I have had small fiber neuropathy for 31/2 years now. I don't know the reason for it and it progressed very quickly. I hope you have success in finding the reason. I searched for a long time. Just recently, after being tested for everything they could think of and being misdiagnosed a few times, I have decided to focus on making me feel better. Although I still hold out hope, I also realize that I may never know the reason. Good Luck

I'm a newby too but I am finding a lot of helpful information. These people know their stuff. Good luck,
Zygo

Mine is not S/F however it has progressed a few inches per year until recently where something startling has occurred.

alpha lipoic acid!

3 weeks on 600mg/day and the last 4 days my PN went into total remission. Possibly the happiest few days of my life. Numbness was still there though but much less number (is that a word?)

Last night pain bounced back to 4-5 however this morning its back to a 2

I have delayed buying this stuff for years because it expensive at $30 (australian) for 60 at 300mg

Am trying to find a new source, what do you guys pay for it in USA?

I think you should try the R-lipoic stabilized instead, if you can get it.

iherb.com ships to many countries. Many of us including me use the Doctor's Best 100mg daily. This is better absorbed and more potent. It is also available on Amazon.com here.(but I don't know their shipping details).

You have to take the alpha type on an empty stomach. It is best to do the same with the new R-lipoic too.

It is great that you are seeing improvement!

Hi Mrs. D. I stopped at a new health store by me and asked for R-lipoic. They only had alpha. Can you tell me what the different is please? Also, i found a CVS that still had epsom lotion. I have never used it before but wanted to see if it would help me since I found some. I do think it helps a little. I just have a few questions, of course. How does it work? Does the magnesium get into the bloodstream from the lotion? Can it be used a few times a day? I appreciate any info you have to offer. Thanks alot!!!

This is our most recent information on R-lipoic acid:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ht=lipoic+acid

R-lipoic stabilized is far more potent and better absorbed than the alpha type. So why use something that barely works (alpha), when a better form is available now for less $$? Most of us are using Doctor's Best, since it is affordable and of good quality. 100mg a day is effective for most people. If you can tolerate higher, go up slowly. (it can be stimulating for some).
If you use drugs for diabetes, test often, as the blood sugar may come down.
iherb.com or Amazon's has it online. I haven't seen R-lipoic in any stores yet. It is too new.

There are two kinds of R-lipoic --some are not stabilized and therefore not as well absorbed. The stabilized form is therefore the one to choose. It will say clearly on the label "stabilized" or NaRALA Doctor's Best is the most affordable IMO.

Yes the magnesium is absorbed. But there is no way to tell how much or how far it goes. It may remain regionally where you apply it. I have seen on the net a recommendation to use
a "dime sized" amount. But the CVS product does not have concentration given, so there is no way to know how much is absorbed. The Kirkman cream, which is quite expensive gives 100mg/1gram of cream. It is used commonly in autistic children, so dosing is more critical than adults who can tolerate more magnesium.
I find the CVS lotion really helps with controlling my blood pressure, so I know the magnesium is absorbed.

Magnesium is used in hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body, including the mitochondria. It relaxes tight muscles, improve vascular circulation, helps the heart, is involved in lipid metabolism, etc. It is lost in the urine in diabetics, and when people use diuretics including caffeine and alcohol. It is negatively affected by acid lowering drugs, which reduce its absorption from food. It is lost during steroid therapy.
Most people consume 1/2 or less of the RDA daily, because of poor food choices. Nuts and beans remain the highest sources.

Ok hope I don't sound stupid when I say this but I but I put the loiton on my arms and legs such as if I would be using lotion for dry skin. Is it possible to use to much. I am not sure if the symptoms I had last night and today are just something new going on. I have terrible muscle pain in my arms and hands and elbows. My legs have some but not as much. Could the lotion cause this? This is the first time I have ever felt like this!

Mrs. D I also wanted to say I sent you a message last night about the scientist magazine. There is an araticle this month on chronic pain. Pretty interesting!!