I'm NOT a doctor, nor in any medical field.

But I think it could be vitamin B12 somewhere that's helping. Don't take
megadoses of everything (that's what you're suggesting and I don't think
that's safe). Just try the standard B12 supplement in the recommended doses
(I'm taking 15mcg (microgrammes NOT milligrammes!!!) B12 twice daily).
That's what I'm on now.

When I first got RSI, I took a multivitamin (one tablet a day) and was
surprised it worked. Then I posted what I found to the RSI moderated group,
and it was implied that it could be my imagination. See

I went to see a GP (at SJMC, a private hospital in Malaysia). She
prescribed me Neurobion, said it was a painkiller. I told her I didn't need
or want any painkillers (I was on the multivit so not much pain), she then
told me it was a vitamin. I was then referred to a orthopaedic surgeon who
then prescribed me methycobalamin, which he said was absorbed much better
than Neurobion. True though - it was definitely absorbed much better. These
are B12 vitamins (XXX-cobalamin, the methycobalamin has a methyl group for
better absorption). Apparently the B12 is to help the squeezed nerves.
Nerves fine, no pain.

This is NOT a cure though, just treating the symptoms.

However I'm now out of those pills and I'm now taking 15mcg B12 twice a day
plus a general multivitamin. So far so good. The supplement I'm taking is a
B complex. It's probably the B12 that counts, but I suspect the other Bs
may make the B12 easier to absorb, coz it seems to almost have the same
effect as the Neurobion/Methycobal stuff. The original multivit I took had
7.5mcg B12. Contrast: Neurobion or Methycobal are like equivalent to a
hundred or so mcg B12! Definitely not over the counter stuff.

I'm just hoping my carpal tunnel expands with time and use. Take breaks, do
those exercises in the FAQ, etc. The orthopaedic surgeon told me to use my
hand as normal... Heh I was and am still nervous about that. Definitely not
carrying any heavy stuff yet. But I'm quite happy with the current state of
things- from the accounts of other sufferers, they seem to be in a lot of
pain and have had to make drastic changes to their lifestyle, whereas I
just keep taking the B12 pills and no pain.

I believe there were actually studies on this in Japan. But these studies
may not have seen much view in the US, so the docs in the US may be behind
a bit. I'm quite impressed that the docs here in Malaysia are aware. But I
suppose since Malaysia is a small country, looking at research by other
nations is common and virtually mandatory.

What I've also noticed is from time to time one or two very tiny blisters
appear on the sides of my fingers. The orthopaedic surgeon said it's
stress. I'm wondering if it's anything to do with the chicken pox I had
years back. The blisters resemble and feel like the chicken pox blisters I
had but are smaller.

I know that the Herpes Zoster virus affects the nerves in shingles... I
wonder if my carpal tunnel syndrome is related to that... Maybe the virus
is just around in small numbers, enough to cause the blisters and a bit of
nerve problems. I wonder if antiviral/antichicken pox {*filter*} would work. I
don't have the other herpes. Only had chicken pox.

Just a wild theory.. I'm no doc, nor have any medical background. I'm a
computer network guy, who just reads a lot..

Cheerio,

Link.
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Dear Linc,

     What was your first symptom of carpel tunnel?

      Why type of work do you do that had repetitive movement and stress?

        I am just curious as I do not have this problem but it runs in my
family and one day after a stressful day at work my hands were tingling when I
got home.

       I have taken extra B's for many years now.  

     Diane

Hi Link:

Re your comments about nerves, carpal tunnel, chicken pox, blisters and B-12.
You are on the right track. Actually, B-12 is used in treating shingles (Herpes
Zoster) and some people find it is the only effective treatment.

Note that B-12 is very difficult to absorb by mouth--a weekly injection may be
best, or a sublingual tablet (dissolved under the tongue).
You MAY get an idea of your B-12 status by looking at MVHC, MCH, MCV and
hemoglobin on your {*filter*} tests. It the first three are high, or even high
normal, and the hemoglobin is low or low normal, that MIGHT suggest that you
are B-12 deficient. B-12 deficiency can be a genetic absorption problem related
to pernicious anemia, so it needs careful study.

(Not a professional response)

Moses here: While said some can become allergic to B-12 injections, even
very large
single doses are safe. In long term use, doses of one milligram a day over
period of years
have not been toxic. In fact, I've taken a half milligram for years but of
course I've also
taken 6 milligrams folate for years (yeah, I take 3 milligram of copper
also) and I am
still breathing. It should be noted that either one  taken alone can mask a
shortage of the
other nutrient. Even 10 micrograms of B-12 can mask a folate deficiency. The
use of
a sub lingual tablet or nasal spray is perhaps a surer way to get your B-12.

There are certain disorders that require large doses of B-12 which are
apparently
 caused by enzyme defects in the victims.

Look up intrinsic factor in your Merck Manual....if do not have one, buy
one; it's
 one of those basic books every one should own.

Sincerely M Clarke

**** Posted from RemarQ - http://www.remarq.com - Discussions Start Here (tm) ****

B12 so non-toxic that "no clear toxicity from massive doses of vitamin
B12 has ever been recorded".

However, "other studies indicate that folate intakes of 15 mg daily are
toxic in some individuals".

Not quite correct.
Folate can substitute for B12 WRT anemia, but not for the neurologic
damage that occurs from B12 deficiency.

Actually, neither one masks the other if the diagnostician has any
understanding of his/her business.

I don't think there are any studies which show that this is so.
Furthermore, it is not necessary because supplemental B12 and so cheap
and an ingested dose (usually much cheaper than sublingual or nasal) of
500-1000 mcg is sure to get enough into your {*filter*} whatever the state of
your digestive system.

Sublingual is only indicated for methylcobalamin which will lose its
special features as the major active coenzyme form if required to go
through the digestive system.

Only when absorption is impaired by the lack of intrinsic factor
secretion and even then an {*filter*}dose of 1 mg will generally be plenty
sufficient.
Except for those cases where major excision of digestive tract has
occured, injections are only given for speed and so that the doctor is
ensured that you got it.

--Tom
Tom Matthews

The LIFE EXTENSION FOUNDATION - http://www.***.com/ - 800-544-4440
A non-profit membership organization dedicated to the extension
of the healthy human lifespan through ground breaking research,
innovative ideas and practical methods.
LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE - The ultimate source for new
health and medical findings from around the world.

Well I believe bodybuilders' wrists do get bigger and so do the tendons
within them. So in my case apparently the tendons are getting bigger but
the tunnel is not, perhaps because the stresses involved do not stimulate
growth of the tunnel. Either that or for some reason my nerves have become
more sensitive to pressure lately.

Cheerio,

Link.
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Does that mean that the tendons of body builder and weightlifters do not
grow in thickness?

Link.

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