Hello everybody!

I am hoping somebody here can give me strength to cope with this. I have been diagnosed with a severe B1 deficiency, my level was 27 in a range of 85-175. This is due to a malabsorption issue after an operation for a stomach ulcer. The deficiency has caused Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet and my calf muscles have atrophied terribly. My doctor tells me that symptoms...such as the constant pain should start to resolve in 6-8 weeks...I am on week 3.

I understand people here live with this condition and my heart goes out to you...I have a few questions.

Has anyone had this and recovered completely?
How do you cope with the pain and inability to sleep at night?
Is there anything I can do to speed up nerve recovery?
Is 6-8 weeks a realistic period...any longer with this pain and I might give up, no painkillers work thus far.
The pain has gotten worse...I read that this can be evidence the nerves are healing, my toes were grey now they are pink so I guess so. Is this true?

Thanks for any input and for reading this it is really appreciated.

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I think Benfotiamine (an improved B1) will work best for you.
Benfotiamine is not excreted so quickly as regular thiamine and has studies behind it for PN as well.

You will have to buy it online, as local stores usually do not carry it.

iherb.com
Swanson's
Amazon

I use the Doctor's Best formula. You should start at 300mg a day and you may be able to reduce to 150mg daily after several months. However, if you have malabsorption issues, other nutrients will be affected as well. If you take acid lowering drugs, B12 and folate, calcium and magnesium, zinc and iron can be affected.

Here is more info on Benfotiamine:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post653193-4.html

Thanks for the advice and warm welcome