Some peace while putting the pieces together

I am creating this at the new coffee shop in town. The owner and I just talked about a concept we're calling a "bright ripple". The bright ripple starts with one, builds to two, and keeps growing. It's positive action growing exponentially until it creates a tsunami of bright beauty and chases off the dark. Everyone get your boards and surf the ripple!

Friday, July 10, 2015

Communications With Dr. Amin

The recently aired “Diagnose Me” (found at: http://www.amazon.com/Covered-in-Bugs/dp/B00ZIGACS6 ) episode prompted me to once again communicate with Dr. Omar Amin; in it, Dr. Amin is portrayed as having diagnosed me with mercury toxicity. I wrote him to see if I could get clarification of his understanding of Morgellons Disease in relation to mercury exposure.  I’d like to share what I wrote and the response…but first, let’s go back seven years.

I had recovered from Morgellons Disease symptoms and had moved on. One day within the first year of recovery, I reviewed Kellett’s 1935 article titled “Sir Thomas Browne and the Disease Called The Morgellons” (http://penelope.uchicago.edu/letter/kellett.html). I recognized patterns in historic cases of Morgellons Disease (my background in research is as an archaeologist) which suggested mercury exposure. I took an entire summer to research these patterns primarily by sifting through medical libraries in London and archival collections in Montpellier, France. I wrote up my findings and it was accepted for publication in Explore! a peer-reviewed medical journal for professionals. https://www.academia.edu/1645874/Patterns_in_Early_Morgellons_Disease_Considered_as_Effects_of_Mercury_Exposure

In response to my request to share his thoughts on my published research Dr. Amin responded with,

                                                                                                Oct 22, 2008
“Joe
…your and my writings conflict if you believe that  ‘early cases cannot be connected to dental adhesives.’ Your subsequent statement is highly speculative and not supported by facts or my research. Compatibility findings are the only test for the effect of specific toxins (including drugs), on the expression of symptoms, neurological or other. I am glad that you managed to publish the results of your library research, which I supported. This, however, is a far cry from having done the actual work with hundreds of patients over many years of testing. Your ‘theory’ is only as good as the facts that back it up. Well, you asked for my thoughts.”
Dr. Omar M. Amin, Director, Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI)

Of course, the early cases most certainly weren’t connected to dental adhesives; they did not exist in these historic time frames.  As for my theory of Morgellons Disease being a form of mercury poisoning, the number of people represented from approximately 1550- 1776 over the Languedoc area of France would far exceed the number of patients Dr. Amin has worked with- I think the patterns I discovered merits the full attention of the medical world.

Let’s flash back to the present. After watching the Discovery/ Life show related to my recovery (partial fact/ partial fiction), I decided to contact Dr. Amin to get a better understanding of his take on the role of mercury in developing Morgellons Disease symptoms.  Anyhow, I figured I should write and, assuming Dr. Amin now sees these symptoms as connected to mercury, suggest in a kind fashion he simply point sufferers  in the direction of someone who specializes in mercury detox.

Here is my letter-
                                                                                                                June 16th, 2015
Dear Dr. Amin,
I hope this note finds you well. I had mixed feeling about the final version of the Discovery/ Life Channel's version of my story/ recovery from MD symptoms and wanted to ask about your current understanding. Do you presently understand MD as a form of mercury toxicity? If so, do you have any publications reflecting on this?

As you well know, my research certainly has been directed toward bridging our understanding of MD and mercury; many people with this understanding have asked me for direction. Dr. Chris Shade and his associates at Quicksilver Scientific (https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/ ) have the best understanding of mercurial speciation and internal migration, so I have been directing sufferers in their direction.

Please know I have the greatest of respect for you as a parasitologist, but feel mercury toxicity is complex and should be handled with the greatest of care by those who specialize in it. I hope this makes sense to you.

Sincerely,
Joe Keleher


His response on the same day was-

“Hello Joseph. Thanks for writing and for your kind words. Glad to know that the "thing" aired because we tried to find it everywhere but failed. So I have no idea what transpired. Do you have an account of this program that you can share with us?

I share your opinions re MD and Mercury. However, my research and the examination of over 1000 patients over about 10 years have demonstrated that Morgellons/NCS is basically an allergic reaction to chemical toxins, mostly dental but not exclusively so. Mercury is only one part of the total slue of dental chemical. Yes, I have many publications on the subject but not exclusively on mercury. Please find these if you click on "publications) on our web site and down load to your heart's desire. With best regards.
Omar”

Dr. Omar M. Amin, Director
Parasitology Center (PCI) and Institute of Parasitic Diseases (IPD)

My reason for sharing these communications are several. First, I would certainly like to thank Dr. Amin for his assistance in the recovery of some who have/had symptoms from the Morgellons Disease Spectrum. He is a very well respected Parasitologist and his work showed- 1) these symptoms are not due to a parasitic infestation and 2) patients may need to have dental work remediated. He should pass his findings on to those who qualify to assist sufferers in detoxification.

Dr. Amin does not qualify to act as a toxicologist. I wish he would write a short piece for the lay audience to assure them that symptoms are not parasitic in nature, but relate to toxicity (he could provide a list of names and contact information for qualified medical professionals). My opinion is he should not be making money off from other people’s suffering.


My clearest reason for writing this piece and sharing my communications with Dr. Amin are to assure sufferers- I DO NOT RECOMMEND VISITING DR. AMIN (sorry about the caps, but I want this to be very clear). Over the years it has been a continual frustration that somehow people think Dr. Amin and I have worked together and are on the same page. Again I thank him for helping me in finding my way along a dangerous health path, but think it is time for him to pass patients on to those who qualify for such work.

I hope to see more and more people recover. 

To Your Health,
Joe

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The 6 Month or Less Super-Detox


This may be the most effective, safe and least costly approach to detoxification-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF_VeTERa1M

So simply taking Niacin (work way up to 5000 mg), exercise and sauna will take most of the toxins out of your body. Building up to high levels of niacin should happen at your own pace (it is uncomfortable at higher doses), though I recommend taking it in step (possibly 1000 mg added each month, though some build up to 5000 quicker).  If you take 1000 mg step each month, you will be to 5000 at the end of the fifth and keep at 5000 mg for all of the sixth month.

Saunas are available in a variety of prices and qualities. While I know most recommend a far infrared sauna, I have a Swedish sauna (I like the heat!). Ramona from the Healing Grapevine is a great source for information on sauna use and detoxification- http://www.healinggrapevine.com/health-solutions/far-infrared/far-infrared-sauna.html

In my last communication from Dr. Chris Shade, he shared, “DIM is a necessity for fixing recalcitrant problem conditions like MD”. Quick Silver Scientific now has a direct to consumer website at: https://www.purxpressions.com/

A glutathione supplement such as Readysorb (need a medical referral) or Zeo Gold (can be purchased online) is helpful in chelating metals. I am also taking ASEA Water as many mercury toxic individuals find it very beneficial (and it is said to increase effectiveness of glutathione greatly!)

Set time for prayer/ meditation/ yoga or what have you to calm yourself in body, mind and spirit. Quieting the monkeys in our brains can ease the effects of daily stressors and enhance biochemistry.


To Sum it All Up-

-          Follow the niacin, exercise (30 minutes), sauna (40 minutes) protocol
-          If you have MD, consider DIM use
-          Take a glutathione supplement daily
-          Take ASEA Water twice daily
-          Meditate


Friday, June 12, 2015

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

PLEASE SHARE!!

I know total caps is obnoxious as it represents shouting. Normally, I don't shout, but this time I will. Here is a clip of the Discovery/ Life show directed towards my suffering, symptoms and recovery which will first air on Friday, June 12th at 10 pm. PLEASE SHARE!!

Joe on "Diagnose Me"- Friday, June 12th, 10 pm on Discovery/ Life Channel

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

The Big News!


I just finished an interview with Tom Yoder of KSJD (http://ksjd.org/ ). I was able to share about my recovery from Morgellons Disease and Discovery/ Life's airing of "Diagnose Me" on June 12th at 10 pm. KSJD will air my interview on June 12th from 8:30- 9:00 am (and it will be on their website after that). Anyhow, this was a good chance to share. Let others know, if you would please!

Friday, May 29, 2015

Time to Shake Things Up!

Every time I hear this song, I think of the Morgellons Disease crowd and decided right now is the perfect time to share it. Stay tuned! and

KEEP UP THE FIGHT!




Fight Song


Saturday, April 11, 2015

My Current Approach to Keeping Healthy

It has been a great day of jogging, hiking, yard sale hopping, visiting the local home and garden show, and even working on my tree house (BIG construction). Anyhow, I am feeling pretty healthy and thought it'd be a good time to share what I am currently doing to keeping my body, mind and spirit in balance. I'll try to go through a typical day of health related activities.

I usually am up at 5 am (I like to go for a short jog before going to work). I take a teaspoon of Readisorb (liposomal glutathione), drink 2 oz of ASEA water (online reviews mixed, but mercury-toxic groups rave about it), have two glasses of regular water. I go for my jog and have another glass of plain water and then one with a tablespoon of Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

I do take supplements which are a combination of those recommended in Dr. Mark Hyman's heavy metal detox approach- http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/19/how-to-rid-your-body-of-mercury-and-other-heavy-metals-a-3-step-plan-to-recover-your-health/#close and specific for me based on genetics (23andme then livewello and finally nutrahacker- total cost around $170 for information -http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/).

I work. My days are stressful, but I have learned to calm myself and take some deep breaths along the way (five deep ones in a row does the trick) . I make certain to leave my work place and all the related challenges  away from home.

I drink 2 more oz of ASEA water and usually go for a walk around town in the evening. I do sauna twice each week (usually Saturdays and Wednesdays) and pray/ meditate every evening. I do drink another glass of water with organic vinegar before bed and try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

In looking back through the various protocols (Dr. Amin's, Dr. Shelton's, Alison Adam's, Dr. Hyman's, Dr. Shade's and such) through the eight years since I recovered from Morgellons Disease, I find my present approach to feel simple. I think the Functional Medicine approach is best and do believe a body functioning properly will give us the best of health.


Friday, April 3, 2015

More Music Please!


I have been blessed. I have been very lucky. I recovered from Morgellons Disease eight years ago and have since tried to bring sensibility to the general public and assistance to those still suffering (my thoughts and research are found at: http://www.jwkeleher.com/, http://morgellonsjoe.blogspot.com/, https://smge.academia.edu/JosephKeleher, and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph_Keleher). It feels like a battle- one not easily fought.

Over the past couple of days, the tension between both sides of Morgellons Disease controversy has been rekindled. Why? Joni Mitchell’s hospitalization and her long-term battle with Morgellons Disease have fueled the ongoing debate- is Morgellons Disease real or just in the heads of those suffering? In thinking about writing on this topic, I decided the best approach might be a truce- a kind of safe meeting between the sides of this battle with the chance to consider a couple of pieces of this puzzle  found on pubmed.gov.

In 2009, Morgellons Research Foundation published a clinical study meant to create a “…formal characterization of MD from detailed examination of all body systems” ( Harvey et. al. 2009). They created a lengthy list of common systemic symptoms, notably, “All blood pressures were low and all resting pulses were high,” suggesting this condition is physiologic, potentially easily diagnosed, and not created in the heads of self-defined sufferers.  Among the study group were high rates of miscarriages and endocrine disorders. The study concludes, “…the consistent abnormal findings in the data above may be used to improve clinical diagnosis and possibly initial treatment in current patients.” In short, Morgellons Disease appears to be systemic and much more than the symptoms of fibers, crawling sensations and skin lesions.

The 2012 study performed by the Kaiser Foundation for the CDC (Pearson et. al. 2012) while concluding “No common underlying medical condition or infectious source was identified, similar to more commonly recognized conditions such as delusional infestation,“ suggests sufferers are dealing with a condition to be placed in mental illness . Some highlights include; “Over 75% of our cases reported onset of their symptoms during or after 2002, but the epidemiologic importance of this is unclear as it also corresponds to the time when Internet postings related to this condition began to surface” (suggests MD is internet meme),  “A substantial proportion (40%) of biopsied lesions had histopathologic features compatible with the sequelae of chronic rubbing or excoriation” (suggests lesions are self-created), and “The fibers and materials collected from case-patients' skin were largely consistent with skin fragments or materials such as cotton and were either entrapped in purulent crust or scabs, suggesting the materials were from environmental sources (e.g., clothing) or possibly artifacts introduced at the time of specimen collection and processing” (suggests fibers are meaningless). Many of those in the Morgellons Disease community had hoped for light and found themselves in an even darker place.

Currently, a search of “Morgellons Disease” on pubmed.gov lists fifty articles (accessed 4/3/2015). Half of these peer-reviewed articles present Morgellons Disease as a delusional condition (the majority of these are found in dermatology related periodicals), seven discuss MD as real, and the remainder appear as inconclusive. I invite readers to further explore what appears to be opposite conclusions in peer-reviewed medical research.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Joni Mitchell and all of those still suffering.


Sources:

Harvey, William T et al. “Morgellons Disease, Illuminating an Undefined Illness: A Case Series.” Journal of Medical Case Reports 3 (2009): 8243. PMC. Web. 3 Apr. 2015.


Pearson, Michele L. et al. “Clinical, Epidemiologic, Histopathologic and Molecular Features of an Unexplained Dermopathy.” Ed. Christophe Egles. PLoS ONE 7.1 (2012): e29908. PMC. Web. 3 Apr. 2015.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Music For the Morgellons Crowd


It has been a long time since I've added any words here. I've got a feeling some big news will happen in the Morgellons world soon. I've thought for some time Morgellons Disease sufferers could use a top ten list of good music for the soul (Thank you Cammie-out-in-Cyberland! We've now got ten tunes to help in the healing!) I hope this music can carry you away. If you have others to add to our list, please do!

Health and Peace to you,
Joe