Zinc poisoning?

[droopy56]

I just found out that there is a class-action lawsuit against the companies that make denture adhesive. It seems that these adhesives contain enough zinc to cause many of the my FMS symptoms. I've been wearing dentures for 18 years and I have always used the same brand of adhesive, which is made by one of the companies targeted by the lawsuit. I called my Dr this am to arrange a blood test to determine the my zinc levels. In researching this subject, I've found that excessive zinc levels can deplete copper levels, causing neuropathy, heaviness and weakness in the extremities, and stabbing, itching and heat sensations in hands and feet. I have all of these symptoms and more. Is there anyone else out there who is experiencing this same thing?

[concerned621]

FM can be both environmental and foods.  I didn't hear anyone mention foods.  The processed foods we eat and drink cause so many of these symptoms.  Sugars, especially high fructose is an issue.  Breads, simple carbs, I could name 1000 foods that can cause all of these symptoms.  I wish you all well.

[droopy56]

I went to the local hospital last Thurs to do the blood draw for the tests. I'll get the results in a couple weeks or so.

Look up neuropathy symptoms: they pretty much mirror many fibro symptoms and are easily misdiagnosed, but unlike FMX, neuropathy is progressive and possibly fatal if left unchecked. I guess if it's diagnosed later, the symptoms aren't irreversible, but some of the damaged nerves can heal themselves or build new pathways (it's great being a bookworm; if only I could retain more of what I read, LOL!). If it's dx and treated (chelation or copper therapy), its effects can be reduced.

I hope I'm not just grasping at straws here; my dr is pretty good at doing the tests I request, as long as she agrees with my arguments. So far I've found out I don't have Lyme Disease, vit D or B deficiency, MS, and everything else I've requested tests for.

I hope someday I can wake up and put my feet on the floor and not feel like I'm walking on nails. I hope, also, that I can someday stop having to plan everything I do around this condition. I've had to give up so many things because I can't do them (at age 43 I was running 5K in less than 30 minutes, which is the minimum requirement for the Marine Corps). I have grandchildren now, and there is so much I want to do with them but I fear I won't be able to.

I'm not feeling sorry for myself - I just hate having any kind of limits placed on me. In the past, if someone told me I couldn't do something, I took it as a challenge. Realistically, I accept that I probably will never be what I was before I got this condition, but I'll never stop fighting it and I'll always keep pushing my limits. I don't know where this is from, but one of my favorite quotes is "I'd rather die trying than watching."

[dustybrown]

Let me know how what happens with the tests. I had no idea about the copper levels and the myelin damage. That's very interesting. I'll have to do some research.

I would definitely check the National Fibro Assoc. site to see if there is a dr. closer to your home. You never know right? Keep me posted!

[droopy56]

I guess we could all share incompetent doctor stories. I had one VA doctor say to me, "There is nothing more I can do for you," which is one of those magic phrases that makes me disappear like a box of doughnuts in a police station.

There is a very good FMS specialist in Columbus, which is 50 miles away from where I live. I could get a referral to him, but I hate cities, and long drives hurt like crazy. After one day up there and back, it takes two or three days to recuperate.

Anyway, I'm going to wait and see what my lab results are. My PCP had to order one of the tests I requested, which takes about a week to get here, and she's usually pretty good at getting me in on short notice. I should know for sure in two or three weeks. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, though, because I've been disappointed a few times too many.

I've found out that low copper levels can cause myelin damage, which is pretty much irreversible, but if this is the problem, I can at least lessen the damage to my nervous system.

[dustybrown]

I hear you loud and clear. I was diagnosed with sciatica when I was 17 years old by my primary care doctor. It wasn't until my foot went completely numb and I tripped over it and fell down the stairs that she finally decided to take an X-Ray and MRI of my lower back. I was 31 years old that day. It was then that I learned about my scoliosis, my bulging and torn disc, my degenerative disc disease, and a whole array of other things. During all of those years I had been displaying Fibromyalgia and CFS symptoms, but she didn't recognize them. We all need to be our own advocates that is for sure.

Some doctors just don't understand the disorder, especially when you consider that the doctors who are experienced and practicing right now were trained at least 10-15 years ago (or more). Back then doctors were taught that Fibro and CFS were completely Psychosomatic disorders. Not all doctors keep up on the latest research and treatments unfortunately.

You say there is only one Rheumy in your city? That's too bad. I direct everyone I know to the National Fibromyalgia Association website. They have a directory of "Fibro Friendly" doctors in every state. You do have to sign up though, but the sign up is free.
The address is:  http://www.fmaware.org    

[droopy56]

Thanks. I have no trouble sharing lab results. What I am not comfortable with is leaving my medical future in the hand of someone who admittedly knows nothing about my condition (there is only one Rheumy in our city of 34,000 people. He confirmed my dx, then handed me back to my PCP, who really doesn't know a thing about FMS. She didn't even understand why I was given an Rx for Lyrica).

I will not sit passively and let this condition take over my life without putting up some kind of fight. I let that happen a few years ago, when I was having gallbladder symptoms. I never had stones, but I did have a malfunctioning gallbladder. I sat passively and suffered through ten years of gallbladder disease while some over-educated idiot told me there was nothing wrong with me (to quote my father: an educated idiot is still an idiot) It was only when one of the gallbladder tests made me sick that he finally contacted a surgeon to remove it.

There will be no more sitting idly while my condition deteriorates and my bills keep piling up. I am getting involved with my own medical care!

[dustybrown]

I think causal relationships to Fibro and CFS are always interesting because most of us want to get to the bottom of our illnesses and find out what made us sick. Most of us will never be that lucky however, but I am curious to find out how many people respond to your post. I hope you do get some responders.

Also, I am curious to find out what your test results turn out to be. Post them if you are comfortable in doing so. Thank you for sharing.