Hi Nanny. I am pleased you feel better. I have in the past taken magnesium tablets but they did not have any effect for me. Best wishes to you. Autumm

Hi Nanny, Thank you for this important information. I found an article that discusses the different types of magnesium. I am thinking that the IV therapy is probably magnesium sulfate? There are some types of magnesium like magnesium stearate that are no good. I found the magnesium that I was taking was the pointless stearate formula, so I threw away the bottle. I am going to my vitamin store to find the magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium Sulfate looks like it would be valuable for DM/PM. Magnesium Sulfate controls high BP, helps with brain function and protects against encephalopathy, helps with severe inflammation in the kidneys. IT IS TO BE AVOIDED for severe irregular heart beat patients. Apparently autoimmune diseases have low levels of magnesium and selenium.

Here are some good sources of information on magnesium types with information:

Magnesium online resource center http://www.mg12.info/magnesium-compounds/magnesium-phosphate.html.

Here is the avoid magnesium stearate article:

A Dangerous Ingredient in Your Supplements - Health Articles articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/23whole-food-supplement-dangers.aspxmagnesiumstearate

In addition Nanny, I found that in autoimmune diseases the doctor can look at Selenium levels to help check if the disease is getting worse. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant most helpful for autoimmune disease, but it is important to take in small amounts. It is best found in foods like walnuts and brazil nuts. Selenium helps build muscle. Here is an article:

Selenium Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and More www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplements-guide-selenium.

Thank you for your always helpful post. I like to dig up information when I get a good tip. I will look more into each magnesium type. I am definitely going to discuss the magnesium types with my doctor.

Nanny, I just wanted to mention that there are transdermal magnesium products where magnesium is absorbed into the skin instead of taken as a pill. Transdermal magnesium patches, lotions, bath salts work well for anyone with GI issues related to magnesium. Naturally talk to the doctor before trying any supplement or foods to make sure it would be appropriate for your health. The doctor may even know of a good transdermal magnesium lotion by Rx.

Thanks, Autumm and trpt1. According to the orthopedic surgeon who encouraged me to take magnesium, he said to avoid magnesium oxide. So I knew to avoid that form. I didn't realize that the stearate form should also be avoided, but I will remember that. Good to know. He suggested the citrate form, which I started using in powdered form.

Thanks for the info on selenium, trpt1. I'm going to check that out further. Wasn't aware of selenium's part in AI disease. Do you know anything about zinc? Does that play a part also? Because I was told that my zinc is low.

As for the transdermal form of magnesium, I made a "spray" using distilled water and epsom salts. It seems to help my joints feel better. The powdered magnesium citrate has calmed my heart arrhythmia and helped me to sleep better and feel more alert, as well as other benefits. Always something to learn and questions to ask the doctor. At least life isn't boring.

Hi Nanny, Zinc, copper, and other minerals get lower in autoimmune disease. I think our bodies have difficulty absorbing some of these minerals. Supplements are tricky. It is best to ask the doctor when it comes to any supplements, particularly if any organ involvement is happening with DM. I do think Zinc is very important for staying healthy.

You can get zinc in several food sources. The following foods are high in Zinc: Rack of ribs, ribeye fillet, Lamb, wheat germ, spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chocolate, pork shoulder, baked beans, chick peas, kidney beans, mushrooms.

My father who was a type 1 diabetic was fortunate in his insulin (Beef and pork insulin which is no longer manufactured) for many years had a helpful zinc additive which I think kept him very healthy. Modern insulin like Humulin unfortunately does not have the Zinc additive.

You are so correct about there is always something to learn! Thank you for all your help and great ideas. I do find this disease very interesting.