I don't post much but thought I'd give an update on my status since I got a bunch of tests back yesterday at my LLMD visit.
Igenex:
Iffy lyme results -
IgM had only an IND 41 band IgG posit 41 band was +++ with bands 31,34 and 39 IND
Negative for Babesia Positive for Bartonella - no surprise as my symptoms match to a tee to those described in the Lyme Disease Solution book under Bart symptoms.
The results of this Igenex test were nearly identical to my last one three years ago.
My LLMD is holistic mostly and recommended Rifampin, Bactrim with maybe adding in Plaquenil later. I had taken Rifampin about 3 years ago by itself (2 x 300 mgs) with little success. I've also taken Bactrim and that has never done much for me either. I've never taken Plaquenil and would want to give that a shot. I am seeing another LLMD who has me on:
Zith + Amox every day Add Flagyl and Omnicef 3 days a week
I think I need to change my protocol but I see a reputable LLMD at the end of October (one in upstate NY) and I may wait until then to change anything. I just had a 3 week break from abx but had to go back on something as my health started to worsen quickly (I stopped since I was getting GI issues).
Adrenals (saliva)
Bottom of the range at all 3 times of the day.
Doc prescribed low dose Cortef (work up to 15 mgs a day). I've read the threads on this and its seems in range with what others have done (don't go too crazy with higher doses). He gave me rhodolia and another adrenal support supplement there.
Mercury
Tested in the very high range for mercury.
He prescribed 30 x DMSA and wants me to take one every other day and repeat the test again in two months. He also gave me another supplement to help there. He also wants me to consider taking out the two remaining amalgam fillings in my mouth. From what I've read this is fairly controversial and I'm not sold on this yet. Would love to hear more opinions on this topic.
Current supplements besides the ones mentioned:
Milk Thistle Fish Oil Vit C Vit b12 Some Cowden - rotating between Quina and Cumanda plus Samento at night Acidopholous
Any glaring supplements missing?
That's my story for now - would love to hear thoughts and ideas around how to get better.
Chris
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Chris: I replaced a mouthful of Mercury fillings and then chelated with IV's - DMPS push. I consider it one of the best things I ever did.
It may even be dangerous using the DMSA with your mercury fillings - I've read that it may cause your fillings to leach out mercury.
Maybe someone else can help me out on this one....
Posted by coltman (Member # 21272) on :
Remove mercury filling first. As chelation wise - from what I researched Andy Cutlers method is best (it is 100mg DMSA every 4 hours for 3-4 days for 3 months). then do 3 months dmsa+ala same regimen
I had my fillings removed this weekend - starting this protocol
Posted by mrpotto (Member # 15123) on :
Not a big deal to remove the fillings right? An hour in the chair?
Coltman - whats ala?
Posted by mrpotto (Member # 15123) on :
Also, can my regular dentist do it? What special techniques need to be adhered to when removing the fillings?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Overall, this looks reasonable to me. I did well with DMSA.
Vitamin B-5 is also good for adrenal support. Glad to hear your doctor knows so much about support.
If you have an inner ear reactions to the zithromax, you might add ginger capsules as they help in several ways. Be sure to always remember the milk thistle, it helps the liver but, in turn, also helps protect the ears.
Good luck. -
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
This might be a stupid question, but what do you replace the mercury fillings with? Do you just leave holes in your teeth, do you grind them down and cap them? I am confused about this part.
Posted by coltman (Member # 21272) on :
quote:Originally posted by mrpotto: Not a big deal to remove the fillings right? An hour in the chair?
Depends how many you got . Mercury removal is expensive though , my insurance wont reimburse it and it cost me A LOT
Ideally you want it removed under protective protocol (when they drill them out there is a lot of mercury dust - so they have to use protective resin dam and powerful suction)
Many dentists wont do mercury fillings replacement though.
quote: Coltman - whats ala? [
Alpha lypoic acid. Its great synergist with ALCAR (acetyl l carnitine) as energy supplement, and it mobilizes mercury and it crosses BBB while DMSA does not (thats why it used in Cutler's protocol)
So reasoning is you first get overall body load down with DMSA alone, then add ALA to get it out of the brain. If you just use ALA you will get it redistributed .
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
absolutely right coltman - mercury out first.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Yep, remove fillings first.
They replace them with white fillings. There are precautions to be used, but I don't know all of them.
Insurance covered my filling replacement because my fillings were old enough to justify being replaced. I just had to pay the extra for the composite fillings.
Posted by PB4 (Member # 20799) on :
I'm no expert on this, but I had all of my
mercury amalgams removed by a dentist that
specializes in this. DO NOT rely on a regular
dentist to do this. I had a regular dentist
replace two cracked mercury amalgams before I
knew it was dangerous. She has little pieces
going down my throat and used nothing at all to
protect me. The good dentist did it in such a
way that I expected a haz mat team to enter the
room at any minute. The difference was night and
day. The good dentst also had me do a rather
elaborate detox for months. I am currently
dealing with high mercury and I believe it was
from the careless dentist that I saw first.
There are websites where you can find mercury
free dentists or "biological dentists".
Having them removed isn't cheap, but I believe
it is really important to do. I did them before
I had Lyme.
I'm using Cowden-totally Cowden exactly like his
protocol says.I'm not well yet, but I see a big
difference. PB
Posted by Sarah182 (Member # 15774) on :
What's the best way to test for mercury?
I had mine checked in bloodwork and it says I don't have a problem.
I only have a couple of fillings left but can't get them out right now.
My test said anything under 10 mcg\L is safe and mine was a 5..is this still bad?
None of my doctors seem concerned at all.
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
Your previous treatment with Rifampin alone may have been a bad idea.
A second drug is almost always added to Rifampin.
Rifampin develops resistance very quickly when used alone.
That may be why you didn't see improvement on it.
Posted by mrpotto (Member # 15123) on :
Yea Kitty I now know that about Rifampin (I wish my LLMD at the time knew....) Thats why I think I want to try it again as a part of a different protocol.
Thanks
Posted by mrpotto (Member # 15123) on :
Sarah, I was given a urine toxic metals test kit by my LLMD. I had to take 2 DMSA pills and not eat seafoods for a week. Then had to provide mixed urine samples from a few different times. The lab was DD (Doctors Data Inc.)
Chris
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
quote:Originally posted by mrpotto: Yea Kitty I now know that about Rifampin (I wish my LLMD at the time knew....) Thats why I think I want to try it again as a part of a different protocol.
Thanks
OK. I was afraid I sounded too harsh. If I did- sorry.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
I wouldn't use your regular dentist if he uses Amalgam fillings - I changed to a "biological dentist" and I've been so happy.
Here's a website to helpy you find a good dentist:
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
. Mercury removal is expensive though , my insurance wont reimburse it and it cost me A LOT