John (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/18/2011
Hello Connie,
You gave me a remedy for my Periphal Neuropathy... I am now up to 10,000 mcgs of B-12 and still have pins and needles and severe cramps in the middle of the night in my calves... My legs are cold from the knees down and we're in a heat wave in August.... It seemed to subside initially, but the full neuropathy is still there... I have been doing it for about 3 weeks.. Is this something that may take months to resolve? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated... If you recall I believe that hep-c has caused this neuropathy...
Thank you...
Replied By Connie (Slc, Ut) on 08/19/2011
Firstly, I've read that oftentimes with liver trouble, potassium could go low. That can cause some cramping and pain. If you are not taking any potassium sparing meds. , such as some certain diuretics or anti-hypertensives, then consider increasing potassium foods. ( careful with the sweet ones, they can cause pain). Consider getting a copy of blood test and observe electrolytes. ( I find I feel best when K is about 4.5 mEq/L). Fresh vegetable juices are great, carrot, celery, and added greens. Smoothies are also a great option, as are homemade broths with the retained liquid from the veg.
As I see that you have expressed a sensitivity to acids, I agree that reducing them is a good way to alleviate pain. The nerves are exposed, and even beneficial acids can cause pain now. Although citric acid is natural and good, it is added to so many foods as a preservative, that it is easy to get too much. Even ascorbic acid can cause pain. I don't recommend total avoidance, but some reduction. I recommend a food type B-complex. (new chapter). It's expensive, but less is needed. I've found that it doesn't cause pain when taken with meals at 1/2 to 1 tablet. B1 and B6 are good for nerves at lower dosages, ( personal opinion ). Also, the fat soluble vitamins, A and D, can be difficult to metabolize when there is liver trouble, so I recommend getting them from food rather than supplements. Good Wishes.
Replied By John (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/19/2011
ThanKs for the reply... I'm wondering what amount of B-12 are you currently taking? I have gotten up to 10, 000mcgs... I went very slow for obvious reasons... I have only been on this for less than a month... If it took you 6 months, I guess it will not be overnight with me either... I tried taking lecithin and it thinned my blood out (assumption) and I have gotten very cold as of today... I got a commendation to rub coconut oil on my body... Don't know if you've heard of this... I may try it on a small part of my leg for starters and see what happens...
I am extremely grateful for your advice and your quick response...
God bless, John
Replied By Connie (Slc, Ut) on 08/20/2011
I've " haunted" some forums, and it appears that other people are trying a wide variety of amounts, but, most seem to be settling in the 1000 - 5000 mcg. Range. Some are lower, and some are extrordinarily higher. I have been influenced by this information, so I need to be mindful of it when making suggestions. Another thing I am noticing about B12 is that it is raising my body temperature and I am feeling warmer. ( I've read this and now I'm seeing it. I'm at 98. 2 degrees now). I believe it will help with cold legs eventually. I also believe that massaging legs and feet with oils can be wonderful. (my skin is dry, so I use castor oil). I've used various salves for pain with good effects. Since you have coldness, I would recommend that warming spices be added to your salve, such as Ginger, and Cayenne. Ginger has been recommended to raise body temperature and improve circulation. ( internally and transdermally) Best to You.
Replied By John P. (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/23/2011
Thank you again so very much, John P.
Replied By Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/24/2011
Replied By Connie (Slc, Ut) on 08/24/2011
I see you are trying transdermal applications. It still surprises me how powerful they are. In fact, I cringe when I recall that I've coated my hands with paints that were loaded with heavy metals. Then I would use nasty solvents to remove them. Now I use gloves. But I do use the solvent, DMSO with some transdermal applications. I've added 4 (20mg) B12 lozenges, crushed with a mortar and pestle, to a 1 oz. Dark glass dropper bottle, mostly filled with DMSO. I shake it vigorously for a few minutes until dissolved. This is an approximate recipe developed by Dr. Gregg. I've used this off and on for several years with good effects. I buy the DMSO and supplies from a chemical shop. The mixture is a bit sticky, and the flavorings make for an unusual scent, but it did help me. I would often use it on my left hand which had become frighteningly stiff and numb. I'm now trying it on the small numb spot on my heel to see if it speeds recovery. Castor oil is also a great medium to use either alone or with added essential oils, some good warming ones could be : Oil of Oregano, Cinnamon Oil, Black Pepper Oil, and Ginger Oil. Cayenne is very warm, but I have only seen it as a powder or extract. There are some ready-made salves, but some are with cooling mints. I do have one that is warm, it is called Badger sore muscle rub. It is mild. Good Wishes.
Replied By John (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/25/2011
Regarding the magic bullet for P.N. I'm going to give benefotiamine a try, if all else fails. I have researched it throughly. It's a man made form of Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine).
Again, NO ONE was put on Earth to suffer. We all are here to thrive.
Bless you.
Replied By Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 08/26/2011
Replied By John (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/28/2011
Thank you very much for your concern and time posting you recommendation... It is greatly appreciated...
This too will pass.......
Bless you
Replied By Kate (Avon, Ct, Usa) on 10/21/2011
I can feel your pain.. Literally. I've been suffering from horrific pain in my feet for almost 3 years now. As of the past few weeks, it's began to spread up my legs and I am experiencing stabbing sensations and cramping as well(grrrrr). I have a long history with Lyme Disease and co-infections so since I test negative for literally everything else the docs can come up with, it seems Lyme is the origin.
I have been on Neurontin for as long as Iv'e had this problem and about 6-7 months ago began a strict regimin of ALA, Benfothiamine (600 a day), Acetyl-Carnatine and more. I seemed to hold for a while but now things are exploding and I have no idea why. I have been taking 25mg B12 injection 3x's a week for about 4 weeks now. To no avail (sigh). About 2 weeks ago I decdied to give up carbohydrates in another desperate attempt to stop this incredible pain.
I hope and pray you find relief asap as so many posting here have. I have learned a lot simply by stumbling on this thread so I thank you for that.
A great sight with a TON of info on supplements, etc for neuropathy is "Neuro-talk. " Find the peripheral neuropathy section.. there is a tremendous amount of information to be had and much like here, a tremendous amount of support.
Be well, Kate
Replied By Monique (Elllington, Ct) on 10/26/2011
Monique
Replied By Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/16/2012