A Note to Morgellons Sufferers, Researchers and the Like,

It has been nearly 10 years since my recovery from symptoms of the Morgellons Disease spectrum.  Sadly, little credible research has happened since—currently, there are only 51 articles found when searching “Morgellons” on pubmed.gov (the majority presenting it as a delusional condition). In writing this note, I have three purposes in mind: 1) review my contributions, 2) speculate on related patterning and 3) send thanks and good byes to everyone connected to MD.

My Sharing-

I wrote an account of my recovery to share with other sufferers; eventually, the editor of Explore! requested permission to publish it. While editing, I decided to review published work related to MD such as Kellett’s 1935 article "Sir Thomas Browne and the Disease Called Morgellons"  and noted patterns in the historic documentation of these symptoms which suggested association with mercury; this morphed into a summer of travels and research resulting in "Patterns in Early Morgellons Disease Considered as Effects of Mercury Exposure".

I understand MD as symptoms due to mercury as a neurotoxin. I wrote on the treatment of Morgellons Disease sufferers and presented a theory on cause and progression .  Online, I published some on Morgellons- A Mundane Approach  (Thank you, Mr. CommonSense) and created the blog Morgellons Joe to focus on MD as a condition related to toxicity.

Friends know I do not enjoy being in front of an audience; however, the situation with MD motivated me to overcome my discomfort to share. Pam Crane interviewed me several times on her Blog-Talk-Radio show, Trish Springstead, RN mentioned my research on the a late night  “Coast to Coast”, Tom Yoder, of the public radio station KSJD, interviewed me for KSJD Morning Talk  and The Discovery Channel aired my story on Diagnose Me. All in all, though a true introvert, I am proud to have overcome my stage fright to share.

Speculation on Patterning-

I know there are many who disagree with me on my approach to research (I am not a medical professional) and may cringe when I speculate; nonetheless, I share some of my own thoughts on patterning related to MD/ mercury toxicity.

1)     1)  With further research, I believe a large number of symptoms sets including; MD, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lyme Disease, Parkinson's, ADD, ADHD, Autism, MS and others, will be understood as relating to mercury in our systems. Overall health, genetics, mercurial speciation and mobility of mercury may account for specific parameters of symptom sets.

2)     2)  I believe mercury as an endocrine disruption may cause sexual orientation and/ or confusion in an individual (homosexuality, bisexuality, gender association issues and so on). A research article in Nature shows "Mercury in Ibises Causes Homosexuality" and this toxin may have similar effects on other species (including humans).  I think it merits further investigation.

3)      3) Several health professionals have suggested to me there is a high rate of “Spirituality” among those suffering from heavy metal poisoning. In one study mercury was found to gather in the lower right parietal of brain; this area is discussed in spirituality associated with locations in the brain Does mercury toxicity make you a religious zealous?

4)      4) The Late Renaissance of the Languedoc Region of France may represent the largest case of documented mercury poisoning ever (both spatially and temporally). What are the cultural implications of large scale mercury poisoning?  With support, I would welcome pursuing related research further.

Again, I know I may be speculating more than most are comfortable with. If nothing else, these points might be the basis for some interesting conversations and debates.

Good-Bye and Thanks for all the Guacamole-

Before I share my thanks and a hearty good-bye, I’d like to say a little about forgiving. MD is not an easy set of symptoms to overcome—especially when the vast majority of the medical world is willing to label it as delusional. To end this viewpoint, we simply need to follow up on the 2009 study by Harvey et. al.; take patient’s resting heart rates, body temperatures, inquire about endocrine disorders and miscarriages to clearly see this is not in the head of the sufferer, it is systemic and multi-symptomatic. The “research” by the CDC and Mayo Clinic are problematic and this has been discussed (see Cindy Casey's response). Simply stated, there is no way in hell MD is delusional!

So, how do sufferers forgive? I don’t know. I do think those, especially researchers funded by taxpayers’ money, who have in any way covered up the truth need to be held accountable. I think most Primary Care Physicians are confused and I wish this wasn’t so; I ask for them to try their best to listen to their patients and, one hopes, eventually the truth will shine through. Among those who do see MD as related to toxicity (especially mercury), I have had my share of being ignored and/or given no credit for my efforts; I can forgive you and even let you take credit for my findings (as long as you are willing to release personal profit for the good of those who suffer these horrific symptoms and point them in the proper direction towards healing).

Along with the many health professionals who have assisted in my quest for health (you know who you are), I would like to thank the online friends I made including especially- Mr. Commonsense (still doesn’t want the world to know who he is), Trish Springstead, Pam Crane and Ramona Melville; these folks have been very helpful to the Morgellons community and deserve recognition.  I know there are others out there helping sufferers and in my opinion you are all saints—Thanks for helping others!

To those who have read this blog, related writings and such, I truly hope you can find your way to health. I have called many of you friends and will continue to do so. I would like to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of life and let MD become a topic of the medical world (as it should be) I have traveled this road will little or no support (even much of my family did not understand what I went through until the Discovery Channel piece aired). I know it isn’t easy. I hope I have been helpful.

The very best,

Joe Keleher, AKA Morgellons Joe

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 16^th, 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

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

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

Some Connections With Robin Williams

The recent suicide of Robin Williams was a shock to say the least. I've spent the weekend camping with friends and found myself in thought returning to his case repeatedly. I believe Robin Williams was dealing with issues of mercury toxicity.

In fact, I recently sent a letter to my local paper- The Cortez Journal and post it here as well-

The recent Journal article discussing suicide, in light of Robin William’s death, presents isolation as a primary cause.  Another possible cause to consider is heavy metal toxicity (especially mercury). Mercury is the second most toxic substance known to man; the profession with the highest suicide rate is dentistry. Symptoms documented in relation to mercury toxicity include- among others-anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies (recent studies have also linked neurodegenerative conditions such as MS and Parkinson's).

Those living in the Four Corners should become alert to symptoms associated with heavy metal toxicity. While mercury in dental work is one source, there has also been historic mining activities (mercury used in the extraction of gold and silver is found in tailing piles and may get into ground water) and several power plants adding to local toxic burdens. Fish consumption is also a known source of mercury.

Genetically, some of us (myself included) are not well-designed for natural removal of heavy metals and can suffer from cumulative effects.  To recover from serious symptoms (including paresthesia), I had to have mercury fillings removed/replaced, undergo chelation, and aggressively detox (Keleher, Joseph W. “Hell and Back Again” Explore! 17.4, 2008). With proper medical guidance and taking a “toxins out, nutrients in” approach, many can miraculously regain health.

For those interested in approaches to detoxification, I recommend the works of Mark Hyman, MD, Alison Adams, ND, Dr. Chris Shade, and Joe Mercola, MD.

To Our Health,

Joe Keleher

Those of you who have followed this blog know I consider Morgellons Disease in part or whole to be cause from mercury as a neurotoxin. I light of all of this, a couple of topics fit Robin William's case- he came from Celtic bloodlines (I have speculated a connection as Irish, Welsh and Scottish seem to have difficulty removing heavy metal toxins and this may be genetic) and also, he lived in the lower Guadalupe River watershed (the largest mercury mines to exist in the US were at the headwaters of the Guadalupe) where the CDCs most likely cluster of Morgellons Disease sufferers were located.

Returning from a camping trip, I checked my emails and found an article posted by Alison Adams which reflected similar thoughts (though with more depth). You can read this here- http://www.thenaturalrecoveryplan.com/articles/Robin-Williams-Health-Woes-Joining-the-Dots.html

Talking about mental and physical health in light of toxicity need to become more mainstream. As for Robin Williams, I wish he hadn't snuffed out his own light. He is greatly missed.

Screaming Without a Sound

The Dream- I am in a crowd, at a ball or some fantastic party where everyone is laughing, dancing and lifting a glass to life. I’m in the center of the action. It is a fantastic place!

Somehow, someway, I spot a bomb hidden under a table, a meteorite dropping from the sky straight for our heads, or some other impending doom. I scream! I have no voice. I scream again until red in the face and veins pop. No one hears. The band keeps playing. The couples dance and laugh. I have no voice. I am not heard. I surrender and awake panting with the chilling unsettled acceptance of reality.

The Reality- I am the first person to document recovery from Morgellons Disease. When the symptoms first started, I had not heard about Morgellons (I was directed to information by a scabies cleaning product representative). I researched all I could about Morgellons Disease; there wasn’t much. I found an article by Dr. Omar Amin, a parasitologist, relating symptoms to dental adhesive; it was a miracle.

I did recover. It was something worth sharing. I sent my write-up to Dr. Omar Amin, so he could share it with others; he returned my email a month later with the news the editor of Explore! medical journal was interested in publishing my account (http://www.academia.edu/1645880/Hell_and_Back_Again_An_Account_of_Morgellons_Disease_and_Its_Cure_From_a_Former_Sufferer) .

While editing my account for Explore!, I decided to see what else was written about Morgellons Disease. I found Kellett’s 1935 article “Sir Thomas Browne and The Morgellons” (http://penelope.uchicago.edu/letter/kellett.html) and in reading and rereading I noted patterns in descriptions by medical professionals of long ago. I decided it was worth investigating further. I felt I had no choice but to define the common ground between my symptoms and the symptoms documented in the Languedoc Provenance of France from 1550- 1776 and later in Victorian London. The accounts in France made no mention of possible cause, but the accounts in Victorian London stated a clear association with hat bands.

How could hat bands connect to my recovery by the removal and replacement of my amalgam fillings? Duhh! Mercury!

Once summer break arrived, I drove to Sandy, Utah, left my pick-up truck at my brother Chris’s place and caught a flight to London. I decided to look for the “smoking gun” connecting mercury to Morgellons Disease. I had little plans except to get to the hostel at Holland Park and see if I might see a Shakespeare play at The Globe (I actually got to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream via a half-price ticket on my first night in Merry Olde London!)

Without giving a long-winded account of my travel and research adventures from the summer of ’08, I will simply provide a link to the final published findings -( http://www.academia.edu/1645874/Patterns_in_Early_Morgellons_Disease_Considered_as_Effects_of_Mercury_Exposure.)  I do believe with further investigation, the account in Languedoc will clearly connect to mercury exposure through the use of dyes containing cinnabar (this area of France was known for drapery production during the timeframe of documented Morgellons Disease symptoms.) With time, money, and support, I’d be willing to head such a project.

Back to the scream, I’ve published other pieces related to Morgellons Disease (see “Morgellons Research” on my website:  jwkeleher.com ), I’ve blogged about the relationship to toxicity (see morgellonsjoe.blogspot.com) and I’ve communicated endlessly about it with sufferers and professionals on and off line.

So, what is it I’m screaming? MORGELLONS DISEASE IS A VARIATION OF MERCURY POISONING!

I’ve been screaming on and off for well over six years. The Holman Foundation researchers have shown a credible connection to borrelia which is used to diagnose Lyme disease (see- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23326202 ); what they haven’t bothered to present is lyme disease and mercury poisoning are often misdiagnosed one for the other as well as the fact that mercury and borrelia occupy the same pockets of the body (guess what? Borrelia love mercury. See- http://www.lyme-disease-research-database.com/lee_cowden_interview.html  Who’da thunk!)

Have I done enough screaming for today? Probably not. Let me know if you've heard my scream.

Mixed Feelings on the Morgellons Conference of 2013

It's 8:20 pm and I'm at the International Hostel in Austin, Texas. The sun has just set and I'm looking out the window at lights reflecting off the waters of Lady Bird Lake. I'm tired, sweaty and just a little numb.

I had high hopes of sitting down with other researchers and talking about how mercury may connect to these symptoms. I really did. I even wrote down and submitted an index card with the question of "What is the current understanding of the relationship between borrelia and mercury?" for the experts to answer during a question/answer session. The question was not shared. It is possible the question was lost. It is also possible it was intentionally discarded. I do not know. There was an end-of-session frantic asking of "Any other questions?" and I kept silent. I guess I felt rejected. It's okay I told myself I'll get over it.

The conference was over and there were a few stragglers including myself. One of the speakers, Amelia Withington, MD, had asked to borrow my printed copy of "Hell and Back Again" (my account of recovery published just over five years ago in Explore! medical journal). She beckoned me over to talk with a woman with lesions along her jaws.

Lesions correlated with the woman's mercury fillings and her gums had the tell-tale black-blue line of mercury poisoning.  I felt good about sharing my understanding of this condition and hope this sufferer will recovery completely. If I've been able to help even one person, my trip is very much worthwhile.

I spoke with one other sufferer with similar symptoms associated with dental work and noted one of the presenters (also suffering from Morgellons) appeared to have "Dansberry Shakes" (a term describing the shakes and walk of mercury poisoned hat makers of long ago in Dansberry, Connecticut. Certainly, the description of neurological disorders associated with Morgellons spectrum symptoms goes back to the earliest documentation of these symptoms). My opinion of an association with mercury hasn't ended...in many ways it has been reinforced.

I guess I'll leave it at that. I am hoping some of the Holman Foundation folks will make an effort to connect with me. Most importantly though, I hope those suffering will find their way to health. 

A Good Book in an Odd Light

Life is starting to get busy! My house is up for sale, I’m job hunting and I’ve been working on several pieces of writing. The majority of my word-work is focused on non-fiction and this prompted me to check the local library’s shelf for new acquisitions. I want to share some on The Autism Revolution by Martha Herbert, MD, PhD with Karen Weintraub (published through Harvard Health Publications).

As with many of the books on health issues, I typically scan to see content and focus in on particular interest. You know me; first thing to examine is what is being shared on mercury. Surprisingly there is very, very little. In fact it’s shocking how little is shared on mercury. Two paragraphs are dedicated to the well-known rule of “Don’t eat big fish” and mercury is mentioned as a toxin on another page. That’s it! The authors dedicated a similar amount of the text to Pop-Tarts. I’m not an expert on autism. However, I do believe there is enough known to suggest mercury plays some role in the growing number of autistic as well as ADD and ADHD sufferers. It should have been addressed and not ignored. Okay, time for me to step down from my soapbox and share why I think you should look at this book.

While mercury is not discussed directly, the whole-body strategies seems to mimic excellent means for recovery from mercury exposure (such as presented in Chronic Fatigue, ME, and Fibromyalgia: The Natural Recovery Plan by Alison Adams and found along with an exceptional amount of worthwhile articles and information at: thenaturalrecoveryplan.com). It is very well written and easy to understand. The writers consider a web of issues in addressing autism along with case examples. I highly recommend reading this book!

One other thought on the whole matter. While the Morgellons/ Mercury/ Autism connection has yet to be confirmed through research by medical professionals. It certainly makes sense to view Morgellons on a spectrum (in general as well as specific description). The autism spectrum of symptoms as discussed in the many cases of recovery in this volume and their documented regression/removal follows the “Nutrients in- Toxins out” approach parallels recovery stories from Morgellons sufferers.

As so little is being written on Morgellons directly, reading books on other systemic conditions such as The Autism Revolution may prove fruitful.

Letter to the Editor of The Examiner, San Francisco

The CDC recently released and posted online Clinical, epidemiologic, histopathologic and molecular features of an unexplained dermopathy which included a map showing a cluster of Morgellons Disease sufferers associated with the Guadalupe River watershed downstream from the New Almaden Mercury Mines. While some in the medical world suggest this symptoms set best fits in the diagnosis of Delusional Parasitosis, my research and experience suggests symptoms relate to mercury toxicity (see Keleher in Explore! Journal for the medical professional- issues 17.4, 17.6, 20.5, and 21.1). Paresthesia (crawling, biting, poking sensations under/on skin) is a known symptom of mercury poisoning (see accounts of Minimata, Japan as well as Northern Iraq or do a search on pubmed.gov of “mercury” and “parensthesia”). The best means of determining a systemic body burden of mercury may be testing gluathione levels. I believe further investigations are needed.

A Comment I Left with the CDC Report- CONSIDER MERCURY

My name is Joe Keleher. Professionally I am a teacher, writer and archaeologist. I had symptoms from the Morgellons symptoms set and documented my recovery (Keleher 2008a). I noted patterns found in Kellett’s 1935 article and investigated connections between historically documented Morgellons symptoms and mercury exposure ( Keleher 2008b). The article “Rethinking Delusions of Parasitosis” follows possible connections in DOP accounts. I believe these symptoms relate to biochemistry and a change in mercurial species within the body; inorganic mercury (such as related to amalgam fillings) cannot pass beyond the blood/brain barrier while organic species can (further discussion in Keleher 2011). “Approaching Morgellons: A Former Sufferer’s Perspective” was also published by the peer reviewed medical journal Explore! (Keleher 2012). Researcher can contact me through my website: jwkeleher.com. I also present related materials on morgellonsjoe.blogspot.com . My thoughts and prayers go out to those still suffering.



Mentioned Publications:
Keleher, Joseph W. "Hell and Back Again” Explore! 17. 4 (2008a), http://members.cox.net/llyee2/NCS_article_by_joe.pdf . (Accessed 8/23/11).
Keleher, Joseph W. "Patterns in Early Morgellons Disease Considered as Effect of Mercury Exposure." Explore! 17. 6 (2008b).
Keleher, Joseph W. “Rethinking Delusions of Parasitosis”, http://morgellonspgpr.wordpress.com/category/joseph-keleher/ (accessed 10/19/11).
Keleher, Joseph W. “Beyond the Barrier: A Hypothetical Model for Cause and Progression of Morgellons Disease”, Explore! 20.5 (2011).
Keleher, Joseph W. “Approaching Morgellons: A Former Sufferer’s Perspective”, Explore! 21.1 (2012).

Finally The CDC Report on Morgellons is Released!

I said I would only blog when big news related to Morgellons evolved. It did! The CDC has finally released the Morgellons study (interesting only a couple of days after the publication of my article "Approaching Morgellons: A Former Sufferer's Perspective" for Explore! ...in which I mentioned the unacceptability of their delay). I have not fully reviewed this study (actually I've been subbing and haven't had time) but with a quick glance still see probable connections to mercury as cause. Check it out and PLEASE leave comments!!!

http://www.plosone.org/article/comments/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029908

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!!

Erasing Panic

The Barrier Theory presents the cause and progression of Morgellons Disease as internal biochemistry changing inorganic species of mercury to organic species (and thus allowing passage beyond the Blood/Brain Barrier). I presented this on Pam Crane’s blog talk radio show and then had it formally published in the medical journal Explore! (vol. 20.5 (2011)). In addition to the theory I suggest Morgellons occurs on a spectrum of less spectacular symptoms to more severe. Heavy metals, such as mercury, block neurotransmissions and cause depression and panic attacks. I guess this paragraph is meant to introduce the topic of panic with the suggestion of one solution.

Not to sound too random, but I once witnessed acupuncture used to treat a lame horse. Within fifteen minutes of treatment, the lame horse was prancing around the pasture. I guess it has always been my best example of- acupuncture isn’t hocus-pocus; it really works!

My neighbor and good friend Linda is an acupuncturist and expert on Chinese medicine. She mentioned treating panic attacks with wrist bands. “They’re used for motion sickness, but they work for panic too,” she said. Of course I was intrigued. I went to the local health food store yesterday and purchased some (called Sea-Band and cost around $10). The bands have little plastic numbs which you align with the acupressure point on your wrist between the central tendons and down 1 1/2 thumb widths from the wrist crease(the company suggest using two, but Linda tells me you only need one). Twenty minutes of wearing them seems to take edge off any panic (I had some confrontations yesterday and think they may have helped), though I suppose you could wear them all the time.

Stress and panic make your internal environment more acidic. I drink a big glass of water with lemon in it first thing in the morning (followed by a glass of water with bentonite clay) to make my insides less acidic (funny how lemons and lime, which seem to be entirely acidic, act in the opposite way when our stomachs are empty). Meditation and pray ease the mind and spirit. The more we do to take care of ourselves, the more we open doors to our health and well-being.

The final form of my novel Beul Nam Beinn is in the capable hands of my editor. I hope to see it out in print form by the end of January (and I hope you are pleased with the dedication). Happy holidays and let us all move into a New Year full of health and happiness! Joe

One Very Important Hour!

I believe Morgellons Disease is a form of mercury poisoning. I present this as a theory (and have had it published as so). If you have read some of my postings, none of this should come as a surprise. There are two outstanding resources I'd like to share with the request you take the time to review them (no more than an hour I suspect).

The first is a recent report by the Scientific Committee of the European Commission titled "Is dental amalgam safe for humans? The opinion of the scientific committee of the European Commission" under Mutter (as author). The link does not appear to work, but the full article can be found through the link on pubmed.gov. Please look at it. One very significant piece (I believe) is testing for mercury; they show that typical testing (hair and urine) may not show mercury accumulation in the body. I suspect a blood test of glutathione may be the best means (presently) to reflect on mercury body burden.

I also feel the best review of the many effects of mercury on the body is given in a 12 minute video at: http://www.thenaturalrecoveryplan.com/ . Take the time to watch this. It is well done. I plan to get other resources through this site and have also put the link on the right.

These two sources say much about mercury and the possible connection to Morgellons Disease. Please take the time to watch them. Happy healing, Joe

Glutathione Testing

I found this short video related to easy and inexpensive means to see if you are mercury toxic. In it testing glutathione levels is recommended. I've not been tested for this myself but have had significant shifts in energy levels since starting to take glutathione. The link is: http://www.mercuryexposure.info/consumers/testing-for-mercury/glutathione/item/457-testing-glutathione-to-determine-mercury-toxicity

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

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 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