Metanx

Laminectomy a year ago immediately relieved pain in hips and legs that had rendered me almost unable to walk. But I have been left with (neuropathy) numbness and tingling in my feet, but so far not a lot of pain. The numbness does affect my balance just a bit, and I do go to PT. About a month ago, I saw my podiatrist to see if she had anything to offer for the neuropathy. That was when I learned of Metanx. She gave me a prescription and I have to say that, even though it has only been a few weeks, I am already noticing less symptoms in my feet. I had already tried Gabapentin, Lyrica, Amitryptiline... and none of those really helped. I was on Benfotiamine and R Alpha Lipoic Acid for a year and can't say they really helped. I had my B vitamin levels checked and my B6 was very much in the normal range. B12 was fine, also!
From what I understand, vitamin levels can "look" fine in tests, but some people have problems with the vitamins getting "into" the cells. There are so many variations and each of us is unique.
I will wait a couple of months and check specifically for B6 again, as I am aware of the info on B6 Toxicity. From what I understand, it usually takes several months for Metanx to produce results... My podiatrist said her father took it for years and it seemed to help him. It's pricey. Insurance doesn't cover it and I am paying $65/month. This has been my brief, thus-far experience with Metanx. I'd love to hear from others who have taken it and what their experience has been. So far, I have noticed no negative side effects .... and the early indication seems to be positive as are already feeling a bit better. Best to all... Mike

I am 78 and have been using metanx for 13 years. It has kept my neuropathy under control with symptoms like yours until this past year. My toes are numb with a very slight balance issue. I herniated a lumbar disc 4 years ago but refuse to consider surgery. I live with some buttock pain as a result. As for Metanx I am not sure if my years of minimal symptoms is because or in spite of Metanx. Dr says to keep taking it. My greatest fear is losing strength in legs and feet. Doing everything I can to maintain balance. Pt has helped strengthen calves and quads. Do you legs feel wobbly after getting out of bed in the am

72 here... severe issues with stenosis hit me suddenly in Sept. 2021. After laminectomy in 2022, The terrible leg and hip pain was gone. But that was when I noticed the neuropathy... the numbness, tingling, slight burning at times. It could have been there from the beginning, and I wouldn't have noticed because of the leg pain. I'll never know for sure. But at the moment, I just have the numbness and tingling for the most part and slight problems with balance and endurance. I think first thing in the morning is when my legs and feet feel their best, before I have started moving around. Sometimes if I'm sitting and I stand up, I notice a slight trembling weakness similar to what you describe, but it's mainly in my calves. It feels like my legs are shaking, but they aren't. Does that make sense? I am much less active than I was pre-Covid, and I will always wonder what part the lockdown played in my losing muscle strength. I'm hoping the Metanx will help, but from all I read, there is no "cure." Sometimes I think my biggest struggle is in my mind. The psychological impact of this condition has been difficult for me. But what can I (we) do but the best we can? Best wishes! Mike

Mike you hit it on the head. Everyday when I feel the symptoms I think of the worst case outcomes. Like you I was much more active pre pandemic. Spending more time in front of the tv has not helped. As one doctor told me, you may never know if the symptoms are from your back or the neuropathy. As you said what choice do we have. I fear the progression is accelerating and that is what I focus on every day.

I have been taking metanx since 2010. My PN symptoms have been manageable most of this time but has recently weakened my lower legs. I am not sure if metanx is working or not. My neurologist has told me not stop that it might worsen symptoms if I do. It is not cheap but worth trying in my opinion. I have not had any side effects. I am 77 years old and hoping to hang in there a little bit longer. Exercise like walking helps if you can do it. Regards

Hi all,
My B vitamin levels skyrocketed with Mentanx. I had to stop taking it. I through the 90% full bottle away. That was better than any ne complication.

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