Thanks Sunshine. I'm not sure I would say it worked out well, as such, because what's causing my condition is as much of a mystery as ever. But I certainly thought it was money well spent, and I expect that after various test results have come in, he'll be able to prescribe a regime for me.

I don't think I'll have any shortage of people to help with the hair test if I don't like what he says for whatever reason. I think it's pretty clear that the mercury is gone and that there are adrenal and thyroid issues. I'm not sure how much help people on mercury forums will want to give if I'm not actually toxic LOL.

Like I said though, I feel I need to know why all this is going on. In holistic medicine we always try to determine root causes. If candida were causing all the imbalances, then instead of treating the individual imbalances you'd kill off the candida. I'm happy to do what is recommended in order to function better here and now, but I still need to know what the cause of the problems is. I'm tempted to worry that it's something so obscure or bizarre that it will just never be found, but I know that's being very pessimistic. I just want to keep things going with my family and my job and if this goes on and on, both of those things will be endangered.

At least I seem to be OK with the ALA alone. Last autumn I couldn't do that, and every time I raised my dose a little bit I'd have to cope with symptoms for a few days. It is reassuring, at least, that the mercury is gone.