drug. Most Americans (up to 70%) do not eat foods that supply this essential mineral. Taking that drug besides, makes you very vulnerable and very potentially low.
Magnesium can be had orally with a good supplement called SlowMag... one twice a day (available affordably at WalMart), and also can be used topically or with epsom salt soaks...to your feet. Topically there is a nice new lotion made by Morton, called Epsom lotion, and it is so far very new and on Amazon ($7.98), or at WalMart (again)... for $5.98. I try to find the most affordable quality things for people here and for myself too.
WalMart has been a savior of sorts for me in this regard.
Get your B12 tested at the doctor's and get the numbers for the result. Then supplement if you need it (400pg/ml or lower).
You can think about lipoic acid and benfotiamine too, but these others should be first because of your history and lifestyle.
To get the best results here, there is no substitute for reading the Subforum above, the B12 thread, and other posters questions. You will find yourself already on this forum, thru the words of others.
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All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei
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Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017
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