220 replies to this topic

[Lufega]

Goals:

-Weight loss
-Fatigue reduction
-Reduce Anxiety
-Look good.

SUPPLEMENTS

Upon waking

Jarrow Arginine - 3 g
Source Naturals Lysine - 3 g
Planetary Herbals Schizandra complex - 1 Tablet
Life Extension European Leg solution - 1 Tablet
Solgar Methylfolate - 400 ug (sublingual)


Lunch

Life Extension Mega Silymarin - 900 mg
Source Naturals Mega CBR (vitamin C w/bioflavonoids) - 1 g
Source Naturals Pomegranate extract - 1 g
Now Apple cider Vinegar - 900 mg
Nutricology Butyric Acid - 200 mg
Now Garlic Oil - 6 mg
Nature's Way - Vitamin a - 10,000 IU


Dinner

Planetary Herbals Arjuna - 1 g
Life Extension selenocysteine - 200 mcg
Source Naturals Optizinc - 30 mg


Emergency Shelf

AlliMax Allicin
Activated Charcoal
Ginger capsules
Lomatium Dissectum (antiviral for colds)

Edited by Lufega, 02 December 2010 - 07:54 PM.

[4eva]

Do you think that taking oil of oregano at dinner or night time cancels out the probiotics at bedtime? I don't know, I'm just asking. I don't know how much time is between those two periods/doses.

If you're low in copper is the 3 mg supplement enough with the polyphenols you take? Most multis only contain 2 or 3 mg so that might mean a total of 6 mg. Polyphenols chelate copper and iron. Are you also high in copper? That's possible.

One gram of MSM seems like a high enough dose to consider taking some molybdenum. But if you add molyb that will also effect your copper. If you add SAMe that will increase your need for molyb.

Edited by 4eva, 02 April 2009 - 03:12 AM.

[Lufega]

I've taken as much as 6 and even 9 mg copper per day. I said before that I developed a left inguinal hernia a couple of months back. I attributed that problem to my long standing copper deficiency but now I'm starting to wonder if the opposite is true. Instead of a true deficiency, I'm suspecting a copper storage problem..where it's just accumulating in tissues. I say this because I stopped using copper the last month and my hernia did not give me problems. In fact, it retracted and stayed there. A couple days ago I started using copper once again and after two days, my hernia began to hurt. So, I wonder... I tested low in hair copper and low ceruloplasmin. I'm still waiting to re-confirm serum copper and I can always test for liver copper etc.

I try to take the oreganol at least 2 hours before any probiotics but I'm not sure of the half-life of it and perhaps I should move it back more. Thanks for the suggestion. I do have some molybdenum around, I was using it to combat problems with dizziness and it surprisingly worked very well. I was using chromiun, vanadium, molybdenum, selenium and a few other minerals but keeping in mind their synergisms and antagonisms was a pain the you know what so I gave up altogether.

I will separate the polyphenols from the minerals. Looking at my list again, I might move most of the Breakfast bunch to lunch to spread things out a bit. That'll also allow me to take magnesium in the morning if I move lithium to the afternoon. Thanks!

[4eva]

Have you looked at the symptoms for pyroluria? Pyrolurics can be prone to anger episodes and you seem to have developed problems (CFS) after a stressful event (mono). Pyroluria runs in families. Sunken chest is a sign of a zinc deficiency. Both zinc and B6 can help with problems of low energy and may explain inability to learn or study. And a B6 and zinc deficiency can cause problems with cognition and mood. Muscle weakness may be explained by a B6 deficiency.
B6 I think has a synergistic effect with magnesium. You might need more B6 than the other B vitamins that are in your B complex. You have several amino acids your supplementing which may justify higher B6 amounts.

Is your potassium normal or high?

If you do have low ceruloplasmin you still need some copper to get your ceruloplasmin level up. But a small minimal amount is usually all you need.

I read on the acu-cell site that vanadium is only needed in certain circumstances like ankyloosey (sp?) spindolitis.
Chromiun is probably good if you have any blood sugar issues.

[k10]

* Have you had a hair mineral analysis done? If so could you post it I would be curious in checking it out. This would be more telling if you really need copper supplementation or not.

- Have you had your PTH checked? Hyperparathyroidism can cause heart problems over a prolonged period of time, and you have a slightly elevated calcium, though it doesn't say much unless we know your PTH. Though it is probably because of the vitamin D supplementation and an infection... can't say for sure though.
- Have you had your prolactin checked? If not I would highly encourage you to get that tested as well as you mention gynecomastia. Aldosterone as well because of the low Sodium and low blood pressure.

~ I'm surprised you're not on any kind of adrenal extract considering how much stress your body is under and pretty clear signs of adrenal problems. Isocort would be a good option for you as it has 2.5mg of cortisol per pill. It is safe to take up to 20-25mg of cortisol per day without suppressing your natural production of the hormone. I would highly encourage you to start LDN too, but be sure to have something to support your adrenals.

~ The tremors can also be caused by hyperthyroidism, or hypoglycemia, or in rare cases an adrenal tumor (pheocromocytoma)


* What age did you have the mercury fillings? And when did you have them removed? Did you ever have any mercury chelation done after having them removed? If not I would encourage you to remove the MSM from your regimen as that can move mercury around in your body and end up redepositing it thus causing harm.

... it would be interesting though to get a list of all your symptoms, past blood tests, and the hair mineral analysis as your situation is quite complicated and I can tell that you're quite confused yourself.

Edited by k10, 02 April 2009 - 05:58 AM.

[nameless]

That is certainly a large number of supplements there. I won't even fathom how much it costs monthly.

I won't give an opinion on what is worth taking or not, as there is too much there, and many of the things I don't even have knowledge of. But, some basic questions to consider: did you feel better or worse before you started supplementing? Could any of your symptoms be from the supplements themselves? Or even from interactions between supplements and medications you are taking?

Edited by nameless, 02 April 2009 - 06:39 AM.

[Lufega]

Here's my hair mineral analysis and additional lab results:




-Lipase 70 u/l range (23-300)
-Leukocytes are positive in urine (1+)
-PROLACTIN 11.5 ng/dl range 5.3 - 22.1
-PSA is normal
- PM serum cortisol 4.34 ug/dl range 2-10
-AM serum cortisol 14.7 ug/dl range 5.5 - 20
-TSH 1.98 uUi/ml range 0.27 - 4.20
-T3 1.23 ng/ml range 0.8 - 2.02
-T4 9.72 ug/dl range 5.1 - 14.1
-T4 free 1.44 ng/dl range 0.93 - 1.71

-My cholesterol and LDL are also a little higher than I'd like them to be.
cholesterol 170 range <200
LDL 114 range <130
HDL 46 range >35
triglycerides 52 range <200

Liver enzymes were normal high when tested 5 months ago. Will retest to see where they stand.
ALT (SGPT) 48 IU/L 0-55 01
AST (SGOT) 35 IU/L 0-40 01


-magnesium (serum, not as accurate) 1.8 mg/dl range 1.6 - 3.0
------------------------------------
4eva,

I suspected pyroluria before and it's on my list of differentials. How can I test for this? My hematocrit is sometimes surprisingly low and I had anemia once before, per lab results. I also suspect a zinc deficiency. The hair minerals showed results within range, on the lower extreme but that's after I've been supplementing with zinc for almost one year so there's an obvious deficiency there. I stopped to allow copper levels to increase but maybe I should add it again, taken at a different time. I will add additional B6 along with magnesium, thanks for the suggestion. My potassium levels were high in the hair analysis but blood test showed levels within range.

k10,

I have not checked PTH levels but will do soon. I'll should have results by tomorrow. Any other suggestions? I was using different types of adrenal extracts but I don't think they did any good. I was also using licorice for a while and I did feel better while on it but I was unsure of the long term effects of it. I stopped a few weeks back but maybe my low testosterone levels are due to the licorice. I don't know if isocort is available here and I did plan on starting it but since my serum results are within range, I don' t know if it's advisable. I want to test saliva cortisol but that's not available here. Maybe I can have it shipped down, I don' t know. There is a relationship b/w low adrenal function and bad connective tissue quality. My thryroid results seems also normal but oddly enough, I tend to have a low basal body temperature always below 98 degrees. That's an indication of adrenal problems.

I had the fillings removed maybe 5 or 6 months ago at the same time. I was waiting the 4 months period as suggested by andy cutlers to allow mercury to reach a level of homeostasis. I should have begun two months ago but I'm soooo lazy right now and it requires dosing every 3 hours. It's pending...

At this point, I am very confused, very. So I am seeking out for help, advice, suggestions or anything that can point me in any direction. So I appreciate any input! I will post all my Sx once I get them organized.

nameless,

Before I started supplementing I had a very low level of functionality. I started using MSM to combat joint pain. Then, after reading a LEF magazine, I added curcumin and Rhodiola rosea and my functionality increased significantly. My stack has evolved prominently since. I generally feel better with my supplements but I'm aware and have already experience that some have deletirious effects. For example, I removed eleuthero because it was making me anxious and I suspect ashwaghanda was doing the same. Also, I was using high dose forskolin (abou 40 mg or more) and that turned me into a raging lunatic so I toned down the dose. As far as interaction, I'm hoping you guys can help me as I am at a total loss right now. I don't plan of keeping this regimen, it's too much. I was remove things as they run now and just keep the essentials. I was also using cholinergics to boost cognitive function but that reduces AV conduction and could have contributed to my heart problems. I did this knowingly.... IN addition, I was using 20 mg of propranolol to control anxiety and tremors. I was rotating though the ER and surgery and I needed to be in control of myself. I'm sure this also worsened my problems, acutely.
----

I have so many symptoms which impede with my level of functionality and I've been trying to treat each of them independently. The result of that is the amount of supplements I have. Whatever is wrong with me is very interesting. Whenever I suspect, and I'm sure of a diagnosis, testing will show that nothing is wrong. That was the case with my arthritis. I had pain and tenderness in every joint in my body but all my inflammatory markers are normal. Also, my terrible problem with dry eyes, I suspected sjogren's, but again, all is normal.

Edited by Lufega, 02 April 2009 - 05:31 PM.

[nameless]

I think you are on the right track with all the testing you are getting done. You'll never know how to treat, or what's wrong exactly, without the tests. And treating via supplements may at best mask some symptoms you have without getting to the cause. My concern, if it was me, is that some of those supplements could in fact be making the condition worse, seeing as you don't even know exactly what's wrong yet. And I know from your Lyme posts that you've self-treated with some antibiotics, so go over the side effects and interactions for those carefully.

I believe you mentioned in another thread you are going to see an Infectious diseases doctor -- that's a good idea. Hopefully he/she knows a lot about Lyme too and will properly test. Although based on your reactions to antibiotics so far, I'm not sure if the Lyme theory holds up. But a good doc would be the best person to see for that.

Have you seen a neurologist for the tremors? What was their diagnosis?

Your symptoms lean a bit towards thyroid issues too, but your bloodwork there looks pretty good, so I guess that is ruled out. It's not a perfect thyroid panel, but it doesn't really look bad enough to cause any symptoms.

You should get all of your adrenals checked, if you haven't already. And PTH isn't a bad idea, although I think if that was off your vitamin Ds would be messed up too.

You testosterone isn't as bad as I thought based on your Lyme posts. It's maybe a little lowish, but not super deficient. It could just be due to a variable, like stress, lack of sleep or some supplement you are taking.

Have you had blood tests for ANA, ESR, etc.? Could be some autoimmune fun going on there. A magnesium loading test may not be a bad idea, or intracellular, if you can somehow find a lab to test that. And the high dose manganese/copper would scare me, even if the hair test came back somewhat low.

And you mentioned in your Lyme posts that you have heart failure and other cardiac issues going on. That could cause a ton of symptoms, so best to get that fully checked out and treated.

[notlupus]

Lufega, since you have so many deficiencies have you considered some sort of intestinal issues? Giardia and parasites were mentioned, that's a good start but there are other possibilities as well. Celiac is the one I'm most familiar with, but there are other things that can lead to absorption problems and/or leaky gut.

[4eva]

This link has labs that test for urine pyrroles. Most are in the USA. This test requires a prescription.

http://www.nutrition...ading=Pyroluria

One thing you can try doing on your own is to let your urine oxidize (expose to light really). Pyrroles will turn red from exposure to light. You could try collecting some first morning urine in a container (clear if possible) and see if it turns red after an hour or two. Both pyrroles and porphyrins will cause red colored urine. Phoryria is rare but porphyrians can also indicate mercury exposure. (That means recent mercury exposure not mercury that is stored in the tissues.)

I tried to look over your hair analysis but can't enlarge the image enough on my mobile device to read it. I was interested in seeing that because I have a book on interpretaing hair analysis that explains how to make sense out of the ratios of the important mineral pairs.

The ca/k ratio, for example, is used to assess thyroid activity and should be 4:1. Na/mg is about adrenals and should be 4.17:1. Zn/cu should be 8:1 and is considered a better indicator of copper balance than the copper level alone. Ca/mg is about blood sugar and should be 6.67:1. Na/k is the most important relating to immune, adrenals and some other stuff. This should be 2.5:1.

Some hair analysis reports will actually list these ratios on the report for you.

[Lufega]

The EBV result just came it. This confirms that I did have Mono when I was a teen. IgG is positive while IgM is negative. Is IGM positive in chronic mono??

EBV IGG 1.17 Range: Positive > 0.38
EBV IGM 0.15 Range: Positive > 0.46

Nameless,

I did test ANA, CRP and ESR and all those returned normal.

These were the ratios listed on the hair test and if you'd like, I can email you the test.



-ca/k ratio: 4.9:1
-Na/mg: 4.8:1
-Zn/cu: 15.5:1
-Ca/mg: 26.8:1
-Na/k: 0.88:1

4eva, I will try the urine test and see what shows! Thanks for the input.

Edited by Lufega, 03 April 2009 - 02:18 AM.

[notlupus]

The EBV result just came it. This confirms that I did have Mono when I was a teen. IgG is positive while IgM is negative. Is IGM positive in chronic mono??

EBV IGG 1.17 Range: Positive > 0.38
EBV IGM 0.15 Range: Positive > 0.46

Normally with chronic EBV if there's not any IGM the IGG is usually very high. My IgG was about twice what yours was (adjusted for the different ranges) and it turns out it wasn't my problem. It might be your problem, but the test doesn't say enough to point either way.

[Lufega]

The one's in bold describe me.

http://www.nutrition...ading=Pyroluria

Common emotional and physical characteristics of pyroluria.

* Little or no dream recall this improved after using Diamong XPC
* White spots on finger nails
* Poor morning appetite and/or tendency to skip breakfast
* Morning nausea
* Pale skin, poor tanning or burn easy in sun
* Sensitivity to bright light
* Hypersensitive to loud noises
* Reading difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) (only lately)
* Histrionic (dramatic)
* Argumentative/enjoy argument (sooooo me!)
* Mood swings or temper outbursts
* Much higher capability & alertness in the evening, compared to mornings
* Anxiousness
* Preference for spicy or heavily flavored foods
* Abnormal body fat distribution
* Significant growth after the age of 16

[Lufega]

High lipoprotein (a) increases your risk for a heart attack by promoting the formation of plaque and atherosclerosis. According to Linus Pauling, this can be brought down with high dose Lysine, proline and vitamin C. So at least I'm doing something right....

http://drkaslow.com/...rotein__a_.html

The peak time for a heart attack appears to be between 6:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Fujino et al., 2001 reported that morning heart attack victims were found to have significantly higher levels of Lp(a), the only distinguishable factor compared to the other group. There was, also, a tendency toward hypercoagulation (excess clotting), increasing the risk for developing a life-threatening thrombus or clot. The conclusion of the Japanese study was that increases in Lp(a) appear to be influencing coagulation factors involved in the occurrence of morning heart attacks.

Should I discontinue vitamin K?

Aortic stenosis, the narrowing of the valve separating the left ventricle from the aorta, is often described as a calcification process. Lp(a) appears to play a role in this process as deposition of Lp(a) on the aortic valve creates a binding site for calcium.

My constant high calcium and low magnesium is a nest for the development of soft tissue calcification. Low magnesium and vitamin K have also been linked. This is why I'm using Chanca piedra. I'm hoping it will have an effect on soft tissue calcification, if any.

Studies suggest that diet can change Lp(a) levels. One study showed significant increases in Lp(a) levels of subjects consuming diets high in trans fats, but not in those consuming high levels of saturated fats (Journal of Lipid Research 1992 Oct;33(10):1493-501). Dr. Mary Enig maintains that saturated fats actually lower Lp(a) levels. In another study, researchers found a 24% reduction in Lp(a) levels with a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and nuts (Metabolism 1997 May;46:530-7). In a study published in Arteriosclerosis Thromb Vascular Biology (1999 May;19:1250-6) fish consumption was shown to reduce Lp(a) levels, most likely due to the omega-3 fatty acid content. In patients consuming large quantities of walnuts, Lp(a) levels were found to decrease an average of over 6%, as well as an almost equal decrease in LDL cholesterol levels (Annals of Internal Medicine 2000 Apr 4;132(7):538-46).

Seems like Coconut oil is still safe to use and this diet is made up of fruits, vegetables and nuts, especially walnuts. So I assume my levels would be higher if my diet was any different.

[4eva]

Your ratios are all I need.

Yours - (optimal)
Na/k: 0.88:14 (2.5:1)
Ca/mg: 26.8:1 (6.67:1)
ca/k: 4.9:1 (4:1)
Na/mg: 4.8:1 (4.17:1)
Zn/cu: 15.5:1 (8:1)

How recent are these results, I'm curious?

To raise na/k ratio (2.5:1)
B-complex, C, E, B5, B6, copper, manganese, chromium, molyb, iron
Adrenal and thyroid glandulars
Reduce carbs to at least 10-20%
Reducing stress would be good if possible

Your ca/mg is way off - too high (6.67:1). This has to do with sugar and carb intolerance.
To lower this ratio you should follow the suggestions for improving na/k ratio. But diet is important too, especially the carbs.

Ca/k is a little high (4.9:1 vs 4:1). This indicates fast oxidation.
Na/mg is also about oxidation. (4.8:1 vs 4.17:1).
Greater than 4:1 means slow oxidation.

There is a mixed oxidizer type but I think you tend to have low energy so I would think you should consider yourself a slow oxidizer. (Fast means hyperkinetic and slow means fatigue, depression and low libido.)

Diet would be moderate overall but low fat. Adequate sleep and no over training. Supplements you are already covered with above recommendations (B-complex, C, E, manganese, potassium, zinc, chromium, iron and if needed ca and mg). But you're not that far off on these ratios so these are probably less important than the others.

Normally to test for pyrroles you would stop all supplements but I don't think the amount of B6 and zinc you're taking is likely to effect your results. You would also need to supplement borage or evening primrose oil if you are in fact pyroluric.

I don't think you have vitamin C listed.

[Lufega]

http://www.lef.org/L...px?CmsID=113832

Niacin is the most effective direct treatment for lowering Lp(a), though higher doses are required than for other abnormalities (1000–4000 mg per day, which should be prescribed and monitored by a physician).

In females, the use of estrogen preparations may lower Lp(a), generally around 25%, though estrogen presents other issues that should be fully discussed with your doctor. Testosterone can be very helpful for men, and may lower Lp(a) by 25%. The supplement L-carnitine can be a useful adjunct; 2000 mg per day (1000 mg twice a day) can reduce Lp(a) by 7-8% and occasionally by up to 20%.38 Other nutritional strategies that help lower Lp(a) include ground flaxseed (2 tablespoons daily), raw almonds (1/4 cup daily), and vitamin C (more than 1000 mg daily), with reported reductions of approximately 7%.39-41

That translated to 10-40 100 mg niacin pills per day and this dose would probably do my liver in. Oh boy.

[nameless]

That translated to 10-40 100 mg niacin pills per day and this dose would probably do my liver in. Oh boy.

1-3 grams of niacin is considered a normal dosage for control of lipids. So long as you take it under a doctor's care and regularly check your liver enzymes, I don't think it'd be an issue. Unless you have some sort of liver disorder already, that is. The flush and other side effects can be a problem for some though. I know in my own case I can't take it, because it caused heart palpitations.

And if you try niacin, don't go for the 10-40 100mg niacin pills spread throughout the day, as that will blow out your liver. You need some time for your liver to recover, so one or at most two niacin doses, usually in the evening, is best.

Check out Dr. Davis of 'Track your Plaque' fame for info about Lp(a) and other lipid/heart issues.

Edited by nameless, 04 April 2009 - 01:21 AM.

[Lufega]

I found that using 100 mg niacin with cayenne and venus fly extract intensifies the efffect of the flush many fold. I don't know if this will have the same equivalent for lowering cholesterol. So, you mean, don't spread the dose through out the day. This would seem to mimic a slow release formula and harm the liver. Instead, you suggest progressively increasing larger doses once a day, say, at night? I'm already up to 300 mg and the effect is tolerable. Oh, and by the way, niacin does intensify sex, at least for women

[Lufega]

I spent the day at the hospital running between a pneumologist and a radiologist. I learned some interesting things about my condition. First, there is definitely something there, and it's systemic. I'll wait for the results of the CT scan but on first impression, the Doctor's were weary. The good news is, I finally found Doctor's that are interested in taking my case. Even better news is that I found a Doctor House type physician. He's a wacky, brilliant internist/rheumatologist. When he asked for my history, I started with dyspnea and fatigue and he say no, start from the day you were born. He seemed to understand what I was going through and seems interested to work with me. That was a good start....

[notlupus]

I spent the day at the hospital running between a pneumologist and a radiologist. I learned some interesting things about my condition. First, there is definitely something there, and it's systemic. I'll wait for the results of the CT scan but on first impression, the Doctor's were weary. The good news is, I finally found Doctor's that are interested in taking my case. Even better news is that I found a Doctor House type physician. He's a wacky, brilliant internist/rheumatologist. When he asked for my history, I started with dyspnea and fatigue and he say no, start from the day you were born. He seemed to understand what I was going through and seems interested to work with me. That was a good start....

That's excellent. Sometimes I wish I'd gone into medicine instead of research because we need more brilliant assholes that can think outside the box in the clinic.

[Lufega]

On the other hand, I went to another internist and he just assumed I was on cocaine

[notlupus]

On the other hand, I went to another internist and he just assumed I was on cocaine

Today I was told I was a hypochondriac, AND that 1 150mg dose of fluconazole would cure systemic candida.

I might have been born at night, but it wasn't last night. Thankfully I'm not in one of the stupid states that requires a script for needles, so injecting the combo pen will be the easiest way to keep my sanity.

[nameless]

I found that using 100 mg niacin with cayenne and venus fly extract intensifies the efffect of the flush many fold. I don't know if this will have the same equivalent for lowering cholesterol. So, you mean, don't spread the dose through out the day. This would seem to mimic a slow release formula and harm the liver. Instead, you suggest progressively increasing larger doses once a day, say, at night? I'm already up to 300 mg and the effect is tolerable. Oh, and by the way, niacin does intensify sex, at least for women

I don't know if intensifying the flush is really something you should be trying to do there. Most people try to limit the flush. And yeah, slowly titrate the niacin up until you hit around 500-1000 mg daily, and then see if you need more based on bloodwork. I only advise taking it under a doctor's care though, and with your heart issues, you may want to hold off until you get more info. You don't want niacin to cause your heart undo stress, or cause odd heartbeats, or anything like that.

[bgwithadd]

Oh boy, a lot of problems there. I would worry you might have some form of bipolar since you've tried suicide and have always been a bit volatile. Typically, it comes on in the teen years or slightly before then. I am guessing you have something else though, surely multiple issues for multiple problems. All the STDs kind of go along with bipolar, too, though. Keep in mind that with STDs, things like hep c and d have been around forever but only were identified recently, so it's quite possible there is some weird virus out there that causes all kinds of vague symptoms, yet another reason to be careful about sex.

I'd stop the accutane immediately if you are having tremors. You can probably control the acne with diet and supplements anyway. If not, there's always laser resurfacing. I'd check all the levels like prolactin and other hormones due to the gynocomastia. It's virtually always caused by either medication or hormone imbalance, in spite of common belief it has something to do with being overweight (which you aren't, anyway).

I'm guessing you have multiple issues. It's very possible to have ADD, lyme and bipolar all at once, but I'm not sure even those would account for all your issues. I'd try upping the lithium orotate slightly and seeing if you get more benefits. Also, I'd up the ecgc until you start to get a bit higher blood pressure and see if that take care of some of your cognition issues. NE will open up your prefrontal cortex channels regardless of the cause of your problems.

You are one of the few people taking more supplements than me, but then I feel better on the supplements and if I stop I immediately start to have issues so you might be getting a lot out of them.

When you take tyrosine or deprenyl, do you get fewer tremors?

Sorry I can't help more, but you have a difficult case.

[k10]

Your severe deficiency of cobalt on your hair mineral analysis indicates a need for B12 supplementation. I recommend 5mg of methylcobalamin sublingually DAILY.

Licorice Root is excellent for the low blood pressure, and as an added support for the adrenals.

Get rid of all the supplements you aren't absolutely sure you need. Keep things simple.

Edited by k10, 05 April 2009 - 10:48 PM.

[Lufega]

bg,

I don't think I'm bipolar. If fact, sometimes I wish I was. Between the downs, there are the periods of increased functionality, etc. I'm just always down. The rage comes from the overactive sympathetic system which makes it easy for me to explode. I wasn't specific though, most of that was when I was very young, I've grown and matured a lot since those days. The drugs I listed that could have caused harm I haven't taken in a long time. I just listed them for reference. I am not using the deprenyl either, it's stored away somewhere. Also, I've given Tyrosine a break to give my dopamine system a break.

There is a relationship b/w low copper and low dopamine/NE. I post an article later.

K10,

I'm already using the sublingual B12. My last B12 exam should off the chart levels. I was surprised by how effective those little pills are. Licorice root makes me feel better, indeed, but I don't know what other systems if affects. It could have caused the low T.

I stopped taking everything since I posted this. I feel better, not 100%, but better when I supp. Whenever I don't, I feel like death but some of these are masking some of my symptoms and I don't want the Doctor's to miss anything. So, I'm allowing myself to get worse in the hopes that it'll help the Doc's identify what's wrong. After a few more tests and labs, I do plan on simplifying my regimen but it's difficult...there are so many symptoms to treat!!

I have more lab results I will post in a couple days plus I'm seeing the Doc again tomorrow. Wish me luck!

[4eva]

I hope things work out for you with that doc. It sounds promising.

I think it would be interesting if you post updates on any changes or progress you make. Your case is interesting because your constellation of symptoms is complex and you have extensive tests/lab results documented here already.

[Lufega]

The Doctor suspects Primary immunedeficiency with some type of vasculitis and malabsorption problem. This would explain all the different deficiencies I have. Also, I have my cerebral MRI looked over a few radiologists and they found enlargement of the sulci, commonly seen in Alzheimer's patients. We're talking brain atrophy here. The good Doctor then went into a state of denial stating it WASN'T atrophy because that only happens to old people.... Hmmmmm.... The signs are clearly there. I also have increased perfusion and metabolism in a specific area of the brain but she failed to mention where. There's clearly something going on. This explain the multitude of cognitive Sx I have....

A few negatives though. He doesn't believe in Lyme disease. Says that if I had it, I'd be dead already. I brought with me some literature and he didn't seem interested. I also showed his a report that links alpha-1-antitrypsin to copper deficiency, again, he did not bother. He's also strongly anti-supplements. Believes whey protein causes allergic reactions due to the Arginine content. Also things transfer factor (from colostrum) is bad. I told him about the many supplements I take and he suggested I limited my regimen to just one thing. Then again, when I mentioned supplements, he replied, "centrum?".

All my lab work since 2006 is the same. I show low hematocrit, low hemoglobin, normal-high liver enzymes (even before I started supplementing), hypercalcemia, hyponatremia and many other crazy things. Lastly, I finally confirmed that I DID have Dengue fever back in 2006. Ouch! These are the latest findings:

ACTH levels are in the normal range but very, very low. This wasn't the ACTH stimulation test, just your basic ACTH levels. This does imply some type of Adrenal fatigue/insufficiency. I see now why Licorice was so helpful.

The following were either negative or normal:

HEMOGRAMA
WBC............K/uL........ 4.82 [* ] 4.80 10.80
RBC..............M/uL........ 4.91 [* ] 4.70 6.00
Hemoglobin.................g/dL........ 14.50 [* ] 14.00 18.00
Hematócrit.................%........... 41.50 *[ ] 42.00 52.00
VCM.........................fL.......... 84.50 [* ] 80.00 96.00
HCM.........................pg.......... 29.50 [ * ] 27.00 31.20
CHCM........................g/dL........ 34.90 [ *] 31.50 36.50
RDW.........................%........... 11.60 [* ] 11.60 14.80
Plaquetas...................K/uL........ 243.00 [* ] 150.00 450.00
VPM.........................fL.......... 10.00 [* ] 0.90 99.00
PDW.........................GSD......... 36.10 [ * ] 0.90 99.00
DIFERENCIAL
Neutrófilos.................K/uL........ 2.69 [* ] 2.00 6.90 - caused by copper deficiency.
Neutrófilos %...............%........... 55.80 [ * ] 40.00 70.00
Linfocitos..................K/uL........ 1.64 [ * ] 0.60 3.40
Linfocitos %................%........... 34.00 [ * ] 20.50 45.50
Monocitos...................K/uL........ 0.38 [ * ] 0.00 0.90
Monocitos %.................%........... 7.90 [* ] 5.50 13.50
Eosinófilos.................K/uL........ 0.10 [* ] 0.00 0.90
Eosinófilos %...............%........... 2.10 [* ] 0.00 9.00
Basófilos...................K/uL........ 0.01 [* ] 0.00 0.20
Basófilos %.................%........... 0.20 [* ] 0.00 2.00
COAGULACION
Fibrinógen.................mg/dl....... 305.00 [ * ] 161.00 465.00
HEMATOLOGíA
ESR........./mm......... 19.00 [ ]* 0.00 15.00


QUIMICA CLINICA
Bilirrubina Total...........mg/dL....... 0.72 [ * ] 0.30 1.00
Bilirrubina Directa.........mg/dL....... 0.10 [ * ] 0.03 0.18
Bilirrubina Indirecta.......mg/dL....... 0.60 [ ]
Calcio sérico...............mg/dL....... 10.32 [ ]* 8.20 10.00
SGOT (AST)..................u/L......... 31.30 [ *] 13.00 39.00
SGPT (ALT)..................U/L......... 38.00 [ *] 7.00 52.00

INMUNOLOGIA
Alfa 1 Antitripsina.........mg/dL....... 90.10 *[ ] 97.00 161.00 - it's lower than the last value, taken last week.
Inmunoglobulina A...........mg/dL....... 215.20 [ * ] 85.00 385.00
Inmunoglobulina G...........mg/dL....... 1290.40 [ * ] 565.00 1765.00
Inmunoglobulina M...........mg/dL....... 85.70 [* ] 55.00 375.00
Antiestreptolisina O........IU/mL....... 61.00 [* ] 0.00 200.00
C reactive protein.........mg/dL....... 0.10 [* ] 0.00 0.40
Complemento C3..............mg/dL....... 113.50 [ * ] 74.00 148.00
Complemento C4..............mg/dL....... 35.20 [ *] 14.00 39.00
Factor Reumatoide...........IU/mL....... 5.20 [* ] 0.00 43.00
RPR (syphyllis)(VDRL)..............................No Reactivo

---------------

INMUNODIAGNOSTICO
ACTH........................pg/mL....... 9.75 [* ] 0.00 46.00 - shows adrenal insufficiency.
Inmunoglobulina E...........UI/ML....... 22.90 [* ] 20.40 87.00
Método:QEIA
PTH........pg/mL....... 37.00 [ * ] 11.00 67.00 - ruled out as cause of hypercalcemia.


Blood culture......Negativo


----------------------

ANA negative.


Anti DNA................................Negativo

INMUNODIAGNOSTICO
Dengue IgG....................Index.....2.94
Interpretación de resultados:
Index Resultado
< 0.9 Negativo
0.9 - 1.1 Indeterminado
> 1.1 Positivo



All my inflammatory markers seems normal. ANA and anti-dna are all negative. I don't think the immune supression theory holds...but I'll see what he says..

[nameless]

I suppose that's good that he is getting closer to a diagnosis of some sort. Have you seen a neurologist too? The brain stuff probably would be his department.

I'm not sure what to make of: He doesn't believe in Lyme disease. Says that if I had it, I'd be dead already.

What does he think, Lyme is a myth? Or that Lyme people automatically die if they have it for a couple of years? Very odd reasoning there.

[k10]

Allow him to do his thing, but I definitely wouldn't be comfortable trusting him with my health based on your description of his comments. I've had doctors like that in the past -- they tend to always have big egos and always end up being wrong, they just won't admit it. I'd definitely be followed by several different doctors from different specialties if I were you to get various different points of views. If I were you I'd find a good naturopathic doctor... that's just me though...

I definitely think the root cause is infectious... however whatever you do have -- damage is already done and your focus needs to be first and foremost on preventing things from progressing.

I'm actually starting to think this may be lyme...

Do you have pain in your heels? Do you have any rashes on your body, or stretch marks on your back or arms? This could be bartonella... which would explain the heart problems, psychological problems, and immune problems.


------

Questions:

* Where in the world have you traveled ?
* Any significant health problems in childhood?
* Is there a family history of any health problems, or mental health problems?
* How are your parents health right now? How about your relatives health?
* Who do you live with right now? How is their health?
* What pets have you owned in your lifetime?
* Do your symptoms ever get better during certain times of the day? Which symptoms? Also describe how your energy and mood fluctuates throughout the day or any other patterns you've noticed...

Re-reading your history on page 1 makes me really think lyme, bartonella, mercury (and other heavy metals) as the root causes of your problems with various other comorbities contributing. I'd definitely get tested as soon as your WBC and Neutrophils rise a little as your immune system is still struggling and I doubt you'd get an adequate immune response on the blood test as things stand right now. You definitely need low doses of cortisol... you can buy isocort online through a lot of websites... ask me if you need a recommendation. Or if your doctor can prescribe low doses of hydrocortisone (25mg per day), and check your aldosterone as well and if it is still low after beginning cortisol you can add very small dosages of Fludrocortisone.... I think licorice root would be adequate though. The cortisol should definitely give your immune system a boost (paradoxically). "Safe Uses Of Cortisol" is an excellent book btw if you wanted more in-depth knowledge on this. It is the absolute best book available on the subject.

Get;
* Western blog IgG/IgM for lymes disease through Igenex
* Bartonella henslae IgG/IgM antibody (this doesn't need to be done by igenex)
http://frylabs.com/services.php:

Stained smear with photo documentation of findings (2 photos). Looks for anything abnormal such as a blood-born pathogen or bacteremia.

--That may be a good thing to order...

Edited by k10, 07 April 2009 - 06:34 AM.