The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Laser Treatment
Posted by Alice (Oro Valley, Az, Usa) on 03/29/2013
★★★★☆
I have neuropathy in my toes and the balls of my feet and diagnosis said it was creeping back up my lower legs and had some loss of feeling in my geet and the bottoms of my feet. I had gotten pretty much rid of this before using vitamins. But this time it wasn't really working. I was trying to get back on a vegan diet which should have helped, but I was still failing and eating meat. I was looking for help until I could let the diet help. For over 2 years I haven't taken the statins that may have caused or contributed to it. Also, I am overweight.
In any case, my toes and feet were swelling and turning angry red, and often felt like they were on fire. My naturopath was out of town, but she emailed me and said since there was swelling she would send me to the ER or 24 hour clinic, as it might be heart related. Not wanting to expose myself to the purveyors of statins, stents, and quadruple bypass surgury, I researched further, looking for relief. An ad on earthclinic mentioned laser therapy for peripheral neuropathy symptom relief, so I clicked on it. Found a practitioner near home, and made an appointment.
He said the swelling was probably connected to the neuropathy, and that treatment might help but he couldn't guarantee it and that it was not a cure for neuropathy, but a reliever of symptoms, and that it would probably take some time to see results. He prescribed 6 weeks of treatment at a price I could not afford at this time.
I went back online hoping to maybe find Mexican doctors that could do it for less, just like Mexican dentists have repaired my teeth for way less. Didn't find any, but I did find ads for low level lasers that were way less powerful than the one the doctor had. People buy these to help their horses, dogs, and other animals. They also use these lasers on themselves. I had been told these weaker lasers don't work.
I have read there is zero change using lasers, period.
I bought one for $199. The first time I used it I saw immediate improvement, with swelling going down. 3rd treatment even more improvement.
I got the laser last Saturday. Today, Friday, less than a week later, with 4 total treatments and my feet are nearly normal. The neuropathy numbness is still there in my feet, but it seems to be getting better too.
I'm still getting prickles, but I remember when I got rid of the neuropathy before, that I had to go through some prickles and electric zaps just like I experienced when I was getting the neuropathy.
But the difference is like a miracle.
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Lauri B (Boise, Idaho) on 02/02/2013
What is the cause of your neuropathy? Neuropathy is ususally a symptom of a greater problem. My daughter 6 years ago at the age of 18, experienced a sudden onset of periphrial neuropathy in both feet which quickly over the course of 2 months extended up her legs to her knees. She was in a wheelchair. After 6 months, her hands lost all movement. Within days of onset, her muscles wasted to nothing. (Yes, we were terrified! ) We did everything we could using western medicine, including every test 26 specialists at both OHSU and the Mayo clinic could throw at her. After all was said and done, they had no answers. No diagnosis.
I was a desperate mother who searched the internet for any clue to her mysterious and highly rare illness. I spent 1000s of hours researching every medical website I could find. I typed in her symptoms - and got nothing.
Then I decided to go through her pile of medical records and research every test, every word I didn't know to find exactly what they tested her for. Long story short here..... She had gluten ataxia! We eliminated all gluten from her diet. Within a week her energy levels started returning. We took her to a couple of Naturopath docs, who recommended she also go off of dairy, eggs and soy.
This story has a fantastic ending! She walked without leg braces at graduation, went on to graduate from college, where she continued to heal! She is healthy today! No nerve damage. No remaining paralysis. Full use of hands and feet. She is comletely healthy! She just stays away from toxic gluten and the other allergens.
Gluten Ataxia is becoming a very common ailment. You can have it without digestion issues. It can be "silent" If you have "brain fog", you could have it. It is an extreme reaction to gluten proteins.
check this website for more information http://glutendoctors.blogspot.com
They have up to date information.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Tom (Eu) on 11/04/2012
Hi Al, Great to hear of your improvements. With regards to your wondering if the ALA was sending your hair back to its original colour I would think that maybe it is. I have included the following article which describes the relationship between ALA and ALCAR when used together. Bascially says that ALCAR can cause oxidative stress which is why it is usually teamed with ALA to counteract any negative impact on cells. I think it is basically the Good guy of the duo and may very well be what has caused your hair to go back to its original colour.
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/alpha-lipoic-acid-and-acetyl-l-carnitine-can-they-improve-sports-performance-8
With regards to your wondering if it was welding that caused your hair to turn grey in your early years, all I can say to that is that I have an uncle and he has been welding for many years. He is now in his late seventies and last year he had to undergo an operation for a hole at the back of this eye - at least I think that's what it was, which he says he is nearly sure was caused by welding - this goes to show you how much welding he done over a lifetime, however he didn't actually turn grey until he was in his late forties/early fifties. But who knows maybe it's a case of horses for courses.
I have also included a link with regard to a forum on nerve regeneration which may/may not be of use to you, the first guy seems to be using supplements similar to that you use for nerve regeneration.
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuropathy/75917-anyone-experienced-nerve-regeneration.html
All I can say Al is that it is truly great to hear of your good news. I can't say that there seems to be much info out there results-wise for people in relation to ala/alcar and neuropathy so you seem to be a pioneer to some extent. Wishing you the best going back to work and hoping that you will keep us updated. Regards.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/30/2013
★★★★★
I have been using the yucca for just over a week and am seeing amazing results. While the nerves in my feet are super sensitive, which results in swelling and high levels of pain, I am now seeing a substantial reduction in the swelling and pain with the yucca.
For those of you who are wondering what I am using, I am now taking:
ALA-200 mg/day, grape seed extract-200mg/day, B12 sublingual-30, 000mcg/day, benfotiamine, B3, folic acid, curcumin, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, fenugreek, acetyl-l-carnitine, l-lysine, vitamin C, vitamin D and yucca.
I may have missed some and don't know the dosages of all of them as I am not at home right now. If anyone has any specific questions please contact me directly at gustafsonal (at) hotmail (dot) com. Thank you and don't give up.
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Deb Adams (Fl) on 11/18/2020
Have severe b6 toxicity just from a multi-vitamin, caused neuropathy etc. Get off b6 and see if you improve.
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nv Nevada) on 03/09/2013
My brother has had some success relieving neuropathy in his fingers and toes using a low level laser therapy pen. There is lots of research on low level laser therapy for neuropathy you can read as well: http://www.healinglightseminars.com/laser-research-library/neuropathy-2/
Steve
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Lily (Kelowna, BC) on 04/07/2013
I added an ADRENAL Gland support and with the gluten free I now have dropped the supplements except for B-12 injection and take fish oil -2 tbsp. A day and I have almost total relief. Thanks to everyone who has posted. I hope everyone finds relief like I have.
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Jim Spencer (Medford, Oregon) on 11/17/2015
I like the idea about using Carnitine for neuropathy. But, I think you should try taking virgin plant oils rather than a fish oil supplement. Eating fish, including sardines is a good way to get fish oil. Fish oil capsules have a highly refined/distilled derivative of omegas. They might actually result in negative health problems-including cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and arrhythmias. Cold pressed Hemp oil is a perfect blend of 3-6-9 and GLA, plus all amino acids and protein. Read Dr. Rowens"The PEO Solution" for the in-depth research on the subject.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Normared (Knoxville, East Tennessee, Us) on 05/03/2012
★★★★★
After a bad two-week long spell of sharp, needle-like pain in my feet I looked at this site for advice. At my next doctors appointment a few days later, I checked with him for his opinion, and based on that added ALA to my treatment (which was metanx pills he gave me last year). Within 24 hours of taking one 600 mg tablet of ALA the pains were down by at least 50% intensity, and now a week later they are almost completely gone. A few days ago, I also added a B complex, and plan on adding a B12 lozenge too.
My doctor - a foot doctor who specializes in neuropathy - had no problem with these 'additions', in fact he is the one who suggested B12 in a lozenge form, not a tablet. I'm now a strong believer in taking ALA B vitamins for those pains in my feet!
BTW: Bought my 600mg ALA tabs at GNC - they've got an amazing vanilla flavor and are a pleasure to take! I take 3 per day and a Bcomplex once a day.
Turmeric
Posted by Janet (Fernvale, Queensland, Australia) on 04/28/2012
★★★★★
I also swear by Turmeric for Neuropathy, but my understanding is it needs to be heated and taken in conjunction with black pepper for activation. If I have fresh Turmeric I simmer it for approx 10 minutes but if it is powdered making a tea with boiling water is another way to go, I add ginger, black pepper and agave to sweeten and it is a very pleasant drink. I have this drink daily and the pain relief properties are amazing.
Alpha Lipoic Acid, B12
Posted by Shrikant (New York) on 11/15/2011
★★★★★
Hello.... I had feet burning for a long time(2 - 3 years). Earlier to that I found my feet was paining a lot. I am diabetic for the last 30 years. Obviously it should be diabetic neuropathy. Recently I tried Benfontamine (fat soluble Vit B1) 200 mg twice a day alpha lipoic acid 600 mg Methylcobalmin (B12 variety) that aids the process of methylation. I found that the feet burning has been controlled substantially. I used to take alcohol in moderate amount. The day I take alcohol my feet burning erupts and the day I stop it goes away. I think alcohol has something to do with my feet burning and I have now decided to discontinue alcohol altogether! Let us see.
Shrikant
New York
Turmeric
Posted by K (San Antonio, Texas) on 02/10/2012
★★★★★
I belive my neuropathy is caused by a course of Leqavuin 2 years ago. It started with a numb big toe and spread out. I've taken b-12 patches, Alpha Lipoic, Lecithin, MSM, acupuncture, Bach remedies, NAC, but what feels like a cure:
This week
5 pieces of Turmeric juiced into my morning carrot juice, along with 2 packets of Liposomal glutathione.
I actually credit the Turmeric more than the gluathione, but the two in combination are alleviating all my numbness and prickling for the last 7 days.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Ellen (Arlington, Tx) on 09/22/2009
★★★★★
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Neuropathy
I have a pinched nerve in my back which causes peripheral neuropathy. I have been using ALA for almost 2 weeks now and my symptoms have improved I take 300 mg (time released tablets) twice per day.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Sharon (Sacramento, CA) on 12/03/2008
★★★★★
My mom has peripheral neuropathy not caused by diabetes. She complained every day and it had started to cause a persistant burning in her forehead also (a form of pn according to her neuologist) She now takes 300mg of alpha lipoic acid daily and no longer has the forehead sensation and feet are much less painful. She stopped for awhile and within weeks was complaining of the old symptoms. She resumed the supplement and symptoms abated.
Benfotiamine
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai Maharashtra India) on 06/17/2023 180 posts
May I request Art and any other poster to do the research on this subject. Because Neuropathy of non diabetic origin is quite rempent these days.
Thanks Baldev
Benfotiamine
Posted by Art (California) on 06/17/2023 2521 posts
Baldev,
I'll do that this coming week.
Art
B12
Posted by Whisperingsage (Northern Ca) on 09/20/2020 45 posts
★★★★★
I've been using MSM for years to prevent gallstones and my neuropathy just continued on. My initial neuropathy was from B12 deficiency, which was from chronic diarrhea, which was from vaccine injury.
Niacin
Posted by Joanne (Vancouver, Wa) on 12/02/2015
WARNING!
I got Peripheral Neuropathy from an overdose of B vitamins! Be careful with them. They really messed me up. Vitamin B has been said to help with PN but if you get too much it can cause it. The tingling I was feeling was from too much Niacin also. Called the Niacin flush. Doc told me to go off of B supplements and within a few days my zapping was gone. It's been 2 weeks off of them now and all has recovered except I still have a thick feeling in the balls of my feet. I am now trying the ALA remedy and so far it is helping but it could be also that I am not on the B supplement anymore.
Niacin
Posted by Megan (Usa) on 04/04/2016
B6 people!!! B6 toxicity is happening in small amounts all over the world!!
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 05/01/2014
Hi Diane...In a study published in the BMJ in 2003 it was found that varying degrees of peripheral neuropathy, in the form of cryoglobulinaemia, commonly occurred in patients with Hep C. They found that 40 of 51 Hepatitic C patients had this form of peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Hepatitis C
Although the numbers may vary, if you type "Hepatitis C neuropathy" in Google Search you will find many other instances and confirmations that this form of peripheral neuropathy commonly occurs together with Hep C as well as in other diseases like leukemia and pneumonia.
In other studies it has also been suggested that this form of peripheral neuropathy is caused by auto-antibody response arising due to a heavily stressed immune system because of the HCV factor. Nevertheless, cryoglobulinaemia is still referred to in medical research as an idiopathic disease.
idiopathic = completely clueless as to the real cause of the disease
Treatment of cryoglobulinaemia is normally entirely palliative(treat the symptoms) using analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, since there appears to be no apparent cure.
I also think that your liver doctor needs to open a book or go on a Hep C refresher course or perhaps she just needs to renew her dusty but outdated Standard of Care Manual.
B12
Posted by Denise (Seattle) on 11/01/2013
Mama to many, Thanks you for the feedback. Interestingly enough, I have a friend that's a periodontist that had cancer and cured it by drinking carrot juice and nothing but for a month! He drank so much the bottom of his feet turned orange...but it worked! He got out of the Doctoring field because it's a "Crooked/unethical game they play to all people." He told me if I ever went to an emergency room and had full insurance coverage they would do every tesy available even if you had a hangnail...I have a neighbor who that happened to and she just had a sore wrist but they ran up an $8,000.00 bill with every kind of test possible..(MRI, CAT scan, full body Xrays, blood tests etc. etc. all stuff completely unrelated to her wrist.) my friend now has a holistic business for children in PA.
In any event, he's cured and I just may give carrot juice a try..even though neuropathy is my issue along with hep-c..Thank you again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 04/16/2013
Hi Denise... Lack of Iodine in the body can cause cold hands and cold feet. Iodine helps to regulate and control the body's accomodation to hot and cold conditions via the thyroid gland -- especially at the peripherals of the body. So it might help if you supplement kelp or lugol's iodine to see if this helps your problem of feeling cold at the peripherals of your body.
Another reason for this problem could be because of your Hep C. Improving the liver's function thereby purifying your blood may also be helped by taking Milk Thistle(1000 mgs twice a day at mealtimes), Selenium(200 mcgs twice a day at mealtimes) and Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA (300 mgs twice a day at mealtimes). ALA is a wonderful detoxer of poisons and is well known to help peripheral neuropathy problems in the body. Drinking Chanca piedra tea two or three times a day or taking 1000 mgs of Chanca piedra (twice a day at mealtimes) will also help you detox and repair your liver. I would also take Chlorella on a daily basis to help remove any heavy metals from your body.
You can also find other useful Hep C remedies here on EC:
BHT Remedy for Hep C
Berkson Therapy for Hep C
Ted's Lysine and Vitamin C remedy for Hep C
Burdock Root
Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 03/24/2013
I took the Burdock Root before meals. But I don't think it is hard on the stomach and could probably be spaced out any way that is convenient. Four to five 00 capsules is generally about a teaspoon. Hope that helps!
Burdock Root
Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 08/29/2013
Yes, it worked out to about 3 teaspoons a day. It would be fine to just take the powder in water. It has a mild taste. It is used for food in other countries. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me. God bless you! KY Mama
Burdock Root
Posted by Denise (Seattle) on 08/31/2013
Ky Mama to many, Thanks you for the feedback... I don't think it's a good idea for me to take BSM as it is high in iron. I have hepatitis c as well as neuropathy... I've read iron will help the viris replicate... Maybe I should try it for just one day and see... Hmmm?... I believe the hep-c caused the neuropathy... I had stage 4 chirossis in july 2011 and at the exact same time my neuropathy surfaced... I believe the two are connected... I got rid of chirrosis in 5 months but my neuropathy is still here... I tried a product recently called Padma 28 and got severe headache ans swollen glands in my neck, which I still have.. I certainly will try burdock root and start low and increase... Interestingly enough I took Essiac tea for about a year and it didn't help my cramps. It has 4 herbs and one of them is Burdock... My guess is the burdock is a low dose in the tea.. Again thank you for the feedback and bless you muchly.....
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/13/2013 2042 posts
Katie: According to our leading authority on Parasite disease, Dr Hulda Clark, we all have parasites or stages. For many people this isn't a problem, for others, however, it creates chronic diseases that do not respond to treatment with any significance. Parasites excrete all sorts of bacteria, funguses, and viruses as a byproduct of their metabolism. Heavy metals, or zenobiotics are also possible with you. Look a few yrs back in your life (recapitulate) and try to find any particular moment when you got out of your element (routine) and became "suddenly" ill. Something is dragging your immune system down.
First, do an herbal parasite cleanse, as well as any methods of general detoxification (info here on E.C.)
Second, boost your immune system by supporting your Thymus Gland. Here is a previous post I made for this: The Thymus gland is like the brain of the immune system as it is involved in both production and regulation of immune or white blood cells. Thymus function decreases significantly w/ age so any method to augment it is definitely recommended especially those suffering chronic infections. To boost the Thymus do these little exercises on a daily basis and significantly boost your immune power. First, use some type negative pole magnet (the side that sticks to metal) over the Thymus, which is directly between the lower neck and heart area; a common refrigerator magnet will do just fine; do this for approx 15 minutes. Second, do the "Thymus Tap" by making a fist and gently bump the T area a few times and wait a little then bump again several times daily. Thirdly, supplement Raw Thymus Glandular as recommended on label. " Also, if I might add, Zinc Lozenges will boost the Thymus.
Here is a link for Lyme Section: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/lyme_disease.html
Hope this helps. Come back and update us how you're doing.
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by Whisperingsage (Northern Ca) on 09/21/2020 45 posts
If B12 deficiency goes on too long, it can be permanent.
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 03/13/2013
Katie, Dice a whole lemon, skin and all then liquify it in a blender.. Strain if you want and put in glass... Add one tablespoon of X-virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of lecithin and drink everything either at once or spread out over the day... Also put more lecithin - up to 4 tablespoons in the drink if you want to... It is most important for nerves... Do this for one month... You will see improvement and maybe resolution.
Report back to this site if you are so inclined... God bless.
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by J (Ny) on 03/20/2014
Try r - alpha lipoic acid 300mg 3 x daily
Benfotiamine 500 2x daily
Acetyl l carnitine 2x daily
Methly b12 15000mcg sublingual 2x daily
B complex vitamin 2x daily
10000 iu vit d3 daily. Excessively lotion all affected skin twice daily since neuropathic doesnt sweat. Elevate feet at night above the level of the heart. Thick soft socks or footies
You can try the neuropathy oil they sell in cvs pharmacy, a tea tree oil neura.... Something like that sorry dont remember the name exactly. Stay away from alcohol consumption Forever! God bless you I will pray for you. J
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 03/01/2013
Hi Karen; The neuropathy is probably a painful result of vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment involves high doses, even injections, and can take a long time to heal (up to a year). Treatment of B12 deficiency is life-long.
Neuropathy is one of the many symptoms of B12 deficiency, and skin pigmentation changes is another; hyperpigmentation, and/or hypopigmentation, for instance. (I bring this up because I remember a post about discoloration of the feet.)
Good Wishes
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/03/2013 2042 posts
Karen: Assuming you do not know the exact cause of the Neuropathy, the nutritional trial method is your best treatment option. The R-Lipoic at maximum dose would be as close as you could get to I.V. Therapy. Also consider Magnetic Foot Pads or Insoles, they definitely help my Peripheral Neuropathy.
Have you been tested for Heavy Metals??? Maybe some detoxing would help also.
Let us know how your doing.
Electrolytes
Posted by Oldriska (Prague, Czech Republic) on 02/01/2013
Hi Diane, I'd be a bit suspicious about treating neuropathy with water with salt and sugar. I have neuralgia in my face and have tried many treatments and read a lot on the subject of neuralgias/neuropathies. Sugar is not recommended for nerve pain and salt can increase blood pressure which conseqently can increase pressure on the nerves. I think if it was this easy to treat the condition there wouldn't be all the people suffering with chronic nerve pain. Still, if you give it a go and have good results with it I'd be only happy to hear your feedback and change my opinion! Take care, Oldriska
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Lily (Kelowna, British Columbia) on 01/14/2013
★★★★★
Gluten-Free Diet for Neuropathy
Research ideopathic gluten sensitivity. I have had relief from kicking gluten from my diet!! I tried all the other stuff & got some relief BUT this was relief and it happened within days of being diligent about NO GLUTEN.
Iodine
Posted by Lizette (Wi) on 11/07/2017
★★★★★
Lugel's Iodine is the best and most potent...be mindful it requires very little!
General Feedback
Posted by Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 11/21/2012
Timh, What name brand of magnetic foot soles? There are many types on the web... I take saunas and many antioxidents... I can't sit too long as cramping in my calves and leg biceps is a HUGE problem... Can't think straight at times...
ultra violet blood irradation with 2 1/2 cc's of H2O2 at the end took me out of cirrohosis in 6 months... I had 10 treatments and was cleared of cirrosis after 5... It cost me $1700. 00.. Each treatment takes about an hour... They remove your blood and put it thru a untra violet light machine and then re-infuse it again inot you thru the machine... So the blood gets exposed to the ultra violet light twice... At the end they put in the H2O2... Also, while I was doing this, they had a Far Infra Red pad placed over my liver the whole time...
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/20/2012
★★★★☆
Just an update for everyone. I had to switch back to Lyrica from Cymbalta due to a negative reaction. After reading the the information from the top link from Tim in Eu I considered the information about ALA being used to remove free radicals from ALCAR therapy and came to the conclusion that they might be better taken together to get the best effect and so have tried it. I have had no issues from doing so and have gone back to my original dosage to find that I have less pain now at the lower dosage. Almost all the numbness is gone now and I only have pain in my toes. It is aggravated by the job I am doing but is still improving and it is at a level that I can tolerate so I will keep at it for now. It almost seems like too much ALA & ALCAR can cause a higher level of the frozen/burning/pins and needles type of pain in the same way that pressure/activity can aggravate the sensory nerves with this condition. I have found a 5 mg sublingual B12 in the AOR brand and just started using two per day with promising results.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 03/02/2013
It is now six months since I started on ALA and four months since I went back to work. After about three months I hit a plateau where it seemed the improvement slowed down with all the supplements noted in my previous posts. I tryed the vitamin B12 at doses up to 40, 000 mcgs per day with some success and again hit a plateau. I stumbled across L-arginine, it is supposed to increase circulation, and added it to my regimen. I thought it would help by allowing more nutrients to get to my nerves but found that it actually improved things by making my feet feel warmer. I did some more research and found out that phosphorous is good for nerve health and went looking for phosphorous. I found it in a bone supplement with huge amounts of calcium included in it but tried it anyway. It is helping. I began to feel that something else was missing so I added in potassium and magnesium (at the same time) and am seeing beneficial results. The 'electric shock jolts' are now gone but I still have a small patch of numbness in the soles of my feet and a varying level of a burning sensation pain in my feet. I am not entirely healed yet but I am still improving and am working as much as 76 hours per week without issues. I have discontinued Lyrica as it no longer helps the tinnitus. I have also noticed that the timing of my medication/supplements is not critical any more. I take everything in the morning after breakfast and selected ones after supper which is usually about 15 hours later. I also find that if I move my toes around when they get painful that the pain is reduced fairly quickly now. My doctor informed me a couple of weeks ago that ALA is going to be available by prescription in Canada very soon for neuropathy.
My experience is telling me that we all need to try everything available and must utilize all of the vitamin and mineral supplements that can support nerves to promote healing in the quickest manner possible. I can now see that I will completely recover from my chemotherapy induced neuropathy in spite of being told by my neurologist that "where it is a year after chemo is as good as it will get". I am now 37 months from having started chemo and am still improving.
As I am now working full time and long hours, if anyone has specific questions for me, you may contact me directly at gustafsonal (at) hotmail {dot] com. Thank you. Al
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc, Canada) on 09/24/2013
★★★★★
Dear Al.
I am so glad to hear about your success with the ALA. I have had great success with it as well with the burning sensation just above my knees and pressure aches on both wrist. I was taking 2x250mg with every meal and then I discovered I only need to take it at noon and supper. Without this my life would be hellish painful. It was your posts that got me started on the ALA. I did try the R factor ALA with little success.
Art.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/04/2012
ALA will make your heart race if you have overactive thyroid problems and/or are on thyroid medication(s). You should maybe get your thyroid gland checked out and that might even fix your neuropathy. Most ALA labels caution about using it with thyroid medications.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 12/02/2012
★★★★★
3 months now since I started ALA & ALCAR and I have been working full time - just around 60 hours per week in the log book. I am quite surprised at how well I am doing. At the end of the first week I was exhausted, partially due to icy roads on days 4 & 5, and thought I would need to take a break midweek for a few weeks but kept at it and didn't need to. I still have a bit of pain, tingling and numbness but it is still receding. I expect that it will take many months to completely recover if I ever do. I am maintaining my supplement regimen but have reduced the Lyrica by 50% a week ago, resulting in an increase in the pain level, and have also reduced the amount of Diamicron MR that I am taking by 50% as well due to the blood sugar getting too low, a good indication that the curcumin and Diamicron MR are actually healing the pancreas as I am healing the neuropathy. Maybe the two are complementary. I saw another acquaintance today that I hadn't seen since June and he didn't recognize me due to my hair colour returning. Onwards and upwards.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 03/04/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Another update. I recently had surgery to remove the right lobe of my liver. This was due to matastatic colon cancer and as a result my blood pressure has gone up resulting in other problems including reduced energy and increased neuropathic pain. I noticed that when I had something sweet to eat like jam, cake, candy, etcetera that the neuropathic pain was reduced substantially so I started experimenting. When doing anything slightly strenuous my blood pressure and sugar would drop and my pulse would go way up so the first thing I tried was leaving out the diamacron and metformin. This allowed the sugar to increase and gave me back my energy without my blood pressure and pulse being significantly affected, but the sugar went too high so I added the metformin back in. Big surprise!!!! The neuropathic pain went way down, more than eating something sweet made it go down. As a result I typed "diamacron" into google and clicked on "diamacron side effects" and found out that it causes neuropathic pain, conflicts with metformin, is not supposed to be used if you have liver problems, are having or recently had surgery. None of this was covered in the pharmacy information sheet I was provided. The warning is not about alpha lipoic acid, but rather it is about the diamacron prescription medication and what it does. Eliminating it has made a huge difference. I have not as yet tried the nicotine but will be soon. Al
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Tlkleen (Halifax, Nova Scotia) on 02/10/2013
My husband has a rare disease called Tangiers. It causes neuropathy mainly in his limbs, but has lost feeling all over. He suffers from alot of pain. He is getting ALA treatment from his naturopath. They are starting a new treatment that involves a new natural med that will be administered before the ALA to help the body absorbe it. They say he will notice a difference with in 30 days. Fingers crossed!
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by David (Westford, Ma) on 04/29/2012
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in November, 2011. The excrutiating burning on the bottoms of my feet had gotten progressively worse and I really thought my days were numbered. The last thing I would ever want to do would be to go on disability but it seemed like that was where I was headed. I have done everything to help myself. Mind/body 8 week course to learn to live with chronic pain, accupuncture, diet, meditation, yoga and more. Three days after I started ALA I thought my pain had started to reduce.
Now 6 weeks later except for minor discomfort now and then I don't think about my feet 24/7 anymore. I actually drove myself to the Museum of Fine Arts and walked around last week for a couple of hours forgetting that a few weeks prior I never could have done that. I feel blessed to have found ALA if this is why I have gotten better. I have also stopped all statins as I tried just about every one of them. I also discontinued amlodipine as the swelling it causes of my feet I was sure was aggravating my pain. I now take 900mg. Per day and wonder if that is too much? I have read many research articles on ALA and they seem to agree that IV ALA does help neuropathy. There don't seem to be any conclusive studies on oral ALA. I am looking to try and find whether ALA can actually cure Neuropathy or if you need to keep taking it?
B12 and Metacobalin
Posted by Ms (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 02/13/2012
★★★★★
I also took the same Bs as Shrikant (the fat soluble B 12 & Metacobalin) and my neuropathy in both feet that I had for a few years got better THE NEXT 24 hours I could tell - a difference for the better. I am now still on the fat soluble Bs and it has been 1 1/2 years now. The tingling, the extreme sensitivity, the sudden jerking jolts of what felt like electric shocks within my feet are all gone.
Only thing is lately, I have noticed a tightness appearing and I cannot bend back my toes towards me comfortably. Don't know why...
B12 and Metacobalin
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia ) on 02/13/2012
Hi Ms (from Honolulu), If it feels like that they might cramp if you move them any further then I would suggest magnesium. Works for me if my toes feel like or do cramp. Even if it is not cramp it would be worth trying some mag.
MSM, Lecithin
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 10/26/2011
★★★★★
My partner too suffered with neuropathy, that was till we discovered MSM and Lecithin from his first dose he got almost instant relief. And after only a month or so has never had it back. Hope this helps.
MSM
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/19/2011
★★★★★
My partner also suffered with PN due to his diabetes, he was already taking ACV and CO, this seemed to help his blood sugars , but not the pain.
However literally after the first dose of MSM he got instant relief, he continues to take it but rather on an if and when need basis. Also we read that LECITHIN can help, which he also takes, daily, due to a relative short shelf life. He is so much better.!!! Oh I hope this helps , any one that suffers this puts up with so much.:(.
B12
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/16/2012
Kate, I have noticed that if the pain is less when you wake up in the morning that it is often an indication of too large a dosage of something and so would reduce one item at a time until I found the culprit and then put everything else back to normal dose and reduce or eliminate the one that caused the problem. When things get worse we need to experiment a bit. Al
