Numb toes...

Post by **tex** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 10:11 am

Sheila,

That's great news! I hope you continue to feel better and better.

Thanks for the update, and the insight on treating chigger bites. Out here in the country (where there's almost always a lot of tall grass), the little buggers almost always seem to be a major problem until they get suppressed by a summer drought. And this year, because of all the rain back in May and June, they're still active. I need to order some magnesium cream.

Tex

Post by **tex** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 10:36 am

Vanessa,

The active forms of vitamins work for anyone. The difference that methylation issues can make is that in some cases, only the active forms of certain vitamins are effective, because the body is unable to convert the inactive form into the active form so that it can be used.

The fatigue is part of MC. For most of us it takes roughly 2 years of healing to get rid of the fatigue.

TBH, despite all the glowing claims for Magnesium threonate, I'm not sure that I would rely on it for my own magnesium needs. I have some concerns that the jury may not be able to reach a unanimous decision on that product, for a while at least. Just because it crosses the blood/brain barrier is no reason to assume that's a good thing. A lot of drugs do that, and they're not a good thing.

I continue to rely on conventional forms of magnesium, such as the magnesium glycinate that Sheila mentioned, and topical forms.

Please note that a magnesium deficiency can cause the symptoms that you are dealing with, namely paresthesia and other neurological issues, including anxiety. When I had the acute magnesium deficiency reaction last spring, anxiety/panic symptoms were a major problem, and I couldn't figure out why, because there was no obvious reason why I should be anxious about anything. As soon as I increased my magnesium dosage, the symptoms began to fade away. It took a whole, but they are gone, and they have not returned.

I also space out the magnesium glycinate I take during the day, as Sheila suggests, to further reduce any chance that it might cause D. For a few weeks after my episode last spring, I took 600–800 mg of oral magnesium per day, plus a magnesium spray on my legs, arms, and belly at night (roughly every other day), allowing it to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes before taking a shower. Now, several months later, I do fine with 600 mg of oral magnesium (though I do still occasionally use the topical spray, just for good measure).

Tex

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 11:12 am

Thanks Tex,

I'll try adding in some mag glycinate slowly and spread out. I put all my hopes and dreams in the L-threonate so I wouldn't have to worry about D. Surprisingly the fatigue is so bad, sleep and anxiety haven't been an issue. I guess that is one positive! I often wonder now that all gluten is out for long enough now that that issue is no longer! Again the chicken/egg argument. I hope you have enough off time this summer to relax and do some bird watching!

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 12:55 pm

Vanessa, I started out with a lower concentration and didn't feel it was worthwhile. I'm using Bluebird Botanicals CBD Silver 1,500 mg, (1 fl oz) 9 drops a day. I believe it has a cumulative effect, feeling better over time. It is pretty expensive and I'm hoping it will last at least 2 months, hopefully 3.

I am also interested in trying LDN (low dose naltrexone) for Sjogren's and other AI issues. It has been tested and proven worthy for those with fibro. I'm hoping it will be beneficial for those of us with Sjogren's and other AI problems.

Sheila

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 1:00 pm

Vanessa,
Just a thought, have you been tested for methylation abnormalities? I'm having fatigue from both methylation abnormalities and Sjogren's Syndrome. When I started taking the 3 B's recommended by Tex, I had more energy the next day and haven't relapsed at all despite non-stop house guests. I am NOT a bundle of energy but I'm doing a lot better than I was.

Sheila W

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 1:45 pm

Thanks Sheila!

It is awesome to see someone feeling better. The fatigue is unbearable at times and it stinks not being able keep up with my vibrant hubby. I want to go do stuff too! I did the 23 and me methylation tests and don't understand a lot of it. I didn't have the MTHFR mutations and I remember something about not being able to process sulphur properly on one of the other ones. The other mutations seemed to cancel each other out and I just don't have a good understanding of them when I tried to research it. I have already ordered the B vitamins off of amazon. I do have a lot of pain issues since coming down on my medication. I should probably wait on CBD oil. I don't want to overload my neurotransmitters while they are trying to regulate. Heck, it might help them regulate. ...who knows? I've heard a lot of good things about the stuff...does it make you sleepy or just help with pain?

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 3:29 pm

Tex,

For the following: 2,000 mcg of methylcobalamin. There are a number of options available for methylcomalamin. The one I used is Wonder Laboratories brand of Methyl Cobalamin, 5,000 mcg. Be aware that it contains mannitol, citric acid, and stevia. It says the ingredients are: Other ingredients: Mannitol, natural cherry flavors, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable cellulose, citric acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, silica, stevia. Is any of that soy related? I tried to look it all up, but soy is so disguised, I wanted to ask.

Thanks.

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Aug 15, 2015 5:38 pm

Vanessa, Pain is one of my main issues. With 4 surgeries since 2007, including a spinal fusion, I was taking 30 mg of Percocet nearly every day. I decided I wanted to stop and, despite being fearful of the amount of pain I would have, I did it this summer. I weaned off over a period of 6 weeks. I felt really crappy, everything hurt and I was depressed. That's what opioids do to you to make you dependent. Unfortunately, I can't accomplish what I was able to do while on Percocet. My back gives out sooner and joints ache with osteoarthritis. However, over time, I'm dealing with these limitations better and I think the CBD oil is helping. I'm going to start PT for hip bursitis (got it after knee arthroscopy) and once that is healed, things should get better. I'm also going to try LDN for pain and hope it helps.

You are much younger and your life much busier and active. You have to do what works for you. CBD does NOT make you sleepy or have any hallucinatory effect nor does it make you "high".

Sheila W

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Sun Aug 16, 2015 6:36 am

Wow Sheila!

Thanks for sharing your story with me....I will not be afraid to try CBD. Great work on weaning yourself off! I'm going much slower but benzos are a whole other bag. Even though I'm on one of the lowest doses I didn't see any reason to hurry things along. My mother has scoliosis and is in constant pain and suffering. I think we should both try the oil. I also want to try LDN to see if it would zap the last bit of inflammation that is lurking. One thing at a time.....you should feel a great sense of accomplishment and strength! You give me inspiration.......keep feeling better and better......

Post by **tex** » Sun Aug 16, 2015 12:06 pm

jlbattin wrote:Tex,

For the following: 2,000 mcg of methylcobalamin. There are a number of options available for methylcomalamin. The one I used is Wonder Laboratories brand of Methyl Cobalamin, 5,000 mcg. Be aware that it contains mannitol, citric acid, and stevia. It says the ingredients are: Other ingredients: Mannitol, natural cherry flavors, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable cellulose, citric acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, silica, stevia. Is any of that soy related? I tried to look it all up, but soy is so disguised, I wanted to ask.

Thanks.

I don't see anything in that list that is normally derived from soy. Sugar alcohols (such as mannitol) can be a problem for some of us, but normally such small amounts don't cause problems for most of us. Likewise on the citric acid. Citric acid can be bad news, but with any luck at all, the amount in that product won't cause any problems.

You're very welcome,
Tex

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 8:49 am

Hmmm

Just a thought....I have been taking Vessel Care by Metagenics which is pretty close to Metanx...just not quite as many 9's or 6's. It has a few other things in it to help with absorption plus Zinc. I'm still going to do the Metanx regimen but I think trying to get more mag is my best bet....

Post by **tex** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 11:01 am

Vanessa,

I'm not familiar with that product, but the name Vessel Care suggests that it might be used to treat endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the conditions that Metanx is prescribed to treat.

Tex

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:00 pm

Tex, I have been taking the B6, B9 & B12 as you recommended in this thread. I noticed improvements in just a couple of days. Thank you as always for your advice.

Paula

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:12 pm

Me too, Paula! I could kick myself for not doing it sooner. Deciphering the methylation abnormalities got me side tracked and I've spent months exhausted. It's such a fast response, it's pretty amazing. Big thanks, Tex.

Sheila W

Post by **tex** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 3:07 pm

Paula and Sheila,

You're most welcome, of course. That's great that it's helping so quickly.

Tex