Consulting God first is always good advice

Do you take any “alternative” or “natural” supplements? I take a few. One that has been especially effective for me is alpha lipoic acid.

I have peripheral neuropathy that was caused by a sports-related injury. It happened many years ago. At that time, a small portion on the bottom of one foot became numb. My doctor told me that this condition would likely worsen over time and could spread to my hands.

Fast forward to a few months ago. It took over 20 years, but that doctor’s words came true. The bottom of my feet, in fact, had become completely numb. I also experienced a burning sensation and occasional shooting pain in that area. I managed to live with the pain until it spread to my hands.

That point, I thought about seeing my doctor. A few years ago, he told me that there were prescription medications for my condition. However, I put that off because of possible side effects. I was especially concerned about the medication causing me to become tired.

I ultimately decided to delay making that appointment to see my doctor. Instead, I did some online research. I discovered a supplement that offered me hope. It reportedly had some degree of success in treating my condition. It is called alpha lipoic acid, and it has successfully been used in Europe for peripheral neuropathy for quite some time.

I found some on Amazon.com that had high ratings. I ordered a bottle. I was pleasantly surprised. Within two weeks, I felt positive results. It definitely took the edge off of my pain. The burning sensation and shooting pain in my feet were no longer there. Only the numbness remained. Within a month, the condition completely disappeared from my hands. Things became more manageable.

The next time I saw my doctor (for another reason) I mentioned to him that I was taking this supplement and that I was seeing positive results. He was not aware of this product. To his credit, he then did some research. What he discovered surprised me.

I am also on thyroid medication. The doctor cautioned me that alpha lipoic acid can interfere with this medication.

Sure enough, after a couple of months, I began to experience a lack of energy. I remembered what the doctor had told me. I then discovered that the supplement should be taken a number of hours after the thyroid medication. I was taking it too soon. Once corrected; things worked well. I shared this information with my doctor. We now keep an eye on this together.

What did I learn from this experience? Well, before taking any supplement, first talk to your doctor. It is very wise to do so.

In our prayer life, what is our preference: to primarily pray after we experience negative consequences, or to ask God for discernment before we take the first step?

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.