Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

[Guest guest]

There is not another doc in Texas who has Dr. R's breadth of knowledge and understanding of how the hormones all work together. Manzanero in Austin is the only one who even comes close.

There may be half a dozen other docs in the whole country who might be considered his peers when it comes to treating thyroid and other hormonal disorders: Brownstein in Michigan, Woodhouse in Michigan, Woliner in Florida, Runels in Alabama, Friedman in California, maybe Shames in California, maybe Boyle in Connecticut, maybe in Indiana.

In the long run, the husbands are usually Dr. 's chief supporters, as their wives acquire L*I*B*I*D*O* on his treatment protocols. . . . .no aphrodisiacs, just normalization of all hormone levels. . . . .

>> I'm fairly new to the group, joined a couple of months ago on the > recommendation of the Houston Endometriosis Group. I was diagnosed > as hypothyroid about 8 years ago, but never tested for Hashi's or > antibodies. I've been on meds for depression for about 10 years, > which none seemed to work very well until I started taking Synthroid > for my thyroid. Even now with what my endocrinologists thinks is an > adequate dose of Synthroid I have to take Lithium Carbonate to > augment my antidepressants, and Adderall to keep from sleeping my > life away. Last March I had a total hysterectomy and bowel resection > because of extensive endometriosis. I though that would make me feel > a lot better but I'm still struggling with excessive tiredness all > the time.> > After first joining I asked about Doctor Recommendations in the > Houston area, and although I received names of Docs in Houston who > will Rx Armour I didn't get any resounding endorsements about any of > the doctors in the Houston area. I've have been following the posts > for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel to see > Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a doctor in > Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.> > Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time and > expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you have > to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend any > doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?> > I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling like crap all the > time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what's worse > missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone soon > and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all the > time. > > Thanks for any advice/info in advance> > Houston>

[Guest guest]

Sara, when you get well, be sure to revisit all those other doctor's

offices to show them.

Marti

> - I, too, did not have your extensive health issues, but I

> was falling apart in 2004 when I was on Levoxyl for thyroid and the

> Vivelle Dot patch for estrogen, and clonazepam (anti-anxiety) and

> nortriptyline (anti-depressant) for anxiety and sleep issues. I quit

> working, was more than exhausted, was sleeping very poorly, and had

> extreme anxiety. My primary care doc gave up, pretty much thought I

> was a depression/anxiety head case who wouldn't face up to it, and I

> didn't get good results from a specialty group here in Dallas I went

> to. I, too, had joined this group and read posts before I decided to

> go see Dr. . I know how you feel. How can there be such a

> shortage of docs who understand the whole body system and can get me

> well? It's beyond amazing to me, and I can only surmise that the

> docs of today have learned to treat us as separate parts which all

> need specialists and special meds, since specialization looks more

> interesting and more money is generated if you " unbundle " the system

> and charge for everything separately. But, along the way, the docs

> have forgotten to look for root causes, or they are not taught to do

> this anymore. The insurance companies want quick fixes and we

> patients want quick fixes, too. And I think the pharmaceutical

> companies have incredible influence in medical school and how

> protocols and treatments are developed. It's a broken system, IMO.

>

> *climbs down off soap box* - all that being said, when I first went

> to Lubbock, I had more immediate confidence in Dr. when I

> met him than with any doc I've seen in the past 25 years. I loved

> the fact that his background is in biochemistry and research in

> steriods and reproductive endocrinology, and I really connected with

> the fact that he is hypo, his wife has Hashi's, and a child is hypo.

> My husband, who got his degree in gerontology at UT Southwestern

> Medical Center at Dallas, where Dr. R did research and taught, told

> me that most med students get diddly-squat in biochemistry. I don't

> think I've read about one doc on this board with the background of

> Dr. R. Add to that the fact that (per Carol's post awhile back) he's

> treated over 1500 thyroid patients and helped many who couldn't find

> relief before. It's often not just about prescribing Armour to

> someone who does better on it. It's about many things that can be

> deficient or out of balance in your body, like other hormones,

> vitamins and minerals, and other stuff that other docs don't put all

> together. And they are all needed together to work well together.

> They need to be orchestrated by someone who knows how to do it.

>

> My DH was relieved when I told him I wanted to see Dr. R. He was

> worried sick over my deteriorating condition. He had read many of

> the posts about Dr. R which I forwarded to him. He was pre-sold. I

> don't consider it an inconvenience any more that I/we must drive to

> Lubbock. When you feel like cr*p, it seems an impossible task. But

> in time, you feel better and you are glad to go. I had my first

> appointment and had to go back for the consult and blood test read

> out. Then I was told to return in 6 months. Then it was 9 months.

> And now it's a year. This last trip was done in one day, since we're

> only 5 hours away.

>

> It's absolutely been worth the money and time. I've constantly

> improved. But it's been slow. A lot more is wrong with me than just

> my thyroid levels. So it all takes time. But I'm further along than

> I thought I would be at this time. Our credit cards have handled the

> costs, and that's just the way it has to be. I couldn't see any

> alternative and have been totally happy with the results so far. Any

> problems I've had have been of my own making (impatience, doing too

> much too soon, not eating right) or they have been handled well by

> the staff when I've called the office.

>

> My DH finally decided to see Dr. R and went with me last week. He's

> not been feeling well and has low body temps, so we are suspicious.

> DH sees a lot of docs in our business (long term care management and

> home care) and he thinks a lot of Dr. R.

>

> No, he doesn't have any physicians he refers to that I know of. And

> as far as long term care, I don't exactly what you mean, but I had

> to have day time help for a few weeks when I transitioned to the new

> regimen. No family or friends who could pitch in. After that I just

> cut back drastically on what I did (fix food, rest, take meds on

> time, repeat) until I felt I could do more. It's been a pattern of

> slow improvement and then a slide back for awhile, but the general

> move is upward. I do more now and when I'm tired I recover faster.

> This is what I was told would happen.

>

> I would also agree with everything that Courtenay, Kim, and

> Carol (and anyone else I might have forgotten) have said about their

> experiences seeing Dr. R.

>

> Please understand this is all JMHO. I am not a medical type at all.

>

> Sara

>

>

>>

> I've have been following the posts

>> for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel to

> see

>> Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a doctor in

>> Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.

>>

>> Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time

> and

>> expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you

> have

>> to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend

> any

>> doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?

>>

>> I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling like crap all the

>> time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what's

> worse

>> missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone

> soon

>> and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all

> the

>> time.

>>

>> Thanks for any advice/info in advance

>>

>> Houston

>>

[Guest guest]

Out of all drugs that affect the uptake of the thyroid hormones, Lithium is

the poster child for it. I know that some people need this added to their

drug regimen, but it can be totally detrimental to it. What does your

doctor say about this, since it is a very well known fact, even among those

doctors who don't know that much about the thyroid?

Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

> I'm fairly new to the group, joined a couple of months ago on the

> recommendation of the Houston Endometriosis Group. I was diagnosed

> as hypothyroid about 8 years ago, but never tested for Hashi's or

> antibodies. I've been on meds for depression for about 10 years,

> which none seemed to work very well until I started taking Synthroid

> for my thyroid. Even now with what my endocrinologists thinks is an

> adequate dose of Synthroid I have to take Lithium Carbonate to

> augment my antidepressants, and Adderall to keep from sleeping my

> life away. Last March I had a total hysterectomy and bowel resection

> because of extensive endometriosis. I though that would make me feel

> a lot better but I'm still struggling with excessive tiredness all

> the time.

>

> After first joining I asked about Doctor Recommendations in the

> Houston area, and although I received names of Docs in Houston who

> will Rx Armour I didn't get any resounding endorsements about any of

> the doctors in the Houston area. I've have been following the posts

> for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel to see

> Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a doctor in

> Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.

>

> Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time and

> expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you have

> to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend any

> doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?

>

> I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling like crap all the

> time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what's worse

> missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone soon

> and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all the

> time.

>

> Thanks for any advice/info in advance

>

> Houston

[Guest guest]

,

I asked my endocronoligist about the lithium when I first started

taking it, and she just shrugged it off. I don't really like taking

the lithium because of its side effects, but it has been the only way

to keep my anti-depressants working. Although, I truly believe that

my depression has been caused by other health issues and that is why

it took so long to find meds that would work for me (nearly 7 years

to find the right combination of meds that would work for more than 6

months and didn't have detrimental side effects).

I am hoping if I go see Dr. he can find out whats really

going on with me and then I eventually won't have to take the meds

for depression.

Thanks for your feedback.

Out of all drugs that affect the uptake of the thyroid hormones,

Lithium is the poster child for it. I know that some people need

this added to their drug regimen, but it can be totally detrimental

to it. What does your doctor say about this, since it is a very well

known fact, even among those doctors who don't know that much about

the thyroid?

Questions for those who travel to

see Dr.

I'm fairly new to the group, joined a couple of months ago on the

recommendation of the Houston Endometriosis Group. I was diagnosed

as hypothyroid about 8 years ago, but never tested for Hashi's or

antibodies. I've been on meds for depression for about 10 years,

which none seemed to work very well until I started taking

Synthroid for my thyroid. Even now with what my endocrinologists

thinks is an adequate dose of Synthroid I have to take Lithium

Carbonate to augment my antidepressants, and Adderall to keep from

sleeping my life away. Last March I had a total hysterectomy and

bowel resection because of extensive endometriosis. I though that

would make me feel a lot better but I'm still struggling with

excessive tiredness all the time.

After first joining I asked about Doctor Recommendations in the

Houston area, and although I received names of Docs in Houston who

will Rx Armour I didn't get any resounding endorsements about any

of the doctors in the Houston area. I've have been following the

posts for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel

to see Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a

doctor in Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.

Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time

and expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you

have to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend

any doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?

I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling like crap all the

time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what's

worse missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone

soon and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all

the time.

Thanks for any advice/info in advance

Houston

[Guest guest]

What I believe is, since you are already known to be hypothyroid, is that

you are being grossly undertreated for thyroid disorder. Not a doctor, just

an educated guess here, since you've been having this type of " depression "

all these yrs. Nothing depresses the brain more than low thyroid. What

exactly are your test results, what are the names of the tests you had done

for thyroid, what are your FREE T3 and FREE T4 values, with TSH, and what

are the reference ranges to go with these values? I would be willing to bet

that your endo just tells you " normal " , and that he/she has been going

strictly by the TSH, no matter what tests he/she is running for all of this.

If you don't have copies of your test results, you do have a legal right to

them in the U.S.A. Having a doctor tell you " It's normal this time " is

never acceptable practice for any doctor to do, you should know these

results, even if you don't understand them, so that you can make your own

choices about these things. I, too, was told " bipolar disorder " by one

doctor and also " depressed and anxiety disorder " by that one and another

one, yet I couldn't get 4 of them to even test my thyroid. Funny thing, all

that was basically over with, once I underwent treatment. The so called

" bipolar " and " anxiety syndrome " was HYPER Hashi's. Then, the fatigue and

" other unipolar depression " was hypothyroidism. I don't have any of them

any more, even though my treatment isn't even the best that it can be at

this point, but it was completely UNtreated through much of that, in the

beginning, then GROSSLY undertreated through several yrs of it, until I

finally got a SLIGHT handle on it. I am now taking over half more thyroid

meds than I was KEPT on through about 9 or 10 yrs, while all this damage

took place, including to my ears (I strongly believe). I feel like it was

detrimental not to have received proper treatment from the very beginning,

and I do not look at a doctor's general education as a good excuse not to

know EXACTLY what they are doing with this disease. Most of the best docs

who know how to treat thyroid disorders are family doctors, internal med

docs, or DOs, not endos, very few endos. Those are mainly trained in

diabetes as their main thing, but I frankly don't think they even know that

much about the connection between diabetes and thyroid disorders. I'm no

doctor, so it's my opinion, and I've done extensive reading from every angle

for yrs and yrs now, but I MUST state it because it is very hard to stand

humbly by and watch people " burn in a fire " and not at least try to help

pull them out, lol.

Re: Questions for those who travel to see

Dr.

> ,

> I asked my endocronoligist about the lithium when I first started

> taking it, and she just shrugged it off. I don't really like taking

> the lithium because of its side effects, but it has been the only way

> to keep my anti-depressants working. Although, I truly believe that

> my depression has been caused by other health issues and that is why

> it took so long to find meds that would work for me (nearly 7 years

> to find the right combination of meds that would work for more than 6

> months and didn't have detrimental side effects).

>

> I am hoping if I go see Dr. he can find out whats really

> going on with me and then I eventually won't have to take the meds

> for depression.

>

> Thanks for your feedback.

>

[Guest guest]

,

Depression is a major symptom of hypo. I read somewhere that when your thyroid doesn't work right, nothing works right. I feel like a complete example of that. I've been on Paxil CR for about four years, but I had lingering symptoms of depression. I've now been on Armour for four months and I finally feel like all my depression symptoms are gone. I still get confused easily and my memory is terrible. The Doc said not to try to go off the Paxil yet. It's too soon. I'm not completely well, and probably won't be for some time, but I feel so much better than I did on $ynthroid.

Carol

>> ,> I asked my endocronoligist about the lithium when I first started > taking it, and she just shrugged it off. I don't really like taking > the lithium because of its side effects, but it has been the only way > to keep my anti-depressants working. Although, I truly believe that > my depression has been caused by other health issues and that is why > it took so long to find meds that would work for me (nearly 7 years > to find the right combination of meds that would work for more than 6 > months and didn't have detrimental side effects).> > I am hoping if I go see Dr. he can find out whats really > going on with me and then I eventually won't have to take the meds > for depression.> > Thanks for your feedback.> >

[Guest guest]

That is for darn sure. When Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy. . . . . carol77096 wrote: I read somewhere that when your thyroid doesn't work right, nothing works right. .

Sponsored LinkMortgage rates near historic lows - Refi $200k loan for only $660/ month - Click now for info

[Guest guest]

Thanks, ,

Yes, I think you're right. Slow tapering is probably the way to go. I've heard terrible stories of people trying to get off it. I'm in no hurry.

Carol

> >> > > > ,> > > > Depression is a major symptom of hypo. I read somewhere that when > your> > thyroid doesn't work right, nothing works right. I feel like a > complete> > example of that. I've been on Paxil CR for about four years, but I > had> > lingering symptoms of depression. I've now been on Armour for four> > months and I finally feel like all my depression symptoms are > gone. I> > still get confused easily and my memory is terrible. The Doc said > not> > to try to go off the Paxil yet. It's too soon. I'm not completely> > well, and probably won't be for some time, but I feel so much better> > than I did on $ynthroid.> > > > Carol> >>

[Guest guest]

Well, all of those are reasons I'm in no hurry. I'll wait till The Doc says it's OK.

Carol

> > >> > > > > > ,> > > > > > Depression is a major symptom of hypo. I read somewhere that when > > your> > > thyroid doesn't work right, nothing works right. I feel like a > > complete> > > example of that. I've been on Paxil CR for about four years, but I > > had> > > lingering symptoms of depression. I've now been on Armour for four> > > months an>

[Guest guest]

I had the shocks in my arms and hands from Paxil. The doctor did not mention anything when he started me on it. I had no idea it was related to the Paxil. When I withdrew from it the shocks came back. What fun!

Kim

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of CauleySent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 8:03 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

Yes, go very very slow. Even if it takes a couple of months or so. I became suicidial when I stopped celexa. Had to wake my husband up so he could watch over me as I was very interested in the best way to kill myself for about 48 hours or so. Scary, huh? He never left my side and it stoppped.

Worse though were the electrical shocks that I felt in my brain for 3 months. Very painful and scary.

Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

Thanks, ,

Yes, I think you're right. Slow tapering is probably the way to go. I've heard terrible stories of people trying to get off it. I'm in no hurry.

Carol

> >> > > > ,> > > > Depression is a major symptom of hypo. I read somewhere that when > your> > thyroid doesn't work right, nothing works right. I feel like a > complete> > example of that. I've been on Paxil CR for about four years, but I > had> > lingering symptoms of depression. I've now been on Armour for four> > months an

[Guest guest]

The " selective " means they are only increasing seratonin, as opposed

to dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, or any of the other

neurotransmitters. However, please understand I am biased, as Zoloft

saved my marriage and I am currently on Lexapro and doing better than

I did on Zoloft.

[Guest guest]

Maybe at 62, I'm too old for libido? My hormonal levels are good, but still no LIbido. Dr. R. doesn't have any suggestions for me.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 8:18 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

There is not another doc in Texas who has Dr. R's breadth of knowledge and understanding of how the hormones all work together. Manzanero in Austin is the only one who even comes close.

There may be half a dozen other docs in the whole country who might be considered his peers when it comes to treating thyroid and other hormonal disorders: Brownstein in Michigan, Woodhouse in Michigan, Woliner in Florida, Runels in Alabama, Friedman in California, maybe Shames in California, maybe Boyle in Connecticut, maybe in Indiana.

In the long run, the husbands are usually Dr. 's chief supporters, as their wives acquire L*I*B*I*D*O* on his treatment protocols. . . . .no aphrodisiacs, just normalization of all hormone levels. . . . .

>> I'm fairly new to the group, joined a couple of months ago on the > recommendation of the Houston Endometriosis Group. I was diagnosed > as hypothyroid about 8 years ago, but never tested for Hashi's or > antibodies. I've been on meds for depression for about 10 years, > which none seemed to work very well until I started taking Synthroid > for my thyroid. Even now with what my endocrinologists thinks is an > adequate dose of Synthroid I have to take Lithium Carbonate to > augment my antidepressants, and Adderall to keep from sleeping my > life away. Last March I had a total hysterectomy and bowel resection > because of extensive endometriosis. I though that would make me feel > a lot better but I'm still struggling with excessive tiredness all > the time.> > After first joining I asked about Doctor Recommendations in the > Houston area, and although I received names of Docs in Houston who > will Rx Armour I didn't get any resounding endorsements about any of > the doctors in the Houston area. I've have been following the posts > for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel to see > Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a doctor in > Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.> > Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time and > expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you have > to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend any > doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?> > I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling like crap all the > time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what! 's worse > missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone soon > and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all the > time. > > Thanks for any advice/info in advance> > Houston>

[Guest guest]

With women, the biochemistry is not the whole picture. And blood levels do not always reflect tissue levels of hormones. Have you tried higher doses of the hormones to see if any resistance could be overcome. . . . . without growing a beard? Also, when you have been hypothyroid or hypoadrenal for a very long time, some things never do return to normal. The other thing you might want to look into is testing for heavy metals and possible chelation therapy. Helen

wrote: Maybe at 62, I'm too old for libido? My hormonal levels are good, but still no LIbido. Dr. R. doesn't have any suggestions for me. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 8:18 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr. There is not another doc in Texas who has Dr. R's breadth of knowledge and understanding of how the hormones all work together. Manzanero in Austin is the only one who even comes close. There may be half a dozen other docs in the whole country who might be considered his peers when it comes to treating thyroid and other hormonal disorders: Brownstein in Michigan, Woodhouse in Michigan, Woliner in Florida, Runels in Alabama, Friedman in California, maybe Shames in California, maybe Boyle in Connecticut, maybe in Indiana. In the long run, the husbands are usually Dr. 's chief supporters, as their wives acquire L*I*B*I*D*O* on his treatment protocols. . . . .no aphrodisiacs, just normalization of all hormone levels. . . .

.. >> I'm fairly new to the group, joined a couple of months ago on the > recommendation of the Houston Endometriosis Group. I was diagnosed > as hypothyroid about 8 years ago, but never tested for Hashi's or > antibodies. I've been on meds for depression for about 10 years, > which none seemed to work very well until I started taking Synthroid > for my thyroid. Even now with what my endocrinologists thinks is an > adequate dose of Synthroid I have to take Lithium Carbonate to > augment my antidepressants, and Adderall to keep from sleeping my > life away. Last March I had a total hysterectomy and bowel resection > because of extensive endometriosis. I though that would make me feel >

a lot better but I'm still struggling with excessive tiredness all > the time.> > After first joining I asked about Doctor Recommendations in the > Houston area, and although I received names of Docs in Houston who > will Rx Armour I didn't get any resounding endorsements about any of > the doctors in the Houston area. I've have been following the posts > for the last couple months and have learned many of you travel to see > Dr. in Lubbock. When I mentioned going to see a doctor in > Lubbock to my husband he thought I was nuts.> > Anyway for those of you who see Dr. has the travel time and > expense been worth the results you're getting. How often do you have > to go see him, and what about long term care? Does he recommend any > doctors in Houston with a similar practice and belief system?> > I am just so frustrated and fed up with feeling

like crap all the > time. I feel like I'm totally missing out on my life and what! 's worse > missing out on my children's lives, they'll be grown and gone soon > and all I'll remember is being tired and crabby and sleeping all the > time. > > Thanks for any advice/info in advance> > Houston __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

> Maybe at 62, I'm too old for libido?  My hormonal levels are good, but

> still no LIbido.  Dr. R. doesn't have any suggestions for me. 

>

>

Just my opinion, but I think that, if all the physical things (such as

dryness) have been corrected, there's a good chance that you can " get "

libido by wanting it bad enough. Dr. Phil will say " Act the way you

want your life to be " and I do think it works in this case. So much of

sex is mental for women anyway...

Marti

[Guest guest]

Yes, I will call again tomorrow; somehow I think I must have gotten lost in the office. I asked him to call in a new script for Armour 4 weeks ago; but Women's Int. still didn't have it this morning. When I asked him about it, he said he thought he had done it, but he would check on it. Hopefully, its done now, and I'll keep pressing about what the lab recommendations are. I am far from being well and need something done.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 9:48 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

Seven weeks seems like an awfully long time to get results on a blood test. Seems like you may need to be more aggressive about this and remind that you've already called several times now. Why would this take so long?

RE: Re: Questions for those who travel to see Dr.

Thanks, Jan

The only testing I've done for heavy metals is a very comprehensive hair analysis test. It showed no heavy metals at all. Interestingly, though, it showed severe adrenal exhaustion just like all the saliva tests I've had do. Blood test shows normal cortisol,even though I only have one adrenal gland.

I do believe that blood levels aren't the whole story for me. I am taking all the Armour and DHEA that Dr. R. allows. He won't prescribe testosterone or cortisol since those blood levels are normal. So, probably, I'm one of those that things won't ever be normal for.

Course the big thing for me is pain. Unlike many people, my pain didn't go away with Armour. Dr. R. had me do blood tests 7 weeks ago for free cortisol and other stuff, but he hasn't talked with me about it. I've called several times but keeps saying he needs to talk to Dr. R. I wonder how long it takes?

Its all so frustrating, but I know I'm not alone!

Helen