Thanks Lara & MrsD for your concern.

I did get copper done, along with zinc, (but not zinc/copper ratio) - I asked my GP for the Zinc test but she refused to order it giving me the excuse that she thought it was a test she wasn't authorized to order. I think we both knew that wasn't the case but I didn't push it. She was probably somewhat embarrassed because she was the one who had prescribed the zinc, was supposed to be monitoring me and didn't know it could be toxic until I told her! We had actually twice reviewed my continuing the zinc during the 2.5 yrs and not once did she suggest stopping it. Her knowledge of Addison's is minimal and I'm guessing she thought my depleted immune system needed it.

I had the tests done privately (yet again!), but unfortunately not until 5 days after stopping the zinc as I was pretty unwell and not thinking too clearly. Both tests came back within the normal range. I don't know if the 5 day wait was too long and the levels had stabilized and therefore any excess or deficiency was corrected. So I really only have the symptoms (and subsequent improvements) to go by.

I spoke to the pharmacist about it and she only had even a vague knowledge of possible toxicity but did agree that the warnings on both the labeling and the data safety sheet on medsafe (NZ Govt. drug info website) were inadequate. That's the complaint route I'm going down to follow up. Unfortunately without supporting clinical evidence (ie: lab results) filing an Adverse Events report would be a wasted effort.

MrsD - I still intend to supplement with B12 to get my numbers back up to your recommended levels but I'm doing the "change 1 thing at a time and observe" routine. I also have another big change I need to make within the next few months - stopping HRT (tapering). What would you recommend the minimum time I would need between starting B12 and then reducing HRT? - I really need to do this over our winter - summer is too hot (ie next few months) Many thanks for any suggestions.