"House-Cleaning", Writing and Hoping

It is Saturday morning. Typically, I do clean my house. The "house-cleaning" I'd like to mention though relates to this blog. I've been getting post related to Morgellons cures and such. I've just been deleting as I see them posted. I apologize if any of you have encountered these on my blog. I'll be better about keeping the "snake oil" salespeople beyond our reach (is there such a thing as a cyber-pit bull to help protect this little blog?)

I continue to write as the muse directs me. I've been working on a non-fiction piece related to Morgellons. While I have a number of the Morgellons crowd writing/sharing their stories, I would like to open the chance up to write an account of your story. Submissions should be under 1500 words and your best attempt to "Show the World" what you've gone through. Send them to me on my main website: jwkeleher.com before June 1st, 2012. I will contact those selected to be included in this publication.

I'm once again trying to find work. My present setting has had numerous challenges and has left me drained in many ways (financially, emotionally, and...well, you name it!) Anyhow, the real estate market here is good at the moment...and for that I am very thankful. I'm hopeful of making a quick sale and getting "the heck out of Dodge". As always, you take the good and leave the bad behind. Good thoughts and prayers are what I'm hoping from the readers of Morgellons Joe. A new job and setting would boost my spirit considerably! Thanks, Joe

Putting the Pieces Together

Well, I'm back in my house. I've been trying my best to get on track with detox again...I fell away some with all the stress of coming back to US from overseas (health, family, work...or non-work, etc.). I am finding my sleep, exercise, and other pieces of daily routine to fall better into place.

I am returning to chelation agents suggested by Dr. Bruce Shelton (phospholipid exchange being key). I know they helped matters considerably although are somewhat expensive. I think chelating metals out of hiding is key to improvement (though it takes time).

I also have been hitting the sauna again. This is especially nice on the cold evenings. I will try to include this twice each week from now on.

I do keep exercise as a focus as well. I have started running again. This morning I think I may have jogged 4 miles or so. It is slow going, but, as my cross country couch used to say, I'll get distance down and then work on speed.

When it is considerably colder and the weather turns nasty, I will make use of my rebounder. a half hour of bouncing in the morning makes my day much better!

Anyhow, all is well (considering I do not have any solid employment). Happy trails, Joe

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 5- New Habits to Build into Healthier Living

Remember when I said I think of us as bouncing blobs of water? Of course, we are much more. We are body and mind but also spirit. So, in considering new habits to maintain and boost health, let's consider each of the three pieces which make us who we are.

Body- The body is a complex machine. It really is amazing when you ponder all it does constantly to keep us bouncing along. Key considerations in habit building (or you could say discipline) are: exercise, food intake, water intake, air intake and other. For exercise consider both internal and external exercise. Western approaches to exercise often focus on muscle building without consideration for all of the other systems the body benefits from proper functioning of including but not limited to the circulatory, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Given all my recent health challenges, I believe the endocrine system is hit especially hard by the toxicity issues related to Morgellons. I vary my exercise though I make walking an hour each day a minimal approach. I like to jog, swim (though I'm not so good at it), climbing (when I can), hiking, yoga, and now...have a growing interest in internal exercise as understood in association with Chinese health practices. We each have our likes and dislikes, but I would highly recommend something to work out your insides (yoga, tai chi, Chinese internal exercise, etc) and something to work out more externally. Find what works for you and fit it into your schedule.

Mind- It is kinda teacher-ese to be saying I think working out the mind is a necessary part of every day...but it is what I believe. For myself my minimal approach for some time has been one hour of writing and one hour of reading (though my writing sometimes expands greatly). I also enjoy tinkering such as building or renovation projects (I've been playing with the idea of getting into tree house building...but at present have no tree to build upon). I am a tactile learner and really enjoy learning combined with hand work. Again, it comes down to what works for you. Figure it out and do it!

Spirit- Sometimes we need to be reminded, a balanced and wholesome approach to your spirituality assist the body and mind as well. When I finally have a home again (which I am hoping happens sooner than later...the backpack life is getting old), I plan to invest in one of those fancy, heavy serious meditation pillows (you know what I'm talking about...they weigh a ton, are usually round and are comfortable to sit on). I want to build meditation along with prayer into my daily schedule. As a Quaker, I enjoy having weekly access to a Meeting and hope for this wherever I next land employment. Your own spiritual/religious life should be built upon those things which feed your soul and lend themselves to building yourself in spirit.

Building habits and discipline into your life will assist in recovery. Think body, mind and spirit. Think what you enjoy and what works for you. Think wellness and balance and all things good. Happy healing, Joe

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 3- Your Home

I have several entries already related to this post. I spent a large part of last school year on a sub list, as I cleaned out toxins from my house in Wellsboro, PA (a pre and post article appears in the archives of Natural Home magazine- go to http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/ and search for "Pennsylvania Pick Me Up"). Assuming you have taken care of removing/ managing toxins in your home, I recommend several other steps in making your home effective in assisting in reclaiming your internal environment; these include utilizing feng shui, creating a sacred space and making detox related tools accessible without being overwhelming. While I am not currently living in my home (in fact I have been living out of my backpack for almost 6 months now), I will share what I learned living in my home last year.

I've had some ongoing interest in feng shui. While I don't believe in all aspects of it, I do think the general philosophy of creating a space of health and good energy makes sense. Simple things like room color make a difference. Getting rid of clutter is a "no brainer". I feel best in a clean, crisp, comfortable atmosphere (you'll get a sense if you look at my home in the NHM articles). Take care of these matters and keep your space healthy. It'll help.

I think a sacred space for prayer and meditation is helpful. I have a labyrinth in my backyard to walk through and quiet my mind (it is found in one of my early entries). I also consider my hammock essential; it is where I go when I need to relax my body and mind. Sacred space is a personal creation based on beliefs, needs and desires. Create what works for you. It can be as simple as a seat or pillow in the corner or as elaborate as your own backyard church. Create what you can and keep it sacred. God knows you need this space!

Some of my tools for recovery include: hand massager, yoga equipment, jogging gear, climbing gear, and a sauna. I try to keep materials handy without getting in the way (although the sauna does take up part of the dining room). Keep it accessible, neat and logical- everything has a proper place.

Your home should be a calm setting. I realize this may be easier said than done. Understanding the framework you are living in and working with it will make a difference. Good luck, Joe

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 1

As I sit and think about the steps one could take in reclaiming their internal environment, many avenues come to mind. I suspect some ways are better than others depending on our individuality and specific toxicity issues. Baseline testing through various companies could be an effective way of measuring progress, though I know financing such a venture may be less than ideal for those on a tight budget.Keeping blanket goals for anyone seeking a cleaner internal environment, budgetary concerns and approaches I found to have "the most bang for the money", I will present six parts on the reclaiming process. My suggestions are by no means all inclusive and are certainly open to improvements; still here's the break down in topics for my sharing.

Part 1- Introduction
Part 2- Opening Detox Channels
Part 3- Your Home
Part 4- Specifics Related to Dental Toxicity
Part 5- New Habits to Build into Healthier Living
Part 6- The Progress, Challenges and Stumbles

As always, I suggest those suffering from toxicity (and let's face it...who isn't)bring a medical professional into the picture to share before implementing any health related plans. Your suggestions are very welcome at any point along the way. Let's hope for happy trails, Joe

Wilson's Syndrome

I had planned on beginning a series titled "Reclaiming Your Internal Environment". but have something else to share first. I have figured out what I have been suffering from for 5 months. The symptoms fit and the self testing justifies the diagnosis, I have a condition called Wilson's Syndrome and it relates to the thyroid.

My symptoms were extensive but primarily include: exhaustion, racing heart, spaciness (brain fog), loss of memory, lack of concentration, tingling in limbs, and an overall feeling of just not being well. There are other symptoms but those are the major. Several days ago, an internet search brought up thyroid problems as a possible cause. I search through some medical books at my mother's place and look up hypothyroidism. At the end of the entry all my symptoms were listed...along with a self-test. The test is simple. You take your temperature three times each day (for women do not test near your period...it effects results) for several days (3 to 5). Average each day and then average your overall temperature. If your body temp averages below F 97.8, you have Wilson's Syndrome.

I mentioned this to Trisha Springstead, RN and Morgellons hero (she has helped a ton of people), she said she thought the overall condition related to the endocrine system. I think she is right.

I highly recommend doing a self test for this Syndrome. I suspect it somehow relates to Morgellons. It is not a condition you want to have for an extended period undiagnosed. You can also find much information at:http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/ .

I am very happy to have figured this out. I have been to a total of four doctors here in the US...none of them even mentioned the possibility of my suffering connecting to the thyroid. It amazes me what we have to figure out for ourselves. Morgies, please let me know if you find Wilson's Syndrome is part of your health issues...the more we figure out the patterns, the more we help our tribe.

Diet and Methylation Speculation

It has now been four months since my return from Africa. I still am not feeling 100% well (although okay at times). I've met with four separate doctors. I've been tested for liver problems, kidney problems, adrenal problems, HIV ...and wait for results of parasite testing and other. I am sick and tried of being sick and tired, as the saying goes.

While I don't like to think about it, I have a family history of cancer. I now wonder if it is what really needs to be considered. My immune system was taxed greatly while overseas and it might have put me out of balance. So, in considering cancer, I looked at ways to beat cancer without chemotherapy. One way is diet; changing our internal environment from acidic to alkaline.

I wondered about the possible relationship between diet and Morgellons symptoms. If the Barrier Theory is correct, could an acidic environment add to mercury changing from inorganic to organic species? It ends up it could. There is a process in acidic bodies of water called methylation. I'm speculating methylation would alter inorganic mercury to methylmercury. Of course I'm not entirely certain of how all of methylation occurs or the byproducts, but it is worth considering.

There are a ton of books and online resources related to PH balanced diets. I know I need to be better at getting my internal environment less acidic. I think for those of us fighting off toxins, parasites, and other imbalances, alkaline promotion makes sense.

Dave Wilcox- Show the Way

I hope this link works. I sometimes get fuzzy brained when trying to do cyber- activities. Anyhow, the lyrics say it all.


http://youtu.be/cy0LBGTYyfg

Comparing Tribes: HIV/AIDS and Morgellons Part 1

If you follow my blog, then you know I've spent much of this school year in Africa and returned to the US after becoming ill. I've struggled through some bad symptoms which seem to come in waves.

Two weeks ago I remembered an incident which took place in Arusha, Tanzania. I had purchased a hair trimmer from a street vendor and, after finding it didn't work, went back to get my money returned. I got angry and started shouting at the man and, as seems to be common in Africa, a crowd circled around. One of the men told me he would get me to a barber (though it sounds strange, I believe he had "bewitched" or hypnotized me. I cannot remember has face...only his hand gestures and voice). I ended up at the local market which is as dirty a setting as you can imagine. Knowing one in six is estimated as infected with HIV in Tanzania (which is actually lower than much of Africa), I would never have freely chosen to go to such a setting where blood could easily be transferred.

Anyhow, the memory of this incident flooded my mind as my health recently worsened and had symptoms characteristic of HIV. Once again, I felt I would have to confront a condition considered incurable. I set up a date to get tested and assumed the worst. I won't leave you hanging. I was tested yesterday and, thank God, I do not have HIV!

One of the HIV/Aids online support groups uses "Welcome to the Tribe" as their motto. I like the idea of a tribe. It is a comfort to those suffering, I am certain. A Morgellons tribe needs to form. In my next entry, I plan to compare the tribes; I think we could learn much from understanding each other.

Exercise Shift

My recent concerns of adrenal exhaustion are causing me to shift my exercise focus. I had plans to continue jogging and even motivate myself towards running some 5ks or such. I tend to overdo and push myself even when I feel beat. I need to change my thinking towards physical activity.

My understanding of the adrenal glands is they kick in as you kick in. Dr. Larry Wilson on educate-yourself.org cautions on the role of exercise in those suffering from burnout, "Vigorous exercise can be attractive to those in burnout. Exercise temporarily makes them feel better. While it may provide a boost, in the long run vigorous exercise further exhausts their bodies. People in burnout need to reduce exercise, often to a minimum in order to conserve their energy and allow the adrenals to rebuild. Exercise requires energy and adrenal reserves that people in burnout do not have".

Wilson's explanation of appropriate exercise is brief, "Gentle walking is beneficial. Vigorous exercise depletes the adrenals. Deep breathing and stretching, yoga or Tai chi do not deplete the body. Exercise to relax rather than build muscle".

I plan to expand on and rebuild my yoga routine. The importance of rebuilding the adrenals and opening to detox make it especially appropriate. As with so many pieces of the Morgellons puzzle, patience and routine have their rewards.

The Power to Forgive

I know I have said it before, but I'll say it again. I think we are on the verge of understanding Morgellons for what it truly is. I know that ever day without answers to those suffering can feel like an eternity. Let's consider answers are near at hand. What can we expect?

If we suddenly are given the absolute answer of what Morgellons is about, the first shift would be one away from understanding cause and towards designing a best and most affordable route to health for sufferers. This needs to happen quickly and sensibly.

If the issue is found to be toxicity, I suggest sufferers make health and not anger priority number one. I am not suggesting anger isn't justified. What I am suggesting is anger will not help in healing. Everybody deserves to heal.

If the cause is found to be mercury, as I believe, can we approach the future as a challenge? Can we forgive the doctors, researchers, dentist and others for questioning, labeling, and degrading? It would be an enormous challenge for Morgellons sufferers as a whole, but also as individuals.

I know there is a power in forgiving. There is also a power in asking to be forgiven. I believe peace can be found. Whatever your beliefs, bring forgiving into the formula towards wellness.

Toxic Stray or Finding Balance

Last night I had four beers. I hadn't meant to. I was handed one on the bus ride back from Moshi. The ride from Moshi to Arusha takes about an hour and a half, so I got a second beer from the school stocked cooler. Two beers was plenty, but when I sat down to visit some friends and was offered another...I felt obligated. Finally, getting home my landlord was waiting for me...of course he really wanted to go out for a beer. Anyhow, I had four beers and four beers was plenty.

This morning I am dragging. I do not drink often. I'd say I average once every other week or less. It is something I can live with or without. My family history of alcoholism is always at the front of my mind. I don't like to feel off balance.

Spiritually, I envision a path going directly to the light. When I'm off balance, I am straying from the path. Sometimes it is my ego, sometimes it is a need not getting met, sometimes it is too much food, sometimes it is too much to drink, I make bad choices--what is key is it puts me off balance.

I am starting to understand toxins this way. A toxin is something which puts our life off balance. It is possible to have life off balance physically, spiritually, or mentally. Bringing our life into balance and keeping it there, is our challenge. I am trying.

Sometimes it takes sitting in quiet to find clarity. I will take some quiet this weekend. I will focus on balance and build upon what I know.