KSJD Radio Interview on Morgellons Disease

KSJD aired Tom Yoder interviewing me on Morgellons Disease. The Discovery/ Life show will air my story of suffering and recovering tonight at 10 pm on "Diagnose Me" -

http://ksjd.org/post/nightmare-living-morgellons-disease

Health- Sometimes Expensive, Sometimes Free

Though it’s a bit jumbled and emotionally-ridden, I wanted to share some thoughts on today’s health system. I know most everyone fighting Morgellons has some serious war stories...but also tear-jerkin' tender moments. 

The medical world is pretty frustrating. It seems the approach to “quality research” makes the professionals appear as Jane Goodall knockoffs studying the lifestyle of sloths. Come on, folks! Let’s move it! On cancer. On diabetes. On Morgellons!

When I returned to Cortez, CO not quite two years ago, I was saddened to hear my Primary Care Physician had died from a brain tumor. He was caring, sincere and willing to listen- all good characteristics. I’ve since found a replacement, but made him alert to my slant towards Functional Medicine.

I have for several years been promoting Functional Medicine though written and spoken words. I decided, if I could afford it, I should make an appointment with a nearby Practitioner who specializes in neurology and see if it was beneficial.  The phone receptionist told me my initial visit would be two hours long and cost me $720 out of pocket (they can’t take insurance…of course).

So, what is my point in sharing this? I question the need to make health assistance so expensive. Yes, medical professionals should make something for their knowledge, schooling, and experience, but when it becomes inaccessible to the general public because of cost, something is wrong.

Occasionally, those who are promoting health come through with a very good idea….and this one’s FREE! A detox summit will be offered online and should be very worthwhile. Here’s the link to check it out- http://thedetoxsummit.com/ I’m  impressed with the speaker line up. I did sign up as a Detox Summit Affiliate, primarily to promote the free content. 

Happy health! Joe

Healing From Morgellons- My Present Take

I’ve been getting a number of sufferers asking how to get started and what to do to get on the path of recovery. There are plenty of possibilities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the various protocols out there. The list I provide below is another. Since you’ve found your way to this blog, you’ve likely heard my theory on cause of symptoms (mercury in part or in whole) and my take on common ground of those recovering (a Toxins Out, Nutrients In approach). Here’s my list:

1)      Forgive/Love Yourself- I know this is easier said than done. Emotional luggage takes us places we do not need to continually revisit…and it adversely changes biochemistry. We need to take this beast by the throat, throttle it and throw it over the cliff! Just say NO to negative thinking!

2)      Eat Right- Eat organic raw and wholesome foods. High amounts of greens do the body good. Juicing is an excellent way to increase the nutrients getting to us at the cellular level (I started with a $5 thrift store juicer. Get to your local farmers market and ask for reduced/ dented/ ugly vegetables and fruit at reduced price. Juicing doesn’t need to be expensive).

3)      Supplement Detoxing- While there are plenty of supplements out there, I am currently taking only a handful. I have been trying my best to reclaim my endocrine/ hormonal system, in part, by taking iodine (thyroid) and a testosterone booster. I am also taking Readysorb, a glutathione supplement, to increase the exit of mercury. I take chlorella at each meal- ten tablets per meal (Dr. Chris Shade recommends 50- 70 tablets per day) to pull inorganic mercury out of the lower intestines and colon. A high quality daily mineral/ vitamin is important.

4)      Exercise- Exercise can take many forms. The important key concepts for it to be successful are to: A) Be consistent and B) Do not overdo it. Overshadowing these concepts is to focus on making it fun! If you don’t enjoy it, you are not likely to make it part of your daily routine. There are a million and one ways to exercise- find what works for you!

5)      Daily Quiet Time- Make time to relax, meditate, pray, do yoga, walk in nature, or just swing in a hammock. Your system needs to have these breaks. Turn off the TV, turn on the silence. This will benefit you greatly! Again, it has much to do with biochemistry.

6)      Work Toward Happiness- I recently watched a TED talk where the speaker (sorry… I can’t remember her name) studied happiness and concluded happy people do three things- have an attitude of gratitude, avoid being perfectionist, and love fully without concern of potentially being hurt. I’ve been giving it a try and finding it very useful!

7)      Share- Keep a journal of your recovery. Let other know what you’ve gone through and what you find helpful. Start your own blog (why not!?). Begin a TONI (Toxins Out, Nutrients In) group for your community. Do presentations and be brave with sharing. The time for silence is over! Speak up and be heard!

I hope this is helpful. I’m not a medical pro and don’t have plans to ever be one. If you are a medical pro and understand Morgellons, PLEASE SPEAK UP! The general public, sufferers, and other medical pros needs to hear from you. Help the healing happen instead of floating along allowing the delusion of this condition being delusional continue.

I, like many of those volunteering time toward helping sufferers, have not been talking much lately; we’re all feeling a little burnt out. Forgive me for not be more regular in my communications and understand I’m doing the best I can. We all want to see EVERYONE recover! You are NOT ALONE! Peace, Joe

Toxins Out, Nutrients In- That About Covers It!

The TONI group I have started at the Cortez, CO Recreation Center is taking off! The number attending more than quadrupled from the first meeting to the last! The participants actively share in communicating on health related topics. It is very exciting to see people taking charge of their health! If you should find yourself in Cortez, CO on the first Friday of the month, we meet from 5-6 pm in the Mesa Room at the Cortez Recreation Center. Join us!

The last meeting was directed towards heavy metal toxicity and related symptoms. The next meeting will focus on safe detoxification. Other topics have been suggested and I'm looking forward to seeing the group grow.

If you have an interest in starting a similar group, have at it! The more I listen, the more I learn...and, hey, isn't that what life is all about? I am happy to share on how I got started.  Free free to contact me through my website jwkeleher.com. The "Grassroots" approach may be the most productive. The world needs to know what you have to share! (apologies for all of the apostrophes!) 

Let Go and Let God

If you’ve read my account of recovery, you know I have a history of attending 12 step groups (ACOA). Some groups are better than others. A general piece of wisdom shared is to “Let Go and Let God”; this along with the entire program has application in all aspects of life.

Yesterday seemed to have been a landmark day for me. I’ve been thinking about my role in this condition, steps I’ve taken and the understanding of Morgellons. I’d like to make some remarks directed toward approaching Morgellons as a sufferer, my current situation, and then I’m going to “Let Go and Let God”.

First, it is unfair and cruel we have been labeled as delusional. We know enough about the physiology of this condition to know this is not simply a psychological phenomenon. The symptoms are systemic and include less spectacular (such as low body temperature, high resting heart rate, endocrine disorders, and many others) to more spectacular (of course the fibers and the crawling sensations). If you have followed my research and, like me, believe the foundation of this condition to be mercury as a neurotoxin, a blood test of glutathione levels should indicate whether the body is burdened by mercury (other tests may not be the best indicators). I do think it is easy to get overwhelmed by approaching this condition and hope the list below helps as a suggested outline of conquest.

1) In recovery setting up your defense before your offense is wise (to avoid other health issues down the path to wellness).
2) There are many suggested protocols out there. In general those which appear to succeed are directed toward reclaiming the internal terrain. The book I’ve recently recommended by Alison Adams has, I believe, the best thought out approach to detoxifying our insides (she also brings up the importance of body/mind connections and how thoughts play a part in recovery). Protocols recommended by Mr. Commonsense, Ramona at Healing Grapevine, Trish Springstead, RN at ESP Botanicals, Pam Crane (and all of her blog/radio guests), as well as myself have overlap and appear helpful. I also recommend the book The Tao of Detox as it gives some clarity on living with the toxins of today. Links for all of these sources are found in the upper right hand corner.
3) Consistency and patience are needed to recover. Tap into your spiritual side. Believe fully what you believe. Set your sight on recovery. Keep it simple and be good to yourself.
4) Know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Apologies for using the internet means of shouting, but it is so important. What you are going through is tough. Use the resources available to you. I am certain there are many sufferers who have little or no access to the internet (specifically the tribes in Africa with documented similar symptoms which, I believe may be down steam from historic mining with mercury used in extracting gold and silver in tailing piles getting into the water sources). No matter what our situation, there is always someone who has it worse.
5) Find peace as you pick up the pieces. Keep a quiet place for prayer and meditation. You deserve it!
6) Document what you go through. The more of us speaking, the more likely we will be heard (shades of Horton Hears a Who comes to mind). Start your own blog if you’d like or just keep a journal for yourself (it will help you understand how you progress). Let people know what you’re going through. Patterns emerge as we all know we have something to say.
7) Keep faith that real answers will come soon. There is enough research going on to establish the truth of this condition. Once the truth is known, I suspect there will be a landslide of medical researchers looking at this. Keep hopeful!

My current state of affair is less than perfect, but could be a whole lot worse. Going to Africa for work last year was extremely stressful and appears to have set off some endocrine related problems (I documented my body temperature falling as low as 91.8F) which appears now to be stabilizing at a closer to normal. I have had little income since my return. I am currently substitute teaching on an as need basis and renting out a room in my house to cover my basic costs. I continue to write and am waiting for word from my editor on my most recent novel (who knows maybe it’ll be a best seller?). I have started to see a mental health professional to deal with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and related family issues; it is helpful. I continue to exercise regularly, eat well, take supplements, and keep my eye on the pie of true health.

Yesterday as a turning point happened for several reasons…but I think it is long overdue. I wrote up a pitch for the Discovery Channel for a short series on the history of Morgellons symptoms, sent it off last month, and yesterday received a form letter rejection email (not quite the Xerox of a Xerox (my brother-in-law who works for Xerox keeps reminding me Xerox is not a verb) I often get from publishers, but damn close). Part of what prompted me to write the proposal was the recent History Channel piece suggesting Morgellons was an alien bacteria which had come down in a meteorite (and they call us crazy!?).

The other event which made me think it is time to let go, is I found my email blocked by someone who is well qualified to assess the Morgellons symptoms (especially in relation to toxicity). This condition can certainly make me feel a little spastic and I had overdone the “look at this” approach (actually, I take this recent state of mind as a good sign meaning toxins are being shaken out and released). Honestly, I don’t blame this person for rejecting my efforts; I needed to be reminded of “passing the buck” not happening as simply as sending off my research or associated pieces of the puzzle.

Speaking of research, I’ve done plenty. I was the first to document recovery of the major symptoms and felt it was my duty as an archaeologist to pursue patterns I found in history. I felt these pieces being published in a medical journal would certainly get some of the world to look at this condition in a better light. This past year I published a piece describing The Barrier Theory and hope it will be considered by researchers. This month another piece (and I’ve let the editor know I plan for it to be my final) giving insight from a recovered Morgellons patient to the medical professional will be published. I wrote and pursued publication of these pieces to better our understanding of this condition (and improve the lives of those suffering). In one of my communications with a major Morgellons research team I was told, “It’s all about time and money”; I’d like to see researchers replace this attitude with one focused on the health and happiness of those suffering.

With all of this being said, instead of attempting to make my typical weekly blog entry, I will blog only when something significant enough to shift our understanding of Morgellons occurs. I feel I’ve done all I can. It is time to “Let Go and Let God”. Peace, Joe

The Greatest Gift...

you can give yourself this year is a copy of Alison Adams’s Chronic Fatigue, ME, and Fibromyalgia. While I felt this the first time I read my copy, my second reading assured me. There is absolutely no better manual written for dealing with Morgellons Disease!

Alison primarily shares her own story of recovery (from mercury toxicity related symptoms) along with the narrow alleys and highways within our internal environment. She knows this subject up and down as a sufferer and also a medical professional. I have the greatest respect for her sharing!

The book cost about $16US—that’s approximately the cost of driving to the theater, paying for your ticket, and getting a large popcorn and drink. While the movie has the potential of entertaining you for a couple of hours, this book is certain to open your eyes to conquering issues of toxicity (and, with persistence, giving you your life back or, as Alison shares, true health for the first time).

While the book certainly lends to the argument of Morgellons being a form of mercury toxicity, I found the personal account of Alison’s encounters with the medical world equally enlightening (and shades of my own experiences as well as many, many other Morgellons sufferers). She is a kindred soul, of this I’m certain.

Her website is found in my Morgellons links (top one) and has plenty of worthwhile information (as do all of the links). Give yourself the gift of this book. None of us are alone and, as more and more share on recovery from toxicity, we can benefit from following the path created by one who has journeyed through the bramble of the jungle.

The Happiest of New Years!!

An Online Protocol for T.I.L.T.

I came across this today and thought I'd recommend reading it. T.I.L.T. stands for Toxic Induced Lose of Tolerance and is primarily used in reference to those sick in the Gulf region. The protocol is very similar to the one I am currently following (add to it chelation agents). Bringing it all together is costly, but appears to help most. Of course, as with any approach, I recommend sufferers work with a medical professional. The article is found at: http://morgellonssupport.com/forum/topics/tilt-multiple-chemical .

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

Pay it Forward!

There was a movie that came out ten years ago or so. My girlfriend at the time got it out and we spent the evening watching it. Pay it Forward wasn’t an especially great movie, but the message was. The concept of having someone do good for you and you passing the good deed forward to others is powerful. Is it happening in the Morgellons world? You bet! I wanted to share some of the people I see passing it forward, sharing their knowledge and skills and trying their best to pay it forward to others. Here they are- some of the people I consider Morgellons heros.

Mr. Commonsense- Here is a man who has taken endless hours of his time to try to bring some common sense into the confusion. He has posted a array of useful information on managing and healing from symptoms. His blog has plenty of followers and endless hits. I usually try to direct sufferers towards his blog (http://morgellonspgpr.wordpress.com/) to find well organized and worthwhile sharing on all things Morgellons. His most recent entry suggest some action to get the CDC to share information on Morgellons. He asks us to "Stay tuned"...I will and hope you will too!

Pam Crane- Pam has acted as a link between sufferers and competent health practitioners. She has regular online blog/radio shows which provide a wealth of information and allows call ins for questions. Her most recent interview is found at: Morgellons Focus on Health Online Radio by Morgellons Focus on Health | Blog Talk Radio

Ramona at Healing Grapevine- Ramona shares excellent information on healing through balance, detox, herbs and remedy success. She gives her writing a personal spin and does not hold back from opinion. Check it out at: http://www.healinggrapevine.com/ .

Judith Knilan's- Wrote a book on her personal account with Morgellons and gave free access as an ebook (I have not been able to access this, but know others have. Give it a try with link at: http://morgellonspgpr.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/free-morgellons-e-book-by-judith-knilans/). She still contributes and shares as time allows (she is healing from cancer at the moment. Prayers and good thought are welcome!)

Others- I know there are others who have shared online. I cannot list all, but will make one general statement; it appears that all who document recovery or management of symptoms aggressively reclaim their bioterrain.

Future Hero= You! A common thread between people managing or eliminating these symptoms is detoxification. I know for myself it works and it appears I am not alone. I request everyone pursuing health document what they are going through. You never know who it might help. Pass it forward!

Day Two of Lemonade Fast and Morgellons Update

I'm back in Pennsylvania. I've given notice to my renter and so will be moving back into my home in one month. I'm looking forward to being in my familiar and own space. Money is tight, but I decided to splurge and purchase a nice organic bed. I'd been thinking I would like to do a week long fast before settling back in and was offered the chance to house/cat/ chicken sit for some friends. It's a quiet country setting, so I'm planning to fast, relax and take in the quiet until Friday.

I really like the update on Healing Grapevine and thought I'd pass it on. It is at: http://blog.healinggrapevine.com/morgellons/morgellons-update/

Happy Healing, Joe

Radio Show with Pam Crane

I don't know if I posted this, but thought I should. This radio show originally aired in the spring. I thought some might like to listen. I was really nervous for several reasons. Here it is: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pamcrane/2011/04/28/beyond-the-barrier-a-hypothetical-model-for-cause-and-progression-of-morgellons-disease

Get the Metal Out!

It's a landmark week. My theory related to Morgellons Disease is now in print (Explore! 20.5) for which I give much thanks to Crystyne Jackson, Explore! editor, for ongoing support and motivation (keep on rockin' the medical world!) I'm soon to end my over half year+ of couch surfing as I'll be moving back into my home in Wellsboro. And, finally, what you might be most interested in, I'm taking more steps towards cleaning the heavy metals out of my system.

I picked up an internet order of glutathione from one of my sister's homes (remember I currently do not have a real address); this was motivation by recent dialog on this blog and understanding glutathione binds with mercury to pull it out of your system. In discussing this with a health store pro, I was told Alpha Lipoic Acid would have the same effect at a lower cost (ALA promotes our own system (liver I think) to create its own glutathione). I'll use glutathione initially with the plan to shift towards ALA.

I have just over one month until I can move back into my shack, so I will be house sitting for friends starting next week. I plan to do a week long lemonade fast (I've done this twice before) along with colon cleanse. The Tao of Detox mentions the importance of a clean colon for any detox work to be effective. I hope to also get some algin as it is known to assist in pulling metals from the digestive track and begin this along with the fast.

After the fast and re occupancy of home, I will use my infra red sauna with sulfur soap daily along with cilantro tea (not the best taste but is said to help pull mercury and improve memory). I'll continue my daily walks (minimal one hour) and build my yoga routine. I may also start doing some wood runs again. Key is getting my health and energy back to where it should be.

With summer over and fall here, it feels right to pursue happier and healthier. It makes sense to get the metal out! Happy trails, Joe

A Book Worth Reading and Normal Communication in the Age of the Internet

You know I'm big on communication. I believe in the power of words whether they are said or written. Words are powerful and I suspect they were even from the first "Ug" or "Auua". I also solidly believe actions speak louder than words. So, words are powerful but actions are even more powerful.

I've already recommended Daniel Reid's book The Tao of Detox. I'd like to step it up a notch and say it should be required reading for anyone suffering from issues of toxicity. Form beginning to end the book provides the reader with clear guidance on how to tackle body maintenance in a world becoming overwhelmed with toxins. I've already handed my copy off to my massage therapist sister.

I mentioned my earlier recommendation by emailing the author and was impressed with his quick and Morgellons's specific recommendation of intensive alkalinization by bath. Here's a well published author and expert on the delicate balance between Eastern and Western medical thought taking the time to send an email off in my direction. It is obvious he cares. I wish there were more people with such credentials openly communicating with our crowd!

And, speaking of our crowd, I did make some effort to communicate with the CDC on their recent twitter session. I was hoping to see other Morgellon related tweets, but didn't. Am I trying to put a guilt trip on the Morgellons's community? I hope it doesn't come off that way. The real culprit of not making communication efforts is the CDC itself. I was pretty much ignored and given the brush off. When there are so many suffering and waiting on the results of such an important piece of research, how can this government agency refuse to openly communicate? Action or, in this case, inaction speaks loudly; to them we are not important.

I know there are real challenges in communicating online. I've tried my best to make my words worth reading. I try to keep my audience in mind at all times. Maybe, just maybe, we (the CDC, MRF, Morgellons researcher, Morgellons medical personal, and sufferers)should all take a deep breath and say what needs to be said...maybe online or maybe in person. Let's see if we can make communication normal. Let's see if we can end the suffering.

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 6- The Progress, Challenges, and Stumbles

Though we seldom talk about it, when it comes to health in America we are conditioned to believe almost always a simple pill will make things right. If there was a pill to take away Morgellons, I'm certain many would opt to take it (and it would make about 95% of the medical world happier...not to mention the drug companies). Morgellons or HyperToxicity Syndrome or NeuroCutaneous Syndrome is truly systemic. My experience has been that the only real way to get well and eliminate symptoms (some which you may presently think have nothing to do with Morgellons) is to go after the beast and detox, detox, detox!

We have to be careful though. If you loosen mercury or other heavy metals from their molecular bind where they are currently and you overtax your detox system (such as kidney or liver), you may find yourself dealing with other health issues. Such toxins have to be removed with care and patience. It will take time.

I know in my efforts over the past 4+ years, I've had some major...feeling better, feeling better, feeling better...then suddenly oh, I'm feeling bad again. The best example of this would be my endocrine system challenges over the past year.

Obviously I wouldn't have gone over to Tanzania to teach if I though my health would be an issue. I had been feeling at the top of the world having taken up rock climbing and started some serious trail running again. I though all of my health issues were in the past and then stress overtook me. The students I would be teaching were from wealth and, having been raised on a farm with little, this certainly brought out some of my insecurities. While most of the staff were good people, there were enough game-playing coworkers to make my life difficult. I felt I had stress upon stress upon stress. Without reliving this extremely dysfunctional setting where the American male did not fit in, I will simply state I started to have some serious symptoms. Piecing it all together over time, I realized I was dealing with endocrine issues. It was a major stumble!

Still with 6 months of feeling like crap and getting no answers from the various doctors I'd visited, I needed to go through this challenge. I made it through another course of crappy symptoms and found my way back to health.

The thing about Morgellons and even related endocrine challenges is they are deep core issues of health. As someone who relies heavily on my mind working proper to teach and to write, I have felt completely broken at times (and these are the times I'm most likely to seek a closer connection to God); maybe this is for the best.

Given all of the challenges and stumbles, you may wonder is it worth it? I've got to say absolutely! I love life and living! If you've visited my main website (jwkeleher.com) and looked through some of my travels, you've seen a glimpse of my life after Morgellons. You can get through Morgellons. You can reclaim your internal environment and you can live a life more full than you have ever dreamed! It is out there. Reach for it! Enough of the exclamation points (my editor hates them)and enough on reclaiming your internal environment. Saint George fought the dragon and you can fight this! Carpe diem, Joe

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 4- Dealing With Dental Toxins

If you've been following my blog and all I have to say, you know I believe my recovery is due primarily because of my removal of dental toxins. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and dental materials your body does not tolerate are a means of slow poisoning.

Key to my recovery was the removal of amalgam fillings. Mercury is the second deadliest substance known to man. Too much of it and you are dead. While we have been told mercury in fillings is safe, I no longer believe it. Mercury needs to be removed and it needs to be removed safely.

Key to removal of toxins is connecting to a qualified biologic dentist. It may be you will have to leave the old mom and pop friendly dentist you have always gone to behind. Your health is too big of an issue to not take a stand. It'll cost more to go to a qualified dentist but it is absolutely necessary!

Your biologic dentist should ask you to get tested for dental toxicity (again costly but necessary). Talk to them about prep (what they recommend taking...at least vitamin C and chlorella), the procedure, and follow up. Instead of going through all of this, I refer you to an excellent article (actually better than anything I could write on it) by Mike Adams found at: http://www.naturalnews.com/007851.html .

I know it is not what many of you would like to hear, but I must tell you the symptoms will get worse before they get better. Though a biologic dentist will do everything possible to keep your mercury levels from going up, in removal there is likely to be a slight increase in mercury released into your system. Even the slightest amount of mercury can tip the scale with these symptoms. Just remember to keep the mantra going...these are only symptoms.

The process of cleaning out years of toxins from your system will take some time. Be patient. Know the steps towards cleaning out your internal environment will help make your life what it should be. We weren't put on this planet to suffer, we're meant to enjoy ourselves. 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 You Internal Environment- Part 2- Opening Detox Channels

There's plenty out there on detoxing to assist in healing. As I view Morgellons as a condition due to toxicity, I am keen on sharing some of the basic knowledge I feel is worthwhile. In general, I view our bodies as bouncing blobs of water. Our blobs are only on this world for a short time; it make sense for our time to be as healthy as we can make it.

Let's begin. We need to think about what we are allowing into our bouncing blob of water. Keep our intake of food, water and air as healthy as possible is essential. If you live near know toxic exposure, realize it has effects on your health...if you can, move (as I did. It ain't been easy, but I made the decision my health was more important than my income. I moved away from the power plant area of the Four Corners). Eat right--organic (when possible), avoid known junk foods, no GMOs,...you know, there are endless sources of information on this. For water, get it as clean as possible. I recommend filters on drinking water as well as showers (your body will absorb approximately 5 cups of water each shower). If you are in an area where historic mining has taken place, sponge baths may be your best alternative (I did this for an extended time when I lived in Teec Nos Pos, AZ. My levels of uranium exposure increase in urine test and I realized this was likely to waters coming down from mountains with uranium tailing piles). Air quality should be good if not great; my recent job/hell on earth position in Tanzania including my asking about air quality right off the bat (the head of schools told me, "...the quality is good". He failed to mention my needing to drive through diesel traffic for close to two hours each day). I will discuss/review more on air quality in the home in my next entry. Now that we've explored the intake for our blog, let's look at the outtake.

Toxins leave the body in three major ways--sweat, urine and feces (stress is also a form of toxin. Traumatic issues from the past may need to be confronted. Forgiving needs to happen...you need to forgive friends, health professionals who do not understand Morgellons (very, very important!), family, and even yourself. As I have made use of the 12 Steps for recovery (and suspect I will always need to make use of them), I recommend their use. For today's entry I will focus on matters related to the body and not the mind/spirit). The skins is the largest organ and sweating away toxins is helpful. I like sweats and saunas weekly (if possible). After getting to the point of sweating, you must wash off toxins before the body reabsorbs them; this can be done with a sponge bath, filtered shower, or rolling in the sand (as I did when going to traditional Navajo sweats).

Key to successful detox from heavy metals (such as mercury of course), is to have detox channels for passage out of body open. The kidneys and liver need to be functioning well. It is very important to not have toxins getting stuck along the way out. Though I have found it useful and having a huge impact, enemas (especially coffee which is good for the colon, intestines, liver and kidneys) need to be done with care. I recommend going into this slowly. There are also numerous herbal supports found at local health food stores; be cautious with these too. I use milk thistle for my liver. Lymphatic drainage is important (I have an entry on self massage and recommend looking at it). Regular massage is useful; if you cannot afford to go to a professional massage therapist, I would invest in a palm held massage device (found online for about $35).

Exercise and discipline are helpful. One hour of walking/jogging/yoga or what have you per day is good. I also find one hour of meditation/prayer helpful; stress produces toxins and calm opens the body to release. I recently found a copy of The Complete System of Self-Healing by: Dr. Stephen T. Chang at a yard sale; I have been working on internal exercise and can only say, "Wow! This is definitely beneficial!" In truth, I now know the best approaches to exercise for detox and general health includes both internal and external exercise.

Well, we've covered a lot of ground. I know there is plenty more which could be discussed and look into. Please share what you have found useful along your own path. Of course, we are all individuals and need to find what works for us. A good health professional working with you on all health matters (including detox and opening detox channels) is, as always, recommended. Happy healing, 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.