Week of October 24, 2022
Question 1: I was wondering if there are any resources on SM on interpreting results from urine metabolites testing for mold toxicity.
Answer: There is no interpretation for urine analysis as it is not used in the Protocol and Dr. Shoemaker doesn’t support urine testing. There is no conclusive data. There is information on the SM website regarding using that testing in an article called Junk Science.
The Shoemaker Protocol testing process relies on several specific lab test abnormalities as well as a VCS, HLA-DR genetic testing, and a specifically ordered NeuroQuant test.
“As far as mycotoxins testing in urine go, I look forward to the day when we will see a monoclonal antibody, not a polyclonal antibody, such that we can actually make clear differentiation of individual breakdown products of toxins and similar epitopes. For example, it is clinically important to see if ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B and ochratoxin ester levels are. I don’t see anyone’s urine test doing that. Without a monoclonal antibody, we can’t really say what the urine test is telling us except that something is triggering an antibody. Does that mean the person is ill? Not ill? Exposed? Not exposed?” - Dr. Shoemaker
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Question 2: Can you tell me any more about what criteria are used to determine when a patient can stop taking cholestyramine?
Answer: Continue taking CSM until VCS testing is normal. Without knowing the details on the labs in your case, it is impossible to tell you how long it will take to clear.
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Question 3: I have major depression. Can you tell whether it is inflammation or depressant episode?
Answer: NeuroQuant will help very quickly sort out if this is a mold problem versus an inflammatory problem. Similarly, having lab tests done including C4a, MMP-9, VEGF and TGF beta-1 can quickly show you if you inflammatory problems. Often times correction of inflammation must occur before adequate response to anti-depressants begins. Frequently seen as well is resolution of so-called depression when the inflammatory changes are fixed.
Once you have a NeuroQuant test completed, an online NeuroQuant Analysis available on the Surviving Mold site can analyze it for CIRS and “mold” points, Lyme points, possible injury and atrophy.
