New member - 3 years with neuropathy, looking for support

I have started walking again in the hope of reducing some of the neuropathic pain below my waist. I am on my third day. After last evening's walk of about one-quarter mile, my pain became excruciating, especially in my left leg. This morning the pain had subsided quite a bit. Hoping to be able to do another walk again tonight, increasing the distance. Perhaps there IS some help achieved by walking. We shall see!

Thanks for the update Mike! Lot's of us have looked into nutrition for nerve health. Here are a couple of discussions on the topic:
-- Neuropathy Supplements - are they for all types of neuropathy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-supplements/
-- Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplement-recommendations-can-help/
You might also find these webinars on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy's YouTube Channel helpful - https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforperipheralneu4122/search?query=nutrition.

Check it has no more than 10mg of B6 in it. The knowledge on this is rapidly changing.

Where is it that you see knowledge is rapidly changing? thank you. I will definitely check into this.

@moorethrpy - That's really interesting about the prescribed B compound! I hadn't thought about the interaction issue with other supplements. That makes a lot of sense why it needs to be carefully formulated.

I'm definitely going to ask my neurologist about getting my B vitamin levels tested. The presentation I found actually talked about how most people with neuropathy have multiple deficiencies, not just one, and how the vitamins need to be in the right ratios to work properly.

It's fascinating how much the nutritional approach is overlooked by most doctors. The research I've been reading suggests that nerve regeneration is actually possible with the right combination of nutrients, but it has to be done correctly.

@lorry - Your point about B6 toxicity is so important! That's exactly why I'm being cautious and want to get tested first. The presentation I watched emphasized getting proper testing before starting any protocol.

Has anyone here had success with a comprehensive nutritional approach? I'm curious if anyone has tried a complete nerve support protocol rather than just individual vitamins.

I had all my B levels, plus D, plus thyroid, plus sugar. Then the usual full blood scan (liver function etc). Unless you get a low result on any test, stop (repeat stop) taking any supplements. Gentle exercise. Lots of water. Healthy balanced diet. Cut back sugar and alcohol (cut out if you can). Six months. Test again.
Supplements are a big part of the problem because deficiency and toxicity have the same symptoms.
Supplements are a poorly monitored multi billion dollar industry that disguise advertisements as therapy.
Living in a first world country, with access to a healthy balanced diet, we do not need supplements.
You are going to read a lot more about this in the future. This is the new tobacco industry claiming their product doesn’t harm you. There is a lot of money at stake (selling chemical vitamins).
There is currently a class action against Blackmores.

Thank you Mike. I have been tested for the B vitamins but usually I ask for it. I have been to two University Neurologists (Columbia and Medical U of So Carolina) who did test and the MUSC doc checked for a whole list of anitibodies...took 3 mos to get final results. All were negative. But my regular (and very disinterested )neurologist never suggested. In fact, I asked him to do a nerve biopsy to check for CDIP and he said "I am not doing tests to satisfy your curiosity." This led me to to the University neurologists I sought and they were 100% more interested in helping me. It is a journey like no other as we all have different symptoms , treatments and experiences with providers. The right neurologist is key and not easy to find; I waited months to get app'ts. I tried to get into all three Mayo Clinics and was turned down; could down.

I stopped Gabapentin as I was told it was only masking the issue and it would eventually require higher doseage levels. What has dramatically helped me was use of a massage gun daily for five minutes on the bottom of each foot. The particular one I use is Bondir, but there are many other similar ones with different brand names, I got mine at Costco for around $50. Recommended to friend and he was able to get the same results. I’m 83 and he’s 80….FYI

Hi there.. I wonder if Nerve Blockers might help. They can last 6months to 3 years .... I found Blockers helped way more than Nerve Ablation and avoid getting on a ride on mower if you don't want to wreck what they did..... hope this helps and take care

Your comments about vitamin supplements are interesting. My gastro doctor took me off Vitamin D because my blood test result said I had reached a toxic level. For now, I am okay with this as sunshine in NYC is abundant this time of year, Also, I do know that the American Institute for Cancer Research is against supplements--they claim all the nutrients and vitamins needed can be obtained by pursuing a healthy diet. On the other hand, there are folks that believe that food can no longer offer us a healthy guarantee as we have done bad things to our water and soil--depleting it of needed nutrients. On my most recent visit to my neurologist, he asked me what supplements I was taking. So there are different sides to this issue--not sure which one is correct, and, again, our bodies are all so different in terms of needs. I will also throw in sleep--without that we lose.