I just wanted to say that I've been on a roller-coaster for the past few months and I do pop by here daily -- but I think I'm past looking at mercury as part of my problem now. I had my 4 amalgams out almost a year ago and am satisfied that the mercury is gone, though I might well have another hair test done in several months' time to double-check.

I believe, however, that all the DMSA -- despite the good it did me -- was also the final insult to my adrenals and thyroid, which were already taxed from antidepressant withdrawal, and chronic stress before that (no doubt made worse by pregnancy, childbirth, and the aftermath). I've been in bad shape since I stopped the DMSA, which was making my adrenals "put out."

I continue to be under the care of Dr. Peatfield, though he's not easily available. I've also joined a Yahoo list for people with adrenal exhaustion and hypothyroidism. I'm taking hydrocortisone at the moment but it looks like I probably need another steroid called Florinef too, because the HC isn't having the desired result no matter how much I take (and you mustn't take too much of that stuff). When I've finally optimised these levels, I'm hoping I can take some T3 in some form. My body rejects even the gentlest thyroid supplement at the moment. I think my ferritin is low, which would interfere with this further, and I'm supplementing iron.

In the meantime I do what I can to keep the depression at bay, which is crushing at times. We all know what it's like to deal with these symptoms while we keep plugging away at answers. Sugar seems to keep my cortisol raised, unfortunately, and I am unable to stop eating sugary foods right now, though I am ready to dump them the moment I am able. I've gone back onto liquorice root as well because I'm told it's a good substitute for the Florinef until it arrives.

It's either all this, or give up. Giving up isn't an option.

I hope you all are making good progress yourselves. A couple from here have met me on the Yahoo adrenal list. Small world!