I was found to have type 2 diabetes and triglycerides are 1079, (was told it was supposed to be under 150). It has damaged nerves in my feet and especially at night I can't sleep the pain is so bad. I have heard there is a nerve decompression surgery that the Dellon Institute does and heard it is very successful but it is extremely expensive and I don't have insurance.

Now the pain goes up my leg and at my knee, (right side), it feels all tingly and tight like a big rubber band is around it. I have two sons who need me and I can hardly walk because my feet start hurting so bad. Is there any vitamin therapy that would help me? I tried ALA for a month and didn't do any good, but I don't know if I was taking the right dosage. Does anyone know how much a day and how much at a time I should take? Also, I tried liquid vit. B12 and didn't do any good either,but the pharmacist didn't know how much and didn't know about the ALA either. Any help would be so appreciated.

Hi Skansie, Welcome.

There's a great forum here for Peripheral Neuropathy.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

Many people, including myself, are getting favorable results with R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) in lieu of Alpha Lipoic Acid, and a newer stabilized form particularly, which is better metabolized. 100 mg per day of this form works for most; some try 200 mg (split into two doses) but that may be harder on the stomach. The stabilized RLA works better still in conjunction with Acetyl L-Carnitine and/or Pantothenic Acid (B5).

We're also taking methyl B-12 rather than cyano B12, which is a better form to take for some. B12 should be taken on an empty stomach.

There are many other supplements too, specifics and amounts based on individuals' needs (lab results) and responsiveness.

Finding the right ones, or combinations, for you are crucial. Try not to be discouraged if the ones you tried didn't work within a month. Some may work quickly for some people, but depending on individual circumstances may take longer.

Please stop by the forum, peruse the PN Tips, Resources, Supplements & Other Treatments Sub-Forum and the various "Sticky" and other threads. A lot of information can also be found in the archives by using the Search facility.

Again, welcome.

Doc

skansie,

Hello and welcome each of you to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I invite you to come to our PN forum here:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

We have alot of experience and information for you to read up on there.

Your very high triglycerides should be dealt with first. I'd take a quality fish oil, (or Krill oil) 3 times a day to start.
When your triglycerides are that high, the blood becomes very thick and cannot flow properly in the hands and feet.

The fish/Krill oil can lower you about 50%... but you will also have to watch your diet very carefully and avoid sugar and starchy carbs.

What type of B12 did you take, and how did you take it?
Taking with food, will reduce oral success using it. And if you have metabolic errors in methylation, using Cyanocobalamin form will fail also. Hence using methylcobalamin is better. It would have been a good idea to get a blood test before starting however, to see where you are.

What do you do for your diabetes? Can you tell us?

Hi there.

Just wanted to welcome you to Neurotalk. Are you controlling your diabetes. That's VERY important. If you care to share some info, please let us know what meds you take and how often.

It's always good to give as much info as you can. Especially for our dear Mrs. D who knows EVERYTHING. I've been taking Methyl B-12 for 5 years now. I started with 1000 sublingual everyday on an empty stomach. Within one week I knew I should be on the 5000. I had been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy but because I had learned about Methyl B-12, I started taking it and all I can say is WOW. No symptoms except when the barometer jumps 40 degrees in one day. Then my feet burn for a little while but no big deal. Other than that, controlling my blood sugar is what I live to do. It's THAT important. And if you are overweight (yeah, I know, it's hard), try and get some weight off. You really have to get those triglycerides down.

Wishing you well.

Melody
P.S. I take ALA everyday also, as well as Chromium Picolinate