Hi Kim,

It was easy to get here, we live on an Island, which is by downtown Tampa, and we have a private pharmacy...they had it in stock which I was surprised. But, it hasn't helped the pain for her. Let's see, our copay was $60.00 for 60 pills. Unbelievable...Lindsay has been going to PT three days per week. We found a wonderful PT lady in St. Petersburg, right over the bridge, she also has RSD. She is great with Lindsay, doesn't push her but she is able to manipulate her shoulders and the other day, was able to get rid of her migraine. We also found a PT for the physical part that is close to home. He is very well versed with RSD. She is doing pretty well. Still in a lot of pain, but seems to be having more of a life. I hope things get better for you too.

Sandy

Hi Sandy.... I have a few comments about your supplement list.

1) While tumeric is useful...and new studies are coming in at a fast rate concerning its active ingredient: curcumin--
You should know that curcumin is not well absorbed in the GI tract. The studies use enhanced solubility tricks so the antioxidant will get to the rest of the body and brain. Plan old unenhanced tumeric will stay in the bowel mostly and would be useful for inflammation locally there, like Crohn's disease etc.
This thread explains at length about which brands are enhanced and why and how:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...light=curcumin

2) the same holds true for CoQ-10. Enhanced absorption is preferred or you will not get your money's worth and little effect will result.

3) Another antioxidant which is very helpful is grapeseed extract. Some people here use that and have used it in the past. 300mg/day
Vicc who is no long with us, claimed this was very effective for him.

4) I'd suggest you get blood tests for B12 and Vit D. People with chronic pain have been shown to be low in D...especially.
This medical video explains it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ-qekFoi-o
Vit D3 costs pennies a day to fix. So does the B12, the blood level result should be 400 or above. If you are lower than that, don't accept "normal", as lab ranges are antequated in the US. Many of us at PN here use methylcobalamin for our nerve issues. It also is pennies a day.

There are several online stores with very low prices for quality brand name supplements. Some like enhanced CoQ-10 and curcumin are going to cost a significant price.
You can PM me anytime for any questions. I'd be leary of any distributor who tells you not to research your supplements! Just think about that.

Examples of good online places:
iherb.com
vitacost
and some like swanson.
some of the supplements are available at Puritan's.
(enhanced curcumin is not). I have purchased grapeseed there at reasonable prices.

Enhanced high quality Curcumin and CoQ-10 are available at
Epic4health.com

My goals in helping people online are 1) effectiveness, 2) safety, 3) quality -- but not in that order...all 3 are equally important. You can have all 3 at affordable costs.

Hi Mrs. D...

This list was from my daughter PM. She wants her on them. She never mentioned bloodwork. I am leary about supplements. The PM actually gave me the web site to order these. Thank you for your advice. I will talk with her doc about blood work. Thanks for all of the web sites as well.


Sandy

The tests for B12 and Vit D are standard now in most medical offices. If she is not low then she need not take them. They would be the smallest cost of all on your list. The Vit D is very important. Please watch that medical video from Univ. Cal San Diego Medical School, to see why.

Testing is always preferable. Some other vitamins and minerals are not easily tested for...or the results are not easily interpreted. For example, magnesium tests are only really valid for very very low, or very very high levels...in between is rather murky, and doesn't always reflect need which may be substantial.

I have posted many times, some studies from Britain on Vit C preventing RSD in people with wrist fractures and foot trauma.
If you search it here they will come up. So Vit C remains something to consider. It is an antioxidant too.