hello, I'm new here and have neuropathy?
 

Hi - I was just diagnosed with neuropathy last month by an ER doctor but it was just a symptomatic diagnosis as nobody has run any tests on me. What started out as tingling in my left foot 3 years ago has now, in the last 4 months progressed to severe pain, numbness,burning in both of my feet, both legs and my genitals and buttox. It is becoming crippling and seems to be moving up my body. I do not have health insurance but I have an appointment at a volunteer clinic in 2 weeks. The doctor at the ER put me on 900 mgs. of Gabapentin 3 weeks ago along with flexeril and Vicoden but I have not noticed any improvement. I'm scared and hope this clinic will be able to get me into a specialist quickly. In the meantime is it fair to assume that I do indeed have neuropathy and how does one determine the underlying cause. In the meantime I am greatful to have stumbled upon this forum and am learning alot. Has anyone tried Neuropathy Support Formula? I would welcome any advice or suggestions or information that will help me get my head around this progressively disabling condition. Thanks, John

Neuropathy Support Formula
 

I have PN , pretty much where you have as well. The causes are pretty hard to determine . Not sure the treatment differs whatever the cause.

Usually only the pain can be treated. I am on a high dose of Oxycontin, as well as percocet for breaktru pain. Many of the support formulas contain vitamins/supplement that can be purchase individually. I order most of my vitamins/supplements from Iherb.com.

This is what I take: (and feel it is of some benefit; in some cases can help in regenerating the nerves)

2mg's MethyCobalamin (empty stomach), 150mg's Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (empty stomach) and 150 mg's 2 - 3x's a day Best Benfotiamine.

I have been taking these for about 6 months. My energy levels have increased and feel the burning in feet and ankles has lessened a bit. I feel if there is a chance of regenerating the nerves; it is worth a try. (did have an unsuccessful trial stimulator about a year 1/2 ago). This disease is usually progressive; but have heard of some going into remission.

(Gerry)

Thanks Gerry for responding so quickly and informatively to my query. Is Benfotamine a form of B-12 and what is Methylcobalam? Have you heard of others beeing affected in the genitals?- it's like an ever tightening vise. It's getting unbearable... I'll check out Herbs.com John

Benfotamine--
 

--is a fat soluble form of Vitamin B1 (thiamine), which was being used to help treat neuropathy, particularly from metabolic causes (i.e., diabetes) well before the advent of a lot of the anti-epileptic medications used to reduce neuropathy pain (i.e. gabapentin, pregabalin).

Methylcobalamin is the already methylated form of B12, which many feel has to jump through fewer metabolic hoops to be utilized by the body.

The search for a cause of neuropathy is often long (unless one has an obvious etiology such as diabetes), as there are hundreds of potential causes of nerve dysfunction. You should take a look at the Liza Jane spreadsheets, which were designed to be a comprehensive testing list for neurologic symptoms (and which can help track results over time):

www.lizajane.org

John
 

Glenn offers very good info and is quite knowledgeable in the area of Neuropathy. I order my vitamins from Iherb.com. There is an" I" in front of the herb. No "s" either (Iherb.com).

(Gerry)