Your input is appreciated. The decision to take supplements was not done on my own, it was through an incredible rheumatologist (since retired) who believed in what he had learned when working as a pharmacist and internist before branching into rheumatology. Such an intelligent, patient, thoughtful approach to individualized care for his patients. He advised the magnesium malate (was very specific that it be malate), the Alpha Lipoic Acid, multivitamins, and a couple of others that I had to stop taking due to not doing well in conjunction with my allergies The D3 was as per internist who treated me for seriously high deficiency of vitamin D (had to take daily high dose of 5000 for a week, and make a point of being in the sun for at least 30 minutes daily -- tough to do when I was teaching 6 classes a day, but I would sit by the sunniest window in my classroom while supervising study hall, or my lunch time (when I could) I'd walk around the building or sit on the steps. Then D3 as "maintenance" after the end of that week of the high dose. CoQ10 as per cardiologist (since I am on heart meds and had been on statins which I had to stop taking due to horrific muscle pain but it was not at all defined as per the spasms that I endured; totally different). Pain has been in my daily life from fibromyalgia, central nervous system issues, neuropathies, and compounded by a horrific fall onto a concrete floor that traumatized my body, especially the entire left side; I'm still in P and dealing with complex regional pain syndrome that has now involved the right side. Several other wonderful "problemitas" ("little problems") also, just to add spice and challenges😳.
I am highly cautious about prescription and OTC meds and don't self-prescribe. So I am confident that I'm not overdosing on supplements. I cringe when I see the commercials urging viewers to "ask YOUR doctor to prescribe XYZ" and also those promoting herbal powders, "vegetable packed" capsules, etc. And I am vigilant about the companies from which I obtain my supplements, to avoid/eliminate possibly substandard ingredients, questionable processing and manufacturing. So much to consider! Having worked as a lab tech at a medical college research department (and medical courses) definitely has served me well and been a blessing.
While I do have medical problems that are part of my life, I try not to let them define who I am. I'm a memoirist, short story and essay author, and novelist, so I channel my experiences via my writing. Very therapeutic.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my post.
Wishing you a 2024 filled with many moments of joy and diminished pain.
--- Iris 🌺