Has anyone had success taking Alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy?

@carol1024 Thanks for the info. So, what kind of results you are you experiencing. For example, less pain, less numbness? Ed

@njed both

@darinjasman The sensation you feel is pain, numbness, and/or burning.

@mrmacabre
I’ve had the same diagnosis as you; idiopathic neuropathy. The only thing the doctors figure could have caused it was the foot surgery I had years ago. I had decompression surgery and it didn’t work so I figure nothing will cure it. I use pain patches and creams. I’m very active so if I’m at a walking event I might take a tramadol for the pain. I find Motrin to work well when my toes swell but I mostly rely on pain patches. I’m not opposed to getting a spinal stimulator if the pain and discomfort interferes with my quality of life.

@bini41 mine is chemo induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) The doctors know what causes it. I have hydrocodone for my back and that comes in handy too. I have morphine ER15mg to take for the shot that self injects 27 hours after chemo. It's part of my immunotherapy that stimulates my bone marrow to produce white blood cells to help my immune system fight the cancer. The next 5 or 6 days are going to be very painful. I will be short of breath, have no energy at all and very weak, be in a lot of pain and be very off balance. I'll get through it though. I have 10 treatments so far but now it's that everything is coming faster. The side effects used to not start until about the 3 or 4 day after chemo. No they start the day or 2 after. After my treatment today on walk to the car my chest felt like it does when have been exercising or doing things to use chest muscles. It just felt tight.

@mrmacabre all 3

I am not sure, but I think it has slowed down, or even stopped, its progression.

@darinjasman

I was told by my neurologist that nerves can regenerate. Also, EMG tests are able to asccertain how much sensation/nerve damage there is. That is why they conduct that test. I never had any pain with PN--just some numbness, tingling and occasional ankle tightness; however, since going gluten free, my situation has improved. I am still taking B12 and ALA along with other vitamins. I also think our emotions can play a triggering role in PN. Stay curious--that is the pathway to more discoveries!

There are studies on Alpha lipoic acid being somewhat helpful to people with diabetic PN. I have not found one single study for those of us with small fiber neuropathy, but I am taking the R-ALA anyway. No idea if it is working or not, though I have had less burning from the first 6 or 8 months when it started. It would be great if there was an actual study. There are so many studies on men's hair loss, but you know--that's important because it will make money.

@carol1024 I’m so sorry to hear this. I kinda know what you’re going through with your chemo because my brother had to have it three consecutive days every two weeks for a year. It must be difficult for you dealing with both chemo and your neuropathy. I will say a prayer for you.