Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

@avmcbellar Toni, Linda just pointed out another tip she wanted me to tell you. She says to sip the Shifa tea, don't drink it fast. If you sip it you will extend the relief out longer. Best, Hank

@jesfactsmon Hank, thanks for the tip. I will be careful. Not concerned with the taste. It will be arriving next week. By the way, I felt more energy when I was taking 600mg ALA instead. I have noticed an increase in burning pain from the neuropathy while on the 300mg dose. This morning I went back to 600mg with food. I waited one hour later to take 1200 mg ALC with food again. So far I am free of digestive burning. You mentioned ALC gave you an energy boost. Have you tried a higher dose of ALA? I had read for neuropathy need a 600 mg dose. It makes me feel better anyways except for when I get the burning in my stomach, lol. Overall the 600mg ALA gives me more energy. We are all different. Won’t know until we try. Toni

My name is Cathy and I am new to this group. I have been reading the posts that talk about ALA and wonder how you know what the dosage should be. Have you discussed taking this supplement with any doctor? I am kinda scared about taking something not prescribed specifically by a physician familiar with neuropathy. I used to take several supplements but none of them seemed to have any effect at all. I would be very glad to hear how some people got started with ALA and the amount of improvement they feel it provides. Thanks for everyone's contribution to this blog. It is very informative and comforting.

Hi Cathy @catharbert, I take R-ALA 600 mg twice daily along with other related supplements for neuropathy. I think it's always best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any kind of supplement. I ran mine by my doctor who sent them to a Mayo pharmacist and was told there shouldn't be a problem with me taking them. The pharmacist did say he thought the Omega 3/6 supplement I was taking was a little high but it should be OK.

Here are some links with ALA research you might find helpful.

Critical appraisal of the use of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid) in the treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3176171/
Linus Pauling Institute » Micronutrient Information Center - Lipoic Acid: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid
Linus Pauling Institute » Healthy Aging Program - Aging, Stress Response, and Mitochondrial Decay:
-- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/research/hap/aging-stress-response-and-mitochondrial-decay

Hi Cathy, my neuro did not prescribe ALA, I had started taking it 600 R-Ala 2x day after doing some research on my own. I have found if definitely helps with the pain and there are no side effects as far as I know and many benefits other than for neuropathy. My dr. did think it a good idea but you should check first with your dr. or pharmacist as John suggests. Helen

So glad you did break a bone when you fell, sorry you fell! Girl, my birth weight was 202# JK, LOL! Yes, without a cushion is a cause for concern. Yikes. I am so glad to hear you are not on steroids!! Had I only known. Thx for sharing. I am a young 67. Uded to be 5'3" but after 3 back surgeries, last a fushion, and DJD/DDD, I 'm now 5'1". Definitely vertically challenged!
Stay well and I pray for no fractures and ZERO pain for you! Blessings, Sunnyflower 🤗

Dear Precious Jim, thanks for sharing this. I am so sorry to hear of your horrible reaction to Lyrica!! It doesn't comfort me to hear the doctors say that some serious reactions to medications are rare. Did they say your adverse reaction to the Lyrica was because of another drug you were already taking?

It is very common for someone who has had a failed suicide attempt to think the exact same thing you did when you woke up. I'm so sorry for what you've gone through and the battle you fight each day.

Jim, do you have a "no harm" contract in place? I'm sure you know what that is yes? I hope you do and that you will honor it.

Jim, I am not a licensed therapist nor authority on the your situation. I can only share what I've learned working in the field of mental health and what my own experience has been.

I know you already know that evidence indicates that brain biochemistry is a significant factor in depressive disorders. I interpret this as being your mental health issues that you struggle with, are not your fault. My prayer is that you would no longer blame yourself for your situation.

I wish you God's comfort and peace through Christ, that I experience in my daily mental, spiritual and physical battles. It is His incomprehendabl love that carries me through the many fires we humans walk through while on this earth. You'll be in my prayers. You are a blessing to all of us here on Connect! You really are!!!

You have had victory over many of the battles you've fought and that alone is an inspiration! Deeply caring and warmest regards, Sunnyflower

Jim. Please reach out if you need support

Thanks, @jesfactsmon. I'm placing an order to Amazon tomorrow and will add the mag. glycinate to the order.

Hi Cathy, welcome to the group! I am certain that you will find caring, wonderful support and great information here on the blog as I myself have.

My neurologist recently prescribed ALA for me to and I am taking 600 mg once a day. I do not feel my pain is any better. My neurologist said I could increase it and have been thinking about doing that.

Recently there has been discussion about which type of ALA to use and I sent this link someone posted from Oregon State Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center about which type of ALA is best: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid

Here is her response: "Most of the research that was done on alpha lipoic acid that showed benefit was done on the S-ALA/R-ALA mixtures. I did try to look to see if there were any studies comparing taking R-ALA only to S-ALA/R-ALA mixtures, but I could not find any."

So I had just ordered the R-ALA from Amazon and will use that but switch to the S-ALA/R-ALA mixture next.

I 'm just wondering how much more to increase it to be safe but yet accomplish less pain. Probably 600 mg twice daily. Of course since I am on so many medications and so many supplements, I will run it by my pharmacist like I do with every new thing I add to my regime because I have learned over time that some of my supplements do in fact have the potential to lessen or increase the effect of some of my prescriptions.

How long did it take 2 work for you? And, in your understanding, is this something you will have to increase in dosage overtime?

I wish you all the best and especially zero pain!

Warmest regards, Sunny flower. 😊