posted
My llmd has ordered a blood test to look for heavy metals.
I believe, like many others do, that metals are a problem for many of us. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out it's an issue for me.
I wonder, though, why he didn't order a urine test. Isn't that a better indicator of a chronic overload of heavy metals?
I thought a blood test was indicated if the pt was suspected to be in an accute state of metal poisoning.
Could treatment be releasing metals? Is it likely he suspects continued exposure?
???
Posts: 797 | From New York | Registered: Feb 2008
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
You are right carly. A blood test would show current exposure. Heavy metals get tucked away by the body in order to protect us so in order to know body burden you would need to take something to pull it out of body tissues into the urine.
My LLMD did a urine test first (before I started treatment) with a challenge of DMSA and it showed elevation of lead. My rheumatologist did a blood test and it showed no problem.
I've been told that treatment for viruses and borrelia and possibly other pathogens will release heavy metals so maybe that is what he is looking for but I'd ask for a urine test too since a negative blood test will only mean that you don't have current exposure, not that you are clear of heavy metals.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
hi carly, i just got a kit from my llmd to do a urine heavy metal test with the DMSA just like Terry said. I would definitely ask for one!
My llmd didn't say anything about a blood test but said the urine test is pretty good. I'm happy to finally get started with things and find out what's ALL going on with me!
Posts: 116 | From Texas | Registered: Dec 2009
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Is your kit Doctor's Data? Mine is. I have to have the blood drawn first.
On second thought, I might just do the bloodwork and see what the results are, I would expect him to order the urine test if it's nml.
I'm pretty sure he suspects a continued occupational exposure to Mercury, at least.
Thanks, both, for your input.
Boy, I wish I was quicker on the uptake! I could've had this discussion with him several days ago at my appointment.
carly
Posts: 797 | From New York | Registered: Feb 2008
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
Google info about doctor's data. I read that their results compare to people who did not use dmsa before they did the urine test, so the results are not so accurate.
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
What do you mean? How would the way they compare results be relevent to what the results actually are?
I thought the dmsa was necessary to bring out whatever was entrenched in the organs, bone, etc.
Posts: 797 | From New York | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
Yes the DMSA is necessary and doctors data is a very respected lab. They are measuring an absolute value of metal levels. It IS accurate to compare to urine levels of someone that didn't take DMSA OR someone that took DMSA but had no metals in their system so either way is just a way to get a baseline, it does not mean their results are not accurate it simply gives you a reference scale based on an ideal person that isn't heavy metal toxic which is exactly what you want. I'm not sure what BackinStOlaf read, but it sounds like it was most likely from quackwatch or another propaganda site ran by pharma.
But yes a blood test for heavy metals is completely worthless 95% of the time and your doctor is having you waste your money unless you swallowed a mercury thermometer yesterday.
Posts: 499 | From Indiana | Registered: Oct 2007
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
We do not have any testing method with a challenge that will give us a true indication of heavy metal toxicity. No lab test can tell us whether there is a lot or a little or none. Often the body is simply unable to release the metals, be it because we are allergic to them or for a number of other reasons.
In other words, even with a DMSA or a DMPS challenge, and nothing or nothing substantial showing in the test results, it does not mean that the toxic metals are not hidden in various body compartments. I had many challenge tests over the years and barely anything moved. Yet we knew from symptomatic and ART testing that I still had hidden metals. Only now, after doing the Allergie Immun therapy for almost a year, am I disposing rather rapidly of heavy metals, as evidenced by hair testing and the way we feel. So is my husband, albeit slower because mineral absorption is hampered by wheat/gluten allergy &sensitivity (hidden). Without a nearly perfect mineral base, heavy metals are tough to get rid of.
If you really want to know, do a 6 week metal detox program (mild - a hair test before and a hair test after. That will give you a good indication. Doctor's Data hair analysis with a mineral test costs $46.00. Very reasonable for the information you get.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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but i have some questions for anyone who knows about this- i read something about needing minerals while doing the DMSA or is it while actually doing chelation?
Since the chelation pulls out the good and the bad what kind of minerals should i be taking??
Also is it better to chelate before treating lyme or after??? it seems my doc might want to treat before?
Posts: 116 | From Texas | Registered: Dec 2009
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