Neuropathy Help

I began developing neuropathy after my second dose of FolFox and was pretty bummed about it.  I try to do things as holistcally as possible so I started doing some research (the internet is a beautiful thing!)

I found a clinical trial conducted using L-Glutamine for periphial neuropathy.  There were no contraindications (bad effects) with the chemo cocktail, no reduction of potency or ability for cancer kill.  The downside in this clinical trial is the high dosing required.......15 grams daily!!!  That is the equivelent of 30 500 mg tablets!  It does come in a powder form that does not disolve well, and cannot add liquid over 110 degrees to disolve without killing potency.

Part of homeopathy is taking much smaller doses than normally thought necessary.....so I tried this theory with the Glutamine.  The first week I took 1500 MG.  (3 500 mg tables, not 30!)  There was no immediate relief but going into week #2 I noticed on the night of chemo (when it seems worse for me) that I was sitting there holding a glass of ice water for a full 45 seconds before the tinyest tingle began.  I can now drink things straight from the fridge.  Into week #3 I notice my tastebuds are improving too!  I can taste most foods again!!!!!!!

L-Glutamine is difficult to find (at least in my hometown)  I can find it pretty easily at health food stores at $9.00 for 50 tablets.  Wal-Mart had the same size bottle for $2.78!!!  I've been to the vitamin sections of many drug stores and have had little luck finding it. 

I hope that by sharing this information some of you may get some relief from this inconvenient side effect.

Best Wishes and Prayers to All who Fight this Dreaded Disease.

Stacey

Hi Stacey,

     I used L-Glutamine powder for my neuropathy which got much worse after finishing FOLFOX4. I bought the powder at Walmart in the supplements area with the workout products. It comes in a 10.6 oz. container and you use 1 teaspoon (4.5g=4500mg.) in a cold drink or I mixed it in yogurt twice a day. It helped alot. Also, my doctor told me to take Vit. B6. My neuropathy went away in my hands after about 6 months, got better but still remains in my feet 2.5 years later. Hope this helps.

Kandy

Though I'm also on L-Glutamine, Vits B6,B12 for post chemo PN, I think the main reason for the reduction in symptoms is that your body has "adjusted" to chemo. I had PN after the 1st and 2nd treatments but never experienced it again until after the 10th.