Does Vitamin B-12 help with neuropathy?

Interesting, John. I cannot 'walk' in the normal sense, but I spend about an hour on the NU-STEP several times a week. I also exercise in the water, tho' i know that won't affect the atrophy.

I believe that my muscle atrophy is primarily caused by denervation. Two of the primary nerves in my lowers legs are completely non-responsive in an EMG and the third is severely damaged.

First EMG 2010:

INTERPRETATION:
1. PROFOUND AXONAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
2. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
3. RIGHT AND LEFT SURAL NERVE NEUROPATHY

QUOTE Denervated muscles atrophy rapidly. Neurogenic atrophy is faster and more complete than disuse atrophy, although these types may be difficult to differentiate in some patients.

This quote is from Science Direct. Because I'm new I cannot include links in my posts.

QUOTE: Axonal degenerative polyneuropathies tend to produce weakness along with muscle atrophy, but atrophy is much less conspicuous in segmental demyelinating polyneuropathies because in these disorders the axon remains in continuity with the muscle, preventing denervation atrophy. The most common symptom in polyneuropathy is weakness in dorsiflexion of the feet at the ankles. This can result in a partial or complete foot drop that typically causes the feet to slap while walking and predisposes the patient to stumble and fall when the toes catch on an uneven surface.

This quote is from the Cleveland Clinic. I cannot post the link.

Interesting, John. I cannot 'walk' in the normal sense, but I spend about an hour on the NU-STEP several times a week. I also exercise in the water, tho' i know that won't affect the atrophy.

I believe that my muscle atrophy is primarily caused by denervation. Two of the primary nerves in my lowers legs are completely non-responsive in an EMG and the third is severely damaged.

First EMG 2010:

INTERPRETATION:
1. PROFOUND AXONAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
2. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
3. RIGHT AND LEFT SURAL NERVE NEUROPATHY

QUOTE Denervated muscles atrophy rapidly. Neurogenic atrophy is faster and more complete than disuse atrophy, although these types may be difficult to differentiate in some patients.

This quote is from Science Direct. Because I'm new I cannot include links in my posts.

QUOTE: Axonal degenerative polyneuropathies tend to produce weakness along with muscle atrophy, but atrophy is much less conspicuous in segmental demyelinating polyneuropathies because in these disorders the axon remains in continuity with the muscle, preventing denervation atrophy. The most common symptom in polyneuropathy is weakness in dorsiflexion of the feet at the ankles. This can result in a partial or complete foot drop that typically causes the feet to slap while walking and predisposes the patient to stumble and fall when the toes catch on an uneven surface.

This quote is from the Cleveland Clinic. I cannot post the link.

The NU-STEP is an exercise machine. You sit in the seat, and press the pedals back and forth (not like bike pedals, but rather like brake pedals) and at the same time you pull and push the large levers back and forth. So you exercise your legs and arms at the same time.

You can set the 'resistance' level, and adjust the seat and arm levers to fit your body.

The monitor displays your 'speed' and other measurements, like distance and calories consumed.

There is a tray below the monitor, where I place my large iPad. Using the wifi at the gym, and my cordless earphones, I can watch movies while I exercise.

It is marvelous.

I would post a link to show you the Nu-Step, but I am a new member and cannot post links yet.

Regards, ElaineD

Here are the different models/prices of the Nu-Step cross trainer @elained is using (I think):
-- https://www.nustep.com/product-category/cross-trainers/

Here's a less expensive hybrid elliptical-recumbent exercise bike that I use. I think the Nu-Step is better but the older model ProForm that I have works for my needs. It does have resistance settings. I use the elliptical every morning for about 10 to 15 minutes to help with the legs. I think any exercise is good. I wished I had an indoor pool for water therapy close by.
-- https://www.proform.com/hybrid-training

John

@johnbishop Those look nice, but I certainly couldn't afford one. I'll have to stay with a treadmill, the stairs in my house, and exercising to walking tapes. It would be nice if insurance covered these aids for people with problems, but I don't think that's going to happen.
Carol

Hi Carol @retiredteacher - I only paid a little less than $300 for mine and it's small enough that I can have it in my bedroom and have easy access to it.

@johnbishop The less expensive bike would be doable, but in the thousands---wow; too much for me. For now, I'm going to have to stay with my tread, stairs, and tapes. We had a pool in every house we lived in except the one we own now. Too bad because I could use one for pool exercises. I think they would be really beneficial, but I don't get in public pools. It's just a germ thing I have about public places.
Carol

Hi @fbell330, That's interesting, I've never heard of B12 doing anything to aggrevate the nerves and have never seen any research or data showing it can be harmful. I know each of us are different in how we absorb different vitamins and minerals and that could account for problems or conditions. I am interested in learning more if you can point me to some references on why B12 made things worse for you. Thank you...John