I need holistic advice/thoughts please

[des1954]

I have recently (within the last year) developed neuropathy in my feet due to diabetes and it is most painful. I have a Dr. appointment later this month and am afraid he'll throw a prescription at me for Lyrica. It's probably a good drug, but I am taking so many other drugs for HBP, diabetes & cholestrol, that I don't want the expense of another prescription.

This leads me to a question. I've been reading on the internet & other sources about Acetyl-L-Carnitine and not only is it beneficial in the treatment of memory loss, but it has been discovered to relieve the pain from neuropathy and possibly reverse the nerve damage. Are any of you holistic minded people out there familiar with this? Do you recommend using this supplement? The recommended dosage from two different clinical trials was 3000mg per day - or 1000mg, three times a day.
In both studies, 98% of the people who took this supplement and dosage, vs. the placebo group, had significant relief from neuropathy pain.

This supplement is cheap enough - CVS Pharmacy sells it for like $8.50 for a month's supply - but if it doesn't work, why bother?

What do you think? Thanks in advance.

 

[LORNADUCK]

Deb, my best girlfriend is a Pharmacist and I will check with her and see if she knows anything. I will try her tonight or tomorrow night.
I didn't realize that you had diabetes, so does Richie. That's what is making it so hard for him to have this kidney operation. He has kidney damage and if he isn't careful after they remove 1/2 of one of them, he will have to be on dialysis. He is scheduled for July 23rd. We are going to be at the fort for July 4th weekend and that might be the last camping trip for a while.
I will let u know as soon as I find out anything about the drug.

 

[ntsammy5]

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

 

[kc5grw]

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

That sure didn't take long.

 

[4mickey2]

i believe that is what my father was diagnosed with. i don't know much about it nor do i know what he did for treatment. i do know nothing has helped with his issue(s).

unfortunately, we4mickey is on vacation this week. but, i am sure when she gets on the boards she will chime in and try to help you out..

 

[stacktester]

They say if people with diabetes would exercise more and eat better they could get off the meds. Unfortunately it seems once you got it losing weight is a huge challenge. My uncle is 54 and has type 2. He used to love to fish and be outdoors. He has a lot of extra weight and it just drags him down.

 

[des1954]

Deb, my best girlfriend is a Pharmacist and I will check with her and see if she knows anything. I will try her tonight or tomorrow night.
I didn't realize that you had diabetes, so does Richie. That's what is making it so hard for him to have this kidney operation. He has kidney damage and if he isn't careful after they remove 1/2 of one of them, he will have to be on dialysis. He is scheduled for July 23rd. We are going to be at the fort for July 4th weekend and that might be the last camping trip for a while.
I will let u know as soon as I find out anything about the drug.

Thanks, Lorna. I'm getting blood work this week in preparation for my Dr's appointment. I'm anxious to see if my A1C has changed much in 6 months. I check my blood a few times each week and it goes anywhere from 80-85 to 250-280. It's all over the place, and it doesn't seem to matter what I have or have not eaten.

Beer is as holistic as it gets.


especially home brew

I knew I spelled holistic incorrectly! You better watch it, too. Remember, mom went straight to the needle when they discovered her diabetes. I'll bet any money that dad was diabetic, too - only he had so many other things wrong with him, they overlooked the type II diabetes. They overlooked a lot of things back in the 70's. Medicine has come a long way in the last 30 years.

They say if people with diabetes would exercise more and eat better they could get off the meds. Unfortunately it seems once you got it losing weight is a huge challenge. My uncle is 54 and has type 2. He used to love to fish and be outdoors. He has a lot of extra weight and it just drags him down.

Yeah....I know all about the exercise, and as you know, I obviously don't. There is no excuse at all. I just don't take the time to do it, and I don't eat healthy at all. Logically, my life style is just about the same as playing russian roulette. I know better, but it's difficult to change. As it's said: old habits are hard to break.

A good friend finally gave me "the talk" about how it's just as easy to make wise dietary choices as it is to grab a burger & fries. She's right, you know!!

 

[wdw4us2]

Check your PM's via Jen's instructions.

 

[AuburnJen92]

tanks lady

 

[g8trmom1]

Hey Deb,
I didn't know you were diabetic. My dad who is 83, has been Type II for many many years. He was always good about taking his meds and checking his blood every morning. He is always going to the Dr. getting things checked out. A few months ago, he went to the Dr. complaining of slight chest pain. He had a cath done, and the docs came out in the middle of it and shocked the hell out of us. He had 3 blocked arteries. Two were completely down, and one was 90%. They stented the one...bypass was not an option because of his age and health issues. How he didn't have a heart attack is beyond me...an Angel has been watching over him. Afterwards we find out that his kidneys are functioning at 25%....it's been a rough time for him. He has been put on a strict diet...no more red meat, only 32 oz of water a day...his spirit has been broken and he isn't the same guy anymore. I can tell he's scared big time. We always thought he was so healthy given his age...yea he had diabetes and high blood pressure, but we thought everything was in control...well I guess it wasn't. We are in the process of getting all his lab tests for the past 6 years from his primary, cause it's bull that he never noticed any of this. Had he known, he could have gone on a special diet to prevent further damage to his kidneys.
This has turned into the biggest wake up call for us. We are starting to eat better and are going to change things around here.
Sorry to rant, but I know exactly how you feel right now. It's hard, I know....

 

[des1954]

Hey Deb,
I didn't know you were diabetic. My dad who is 83, has been Type II for many many years. He was always good about taking his meds and checking his blood every morning. He is always going to the Dr. getting things checked out. A few months ago, he went to the Dr. complaining of slight chest pain. He had a cath done, and the docs came out in the middle of it and shocked the hell out of us. He had 3 blocked arteries. Two were completely down, and one was 90%. They stented the one...bypass was not an option because of his age and health issues. How he didn't have a heart attack is beyond me...an Angel has been watching over him. Afterwards we find out that his kidneys are functioning at 25%....it's been a rough time for him. He has been put on a strict diet...no more red meat, only 32 oz of water a day...his spirit has been broken and he isn't the same guy anymore. I can tell he's scared big time. We always thought he was so healthy given his age...yea he had diabetes and high blood pressure, but we thought everything was in control...well I guess it wasn't. We are in the process of getting all his lab tests for the past 6 years from his primary, cause it's bull that he never noticed any of this. Had he known, he could have gone on a special diet to prevent further damage to his kidneys.
This has turned into the biggest wake up call for us. We are starting to eat better and are going to change things around here.
Sorry to rant, but I know exactly how you feel right now. It's hard, I know....

Christa-

I'm sorry to hear about your father. That's a lot of bad news at one time. The heart blockage is no surprise given your dad's age. The kidney dysfunction - from what I've read - is probably due at large to the diabetes.

Fortunately for me, my Dr carefully goes over my bloodwork in detail every time I have it done. Last year, he was totally perplexed at my liver function results and started quizzing me about any OTC drugs I was taking. Well, given all the job problems with Rick, I couldn't sleep & was taking Tylenol PM every night to help shut my mind down so I could get, and stay asleep. My Dr went thru the roof & told me to quit taking it immediately as it was affecting my liver. He then prescribed temazepan-a gentle, non-adictive sleep aid. 3 months later my blood work on my liver looked fine.

Things can happen quickly in the body that you're not aware of until you hit crisis level. Or you ignore the signs because you don't want to come off as a hypochondriac. My Dr must have big bold letters on my file reminding him to "Ask Questions", because I usually tell him that I've been okay. He even told me when anything troubles me (health wise) to come in even if I have no appointment & he'll work me in. I put him to the test in December when I felt really crappy from what I perceived to be a cold or upper respiratory infection. True to his word, he got me right in ahead of other patients, and it turned out I had pneumonia in both lungs. In days gone by, I would have sucked it up and kept on going. I've learned not to do that anymore.

I am going to speak with him about the supplement. I'm going to go ahead and try it just to see if it helps. If he tells me to stop, I'll stop.

I'll be keeping your dad in my prayers. Just remember, he was the Lord's child long before he was your dad! God has been looking out for him for a long, long time! Both my parents suffered long illnesses before they succumbed to death. It amazed me when I finally turned the corner & started praying for God to take them home because their quality of life had deteriorated so badly, it was hard to watch them live. If you let Him, God will prepare your heart for the time to let them go. In the meantime, enjoy each and ev ry day with them - no matter how frustrating that can be at times. We can talk more about that when I see you guys again. Believe it or not, I can be serious!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

 

[liv luvs disney]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

Well said and I completely agree with you Jim!

Debbie, as you have already stated, communication with your Dr. is huge! It sounds like you have a good Dr. looking out for you. Also, remember, baby steps. If we have a life time of "bad habits", they are not going to be corrected over night. Don't beat yourself up. Concentrate on 1-2 things that will improve your health, like limiting red meat to one or two times a month and walking daily. Once that is a "habit", start adding vegetables and fruits to your diet. You get the picture.

I have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, you name it in my family. My biological father died of a heart attack at age 56 and his father died of cancer at 56. My Mom has a list of ailments a mile long. I eat as healthy as I can afford and walk no less than 30 minutes every single day. There is still no garuantee that I will not have to deal with any of these diseases or illnesses, but I do "try" to live healthier than my parents. It's hard. Whichever of your friends said it is just as easy to make wise dietary choices as to grab a burger and fries must not like burger and fries. I LOVE unhealthy food, but I have to make a concerted effort to choose healthy. And frankly, I don't every time. But, I do most of the time.

Hang in there girl! You have plenty of encouragement right here alone on the boards. Maybe we should all hold eachother accountable to a healthier lifestyle.

 

[auntie]

Deb...I'm familiar with neuropathy. My dad suffers with this. Not only is he paralyzed on one side of his body due to a stroke..but insult to injury... he feels only pain in that side of the body. It's really tough to deal with.
I know what you mean about it being difficult to change old habits. You get to be 50..and it's HARD to change a lifetime's worth of habits...and the damage they've done over the years.
Don't be so hard on yourself..you're doing the right thing now and getting the care you need.

 

[djblu883]

I just got diagnosed yesterday! And I eat healthier than most everyone I know! Raw foods, nothing fried,don't keep snack foods in the house...I graze on bluberries and hummus with multigrain crackers and walk all day...but not enough to get my heartrate up..still I am overweight!!( also have thyroid disease) All my co workers were in shock because they always laugh at my healthy eating habits as compared to theirs!!...good news is Its not out of control and with a bit a tweaking I can easily be fine...as far as holistic approaches are concerned for neuropathy I've not seen any that have worked for my patients...we have found good results using anodyne therapy(infared light therapy) and some insurances will pay for a machine to be used at home...your physicain can find out if your insurance will pay for it...otherwise the cost is outrageous. What I have found that works atleast for me is to be sure to drink water like they suggest..stay away from ALL caffine and salted foods and spend money on good shoes! I've found Merrill (sp) brand shoes work best for me and I'm on my feet all day! Good Luck! I hope you find the answers you need! I know how painful nueropathy is for my patients and suspect that may be why I have my own foot problems. <>< Janet

 

[2goofycampers]

Deb my SIL has had neurapathy terribly for years but recently she e-mailed a new something she was doing that made it soooo much better. I just e-mailed her for the info and as soon as she sends it I will forward it to you.

My Mom was also diabetic with ALL the problems that go along with it and so was Frank's Grandma. This makes me fearful for our son to have it on both sides of his parents gene pool.

I guess next time I get married I'll have to have him fill out a health questionaire before we have children.

 

[Just Beachy]

Deb, unfortunately, I have no advice for you. My own health is not the greatest, so I am in no position to advise you. The only thing I can offer is lots and lots of . Love ya, girl! Hang in there!

 

[2goofycampers]

Deb, I forwarded the e-mail to you. Anyone else looking for some help in this area, this is some of what SIL said.

Oh my, do I ever feel for that lady ~~ Wow ~~ I too used to be in tears by the time I got off work and my feet hurt so bad even "I" couldn't touch them ! ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Unfortunately there is not much she can do for it while she is on them ~~ BUT ~~ as soon as she can after getting home, smearing them with that "Anti-biotic Ointment "Plus" will bring her great relief within a few minutes ~~ she can get it at Walmart ~ the cheaper Equate brand is just as good as the Neosporin ~~ be SURE to get the anti-biotic ointment with the "Plus" ~~ it says it in pink letters right on the box and on the tube ~~if her feet are as bad as mine were, she probly won't hardly be able to withstand the pain to even smear the stuff on ~~ but after a few minutes, it will deaden the pain to the point where she'll be able to do a good rub in and it would allow me to sleep for at least a little while ~~ and then when I woke up with the pain, I would do it again ~ and that is how I would get thru the night ~~ It is such a Blessed relief ! ! ! ~~
HOWEVER ~ THIS is something else she can do and it will take a bit longer, but she should quit eating ANYTHING that is processed ~~ such as Spam, bologna, vienna sausages, cheese (processed) ~~ ANYTHING with all those chemicals, and preservatives ~~ and Yes, believe it or not ~ THAT greatly limits what you can eat ~~ I got to the point that all I was eating was fresh ground hamburger and fresh chicken (NOT Tysons) that I boiled or baked ~~ NOT FRIED ~ ANYTHING FRIED is also very detrimental ~~ I could also eat veggies of course, you can always eat veggies ~~ BUT NOT FRUIT ~~ fruit is FULL of sugar and even tho it is natural, it will still play havoc with your glucose ~~ HOWEVER, in this arena especially, I've discovered, everybody is different ~ some people can eat some fruit ~ and others can eat different fruit ~ and others can eat NO fruit ~ like me ~~ I LOVE bananas, but boy do they send my glucose skyhigh ! You just have to monitor your glucose levels or fly by the seat of your pants (or the pain in your feet) on a lot of foods ~~ for sure, your feet will be a dead giveaway ~~ at least that is the way it is with me ~~ if I have an unusual amount of pain at night in my feet, I start reviewing the day to figure out what I have eaten to cause that extra pain so that I hopefully won't do it again ~~~~
YEPP, it pretty well wipes out your food choices ~ but it is worth it to get rid of that awful, awful pain ~~ Oh I still have it, but to a MUCH, MUCH lesser degree ~~ but it is DEFINITELY 85 % controlled by what I eat ~~ that diabetes has to be constantly monitored ~ constantly ~~ if you are to have any peace ~~ it creates all kinds of illness that you have no idea where it is coming from ~~ until you get your diet back under control ~~ it only takes one day of me messing up, for me to get sick ~~ and if I eat sugar ! Oh Wow ~~ such as a sweet desert ~ a piece of pie or cake or ice cream ~~ Uh-uh ~~will make me sick within hours ! ~~ My system seems to be very sensitive to sugar ~~ but I see other diabetics scarfing down the cake and junk and never blink an eye, never be effected other than their glucose goes up ~~ but it doesn't physically hurt them with pain like I suffer ~~

 

[des1954]

"Supplements" are unregulated drugs and can be dangerous. They are labelled as supplements to bypass FDA regulations. Calling them "natural" also makes people feel better, but doesn't change the possibility of doing serious harm taking them. Poison ivy is natural, too. Consult your physician before taking anything over the counter.

Americans are under a couple of misconceptions - one is that if we do all the right things we will live forever. The other is that there is a pill to take care of anything that might happen to us. Sooner or later, something is going to jump up and bite you in the butt.

No treatment is as good as prevention.

Oh, I know I am not going to live forever ~ nor do I wish to. That's a discussion for another time.

As far as FDA approval, IMHO, the FDA has done more to stiffle medical care in this country than any other country in the world. It has to do with pharmeceutical companies, politicians, and $$$$.

The supplement I have been researching has been used successfully in Germany & France for over 30 years in treating diabetes, with excellent results. Two universities that conducted clinical studies (one in Canada & one in the U.S.) were both studying treatments for Alzheimers. The discovery of treating diabetes with ALC/ALA was an "accidental" discovery. These universities then went on to conduct clinical trials using these supplements on diabetics - with great results.

I am going to go ahead and try it, but will discuss it with my Dr. on the 24th. Thankfully, my Dr is open-minded to consider alternative supplements. He will also explain why he thinks a supplement is good or bad.

You are very correct when you say "No treatment is as good as prevention." However, there was no lifeguard on duty at the gene pool the day I was conceived.

To ALL of you.....thank you for your words of wisdom, advice & concern!! You're the best!!

 

[ntsammy5]

Beer is a good supplement or suppository - whatever