Possible PN in My Feet - Need Advice
 

Long story short, since September I've been experiencing the following in BOTH of my feet:

Stinging, jabbing pain in both big toes
Tingling throughout the entire foot
Burning/a feeling of unusual heat throughout the entire foot

These symptoms get worse after standing or walking. I used to walk for an hour every day for exercise, but I've had to stop because it just makes my feet feel raw. Every day differs - some are better than others, and there have been a few weeks where the burning and tingling stopped, and I only had occasional jabs of pain in the big toes.

Unfortunately I went for an hour long walk last Friday night, and the tingling has returned.

I went to a podiatrist when it first started. She diagnosed me with Hallux Limitus, which I don't doubt that I have....but the symptoms don't match up. It doesn't seem like an explanation to me whatsoever. This feels like it's nerve-related, what with the tingling and burning.

About 2 years ago I experienced something similar in my hands. I had burning in the palms of my hands that eventually morphed into a cramping pain. The muscle along the edge of my hands, by the pinkies, would visibly spasm. Eventually after a few months it sort of just went away. But this issue with my feet persists.

What do you guys think? Sound familiar? I'm wary of going to see yet another doctor, especially as I've spent $1000's for some severe neck/shoulder pain I've had for almost 6 months now. It's been a nightmare of an experience, and I've been misdiagnosed and brushed off so much that I could just swear off doctors forever. I thought I'd try here first before dropping another $300 to see a specialist.

I am on Naproxen for the shoulder pain, and I take Amitriptyline for Interstitial Cystitis. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I've read that both of these meds can be used for PN...

I was thinking I'd maybe try some supplements. I've done a little digging and it looks like Alpha Lipoic Acid, B12, and Benfotiamine are highly recommended. Is there anything specific you would recommend I start out with? Specific supplements, certain brands, etc? Any help is much appreciated.

Hi, CrimeofPassion.

I used to have similar symptoms to yours except it was never in my legs of feet, but it was in my hands, arms and back. Tingling, pain etc. So much so that I stopped going on my daily walk. And apart from working, all I would do is stay at home, not even using the computer (I thought I had RSI). It felt nerve-related to me too, not the muscles or bones or anything.

I think upping your B12 should be your first port of call, and it is a relatively cheap solutions. Your B12 should be at least 550 (and that is the low end), no matter what your dr tells you. The B12 thresh hold is too low and it is very much underdiagnosed.

Try to get your hands on some methylcobalamin B12. It's up to you how much you take. I think they come in either 1000 mg or 5000 mg sublingual (under the tongue) tablets. If you're not sure how you'll react to it, or are generally sensitive to medication, take half of the 1000 mg (which would be 500 mcg) tablets per day in the morning before food, and then gradually increase the dose if you are feeling ok.

Jarrow is the best brand, you can buy it from iherb.com for cheap, or amazon.com or whichever you prefer. You might see cyanocobalamin being sold, but that is the sub-par and synthetic version. Your body should react better to the methyl form and the good news is that it should start working within days, if that is the issue. If you wanted to try hydroxocobalamin injections from your dr, then you can do that as well, but if not, the methyl subglinguals should work just as well. Try to keep it under your tongue and against the gums for at least 30 mins. This is so that it will go into the blood stream. You might want to get tested whether you don't have instrinsic factor (it gets the B12 from food) in your stomach, eventually. Not being able to absorb B12 is a lifelong condition, that would need monitoring.

You may also need to take a couple of fish oil tablets per day, in order to replace any lost myelin at the end of the nerves. Try to eat foods high in potassium and iron since your body will rapidly start using any B12 that it is finally getting, which depletes iron and potassium stores. Keep an eye on your body and please post here if you need any help.

Hello crime of passion
 

Welcome to Neuro Talk. There will be alot of information on this site to help you. Also there are many compassionate folks who will care.
I take it that you don't have heath insurance to cover all the doctors calls. You are right about seeing docs. that cost $300. You don't want to be brushed off for that amount of money. I don't blame you.

I have PN. You are spot on about the suppliments. I did not believe they would help. Didn't believe in all the B12 stuff etc. I wound up finding a doctor in a medical field you may not have heard of. She is a physiatrist. This type of doctor is a pain specialist first, but also deals with the whole body on a cellular level. After a year on these suppliments encluding B12 shots weekly, my PN has gotten better. It isn't gone, but the sharpness of it is greatly reduced. I was able to get off most of the pain killers I was on. She gives them to me as i need them, so I have them, but truthfully I don't take them much at all. I am walking better all the way around.
If you would try this type of doctor, just maybe you will find the type of help you need to get better. My doctor listens, and never brushed me off. I am glad I made this change. Look up this field of medicine, and you may find this as a direction to try.

I am here anytime to talk to. I hope that some relief from this PN can be found for you. Wish it didn't cost the money for these docs. but sometimes it is worth it to give another try. Keep in touch. ginnie:hug:

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

It is best to get testing for B12 and vit D before starting the supplements to see where you are exactly. This helps to determine what doses you should take.

The B12 test should be at least 400pg/ml in US units, (don't accept "normal" from a doctor, because labs still report values that are very low in the 200's as "normal" and now we know that is very erroneous.)

There is a new more efficiently absorbed lipoic acid called Stabilized R lipoic acid. This allows for lower doses daily. Doctor's Best brand is one that is affordable and of high quality.
Also they make a good Benfotiamine. Both are available on iherb.com and Amazon, and some other discount sources.
You are not likely to find them locally in stores. Amazon offers free shipping on orders over $25.

Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12 and preferred, because people may not convert the older synthetic version well or at all. It is very inexpensive and bypasses genetic errors that are common with cyanocobalamin failures. Jarrow offers it and so does Puritan's Pride now. Puritan's is very good and economical.

There are many online sources for these, but I try and find quality and affordable prices for myself and others coming here to NT.

If your problems are inflammatory, you can test for this yourself.
If you feel better on aspirin or an NSAID, that implies some inflammatory problem like arthritis.
Inflammatory issues respond to fish oil or krill oil. Also you may look at Salonpas patches which are good on the feet, can be cut to fit toes and hands/fingers. The original form with methysaliclyate is the one I use with success.
http://www.salonpas.us/product/salonpas-original/
These are inexpensive and work well on localized areas and prevent the side effects that oral anti-inflammatories can cause (like naproxen, and aspirin). I buy mine in bulk at Costco. They are however inexpensive also at WalMart, Walgreen's and RiteAid.
Once you open the envelop they arrive in, I suggest storing in a ziploc type plastic baggie.

I do have insurance. Medical, dental, and vision through my 9-5 office job. Still, even with insurance the cost of medical treatment can be staggering. My most recent bill for a visit to an orthopedist cost me about $600. It was almost $300 just to walk in the door WITH coverage (and I was only in his office for about 8 minutes), while a cortisone shot injected into my shoulder bursa again cost almost $300, as they can apparently bill a brief 5 second shot as surgery – what a joke. And it didn’t even work. He misdiagnosed me as having shoulder bursitis. I might as well have thrown $600 down the toilet. So I’m feeling especially wary of doctors at the moment. It would probably cost another $200 just to see a neurologist, not including the costs of tests.

When I had the similar issue with my hands, it was shortly before I was scheduled to leave for a study abroad trip in China, so I was frantically trying to find help. No one suggested nerve issues – I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. However, I’ve had a lot of doctors since who told me that they doubt I have true fibro. At this point, I don’t even care.

I picked up some cheap B12 this past weekend while at Walmart grabbing a Naproxen refill. It’s the subpar kind of B12, though (which I found out while browsing this forum), but I’ll take it until I can buy something else, most likely online. I figure it’s better than nothing. I also have some fish oil at home. Anyone know if all fish oils are created fairly equal, or if there are certain brands that are far superior to others? Buying supplements and vitamins is so frustrating. I need to find a new multivitamin as well. I was thinking of trying Rainbow Light Women’s One a Day.

Any topicals that are recommended for neuropathy? Special types of socks, shoes? I currently wear rocker-style shoes to help take the pressure off my toes.

Also, my bottle of B12 says to take it with food, but I read here that you should take it on an empty stomach. Anyone know which one is right?

I’m hoping that like with my hands, this will eventually go away. But I read some of the stories here and it’s frankly terrifying. A medical site I stumbled across said that the outlook for PN is that it gradually worsens and isn’t reversible. I’m going to ignore that for now. You can’t trust everything you read, and I think the outlook for PN depends heavily on the underlying cause. It seems to me like not all PN is created equal.

My feet were throbbing and tingling so much today that I felt like each had their own mini heart. I took my shoes off at work since I was just sitting at my desk and instantly felt some relief. They were still throbbing, but the buzzing laid off a bit. Dunno if that means my shoes are too tight? They don’t FEEL too tight, and the guy who made my custom arches had taken a look at them and said they were pretty decent shoes. I don’t wear high heels or any other similar torture devices! My feet are also sweating more than usual, and I’m noticing some slight muscle twitches here and there.

My vitamin D levels were actually tested a few years back. It was weird. At first they told me it was really low, but then when I had a follow up appointment with the doctor she said no, your levels are actually fairly normal. :confused: Doctors never seem to want to do tests. I ask for something and they just brush me off and say it's not necessary. I wonder how hard it would be to insist on a B12 test...

CrimeofPassion, if you have cyano B12, try to get your hands on some methyl B12 sublinguals instead. However, within 3 days of taking B12 (and I have symptoms similar to yours), the tingling went away, so it should be ok for the short term.

I take B12 in the morning about an hour before breakfast, but because you aren't swallowing the pill, and are instead letting it get into your bloodstream through the gums, tongue and cheeks, then it shouldn't matter too much if you take it with food, as long as you try to let it dissolve as slowly as possible. Healing with B12 takes time.

A good quality fish oil is best, but whatever you can afford really. Perhaps others will have suggestions of brands for you.

Anything that makes you feel better is a good thing, such as menthol balm, socks, massages etc. But you really want to find out whether your body is lacking in something. You might be low in iron too, like me.

It's up to you whether you want to test for B12. All you can do is ask. Try to get tested before taking supplements, otherwise the test result will be artificially inflated and not a true representation. All of us here have had the brush off from one or many doctors in our quest to get better, so if it happens to you, you're in company. A lot of drs have no clue about it. If I followed their advice, I'd still be lying in bed resting my arms all day.

I would still--
 

--take the B12 far apart from food--at least an hour before any food, or two hours after--so that if you are megadosing (taking at least 1000mcg at a time) you have the chance for maximum passive absorption of the cobalamin without anything for it to bind to it and interfere with it.

Even the so-called subligual tablets that one sucks on for a time tend not to be absorbed through the mouth, but tend to be swallowed and later absorbed in the small intestine. This is because the cobalamin molecule is the largest one normally used by the body for essential processes and it needs to be chemically transformed for usability (without getting too technical about this, it needs to be methylated, which is why many of us prefer the methylcobalamin form outright--fewer chemical hoops to jump through); this is also why it is easy to interfere with its absorption if it is consumed with other foodstuffs.

Mrs. D talks about the outmoded ranges that still appear on laboratory tests for serum B12--I think that anyone on a non-vegetarian diet should be thinking that the lowest acceptable range is 500 or even 550, as it is in Japan, not the 400 or so Mrs, D mentions and certainly not the 180 or 200 one sees on a lot of lab reports. People in those low ranges are almost certainly deficient and symptomatic; even people in the 400-500's often are. People with normal body chemistry without absorption problems who eat some animal products probably should be at least in the 600's, and many are higher. Dr. Snow's medical texts and Family Practice guidelines have noted some people have been symptomatic even in those ranges.

Are there any risk factors if one takes very high levels of B12? For example, is an "overdose" (so to speak) possible?

No...there is no upper limit set for B12 by the FDA.

From oral use of 1000mcg only 13mcg or so are absorbed if you take it on an empty stomach, anyway.

Discontinue taking any vitamin for 7 days before any blood tests are run, because false highs will show up.

Biofreeze can help your burning feelings. It is now available online at Amazon and iherb.com

I find Salonpas very helpful for my foot arthritis.

Alright guys, did the responsible thing and tried to schedule an appointment with a neurologist. My insurance says no referrals are necessary to see any specialists, but I guess this particular neurologist requires a referral. So I left a message for my primary care doctor, who isn’t in until Monday, of course. Don’t know if he’ll give me a referral over the phone or require that I make an appointment. And the neurologist only works Monday and Thursdays, so I may not be able to get in for another full week depending on his Thursday openings.

I called another clinic - both were Aurora clinics - and the neurologist there had the same policy. You need a referral. So I'll just play the waiting game for now.

In the meantime, no B12 for me I suppose.

More muscle twitches today in the feet and sometimes in my calves (which is new). Not painful, just twitches that I could feel. My legs sort of felt shaky/weak as well while I was at work. I swear I've been noticing raindrop sensations here and there on my body.

To CrimeofPassion
 

Hello...I also get the raindrop sensations and the twitches in my feet and calves and everywhere else. I'm very shaky on my feet and have a lot of leg weakness. Definitely doing the right thing by seeing a neurologist. What did you mean by Aurora clinics? Are you referring to the location? Just curious because that's where I live and I would be curious to know if you find a good neuro who can help you. I haven't had much luck.

Hi, about neuro's
 

There should be no question that your PCP would give a referal. Don't hesitate to call back and ask him to do this. It only took me one week to see a neurologist after my doc. did it for me. Be assertive, and I hope you both get into this neuro. soon. ginnie

I wish I could get in sooner. I'm terrified this could be a permanent thing. And of course I'm torturing myself by reading all of these scary medical articles.

Hello crime of passion
 

Hi, hope you can get that appt. soon. Don't think that PN can't get better, it can. I have it in my left foot, ankle and calf. Last year I was in a wheelchair. This year I am walking alot better with no assistance. I started on suppliments (that I didn't believe in ) B12 shots etc. Have hope that with the right care and assistance, you can get better. Keep hope alive. ginnie:hug:

ginnie how long did it take for the B12 to start working for you? And for your symptoms to improve to this point?

Hi Boogirl
 

Hi, I did start to notice improvement within three months time with B12 shots, every other day for a few weeks, then weekly. I am also on other suppliments. Can list them if you want. I am honestly better, and don't have the burning or pins and needles lately. In a year, I went from not walking well, to almost feeling normal. My PN was due to surgery on left ankle. I am trying not to have more surgery on this ankle too, I don't want to go through all that again.
I go see a physiatrist, and she is the one who got me to try this method. I am also not taking very many pain pills. I sure hope you get a doctor who will guide you through, and at least try this. I was not a believer, but was desperate not to loose my walking ability. I wish you all the best. ginnie:hug:

thanks for your response ginnie. I've been having 1 x 1mg hydro B12 injection per week for the past 4 weeks. My dr doesn't mind giving me injections if it makes me feel better, but on the other hand I don't think he completely understands the complications of low B12. At least he isn't resistant to me treating it though even if it's within the "normal" range (275).

do you think I should also take the methyl sublinguals every day or are the injections enough?

Hi Boogirl
 

I wish your doctor were a little more accepting of the B12 shots. I give my shot to myself. Nothing to it....Syringe is filled to the 1000 mark. Also take Co Q 10 which aids in the repair of nerve damage. You can save the trouble of an office call by self injection. If at all possible seek a physiatrist. They are on board more when it comes to vitamines. MrsD on our site is the best when talking about vitamines, knows the latest research on the B12, and the best brands for quality and price. It was really through her posts, that I decided I wanted to try this approach. I went to my doctor and inquired.
Many PCP's don't really know that much about this kind of therapy. You need one that knows all the latest research about it. How long will your doctor be willing to give you these injections? Bring up the self injection, and maybe get some research together. MrsD can post the exact articles she has put on NT. Bring that along to your next appt. Maybe he will be a bit more excited about this kind of help. If he balks about self injection, maybe ask him why. Office calls, are money for him. This has to be about you, and the best possible route for getting the PN to subside. I believe MrsD said you can't over do the B12. How many Mgs. are you getting from your doctor?
Weekly is OK for matainence therapy, I was started with a bit more than that for a few months.
Also to go glutten free, maybe of help to you. I watch the glutten and eat alot less of it than I use to do. I have heard that this also can help with PN.
I stay away from as many additives in my food too. Go as fresh as you can.

Let me know how it goes. Do post to MrsD for the research. I will be here for you anytime. I sure wish you the best in this direction. ginnie:hug::D

ginnie,

my dr hasn't really said how long I can have the B12 shots for. I think soon he might want to switch me over to once per month shots. I'm not confident with injecting myself. I live in Australia so I don't need to pay for the drs visit, only the B12 injections themselves. If my dr says I can't have it weekly anymore, will switching over to methyl B12 (500 mcg per day) be enough to repair the damage?

Right now I am getting a 1 mg injection of hydroxocobalamin per week.

thank you

Hi Boogirl
 

Goodmorning. I was afraid that your doctor would want to go down to once a month, then pills. Alot of doctors do that not knowing this can really help with PN. Any B12 is better than none. However, knowing what the weekly shots did for me, I would want to continue with weekly if I had a choice. I stayed on the B12 even after I got some relief. I am into my second year with weely injections. Maybe get the research to your doctor, and try to convince him you would like to stay on for weekly. I do take the B vitamines, B Comnplex as well.
Your doctor isn't completely on board with this. Maybe look for a physiatrist, who not only deals with pain, but treats the whole person at a cellular level. I sure hope all works out for you.
As far as self injection goes, believe me, there is nothing to it. I don't like needles at all, but this is a breeze. Compared to having PN, I was willing, as I had hoped for the results I got. Let me know how it turns out with your doctor.
ginnie:hug::grouphug:

Oh my gosh - two years of weekly injections?! Was your B12 extremely low, or do you have trouble with the pill form?

I was able to get a neurology appointment for tomorrow! Here's hoping I don't get lost on my way to this clinic...and that I get some answers. My legs are feeling very weak and shaky at the moment. Like they're made of jello. Arms are a little funny as well. I feel sort of giddy, too. Got the giggles on my drive home for no reason and had a hard time stopping.

Welcome
 

You've come to the right spot, with knowledgeable and compassionate people.
Most of us have symptoms similar enough to yours, that we can relate.
While I agree with the need to visit a neurologist, etc., my experience was that it was expensive, painful, and ultimately useless. The medical establishment seems intent on placing numbers on things, billing insurance companies, and relieving symptoms; mostly at great cost to kidney and liver health.

There are several potential causes for the nerve damage. Increasingly, there is awareness that the hybridization of wheat, combined with the FDA pushing a "healthy whole grain" diet, has greatly increased the intake of gluten, which is a poison. Most people can tolerate a certain amount of gluten, although I don't believe it's healthy for anyone. Many of us have increased sensitivity to it, and eventually have symptoms. In my case, I believe the gluten burned out the receptors in my gut for B vitamins. I've been gluten free for a year now, have lost 50 lbs, and while I still have symptoms, and expect I will for some time to come, I no longer take any pain medication. A year ago, I could hardly walk, and was living on large doses of Ibuprofen, knowing I was killing my kidneys.

Does this have anything to do with you and your symptoms? Probably; but maybe not. Its a possibility; the wonderful thing about sites like this is learning the possibilities.

Hi crime of passion
 

My B12 levels were OK to start with. This dose of B12 Shots were for theraputic levels. It is worth it to get some relief. ginnie:hug:

Had my neuro appointment this morning. Again, symptoms are burning, throbbing, and tingling throughout both feet, a sharp stinging/burning pain that comes and goes in the bottom pads of both big toes, painless muscle twitches in both feet and legs, and very weak feeling legs. Like I just ran 50 miles after getting over the flu – that Jello-like sensation of shakiness that isn’t even relieved by sitting.

Doctor did some tests to check my balance and any possible numbness/loss of sensation (I don’t have any). Asked me if I had any trouble with balancing, bowel movements, losing consciousness, feeling numb on one side of my body, slurred speech, and so on. Told him I was very fatigued and I had had two episodes of stomach upset since my symptoms returned with a bang, but that was it. His conclusion was that he did NOT think my issues were of neurological origin. When I asked if we could do a B12 blood test (and possibly other vitamin tests, like D) he said no, and that it would be a waste, because he believed if I DID have any vitamin deficiencies, he would have detected it when watching me walk back and forth, touching my nose, pricking various parts of my body, etc etc. He said he could do an MRI of my neck if I really wanted, but I postponed that, as I’m sure it’ll cost an arm and a leg and may be totally useless.

The issue I had with my hands 2-3 years ago with the burning in both palms that morphed into aching and a painful spasm along the muscle running vertically beneath the pinkie is slowly returning (the pain, not the burning). My hands are aching a lot today – had to keep rubbing them at work. Hence why he said he could do a neck MRI – he said an issue that effects both the hands and feet would originate in the neck.

He never mentioned PN.

Like all the other doctors I’ve seen recently about my severe clavicle and neck pain that started shortly after this problem with my feet, he talked about how young I was and how whatever it is would probably just spontaneously heal itself with time (although some of these symptoms have been occurring for 7/8 months now - the severity just increased in the past 1.5-2 weeks). At this point, I really don’t know what to do. I’m going to call my primary doctor tomorrow (who I’ve actually only seen twice– I’m a fairly new patient), probably schedule an appointment, and ask if I can have some vitamin blood tests done. When I initially had this hand issue all those years ago, I remember they did a vitamin D test, but that was all.

Feeling extremely frustrated and a lot less hopeful. If it comes down to it, I’m just going to start taking the Jarrow B12 I ordered (5000mcg) and see if I improve. I’m not going to sit here twiddling my thumbs. I’ve been taking warm baths with (a lot of) Epsom salt, which provides slight, temporary relief, but it’s not a long-term solution. I’ll be sure to soak my hands in the bath tonight.

Are there any other key vitamins that it’s a good idea to “megadose” on when it comes to these issues? I also heard that megadosing on one vitamin can negatively affect the levels of another vitamin, or that it’s just a good idea to megadose on another vitamin that’s key to the absorption/support of, say, B12. Anyone have advice?

I saw Jarrow has a multivitamin, which I thought I would try. The multivitamin I took before wasn’t that great. If anyone has recommendations, I’m all ears.

Sorry that your neurologist wasn't helpful, COP. It's up to you whether you want to try to get a B12 blood test so that you have something to work with and compare to later, or whether you want to start supplementing now. You could always start supplementing and keep an eye on your body to see if you feel like its responding. Some people have results straight away, others it takes time to repair the damage.

I think because you ordered the 5000 mcg pills, it might be a good idea to break it in half and take half a tablet each morning, because it might be a lot for the body to handle after being deficient for so long. Because you will be flooding your body with B12, which will then be using a lot of potassium to repair the body, you might want to eat a lot of potassium rich foods, such as baked potato and bananas. You might also want to take an iron supplement (ferritin) to help with any weakness that you're having. Fish oil would be a good idea so that it can help repair the nerves.

Personally, as tempting as it is, I wouldn't take a multivitamin. You will have a lot of different vitamins competing for absorption and in some cases it can affect whether vitamins are absorbed at all.

Your symptoms sound a lot like what I was having, so I hope you get your B12 soon.

Keep us updated.

The trouble is, I'm on spironolactone (for my skin), which is a potassium-sparing diuretic. I don't think I'm actually supposed to take potassium supplements while on it.

Hmm. No multivitamin? I have a few dietary restrictions (plus, I'm a picky eater), so I don't feel like I'm getting enough vitamins.

I might just leave a message with my doctor's nurse tomorrow, see what she says.

COP, if you can't take potassium supplements, are you allowed to eat a few more potassium rich foods?

If you can't take the potassium supplements, then just keep an eye on your body's reaction to the B12.

Once you've gotten your B12 under control, you can always look at taking a multivitamin at that point. You might feel a lot better after correcting your B12 that you feel like you don't need a multivitamin.

Forgot to mention, the neurologist told me he thought what I was experiencing had to do more so with muscle inflammation than nerves, but that doesn't make sense to me, seeing as Naproxen has no effect on my symptoms. Not even the hand pain, which you think it would help take care of. And I've been taking 500mg of Naproxen twice per day for a little over a month now (for my neck/shoulder).

What does it feel like to you, though? I've had muscle pain before, and massages helped, but with the pain I was having this year, it felt like something else was going on - it felt like a nerve problem.

Compression stockings on your arms and submerging your arms in cold water might help until you can start taking some B12.

The fish oil might help with inflammation, as well as healing the nerves, if inflammation is your problem. Having said that inflammation is a very 21st century problem, because of our diet. Cut out all sugar, try not to eat wheat, eat lots of vegetables and listen to your body.

Jarrow's B-right is a nice formula, and is balanced and not in the "mega" category ...Alot of people on NT have used it successfully.

I'd definitely start with magnesium supplements since you see some improvement with the epsom salts.

SlowMag, twice a day provides 1/2 the RDA for a good start.
It is available at WalMart for about $10 for a month's supply.

You can choose any chelate you like, however, and aim for 200mg elemental daily. Some PNers here find magnesium extremely helpful. (avoid products with magnesium oxide, as the oxide form is not absorbed and is used as a laxative).

Well, there's just a really deep ache in my hands. And I can visibly see the muscles spasm occasionally. Not the kind of muscle ache I really experience under normal circumstances from, say, overuse.

I'll probably call my doctor today, schedule an appointment. I don't think seeing a general family doctor costs too much. I probably spent at least $280 WITH insurance to see that darn neurologist. Don't even want to think about it...

Is SlowMag the magnesium supplement you'd most recommend? I do have both a Walmart and Walgreens by me, and both say they should have it. They don't always carry a wide selection of vitamins and supplements. Jarrow, for example, isn't anywhere near me, and I live in a small town. So not many specialty health shops.

I did order the Jarrow 5000mcg B12. Should I take the B-Right instead?

WalMart has a very good selection of various vitamins. They won't have Jarrow however.

Often it is better than some drugstores, IMO.

SlowMag is the easiest to take, and was originally detailed to physicians when it came out. It now is more affordable and
effective.
This is what their first ads in professional magazines looked like back in 1989.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...hlight=SlowMag

Check their useful new website:
http://www.slowmag.com/

Made an appointment to see my primary doctor on Monday. It was the soonest appointment available.

For those of you who say you try to avoid gluten/carbs, what do you eat for your main meals? I've tried sticking to mainly fruit and veggies, but they don't fill me up enough and can lead to stomach upset if I eat too many. I do try to eat a hard boiled egg every day, but... I don't know. Do people just eat a lot of plain meat for meals?

Avoiding gluten seems really hard. I was doing some research and I see that neurological problems can be a symptom of gluten intolerance. Wonder if I need to consider this as a possibility? However, I've never had a clear, negative reaction to gluten. And I do eat bread daily.

You need carbs, just not the processed flour, chips, etc. I eat rolled g. free oats in my smoothie. Beans are legumes are good too, fiber is the key with carbs.

I eat great food. My hubby loves to cook and we love to eat out. Steak fajitas with onions and peppers, I love shrimp, scallops, fish- salmon is my favorite. Zuchinni cooked with onions and olives in a great pasta sauce, then mozz. cheese. Asparagus roasted with parm. cheese on top. Hamburgers without the bun, dark choc. candy that I make with coconut manna and coconut palm sugar and peppermint or without the peppermint with nuts. Quiche with lots of good things in it.

Slaw with cabbages and carrots are good, SO many ways to make it.

I love salad with blue cheese, apples and pecans or walnuts. There are so many great foods to eat. Colorful veggies, smoothie every day, chicken salad with dried cranberries and pecans.

It is endless. Desserts are wonderful too. We make cupcakes with almond flour and sugar free coconut. They are like a cloud. There are great sites and books.

I miss my cola. I do drink some if I have nausea because it worse great for that. Gingerale also.

I love iced tea with raspberry tea in it. I also drink a lot of carbonated water I make with my Soda Stream machine and I add lemon or lime. SO good.

You can make a pasta with spag. squash. Soups and stews, chili...

Right now, he is making steak with chimmichurri sauce and zuchinni browned in the saucepan with a little cheese on top. I hope I helped a little.:)

Thanks for sharing, Sally.

Besides asking my doctor to please, please, PLEASE test my B12 levels, are there any other vitamin levels I should push him to have tested? Magnesium? Vitamin D?

I'm going to try to really insist I want this done, so I need to go in prepared!

I am mostly gluten free and I feel better. Being gluten in tolerant is one of the reasons why people might not absorb nutrients (such as B12) because the stomach is inflammed and not doing its job.

I use rice flour for cooking, and don't eat sugar and eat a lot of good fats (butter, full fat milk, avocado etc). I don't drink cola or any other fizzy drinks either, but I do drink flavoured sparkling water (which is basically water + bubbles + flavouring).

Perhaps you could be tested for pernicious anemia (which is caused by B12). Do you feel fatigued as well?

Vit. D for sure, A1c, c reactive protein.

Goodness, yes. I've had some problems with fatigue for a few years, but lately it's been terrible.

I've never even heard of A1c or c reactive protein. :O

Hands are aching terribly today. Naproxen still doesn't seem to have any effect on them.

Tinkyada makes brown rice pasta. It is the closest in texture and taste to wheat based pastas, of all the gluten free products IMO.

Most good groceries carry it. There is also a gluten free Bisquick now.

http://www.tinkyada.com/

It has a lower glycemic index too than wheat pasta, for those looking for less carb response to the A1C.

Alright, so I have Jarrow Formulas Vitamin D3 (2500IU) as well as Jarrow Formulas Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12 5000mcg). I’m planning on picking up some SlowMag Friday or Saturday. However, I won’t be started any of these until after my doctor appointment on Monday, because I’m hoping for blood tests. But does this sound like it might suffice? Or am I missing some vital vitamins/supplements for this problem with my hands and feet? I know there are a number of other recommended supplements, but I wasn’t sure how much I should start off with. I didn’t want to overdo it (and spend tons of money) right off the bat.

I have some fish oil, but I don’t know if it’s good quality. The brand is Spring Valley. Otherwise I’ll buy a better brand.

Someone here said they didn’t recommend multivitamins, but I’m not confidant that I’ll be getting enough of the various vitamins just through my food. I have a decent diet, but I don’t get a lot of variety and I AM pretty picky. I stick with a lot of plain stuff. And like I mentioned before, I thought I read you needed to up your other vitamin B levels to support B12 specifically. That Jarrow B-Complex vitamin looked good, although it’s got a dose of B12 in it, which I’d be taking on TOP of the other B12… Wouldn’t that be too much?

I wonder whether the cause behind this neck/shoulder pain could be related to vitamins (more specifically, a lack thereof). I’ve been to about 3 orthopedic specialists (who weren’t able to diagnose anything), did physical therapy, chiropractor appointments, had a useless cortisone shot, and now I’m on daily Naproxen because of the lack of results. An x-ray of my shoulder showed nothing, although they didn’t do an x-ray of my neck or an MRI of anything. I was told by my physical therapist that my shoulders were inflamed.

In the meantime, I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible. They definitely feel better when I'm sitting. Too much standing and walking = lots and lots of burning.