I had my doctors appt yesterday. I told her about the Gabapentin making me suicidally depressed. She made a note in my chart not to give me that anymore. I told her about the DX from the Neuro doc and that I'd done some research and was trying the B-vitamin route. She asked if it was working. I was glad to be able to tell her not only was it working but working well. She and the nurse acknowledged that just because blood levels show as normal doesn't always mean much. The proof is in the pudding. And she also is aware that the blood tests used aren't accurate. She asked me how much I was taking and I gave her what I could remember from the complexes and the plain B-12 and the Folic acid, which I did remember. She said that was fine and not a problem. I could take much more than that and not have a problem, apparently.

At any rate, I can say the B-vitamins are really helping! My pain is at about 10% of what it was before I began the vitamins. So maybe that's all it was for me. I say 'all' because I feel like one of the lucky ones. Al ot of you have intense pain that nothing seems to help for long. Having experienced that kind of pain for about 2 years I feel very blessed to have found something that works and found it so quickly.

Wow, Jarrett thats just fantastic news, its wonderfull to read posts like yours.
keep up the good work
all the best,
Brian

I'd recommend adding in fish oil too... you might even pump up those results.

There have been suggestions put forth to the FDA to Black Box Gabapentin, when I was using it my wife suggested discontinuing its use which I did.

Jarrett,

Fabulous. And you have some better informed medical people than the usual.

rose

Boy, am I glad I was reading this particular thread. I just noticed where Mrs. D. said to take Fish Oil. I ran over to Alan and said "where's the Fish Oil?" He had to stop taking it when he began the plavix and aspirin because of his stent. He found it and it said "expiration March of 09".

So tomorrow I begin my fish oil too!!!!!!!!!


Today I spent the day at Cornell. My sugar numbers are just fine. We discussed my neuropathy (they can't do anything because this is a protocol to prevent heart disease in diabetic woman and I just get all test strips and meds and exams for free. I told her about going to the Podiatrist and that my feet went nuts after that. She just said "no, it has nothing to do with his using a vibrating tool, you have neuropathy" She then said "you can discuss this with Dr. Fred and there are meds you can take". I then said:

"Listen, I've been down this road with my husband (she knows the whole story)" " I know all about the neurontin, the lyrica, etc." She responded "NEURONTIN??? for neuropathy???? No good, Lyrica is better, and there is also Elavil"

I responded "yeah, I know all about these meds, what I don't want to do is mask this condition, I want to FIX this condition. I am now taking Methyl B-12 and I pulled out the bottle and showed her. She just said "well, that can't hurt you". Yeah, I know, Doctors and supplements. Not a good mix.

But she was supportive and didn't pooh pooh it too much.

Then I met a person on the access-a-ride who said she had diabetes and neuropathy and she took a supplement (I CANNOT REMEMBER IT, DARN IT). It's two names and theres a BIRCH in there someplace. Anybody have a clue?? I am so stupid, I didn't write it down. This person said she took it for her neuropathy and the pins and needles went away. I even repeated it to myself and then it went clear out of my head. It had an unusual name.
If I hear it again, I'll go BINGO.


Let me tell you, when we have bad days, all I had to do was remember the guy who walked into Cornell today. He must have been in a fire because half his face was burned off and his hands were wrapped. I will never forget that image. So I'll continue to take my Methyl B and now the Fish Oil.

I may turn into a mermaid!!!!!

lol Melody

Jarrett,
I also went to my neuro this week and he said that I am so sensitive to meds, that he recommends I just stay on the B-vitamins and other vitamins for now. They are working so well. I'm also drinking this fortified "milkshake in a can" for diabetics. I'm not diabetic, but I don't tolerate sugar cuz of the Gastric bypass - and the liquid form is easier to absorb. This vitamin route is working beautifully for now (knock on wood and Lord-willing!), so I'm passing on the heavy drugs. It's a good feeling not to be dazed all the time and worried about side effects. Glad to hear you're having decreased pain. That's a major worry. I know that pain is what wears me down (and freaks me out) more than anything. Best wishes!

Liz

I used to take fish oil as part of a weight loss thing related to SSRI's. It worked for that surprisingly. What does it do? Boost the B's?

Yeah, I was surprised about them knowing about the B-12 testing. And this is a little country clinic!

STILL say, LUV the cat! I don't think a soul here hasn't had that expression at LEAST once!

Also, MORE IMPORTANTLY, you mite even have a savvy doc who is really actually willing to WORK WITH you...rather than ON you? There is a BIG difference, as all the tales here can tell. In the early days of NT, OK I'm gonna find it now....hold on? Got it here it is below....

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...p?t=177&page=2
Mrs D's post there about in the middle of the page... I hope this all info which is mind-boggleing to begin with mite help you out of your own BOGGLE?

Melody? Just read up a bit on the Omegas and Fish oils...don't try to 'overachieve'? Please? I say this because I've experienced two s/e's that can or can-not be issues...depending on where you are physically.
The first is, that, well, foodstuffs can 'exit' quite rapidly if you have too much.. AND I MEAN RAPIDLY...unless you have quick access to a commode it can be more than embarrassing. Second is if one takes too much of some brands...one acquires a ...well--'fishy smell' about them? And I don't mean just anchovies here! That's been my experience at least, and rite now I'm searching for a balance between the omegas and all the extra calcium, D's and magnesiums I'm trying to force feed myself... Be forewarned? I can be downright mortifying unless you know.... Hugs to all!!! - j