[Wide-O]

I had an appointment today for an EMG - the first since I was diagnosed in 2010 with PN. The results indicated that there is no damage to motor nerves/muscle, but he can still measure sensory anomalies.

When I told him I felt 80% better since my last visit, was mostly pain free, and explained why, he looked really puzzled.

Now in his mind - I showed him the supplements I took during my first visit - I'm already completely lost for this world, and a "believer".

He then asked in the end: "um, just how much sugar do you add to your water now?", and it was my turn to be baffled. I calmly explained to him again that I had *stopped* consuming vast amounts of sugar and drank water instead.

"Ah..."

He still didn't believe sugar has anything to do with it; he also is adamant that only the B12 deficiency plays a role in PN (forget those aldehydes, congeners etc...). After a lecture of "well, in science, there is no evidence that sugar or fish oil plays any role what so ever", I kinda gave up and said goodbye. Next visit is in 5 months, for another EMG to compare.

He was very friendly, and he did confirm that alcohol-induced neuropathy can be fully cured, but he really thought I was telling him that "sugared water" cured my PN.

Doctors are weird.

[mrsD]

I know how "weird" doctors are too! I had to work with them.
The questions they asked ME would destroy any trust patients develop in them!

Yesterday I had a foot emergency... I accidentally stubbed my left big toe, on the portable A/C we have--it is free standing with the heat exhaust tube going out the window. I didn't hit it hard, it was dark, and I registered an OW....and went back to bed. (1am ish).

I woke up with a bloody messy ugly thing that I couldn't walk on very much. My podiatrist squeezed me in...so he also did some Xrays on the problematic ankle.

The Xrays showed substantial spurring and arthritis in the heel,
and several of the bones in ankle. He said more than enough to cause issues and pain. My major sesamoid is still cracked, 2mm space between the halves too. But there were no calcium deposits there. My Achilles' tendon had many white deposits on it. I am going back next week for more discussion about that.

My toenail (which had been ruined by another previous doctor and was pretty marginal), had to be removed.

So he asked what I did for the ankle... and when I said Salonpas and aspirin, he laughed. A little snicker/chuckle. Like I was a fool. But you know that does work for me. I am suspecting he is planning some major $$ treatment for me next week! He did tell me about a new product coming out, with DMSO and tolnaftate, to help penetrate nails with fungus problems. So we will discuss that too. The salesperson came to his office the day before...so he was intrigued with that. I think my lupus attack did something to the nail..making it vulnerable to being damaged that way. I still have pain in it...this morning but not like yesterday or last night. The PN did help a little with the two injections of Lidocaine, however, but he uses Ethyl Chloride spray to make the area COLD before injections. So the PN helped with the needles a little. He took my pulses, too, and didn't say much.

Many doctors do think we are all basically stupid... that is just one thing people have to realize etc. Sometimes it seems to me that they are just "projecting" (psychological term).

[Beachbum65]

Originally Posted by Wide-O

I had an appointment today for an EMG - the first since I was diagnosed in 2010 with PN. The results indicated that there is no damage to motor nerves/muscle, but he can still measure sensory anomalies.

When I told him I felt 80% better since my last visit, was mostly pain free, and explained why, he looked really puzzled.

Now in his mind - I showed him the supplements I took during my first visit - I'm already completely lost for this world, and a "believer".

He then asked in the end: "um, just how much sugar do you add to your water now?", and it was my turn to be baffled. I calmly explained to him again that I had *stopped* consuming vast amounts of sugar and drank water instead.

"Ah..."

He still didn't believe sugar has anything to do with it; he also is adamant that only the B12 deficiency plays a role in PN (forget those aldehydes, congeners etc...). After a lecture of "well, in science, there is no evidence that sugar or fish oil plays any role what so ever", I kinda gave up and said goodbye. Next visit is in 5 months, for another EMG to compare.

He was very friendly, and he did confirm that alcohol-induced neuropathy can be fully cured, but he really thought I was telling him that "sugared water" cured my PN.

Doctors are weird.

Hey Wide-O, your doctor sounds just like mine! Crazy uh ?

[Beachbum65]

Originally Posted by mrsD

I know how "weird" doctors are too! I had to work with them.
The questions they asked ME would destroy any trust patients develop in them!

Yesterday I had a foot emergency... I accidentally stubbed my left big toe, on the portable A/C we have--it is free standing with the heat exhaust tube going out the window. I didn't hit it hard, it was dark, and I registered an OW....and went back to bed. (1am ish).

I woke up with a bloody messy ugly thing that I couldn't walk on very much. My podiatrist squeezed me in...so he also did some Xrays on the problematic ankle.

The Xrays showed substantial spurring and arthritis in the heel,
and several of the bones in ankle. He said more than enough to cause issues and pain. My major sesamoid is still cracked, 2mm space between the halves too. But there were no calcium deposits there. My Achilles' tendon had many white deposits on it. I am going back next week for more discussion about that.

My toenail (which had been ruined by another previous doctor and was pretty marginal), had to be removed.

So he asked what I did for the ankle... and when I said Salonpas and aspirin, he laughed. A little snicker/chuckle. Like I was a fool. But you know that does work for me. I am suspecting he is planning some major $$ treatment for me next week! He did tell me about a new product coming out, with DMSO and tolnaftate, to help penetrate nails with fungus problems. So we will discuss that too. The salesperson came to his office the day before...so he was intrigued with that. I think my lupus attack did something to the nail..making it vulnerable to being damaged that way. I still have pain in it...this morning but not like yesterday or last night. The PN did help a little with the two injections of Lidocaine, however, but he uses Ethyl Chloride spray to make the area COLD before injections. So the PN helped with the needles a little. He took my pulses, too, and didn't say much.

Many doctors do think we are all basically stupid... that is just one thing people have to realize etc. Sometimes it seems to me that they are just "projecting" (psychological term).

Sorry to hear that mrs.D , even when you do everything right ,something comes along smacks you down. I hope you are ok now. It sure is a ruff world we live in, with "weird" doctors , yeah he probably does have some crazy stuff in store for you ! I sometimes wonder where these idiot doctors went to school my GP is so stupid it scary. Doesn't understand PN I actually got the " you look fine speech". They may think we are stupid , but I think they are because they haven't got PN and other illnesses they treat us for. Let them walk in our shoes for a day or 2 and they would be in for a real education. Get better, God bless you! Oh by the way I was wading in a cold river the other day 58 degrees year round , trout stream was not fishing just soaking my feet in the numbing water , works great too. Ripped half my nail off of my big toe didn't feel a thing, mine was no big deal tho.Had on sandals .Be carful mrsD. God Bless !

[mrsD]

Oh, my! Sorry about YOUR toe... mine sure did hurt...so that tells me the PN is not too bad still. Didn't feel the needles much,
but then he uses that cold spray to numb the area.

We were shopping at WalMart, yesterday. I wanted some of that Kling bandage. And they had some with angry birds on them!
I think I'll use that for when I go back on Weds. LOL

It is amazing what products now have angry birds on them. I found a very nice all organic lip balm during the winter... in a red canister with red bird on it! I have it on my desk next to the monitor here, and when my friend visited she was amazed! (it is cherry flavored too!) It is far better than any ChapStik product in fact!

I love Angry Birds games. I play them over and over. I especially like # 11 in Wreck the Halls...Some of the games really hook me. They appear very random with repeat playing.
I also do the ones on FB. (which are free). My cat Weezie does a WHeeeee sound like the white bird. In fact we named her Weezie for that trait. She will often sit with me as she likes the music and sound effects, for some reason.

All that joking stuff about elderly people with "second childhoods" is really true, for me at least! LOL

Make sure you keep that toe covered, and clean, and use triple antibiotic ointment on it. It can get infected quickly and be a huge issue.

[Beachbum65]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Oh, my! Sorry about YOUR toe... mine sure did hurt...so that tells me the PN is not too bad still. Didn't feel the needles much,
but then he uses that cold spray to numb the area.

We were shopping at WalMart, yesterday. I wanted some of that Kling bandage. And they had some with angry birds on them!
I think I'll use that for when I go back on Weds. LOL

It is amazing what products now have angry birds on them. I found a very nice all organic lip balm during the winter... in a red canister with red bird on it! I have it on my desk next to the monitor here, and when my friend visited she was amazed! (it is cherry flavored too!) It is far better than any ChapStik product in fact!

I love Angry Birds games. I play them over and over. I especially like # 11 in Wreck the Halls...Some of the games really hook me. They appear very random with repeat playing.
I also do the ones on FB. (which are free). My cat Weezie does a WHeeeee sound like the white bird. In fact we named her Weezie for that trait. She will often sit with me as she likes the music and sound effects, for some reason.

All that joking stuff about elderly people with "second childhoods" is really true, for me at least! LOL

Make sure you keep that toe covered, and clean, and use triple antibiotic ointment on it. It can get infected quickly and be a huge issue.

Yes I am on the Candy Crush game , just mindless entertainment to keep my mind off of the pain while keeping my feet elevated. I have a cat too he is 14 years old dont know what that is in cat years but I know it old, he still lives outside and gets around very well for an old man. My toe is ok, I wish it did hurt but it doesn't ,but my feet do, crazy! Peace!

[Wide-O]

Originally Posted by Beachbum65

Hey Wide-O, your doctor sounds just like mine! Crazy uh ?

You know, I have nothing against being skeptical, it's part of their job, and I'm sure some patients will come up with the weirdest stories.

But when he said I might as well take no supplements, I asked him "so even drop the B12"? "No, the B12 is OK". "And what about the B1?". "Yeah, that's important too, you can continue taking that". I think most people would agree that these are very important vitamins, especially after alcohol abuse, yet not a single doc told me to take them. If I hadn't done my own research/depended on internet advice, I might still be B12 deficient, and would probably not have progressed like I did.

Same thing with the fish oil: just saw an episode of "Food Hospital", where they try to cure/improve all kinds of diseases with healthy food. One kid with ADHD was told to stop consuming so much sugar (d'oh), and to take omega 3 supplements "as it would be impossible to eat enough fish to make a difference". (they normally don't like to advise on taking supplements).
The kid had improved 60% (according to some standard checklist) after 10 weeks.

So that's B12, B1, omega3/fish oil. Dr. Sears is pretty sure CoQ10 might work in addition to his diet, but is expensive.

"My recommendation for antioxidants: I recommend taking a supplement containing 200 IU of vitamin E and 30 mg of coenzyme Q10 every day with your fish oil. Your other option is to increase your intake of extra-virgin olive oil. According to scientists at the Norwegian Olympic Sports Clinic, this is the best antioxidative supplement they have ever tested in efforts to reduce excessive oxidation from fish oil.

Sears, Barry (2009-10-13). The Anti-Inflammation Zone (Zone (Regan)) (Kindle Locations 1468-1471). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. "

He's not so keen on ALA, but he's not against either, he's just not sure it works efficiently.

My recommendations for ALA: Forget about taking ALA if you are taking high-dose fish oil. You will get far better anti-inflammatory effects from fish oil since the conversion of ALA into EPA is very inefficient.

Sears, Barry (2009-10-13). The Anti-Inflammation Zone (Zone (Regan)) (Kindle Locations 1359-1361). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

OK, that's B12, B1, omega3, CoQ10, ALA. Apart from biotin (another B-vitamin, which can help against hair loss - and it seems to have stopped mine) the only other item on my list was B6, but I had only taken that for a week, and then decided against it. No further need to explain the cutting of sugar/processed foods I hope...

Magnesium probably helps a lot of people who are deficient, nothing wrong with that either.

So, one has to wonder what exactly was "wrong" with my list. It's not like I entered his cabinet on a broom!

Originally Posted by mrsD

I love Angry Birds games. I play them over and over.

Yeah, what is up with THAT? My wife, who always hated computer games, is simply addicted to it all of a sudden. She can play it for an hour, completely forgetting her surroundings (i.e.: me! ). They really must be on to something!

[mrsD]

LOL.... well my theory on Angry Birds:

I think it defuses alot of frustration. Playing video games, has been used to improve dopamine functions, in children. (PacMan was used back then).

So dopamine is the feel good neurotransmitter and also improves focus.

Personally I love certain of the games, because the programming of them is more random. I bought Seasons for Xmas and like the winter ones the best. Some of the Year of the Dragon ones too, which are complex, are good the same way. LOL

I love the ones with TNT boxes the best.

On the surface Angry Birds is satisfying but because of the imagery and content, unrealistic situations instead of real violence etc. I tend to be an anxious type person, so the fantasy aspect of the game is good for me. And Weezie, our older cat...she just loves the sounds they make and the music. (I rather like them too). There is one sound from the White Bird...Wheeeeeee... she makes this sound instead of meows. And our little Maya (who is not so little anymore)....actually says "Wow".. which is what one of those little blue birds says sometimes after a good shot. I have not heard the wow, yet, but she says this to hubby all the time. I have 2 of the sounds on my iPhone now! The Wheeee and the high score red bird zing (my email alert).

As far as ADHD goes, the Omega-3 improvements, were the basic reason that sent me on the path to finding things to fix in the diet and OTC....as my son has a severe ADHD problem. (inherited from hubby). When Dr. Sears' 1st book came out, a friend of mine with severe sleep apnea was told by her doctor to read this book. She could not understand it...so asked me to read it for her and explain it. There I WAS in this book... with all sorts of GERD, and ASTHMA and so I decided to do the diet and take fish oil. Well in 3 months it fixed me. Right about then, we got our first computer.... the first Pentium Intel wonder, and a whole gigabyte harddrive (ACER)....and that led me to the NET. And PubMed.

My son, who I gave 500mg of DHA fish oil, magnesium and Bcomplex, stopped his Ritalin forever...and did much better in school, and was very happy. And he went to college easily, compared to before Omega-3's which we thought would never be.
It was a new life for HIM and US.

Magnesium is important for the metabolism of fats, so when you use the Omega-3's it is a good idea to use mag also. It along with B6 also makes serotonin.

I am really pleased that you like the book... Enter the Zone. He has others, but that one is the basic explanation of fatty acid chemistry. If I recall correctly, it has a layman's chapter and a more technical chemical chapter.

And there is an affordable CoQ-10 now... called Qunol. 100mg a day of this, costs about $8 a month. Amazon sells it. You might find it there. This brand is solubilized to give better absorption.
http://www.amazon.com/Qunol-Ultra-Co...keywords=Qunol
And here I am.

[Wide-O]

And there you are indeed!

What a story, I guess I don't have to explain my awe of the Zone books then...

As you see above, I bought "The Anti-Inflammation Zone", and have since read it twice, and more or less "forced" my wife to read it too. Although I know I can get over-excited, I really think he is onto something, and much of what he writes seems to be confirmed elsewhere.

When you mentioned Dr. Sears in a post, a good friend of mine who had a heart attack a year ago, and with whom I was talking about cholesterol, said that "but it might not have been the cholesterol, it might have been inflammation". That was on the same day, and the reason why I wanted to know more. Shortly thereafter, I found this article from a heart surgeon.

For me it's now no longer just about curing the PN, it's also about living as healthy & long as possible (without becoming a freak). I have been following his diet for 2 months now, and we both feel pretty good with that. It also helps that his recipes are quite tasty, and leave us with no hunger at all.

Since then I lost 15 kg - although I suppose quitting soda & sweets made up the most part - cutting potatoes, rice, pasta etc. back to once a week. That's a compromise with my wife who loves pasta, and weighing 52 kg for 168 cm she hardly needs to lose weight.

I also sourced some good liquid fish-oil (tested by IFOS) from which a teaspoon gives you 3500mg (EPA 2000, DHA 1000, other omega3 500) which is hard to get swallowing capsules. Although the fresh food isn't that expensive (luckily for us), the fish oil is, but I want to try it for at least a year and see where I am then. I also try to follow his exercise and "meditation" routine for good measure.

I might pick up the "Enter The Zone" book to delve more into the biochemistry.

The Qunol isn't available from the UK site (where I source most of my stuff, shipping from the US is touch & go when it comes to pricing), they do however have this version; a bit more expensive, but I'm going to give it a try anyway.

[mrsD]

Yes, I see more expensive for you there!

There is another type... Q-gel, that is enhanced solubility.

You might find this where you are:
http://www.epic4health.com/qgel-coq10.html

This link is just an example. And a bit more $$ than the Qunol.