Amy Nett: The next question is from Chi: “This is a 79-year-old client with Parkinson’s disease with markers fitting patterns for iron deficiency, iron overload, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia, and anemia of chronic disease.” I’m a little bit unclear here. Let’s see, pattern for iron deficiency, iron overload, and iron deficiency anemia, and B12 and folate deficiency anemia. Yes. I’m not sure Chi if you’re on the live call because when I think of B12 and folate deficiency anemia, that’s macrocytic anemia, but iron deficiency anemia is microcytic as is anemia of chronic disease. I’m not sure if this is a microcytic or macrocytic anemia, and I’m not sure how you have iron deficiency and iron overload at the same time. I’m a little bit unclear here. The question goes on to say, “My current priority is heavy metals, but is this the best way forward?” Yes, I’m not sure because I’m not seeing any heavy metals testing parameters [3:32]. The question goes on to read, “The client has used a proton pump inhibitor for 30 years …” That would be a top priority to get off proton pump inhibitors if not already, “and has had worsening of Parkinson’s disease since he began taking co-careldopa.” Basically, I think dopamine agonist. “The general practitioner increased the dose, and the client’s symptoms worsened further.” That’s not normally common in Parkinson’s disease. She says, “I’ve referred him to a neurologist to fine-tune his medication.” I think that’s definitely appropriate. It sounds like if the Parkinson’s disease medication is worsening the Parkinson’s symptoms, I think the diagnosis needs to be further evaluated. “He’s currently on a ketogenic microbial reset and an antimicrobial protocol for Parkinson’s disease, SIBO, and B12 repletion. On an iron reduction protocol without phlebotomy due to the anemia, his ferritin level was 862.” Okay, so that’s the iron overload. “TIBC and UIBC were low at a functional range. I ordered the blood metals panel, and the results are pending. Sleep optimization and stress are being addressed. Is there anything I’m missing that could offer some clarity and provide a clear path forward?”
I agree that first of all, I would try to better understand the diagnosis because if you’re saying that the Parkinson’s medication worsened the Parkinson’s symptoms, that’s a little bit perplexing and I think someone needs to dig into that a little bit further.
I’m just reading this again. Basically, you’re working on the gut right now; you’re working on optimizing nutrients, getting the ferritin level down, and then you’ve got the heavy metals results pending. I mean, I think it sounds like you’re on the right track, so see where the heavy metals are. If you need to dig more into other environmental toxins or mold toxins, that might be a next step, but it sounds like you’re on the right track with this person. I don’t see anything else to add at this time. Just have a neurologist look into this diagnosis on what’s going on with the medication.