{ Note: The following Story Line, with minimal revision, was printed as a
Letter To The Editor in the March, 1999, edition of "Neuropathy News." The
writer, Dr. Sam Grundfast, a retired Dentist living in Florida, recently
submitted his information for use on this web site. Some updated information has
been included }.
Dr. Sam's Personal PN Story Line
(Another Note: Information on the pages of this web site should not be considered medical opinion(s).
Always consult your doctor before trying any treatment or medication.)...
My struggle
with Peripheral Neuropathy began 25 years ago in the usual way -- tingling,
burning, itching and numbness in my feet, then up my feet to the ankles. It
slowly spread to my other foot, finally muscle weakness and loss of
balance.
At first, I thought it was due to a WWII injury when my boat
struck a mine and was sunk. Then I thought it was occupational--I am a dentist.
No on both accounts. In 1983, my first Neurologist did a conduction test and
stated that I had myelin sheath degeneration and Peripheral Neuropathy. No
treatment was given to me. I then went to the University of Miami Medical School
for a complete workup. Same diagnosis, but no proof. Still no treatment except
Elavil to calm me. I was always a vitamins user, so I arbitrarily increased what
I took. I then started to read about vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplement
treatments to help me cope. The muscular weakness and loss of balance was the
most troublesome.
By 1997, I had stopped stone sculpting (due to weak
hands) and stopped dancing at family functions (loss of balance). I now started
to use anti-oxidants hoping to halt the progression. My rationale was that if
anything helped my circulation and my general health, it might reduce the pain
and weakness. And if there were any other benefits for my angina pectoris, so
much the better. Reversal was the last thing on my mind. But here are the ways
my body changed:
1. No longer did I have to use a nitroglycerine pill for
my angina.
2. The weakness passed. I am stronger. I can walk up two flights
of stairs.
3. My nose bleeds stopped.
4. The bruises on my arms
healed.
5. The varicose veins faded.
6. I have much better balance.
7.
The skin sores are healed.
8. My strength returned so I can go back to
sculpture.
9. In general, I don't look and feel as down as I
was.
This is my recipe:
* An
excellent multi-vitamin which contains chromium, selenium; folic acid, vanadium,
magnesium and other necessary minerals for good nutrition.
* Vitamin C. 1000
mg. and bioflavanoids (Rutin, Hesperidine, Quertin, Biotin) twice a day.
*
Grape seed extract, hawthorn berry, ginkgo Biloba, Co Qio, L-Carnitine, Alpha
Lipoic Acid.
* Glutamic Acid (Glutathione), Green tea, NAC (N-Acstyl
Cysteine), Fish Oil. Plus soy (tofu) daily. I also still use 10 mg. Pamelar at
1:a.m. and 1 p.m.
My use of these items allows more O2 to reach the
tissues through stronger capillaries so that the nerve nutrition is the best it
can be. I urge all to give my recipe a try. It can't hurt and could help you. I
have a bibliography of hundreds of papers and booklets to corroborate this
information and copies of papers on the Internet from Norway you might want to
see. Let me know.
Sam Grundfast
4500 Gefion Ct.
Lake Worth,
FL 33467
ADDENDUM: Dr. Sam has submitted the following to the
foregoing Story Line: "I should add that an update to the enclosed 'story'
should include the following information:"
1. My list of supplements has
expanded to 26 items.
2. All of the above 26 items are calculated to improve
my general health and blood vessel health and circulation.
3. That I no
longer take any medication for PN.
4. That my Angina symptoms
have decreased.
5. That my skin is healthier.
6. That the supplements
plus dietary changes have had a positive effect on my total
health.
Dr. Sam goes on to say that,"I should encourage your readers to
really study and understand the benefits of better nutrition--it does make a
difference."
When "Neuropathy News" published Dr. Grundfast's letter, the
response was overwhelming. He received nearly 100 letters inquiring about
specific amounts of vitamins, minerals and herbs that he takes daily.
You
may write Sam Grundfast at his address above or e-mail him.
Sam
Grundfast
Grundyplus@aol.com
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