Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Another thing that helps when taking R-ALA if you have burning or stomach issues is to eat part of a banana. I take two 600 mg daily but when I first started it was more difficult due to stomach problems and I found out you do have to eat something and not take it on an empty stomach.

Bustrbrwn, if you google Ala you will find there are 2 forms, the R and the S. Some brands combine both and some are just 1 or the other. I recently read an in-depth article on the differences and the pros and cons of each. The brand I take combines the 2 but I also have the all R-Ala which I switch off to at times. I think the R is better since it is also more expensive. Helen

Sunny, I have no problem but I do not take it on an empty stomach. Helen

@helennicola Thanks for putting all your work into researching the his. I should have done that.

Testudo (John) update, I have a call into my GP, last talked to him about slight burning in toes. He thought it my be inflammation. Take Advil. The old proverbial take two aspirin and call me in the morning. I have also had some slight zings in my hands after strenuous use. As mentioned in my first post, Dr. Google points me toward peripheral neuropathy. I’ve also had some eye issues and I have an appointment with my eye practitioner on October 1. So I will try to impress upon my GP to refer me to a neurologist. At least I should be examined and tested for PN. I am not sure what the hallmark test is for a PN diagnosis? Also, and I don’t mean to be insensitive or disrespectful, but even with a diagnosis there seems to be very little if anything that can be done from what I’ve read here. All the meds that have been mentioned don’t seem to do any good and have terrible side effects. I am cold turkey on the sugar and carbs with my 115 mg sugar Pre-diabetes with overhauled diet and strenuous biking and exercise. And about pain, at no time have I considered to be in “pain”. The “burning” in my feet is more of a distraction when lying in bed, or really only noticeable at that time. Last night, I woke like I always do for a trip to the porcelain palace, I felt a little numbness and tingly in my left foot. But after moving it around a bit, it went back to normal. The word progression is a scary one. I know there is no “reversal” but I hope to limit and slow progression. John

@sunnyflower Sunny, I take RALA on an empty stomach 15-25 minutes before i eat breakfast (and my other supplements). I do get some acid effect after about 5 minutes, but if I drink more water when that happens it usually subsides. I take it that way because I read somewhere that taking it before taking Acetyl L Carnitine helps the absorption of the latter. Best, Hank

Bustrbrwn, you’re very welcome, anytime😁, that’s what this forum is for! Helen

I am using the TENS unit that John is describing. I don't have the sharp pains, only numbness and burning. The tens unit gives electrical stimulus to the feet and lower legs. I didn't think it was helping, until we went on vacation last year and I didn't want to take it along. I quickly realized that what it was doing was keeping my ankles more limber, and also lessening the feeling of the skin tightness. (Sometimes my skin feels like it is going to pop because there isn't enough room for my foot). SO therefore, I use it every morning for 30 - 40 minutes.

@steeldove

You're right. An SCS can work with a number of issues. The reason I have it is to treat the neuropathy pain in my feet and ankles. Other stimulators treat conditions with greater accuracy. A dorsal root ganglion stimulator is one of those. It can be programmed to target specific nerves more precisely than other stimulators.

One lesson I've learned is that it's really important to find a good surgeon who has expertise with implants, and a lot of experience. I wish I'd done a better job with the research and selection of a surgeon.

Jim

Thx! What is ALC? It can mean a few different things. Thank you!