Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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limpnoodle 02/27/2015

I was researching neuropathic pain because mine has gotten decidedly worse over the past few months, when I came upon lipoic acid supplements that are supposed to help with this condition. My neuro approved of giving them a try since I was unable to tolerate gabapentin. I have been taking them for a couple of weeks now with no noticeable effect yet. I did read that it may take a few weeks to get any relief.
Does anyone else have any experience to share concerning neuropathy and lipoic acid?

HappyGuy007 02/28/2015

I have used Alpha Lipoic Acid for neuropathic pain and found that it helped. As you may know, there are 2 forms, S, and R isomers. Some supplements are a combo of both, but R alone is available and appears to me to offer the best chance of positive results. You may think differently about this... One available form, BioEnhanced Na-RALA, appears particularly potent, and my 1st neuro advised me to use it in moderation. Probably best to discuss this particular form with your Dr. BTW, I think fish oil supps also help with my neuropathic pain. Much great info here.... http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/la/

Dealmaker 02/28/2015

HappyGuy has good advice.

Remember, even pharmaceuticals take time. Prednisone takes several weeks to months for some MG patient. Sometimes, we think supplements should be like other meds that are fast acting. Also, quality does matter. A recent consumer report was completed on testing popular supplement brands. It was unfortunate to find out that many did not contain if any of the listed ingredients. Quality supplements can be expensive.

As an athlete, I take plenty of supplements. Like pharm drugs, some work for me and others don't.

Good luck,

DM

limpnoodle 02/28/2015

I started out with the combo type, but it was time release. After further reading, I found more info on the R type, so I got that as well. Currently I am taking one R type 100 mg. It is the bioenhanced one, so recommended to start at 100. I also take the 600 mg slow release one at night. I have noticed evening out of blood sugars, but no pain relief yet. But coming in, I knew it would take some time. I have been taking a high quality fish oil for several months, also, but neuropathy has worsened. I don't think I started the fish oil for neuropathy, but for some other reason, which escapes me now.
Thanks for your feedback, and I will be shouting from the rooftops if it starts to work.

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