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What were your symptoms? progression?
Hi all...first off I just want to say I feel for everyone who is going through this...it is terrible! I'm still working on a diagnosis however I have been told by my neuro that he is leaning in the direction of peripheral neuropathy. So here are my questions...thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it!
What are your primary symptoms of PN? Was it a slow steady progression? or did it come on suddenly? Are there times of the day you notice it worse than others? Are there certain activities that exacerbate the symptoms? (for me it's walking or standing) Any natural remedies I can use? What do you believe is causing your PN? I apologize for all the questions I just feel like nobody I know understands what I'm going through and I also wonder if I have something else going on. |
My symptoms were slow, and my doctor and I believe it is brought on by hypothyroid that has been untreated for many years. I also believe spiking blood glucose numbers could attribute to it, though I am not diabetic I believe I am prediabetic and my meter shows I spike with high carb meals.
About 2 years ago I noticed occasional weird feelings in my toes, it was only occasionally, usually at night in bed, my toes would burn. I ignored it. After a year of this, pain in my feet/heels was excruciating. I attributed it to overweight issues, made excuses like plantar faciitis, etc. My pain got worse and worse in my heels and the burning/tingling became more frequent through the year. A year later I could no longer ignor it, started my own research, led me to PN and mostly diabetes. Meanwhile I had been diagnosed with hypothyroid but did not start medication since I was dealing with other health issues such as high blood pressure, i ignored they thyroid. Finally noticed the back of my heel went completely numb. Went to doctor had blood work up, sensory test, etc. Long story, long process. Got thyroid under control with meds. Too little too late, pn still a problem but no where near as bad as some folks have it. I am not on any medication at all. So far supplements help. Benfotiamine, B12, magnesium, etc help. Burning is my worse pain. Still trying new things everyday. Wearing tennis shoes, closed shoes, and exersicing makes it worse, brings on burning. Eating carbs make it worse, I am low carb eater now and keep glucose numbers below 140 at all times, as anything over that can cause damage to body and organs and pn. Go read the sticky posts about supplements, you will find everything you need to know already posted in detail there, it's quite amazing. Become YOUR BEST ADVOCATE. Read, research, study and trust yourself more than a doctor. The doctor works for you. If I don't like my dr I fire him and move on to the next. Only you care about you enough to find the right healing path. good luck! Starting at a place like this is a wonderful place to start on your journey, and it is a journey. |
Stacy2012
Wow! That is definitely similar to my story. Mine started with a tingle in my left calf. It stayed that way for a few months and then I noticed I had the same sensation in my right calf. That's when I went to the doctor and they ran my blood tests and such. Everything came back "normal". I have copies of all my labs and they do fall in the normal range, however I have researched those results individually and come up with different thoughts on that. The only one that really stood out to my was that my thyroid is a little high. I am also anemic but she said that wouldn't cause these symptoms. So they sent me to a neurologist and he did all the normal testing in the office including MRI of brain and such. All normal. I have an appointment with him in 11 days to see what's new. Over the past summer 2012 the tingling had spread and I felt it in both legs from ankle to knee and sometimes in my hands. Just these last few months it has become so uncomfortable for me to be on my feet. This used to just mainly bother me at rest or at night when trying to fall asleep. Now it hurts to stand for more than a few minutes and the feeling I get of numbness and burn makes me feel like I will lose my balance...does this sound familiar? I also have other symptoms like sensitivity to light, brain fog, muscle twitches, tremors on occassion. I really appreciate you responding to my questions. Have you notice that your PN is getting worse still or did it kind of level off at some point? I'm at the point now that it is causing me so much stress and anxiety that I don't even want to leave my house or do anything. It's terrible.
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There is a site:
www.stopthethyroidmaddness.com That is one of the best places for thyroid info, it was my starting point and I go back there often. What was your TSH? What is your FREE T3? FREE T4? If they are on the "high" side of normal then continue to look into thyroid. My TSH started at 10.8 and I now have it down to 2.8 but my T3 and T4 are still on the high side so I am still working on it. I am on desicated natural hormone and believe it is better than synthetic hormones dr's like. Took awhile and fired 2 dr's before I found one to work with me with desicated hormone meds. Is my pn better. Million dollar question. Yes. No. Depends what day you ask. The numb spot is getting better, not so numb but even that seems to change with the day. When I first got on Benfotiamine it was a miracle for me and seemed to alleviate all symptoms but now they are back...but it could be that it is winter. Winter seems to have made everything worse...or so it seems. Im heading back to florida in February, guess I will see if warmer temps help. I never lost my balance. I did have brain fog that thyroid meds have cleared up. I use to be in complete pain when I stood for any amount of time but now that pain is gone. The horrid pain in my heels is gone. My worse symptom is the burning which starts at night. Some days I have feelings that everything is getting worse. Some days everything is getting better. Attitude, thoughts, faith and prayer all affect my outlook and outcome. MrsD said thyroid never gets back to complete normal and lingering affects could be permanent. I am praying and asking God to heal me completely and I believe that can happen. :) |
Stacy2012
I'm glad to hear that you have had some improvement! It gives me hope. I feel like until I find out what is causing this I can't move forward. My thyroid is only 3.13. I agree about the winter thing. During the summer even though my symptoms continued to progress overall they weren't as intense. The cold has made it worse. I also noticed that when it's that time of the month they seem to worsen as well. Do you have that going on? I don't mean to get to personal but I am really enjoying having someone to talk to about this. It's incredibly helpful and I really appreciate it. Do you recommend taking vitamins for now? It's weird because I am hesitant to get up and walk around for fear of the uncomfortable feeling. And if I do push myself to walk or exercise the next day I pay for it X3. I read somewhere though that even if it hurts you are supposed to keep trying to get exercise. I'm just so scared I'm going to end up in a wheel chair or something.
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What is your FREE T3 and FREE T4? Those are more important than TSH. And my TSH is 2.8 but I want it lower and will be asking my dr to up my medication next month.
YES. The week before I start my period is my huge PMS week, and EVERYTHING is WORSE. All my symptoms are worse that time of month, including other things besides my pn. Yes, take supplements. Go to the sticky at the top of this page and read the supplements page, then ask questions after you read. My MUST haves are benfotiamine, magnesium, potassium, B12. There are others but those are my never live without. Epsom salt baths are VERY HELPFUL. I take them all the time, epsom salt is magnesium and it gets into the blood stream faster when in a hot bath. LOVE THEM. Lowers blood pressure, helps sore aching muscles and helps my feet pain and burning. I have lost 40 pounds through this because I have cut out the carbs. Carbs make my pn worse. I also wont allow my BG to get above 140 so I keep my carbs around 30g a day. There are others here, like Sally, she does not have diabetes but eats low carb for same reasons. Many say carbs make pn worse. I exercise even though my feet burn when I am done. Walking is worse so I do arobics. When I take my shoes off my toes are red and on fire but I do it anyway. I understand your fear. Fear can immobilize us. Worse thing to fear, is fear itself, so confront the fear by being in control. Read, research and keep faith. It IS good to talk to others, that is why I stay here. :) I also find so much help here. |
Stacy2012
Awesome information! Thank you so much! The best thing about what you told me is that I can do those things myself and they are beneficial to anyone whether they have PN or not. As far as T3 and T4 those weren't tested. For thyroid my doctor only test TSH with reflex to T4 (that's exactly how the test states it). They have tested it twice and used the same test both times. How would I get the other things tested? I hate to walk in demanding and acting like I know more about it than they do. But sometimes we have to be that way I guess. I will read up on the information you gave me. I just want to thank you again!
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The best way to approach this problem in a younger person with no thyroid markers, or diabetes symptoms with blood sugar anomalies, is to go back to before you had the initial symptoms.
What were you doing then? Any antibiotics in the year leading up to this taken? What were they for and their names. Any vaccines? What hobbies do you have--any with paints, solvents, furniture resurfacing, gardening with pesticides, etc. Any allergies or reactions to something in your environment? All details may leave clues. Knowing what triggers you then points to what you may be able to do the stop it or reverse it. Any drugs you used, RX and recreational? Nitrous oxide at the dentist? Alcohol consumption? Toxins in the environment may be heavy metals like lead, arsenic (well water), cadmium, etc. Your diet and exercise routine. Shoes? any foot problems? Diet is important because foods can trigger burning, tingling and nerve symptoms. Gluten is the biggest offender. But nightshade veggies (tomatoes, potatoes, all peppers), can trigger discomfort in some people. MSG in processed foods is a biggie also, because it triggers pain receptors. Some foods are actual histamine releasers. They may be blocked by Zantac, and Benadryl. Do you have good days? What was going on the day before a good day? Do you have pain 24/7 or only sometimes? Do you have relatives with PN symptoms? This would suggest a hereditary component. Are your feet involved? Or only the legs? If the legs only, have you had spinal testing to see if you have compressions along the lumbar, etc? Some nutrient deficiencies give symptoms. Low B6, low thiamine, low B12, low D, imbalances between calcium and magnesium. Most Americans are low in magnesium--up to 70% of us. Medically after all the typical stuff is ruled out, then there are medical tests for antibody status (elevated peptides in the blood make it thicker and sluggish), and autoimmune studies to see if you have Lupus or Sjogren's, or some other autoimmune issue. You doctor is not likely to do this detective work in detail...it is really basically up to you to do it all. |
Oh boy. You hit my hot button, lol YES, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO ASK FOR AND DEMAND TESTS. Sorry to shout, lol.
The story is too long and Ive told it too many times, Im sure you could find it in some old posts, so I won't go into it again, I will just say, ONLY YOU will fight for you. I have fired 2 doctors. (long story) I had an epiphany a long time ago. I care more about my health than the doctor does. I am one of many to him. A number. I took control of my health and when the dr got mad that I had too many opinions or whatever I fired him and got another. I go to the dr now with print out proof of studies and explanations of why I want to do something and if he doesn't agree, he has to tell me and PROVE to me why. I believe in dr's. I use them. I need them. What I don't believe is that they care about me as much as I do. I refuse to be a statistic, go with the flow, pop the most used pill so he can get kick backs, kind of patient. The honest truth is: I have helped myself more than any doctor. By doing my research, reading, studing, and finding place like this where there are great people with help and advice and on my knees in prayer. The supplements that people talk about here are real. They help. Read, read, read. Some things will work for you and some won't. Rlipoic acid is amazing from what I read here. I bought a bottle and I can't take it cuz every time I do I get acid reflux bad. I REALLY want to take it. But, everyone is not the same. Then there are other things I can't live without. Benfotiamine has been a miracle for me and no doctor prescribed it, I found it here. It literally helps control my flare ups and I wont go a day without it. It is trial and error. I am no longer focused on WHY I have this pn or what specifically caused it. Hypothyroid, glucose spikes, whatever. I have it and now I have to deal with it and most pn's are the same in that you learn to manage it no matter what caused it. I get most of my blood tests, all of them, on my own now. I go to Any Lab Test Now! Google to see if you have one or one like it. I talked to my dr and told him its out of pocket for me and cheaper to do the lab work on my own and he agreed. I have insurance but it's useless, high deductable and mostly for if I am dieing. So, I study what test I need, why, the specific name and I go do the blood test on my own. They are VERY helpful when you go in. I paid $99 for my thyroid panel which is TSH, T3 AND T4 free. (must say free) Then I take the results to my doctor. I also checked B12 but that is a hard test cuz the standard test only checks ALL B12, which is active B12 and INactive B12 in the gut. B vitamines are essential for PN. I will only take Jarrow & enzymatic therapy brands, sublingual. That is my personal opinion as I found some convincing studies on brands and those were the top 2. Read the supplements sticky, MrsD knows everything about supplements and she is so very helpful. Never accept test results by word from dr, always get a copy of them. Most "normal" ranges are out dated and wrong, especially B12 and thyroid tests and diabetes. You can't trust when a dr says " you are within normal ranges" BECAUSE their ranges are outdated. You can't walk in "demanding" but you can take charge, be informed and be prepared to prove why you want what you want. Finding the right dr is key. edit to add: I see MrsD posted while I was typing, she is FULL of knowledge and can help you more than I can. :) |
Yes, you have to do a lot of work on your own and you also need to find a good integrative MD. Key to actually healing. They know conventional med. but they know much more also. Treatments, the correct diet, supplements that regular doctors have no clue about oddly and sadly... They also know the blood tests needed and how to use them.
Regular MD's have no idea how to help my CFS and Dysautonomia. I steer clear of them. |
I would just like to reiterate.... WE ALL HELP here in our own valuable ways.
No one case of PN is like another. There are over 100 causes! People are all different genetically, and are exposed to different things. Many doctors just don't have the TIME to do what is necessary. And many people don't have great insurance or the money to spend on every test. The testing lists are LONG...here is an example: These are the tests Dr. Latov does for patients who see him... He is a specialist in PN: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/test...ripheralNeurop Not everyone gets all these tests. I certainly haven't had them all. I've had the ones for thyroid (my hypothyroid was the trigger for me 30+ yrs ago), diabetes many many times, ANA autoimmune testing twice for Lupus, Rheumatoid factor, c-reactive protein, B12 twice and D once. I get the chem panels from my yearly checkup and whatever else the doctor wants then. My PN is rather stable now, it stopped progressing long ago once my thyroid was fixed. I do have some issues with nightshade veggies and MSG in food, so I know what that feels like! I did gluten free for 3 yrs, but later found out it was fructose all along upsetting my GI tract. I have episodes of burning and my left foot and ankle swells sometimes. I also have osteoarthritis, and this complicates matters. EVERYONE is different. We have seen all sorts of situations here over the years. The best way to understand PN is to read the posts. Most of them are very interesting... and you will be closer to understanding PN and yourself. |
MrsD
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Stacy2012
Thank you. I will check out the lab thing and see if there is somewhere I can go to have the right tests done. I'll check out the supplement information as well. Thanks for all your input! And good luck with everything. I'll keep you posted on my next visit with the neurologist.
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Sometimes it is very difficult to know why.
I never knew taking certain antibiotics could cause pn. Now I will check before any family member takes an antibiotic. Knowing what your glucose numbers are after a meal is important, because while a dr may test you and say you don't have diabetes, you could be spiking after a high carb meal. A dr wont worry until you hit diabetes for sure however if you spike to 140 or above (which is not diabetic) it can cause PN. Anything over 140 can cause damage to body, organs, and pn. You may have to focus on how to live with it and manage it instead of how or why you have it. Try low carb and see if symptoms get better, like I said, many people say carbs make symptoms worse. I would also want to have more tests on thyroid even though your TSH number is not bad. If you read at the place I posted earlier, you can have a normal TSH and still have thyroid problems. |
I'd request some spinal xrays and MRI...
Young women who get PN after the birth of a baby, may have the following things ... 1) low thyroid comes after delivery of a child...but your tests are not terribly revealing of this. 2) women with autoimmune potential, will have a flare after delivery, or sometimes the first attack ...this is because high hormone levels during pregnancy suppress autoimmune reactions and when this brake is removed, there is a flare. Often the first rheumatoid arthritis, can occur at this time. 3) Spinal issues. Lifting that child up all the time, and sitting at a desk for long periods are stressful to the back. PN that affects the legs and not the hands should be evaluated for back issues. Mechanical stress on the back, feet and hips can come from lifting children often. 4) gluten intolerance is pretty common. It is not always genetic and can be acquired. Gluten intolerance gives PN symptoms in some people. If you go gluten free for about 3 months you would see improvements if this is your problem. 5) pregnancy stresses the nutritional status of the mother. The most common deficiency is to Omega-3 status. This is because the mother donates her Omega-3 fats to the fetus for the development of the nervous system (brain). Dry skin, dry eyes, poor hair quality, fatigue etc reflect this loss. You can take flaxseed oil, and fish oil (or krill oil) to replace what you lost. This may improve your own nervous system which may need those lost Omega-3s, that your child now has. These are some things to think about as you study your problem. PNs can be environmentally acquired, or metabolically result from some internal medical problem. And you can inherit them genetically. |
Thank you!
Thank you both for all your help! I am going to start today with cutting out the carbs and see how that helps. Today is not too bad yet! Usually my mornings and nights are worse. I have had MRI on my back and neck and they couldn't find anything wrong there. But I do know that those things don't always show up on the tests? That's what I was told. So far the only connection I can make is my newly sedentary lifestyle and the symptoms getting worse. I am making an effort to walk more at work when possible. And ah yes pregnancy and labor stress the body so much! I haven't felt the same since. Omega-3 I can buy that over the counter?
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Yes omega 3 can be bought over the counter. I buy my flax seed at a health food store. Buy a good kind. I love how it helps my pms and cycles, among other healthy things.
Also, if you are a high carb eater, going low can cause headaches and withdraw at first. I went cold turkey, meaning no carbs for 1 week to get it out of my system and get through the cravings then added back only healthy carbs (whole grains) and only 30g a day. For someone like me, I was a carb addict so I experienced headaches and severe cravings for the first 3 days. |
oooooo O.O.... drinking alcohol stresses the Thiamine pathways.
You may be genetically prone to this problem. Benfotiamine is the best for people with drinking history. You could start with thiamine from the drugstore. 100mg 2 or 3 times a day ...regular thiamine is very inexpensive. But it has an odor some people do not like to have---rather yeasty. Benfotiamine by Doctor's Best is available at all the quality discount online places...iherb.com , Amazon's, etc. If you start with this form, 300mg a day for a month or so, then when you feel better 150mg a day should be enough. Thiamine is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism too, so if you eat carbs and sugar you need more thiamine. |
Peripheral Neuropathy
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Yes, I agree. Genetics may make you prone to have problems. When you have illness, toxins, drinking etc that stress the sensitive nerves you can have problems. I have found age means nothing. I had shingles when I was 25. Rare that young. It just depends on each person's body.
I have never had alcohol, but Benfotiamine (B1) has been one of the very best supplements. L Carnitine, thyroid, Alpha Lipoic Acid, making sure my B12 level is good, Vit D also. I take many supplements. I am not diabetic at all. I have never had a high number on lab testing or home testing. I do check my blood sugar at home to keep it low/even. Not much now that I know the worst carbs. My integrative MD wants all of his patients to eat healthfully. No or low sugar and other carbs. No junk carbs. Even if your test for A1C and glucose is good, diet is number one. For any illness. Only way the body has to get nutrients for the nerves which use a lot. Supplements are number two. Actually, for me they are equally as important. The Wheat Belly cookbook has been great. Hubby and I love to cook and go out to eat. He is a great cook and we love to experiment with healthful foods. Shrimp, salmon, scallops are my favorites. |
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I think you should get Benfotiamine (instead of regular B1), Dr's Best is the brand I use, as suggested by many here.
I bought a cheaper brand of Blood glucose monitor at Walmart, it's by Reli for like $15 for the machine and a pack of the sticks for it is cheaper than the expensive machines. The better machine you buy the more expensive the strips. My mom has an expensive one, dr prescribed and she and I compared it to my Reli from walmart, and mine was 9 points higher than hers. Since I am not diabetic and use it for my own purposes, I just tell myself I could be 10 points higher or lower, which is what all the machines say anyway. |
I don't test my sugar level daily anymore. It is always 76 before eating and returns quickly after eating. Eating low carb keeps it below 100. If I eat potatoes or rice it goes above 100. Those numbers are very good so I am happy and I will keep it that way by not eating food that spikes it. The nerves need to be a good level, not high or low.
Even a high/normal level is not good for the brain. I take Life Extention brand of Benfotiamine. I did a lot of reading online and several books about the best levels. I think I have the Lifestyle kind. It has been a good tool to learn what foods to stay away from. After that, if your levels are normal, you just know what to eat. If it is in your family, it would be great to learn how foods affect you to make sure you stay healthy. Here is one place to look. http://diabetes.webmd.com/how-sugar-...iabetes?page=2 A chart with levels. http://www.bloodsugarzone.com/blood-sugar-level-chart/ I just saw these cases, so cute. http://www.shopdiabetes.org/Categori...-cases_jan2013 Sally |
Stacy2012
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Sallysblooms
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I disagree with the common "charts" somewhat after doing research in that most charts focus on fasting numbers and numbers 2 hours after eating.
I think the important number is 1 hour after eating. Some research shows that while you may not be "diabetic" for spiking 1 hour after a meal if it goes back to "normal" at the 2 hour mark, IF you spike above 140 at the 1 hour mark you are on your way to diabetes AND spiking at the 1 hour mark can certainly cause damage to your body, organs AND cause neuropathy. So, for me, I do not check mine at the 2 hour mark because I know it always drops back down. I check 1 hour after a meal to make sure I don't spike. I found quite a few compelling places/doctors on the net that talk about this. |
I am a 65 year-old, white female in otherwise healthy condition. In the fall of 2009 I was diagnosed with a H. pylori infection and took the usual regime of antibiotics to clear this up. In addition, I was prescribed omeprazole (20 mg) per day for the accompanying gastric distress (which I continued to take until about a month ago). In the fall of 2010, I began to experience "weird" feelings in my legs and feet. I also began to have "spells" of orthostatic hypotension. I was referred to a cardiologist (who detected a valve failure in my right leg Great Saphenous Vein) and subsequently had EVLT (endovenous laser ablation) to kill off that segment of the vein and had to wear prescription strength compression stockings for three months subsequent to this surgery. In the spring of 2011 (once the compression hose came off), I still had weird sensations in my legs and feet and "walked funny", which I attributed to the compression stockings and "getting used to the new circulation patterns" in my leg. On follow-up, however, the cardiologist was concerned about my gait disorder and referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist did all of the usual reflex testing on my legs and an EMG and said everything was normal. She ordered MRIs and CT scans. These resulted in a diagnoses of "cervical spondylosis with myelophathy" and I was referred to a neurosurgeon who said my symptoms were wrong for this (no problems in arms and hands). Upon my request, my Nurse Practitioner referred me to a gait disorder specialist at Baylor who diagnosed a "psychogenic gait disorder". My Nurse Practitioner referred me to PT where no real problems were observed (as long as I did my PT in the morning). My feet tingled all the time and I started to avoid wearing shoes (which helped), but kept me housebound. It seemed impossible to really walk around unaided (started working my way around the house by holding on to the furniture. My PCP Nurse Practitioner also referred me to a different neurologist (at my request) and the new neurologist (started seeing him in the spring of 2012) diagnosed me with Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy (fall of 2012) and gave me a long lecture about alcohol (which I do not abuse). He sent me to another neurosurgeon who ordered more MRIs and stated that my new Cervical MRI looked better than the one taken a year earlier. He gave me a prescription for a walker and told me not to fall. Meanwhile, my nurse practitioner ordered B12 tests and prescribed weekly injections (starting two months ago) based on a serum lever of 324. Then, I did internet research and discovered that the omeprazole may have played a factor in all of this. I quit taking the omeprazole a month ago. My symptoms have not progressed and seem to have improved. I KNOW that my mental state has improved since starting the B-12. What is my likely prognosis here? Is it possible that I will improve? Is it possible that there has been degeneration of the myelin sheath and that it will regrow? Any advice and thoughts would be appreciated.
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Welcome to NeuroTalk:
It will go faster recovery-wise if you also use oral methylB12 daily. 5mg orally on an empty stomach for 3 months, and then get retested. Daily oral done properly is FASTER and more natural than injections. Here is the B12 thread we have here: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html Injections are not the active form of B12, like methylcobalamin is. So now that we have inexpensive oral quality product having invasive injections is no longer necessary. Besides almost all injections are synthetic cyano form, which has to be converted at 4 levels to the active form. Some people don't have the genetics for that. We have alot of information here, we've spent many many long hours/months/years assembling it. So please do some reading so you will understand your issues. Most people do much better with B12 deficiency once they have the testing, by medicating themselves with methylB12 and only using the doctors for the tests. Most of us keep our B12 at around 1000 also. MethylB12 is still mostly available online at quality outlets: Puritan's Pride Swanson's iherb.com etc. It adds up to about pennies a day. Must be taken on an empty stomach for proper absorption, though. |
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I wanted to give some sites so she can start to measure and learn. The one hour mark is the most important for sure. By two hours, the numbers are low and the person has no idea what the spike was. I will keep looking for more charts for the one hour mark. I need to figure out how to show the one on my screen. |
where to get benfotiamin (sp?)
Okay so I can't find the benfotiamin at the store. Should I order it? Or are there certain stores that carry it. Tomorrow I am getting my B12 tested in the morning to get an idea of where it's at before I start the supplement. It was last tested in October 2011 and was 511. My symptoms have gotten progressively worse since then and we still don't know why. Also after re-reading my past medical tests I see I was never tested for diabetes ever except for gestational during my pregnancy which my level for that 1 hour test was 130 "normal". Is this something I should have tested? I seriously doubt that could be the cause of my neuropathy because if I do have diabetes type 2 it hasn't been for that long. Any thoughts on this? Sorry to keep questioning I just find you all very helpful and educated. Thanks!
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My healthfood store carries it but many/most people order it online.
Which B12 test are you going to get? 511 is still low, in my opinion. There are a few, none show active B12 but 1 which I could not find anyone who did the one test. So I did the MMA test. If you have taken any B vitamins they will show up. As I said in my previous post, you don't have to be diabetic to have spikes. Anything over 140 can cause neuropathy. If you do test for diabetes I would get the A1C test but more importantly I would buy my own meter and check myself. My dr tested me, said I was fine and dropped it, however a dr wont worry til its too late. |
This has a little talk about spikes.
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.co...he-spike-ii/2/ I order my Benfotiamine at Life Extension. It is a great place to get supplements. I get their magazine. |
Benfotiamine is not commonly in stores. There may be a local place here and there, but expect it to cost much more $$.
Amazon.com iherb.com Swanson's All have this at 40% to 50% discounted. Example: http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-B...otiamine+150mg Amazon has 25 dollar purchase= free shipping. 120 caps would last you 3 months at 300mg a day for one month and one capsule daily thereafter. So this would be about $5 a month. Not what it used to cost back when it was rare and only came from Germany--- IF you could get it all--- minimum of $60/month! So not much if any more expensive than old fashioned thiamine from the drugstore! |
to Stacy2012
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Mma--
--stands for methymolanic acid, which tends to be elevated in B12 deficiency states. It is a more sensitive (though less specific) test than a standard B12 serum assay, as it roughly correlates to how much usable B12 is available--elimination of MMA metabolically requires B12 as a cofactor, so high MMA indicates there's not a lot of B12 chemically available.
Treatment with methylcobalamin B12 will tend to drive high MMA levels down fairly quickly, but one may still need large doses of B12 for long periods of time to help accomplish whatever tissue repair is possible. |
b12 results
Okay so I had my b12 done yesterday at it came back at 582 which is better than it was last year. I will still do the vitamins but I'm a little discouraged because I was hoping it would be low so I would have something to blame this on. The search continues...
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Well in my opinion it still is low considering that number includes all INACTIVE B12 found in the gut.
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