Thanks. I definately will stop the multi B pronto and just stick with the methylcobalamin. Jeepers I feel like I am being poisoned. Eek.

I was wondering previously about the Acetyl carnitine. I guess its worth a shot.

I had tried lipoic acid twice for the PN and perhaps coincidently, but both times, I felt that within a few days I was feeling worse. So I stopped and now I am reluctant to retry. Although this seems so contrary to everything I see about it. (Also, I thought that I wouldnt/shouldnt feel any difference within days - dont you think it would be longer?)

Happy Fourth!

Donna

Lipoic acid also helps with mitochondria functions.

Why don't you start the acetyl carnitine and see what happens?
If that starts to improve your sensations then you can add the lipoic back in.

I'd consider some antioxidants too which might help your vasculitis. Curcumin has shown potential in improving the lining of blood vessels:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20955148

You will need an enhanced absorption type for this.
One good version is this one that is also affordable:
http://www.epic4health.com/cuul500mgena.html

Benfotiamine:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post653193-4.html

Acetyl Carnitine:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post653568-5.html

Hi Mrs D,
You are amazing.

My questions:

1. Sometimes I take lysine if I get a fever blister. I was just looking quickly at some of the stuff you sent and it says that we make carnitine from lysine? So, for instance, does one take both? Of if we take lysine, does that make it easier to make carnitine?.

2. Curcuma - tumeric - I have alot of gallstones. Is this contraindicated?

3. THis is the question I wanted to ask you when I joined but Im not sure how to word it. And maybe it is not something that you can give an easy or quick answer to. Let me try to put this is an intelligent format:
My vasculitis problem required treatment with immunosuppresives. I was attacking my own blood vessels. And the way I understand it, the lymphoma treatment is immunosppressive also. Im making a preponderance of certqin B lymphosites Both use some of the same drugs - rituxan, cyclophosphamide and pred.

ANd heres where maybe I am grossly simplifying matters -My understanding is that antioxidents provide protection against oxidative damage, but do they also "stimulate" the immune system? I've heard the explanation (esp regarding venus fly trap for my cat!) that certain treatments "support" the immune system. But someitmes I am afraid of certain supplements that I think may send my system into further overdrive.
Or is this concept of "stimulating the immune system" sort of misleading?

Thanks,

Donna

Carnitine biosynthesis requires several steps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnitine

If any of these are damaged, the enzymes helping with its conversion fail, then the carnitine is not made.

We know of one drug which interferes with this, and it is called Depakote. Others are the antivirals used for treating HIV positive people. Nutrient depletion is still an infant science...so many things may still be out there and unevaluated yet.

Regarding the curcumin:
from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocente...cals/curcumin/
There are other antioxidants out there --but curcumin is the most studied for endothelial protection. It is equivalent to statins for this use. Which brings up the subject... Statin drugs are known contributors of PN and other serious things. If you are taking one please discuss this with your doctor.

Notice from the Wiki link that Vit C is necessary to making internal carnitine. Also it is thought that with age this system may fail to provide it reliably and with chemo damaging systems and the cancer taking the nutrients from normal cells, it may be low for those reasons.

Other antioxidants include Vit C, vit E, astaxanthin, grapeseed extract, citrus bioflavinoids, and many foods like blueberries and strawberries among other highly colorful fruits and veggies.

Thanks alot for the info!

Donna