The contamination/adulteration problem seems to be especially bad with imported ingredients, i.e. from China (and supplement sellers often don't say where their ingredients come from or have any control over their formulation). Here's a summary of some recent cases (and recalls) where supplements were found to be adulterated with prescription drugs. What typically happens is that people get sick, and only then are the products tested and the adulteration discovered.

I seem to remember reading about the increased level of selenium in the soil in a part of Colorado I used to live was thought to be partially responsible for a reduced stroke rate as people there ingested it in their water/ food. That being said, silver just might be picked up if you applied a large enough quantity in the soil. But that might adversely effect the microbes. Not to state the obvious- the expense of trying the experiment.

The issue as I perceive it, is that the this skin condition has yet to be successfully treated. I would expect the doc to refer out to the next level of specialist if he has yet to successfully clear up the condition or often a patient out of desperation gets fed up, stops looking for treatment or hopefully seeks out a specialist who has greater experience or education. I'm concerned S. may have gotten caught in this. I want her to be proactive for herself and continue to seek out answers. With a condition that is so challenging, docs doing lots of research (medical schools) or infectious disease docs often see very challenging issues are likely going to be the best to identify what is going on. Dermatologists though good, do not necessarily have the exposure to very challenging issues. I don't want S to get frustrated and stop seeking treatment. I am hoping to get her seeking the very, most successful medical help possible. I believe she can call the offices to explain her issue to see if the offices feel prepared to treat. If so, she can go back to Derm doc and ask for a referral to a particular office. Patient's often don't know where to begin and don't know the next steps to get the help needed. Not all specialists see all the very challenging conditions out there but don't necessarily want to say " I'm stumped". That's why a patient needs to be highly proactive for themselves and it is amazing that when a patient needs help and seeks it out from top docs, the pathways can be made smooth for the patient to get the help needed. I want S to push forward to get the help she needs, even if she needs to be pushy. I want her to fight for herself as we all should. That's not an attack.

Well they took there sweet time getting out to my house to look at the damage....a week to be exact! Every time I looked out there I got mad, just wanted to cut it all back but had to leave some of the damage so they could see it. I let them know that chlorine gas is no longer permitted on the property! And they agreed to pay for the cost of replacing everything. The manager told me to give him a call and let him know how much it will cost. I explained to him that I grew all these flowers and the gourd vine, and spanish flag by seed and that they are annuals. Also, that with the weather heating up now I will not replant annuals as they will most likely not survive. Anyhow, we'll see if they give me hard time when I call them to give them a number ($) He told me that they also had another employee just kill someones prize geraniums by dumping salt into the flower bed, then he said "I'm learning alot of gardening tips by putting out the fires" Geez! Salt?! Thanks for your advice, Z.