So, if you're "Pre-Diabetic" which I believe I am, as Bob B elludes to, what is the best way to NOT become diabetic? I've cut out a lot of the junk, started the Vitamin B's, b1, b2, b12, b6, c1000, A-Z, and D, and my PN has improved about 80%! None of this, however was at the advice of my Neurologist, he just gave me Topamax and sent me home... after I complained that Neurontin made me sleep all the time. You all are the ones that have helped me improve my mobility! Three months ago I was almost unable to walk, using a cane and walking like an 80 year old woman, now I walk almost normal and with no assistance!

Brian,
I look forward to picking your brain about your approach to PN w/ the B12. I just had the blood work done Thursday so I should know very soon. My family Dr will go to shots to start and then oral B12 to follow. How much B12 were/are you taking and what are your levels now. Did you get relief from the pain? When did you see some real improvement in your condition?
If I could get a little relief from the horrible cold and the constant pain from the shortened tendons it would help. I'm looking into water exercises now. Most all of the gyms around here have classes from 7AM-7-PM which is good but I leave before 7AM and seldom get home before 7:30, long days w/ looong commutes.
Thanks again for the encouraging words.
Alkymst

Dear SeemLikeStitches,
Thank you too for your encouraging words - all the more reason to start a B vitamin regimen. How much do you take? If your PN has improved ~80% are your pains reduced as well? I'm finding much great info from people here which helps a lot when I talk to the medical community.
Thanks again.
Alkymst

Rose,
just a quick update on my B12. Had blood work again - nearly same as before, real low normal B12 (410 vs 402). My PCP was going to do shots but of course these are not covered by my insurance so I started 1000mcg of cyanocobalamin.
Interesting aside during the bloodletting. Drawing tube #4 of #7 the tech began to get antsy as the tube wasn't filling very quickly, like at all - so??? The solution here was to withdraw the needle and try a new vein. We had at this for 3 more shots before the light dawneth and the tech determined that the vacutainer was shot. Glad this became apparent since she was drawing a dotted line across my arm.
1st time she'd ever seen that, me too - I was a medic many years ago so I've been on both sides of the needle.
In any event I'll certainly keep up the B12 regimen now and hope for some evidence of improvement over time.
Alkymst

Rose,
sorry to clutter up the posts again but I forgot to include the latest re: CMT. My PCP is interested to have me undergo the genetic testing, especially when I told her my mama has PN as well. She's had it for many years now but not painful, just the loss of sensation (I'm not trivializing that, just contrasting hers vs mine). In any event in this part of the country the only lab that does the testing is Athena in Worcester, MA, nowhere else that my doc knew of. As usual my insurance doesn't cover this either, batting 4 for 4 now (Anodyne therapy, ESWT, B12 shots and CMT testing). The cost is steep, ~$7K w/out insurance when the doc spoke to Athena so I'll have to see how best to arrange this.
In the meantime, she's also looking into some other causes, specifically, hexane and toluene, 2 solvents I've used for many years in my work. Both have been reported to cause PN so maybe there are other mitigiating factors for me - it seems that the plot may thicken some.
Alkymst

P.S. The time it takes for improvement (if that's going to happen) varies tremendously from person to person. Too many variables to generalize.

rose

Rose,
thanks for replying twice, my goal is not to see how many times I can get a reply. It didn't occur to me until after I posted on this thread that most normal people probably don't go back to reread old threads looking for new information or questions. It'll take me a while to get the hang of things, I'm old and I'm slow.
nonethless thnaks too for the info about the Me-cobalamin. Diana also suggested the same and gave me links to your site and one she uses for her supplies so I'll look into the other B12 quickly. I'm reading your info but it takes me a while.
thanks again
Alkymst

METHYL -co = YES not CYANO-CO! I carried that around on a scrap of paper until it got into the permanent memory bank.

Hope that helps! - j

I didn't mean to indicate irritation at your posting twice. Just copied to this thread to save time.

Yes, there is a lot to 'absorb.' Sorry, I couldn't resist. A lot for anyone, not just you.

Always happy to answer questions.

rose

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