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

More Music Please!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

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

Music For the Morgellons Crowd

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

Health and Peace to you,

Joe

REM- Everybody Hurts

 Hallelujah

 Joni Mitchell- Big Yellow Taxi

 Maureen McGovern- The Morning After

 Lady Antebellum-Never Alone

 Wynonna Judd- Testify to Love

Isreal "IZ" Kamakawewo'ole

Louis Armstrong- It's a Wonderful World

Eurythmics- When the Day Goes down

Van Morrison- And the Healing Has Begun

Out of My Genes

I confess I’m a church hopper. One of my monthly haunts is the Unitarian Universalist meeting. On a recent Sunday, I met the women who owns the website http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ .  I’d been speaking about my own health history and she asked, “Have you been tested for the MTHFR genetic mutation?”

I’m certain I raised an eyebrow with a, “No.”

“You need to get that tested. Have you got a piece of paper?”

As all decent writers do, I had a pad of paper and pen in my pocket. She wrote down a couple of websites with, “23andme.com will give you your family history, then send it on to livewello.com they can give you the genetic information.”

We spoke for a while and I must say I was impressed enough to go home and sent my payment off to 23andme.com to get my testing underway (cost about $108). About a week later, a small box with a vial for me to spit in arrived (about 5% of saliva is made of genetic materials). One cold evening I spent about 15 minutes getting my spit sample to the “fill line” (amazing how dry your mouth gets when you are attempting such). I sent it off and eagerly anticipated the results.

It was almost three weeks later that I was emailed the results. My  Irish and English pedigree was confirmed and rumors of some Native American blood dissolved (old family story which was probably started by my mother). Other findings included: 3.1% Neanderthal!!!! (love that finding!) and somehow I’m a distant cousin to Prince Phillip. I pondered and shared results with relatives.

My next step was to send my genetic results to livewello.com. The results came back by email within a couple of minutes (cost $18) and provided proof of my having the MTHFR mutation and several others associated with low glutathione production (body uses this to chelate heavy metals). It is a FACT, I am not well designed for the removal of mercury!

I also sent results to nutrahacker.com to get useful dietary and supplemental information specific to my genetic make-up (cost of somewhere around $50). They provide a four page summary of what to take and what to avoid (very helpful!)

One last piece I utilized was free results from NRI (Neurological Research Institute) which was labor intensive (had to look up genetic mutations from printout and enter data). The results provide suggestions for bettering methylation cycle.

In the end, I’m still the same person with a little more knowledge. For the cost of around $170 total, I was able to learn (and am still learning) tons of information helpful for myself and family members. I highly recommend the use of modern genetic testing to better know yourself.

To Your Health,

Joe (AKA The Neanderthal)

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

Exercise, Niacin and Sauna

I have been following a new approach to detoxing based primarily on an interview of Dr. George Yu by Dr. Joe Mercola .

Here is the approach I am taking/ suggesting-

     

Open bodies channels for elimination of toxins- kidney, liver and colon through coffee enemas, supplements, and diet

 Follow healthy diet and utilize large doses of natural chelators (cilantro and chlorella)

Exercise, Niacin and Sauna-

Dr. Yu suggests building up to 5000 mg of niacin. I was able to get as high at 2500…but found myself having serious reactions (my skin turned blotchy red especially in upper torso/around joints and vomiting in the am). 

I have decided for myself 1000 mg daily is enough.   Your body will let you know when you’re beyond your limit. Take your time and slowly build levels. Eventually, I may up my intake to 2000 mg daily.

I am fortunate to have a sauna. I know some may consider this an extravagant expense. I actually found my sauna heater and door on craigslist. With cedar, redwood and electrical work, I spent right around $2000.

My last sauna was an online purchase of an infrared sauna. Ramona on healinggrapevine.com is a big promoter of quality infrared saunas and also provides a wealth of information for those suffering from Morgellons-Ramona on Morgellons

Morgellons sufferers may have bodies ill-designed for toxic removal. The fact that Morgellons has forced me to better understand my body and how it works makes it more of a blessing and less of a curse. I plan routine detoxing in an ongoing fashion.

Hope this is helpful.

To your health,
Joe

Stephen King Letter

I’ve heard it many times from Morgellons sufferers- “I feel like I’m in a Stephen King novel.” I wrote the “Master of Horror” to ask if he’d consider coauthoring a book on Morgellons Disease with me. I was pleased to get a response from his Assistant (though also humored to find two grammatical errors).

I had a potluck last night and shared the note with one of my writer friends. David suggested, “You should ask him to write an intro to the book; it’d get you just as many of the public interested and he’d not have to make too much of a commitment.” Good idea!

I’d like to pitch the intro idea to Stephen King. The likelihood of him considering might increase if he received a letter or two (or a hundred or a thousand) from Morgellons sufferers from around the planet recommending my project. Please consider sending a note to: Stephen King, 1380 Hammond St., Bangor, ME 04401. Help me show the world Morgellons Disease deserves everyone's attention.

Thanks,

Joe Keleher

Talking About Morgellons on Youtube

This woman's account of all she has gone through could be the story of so many of the sufferers I've communicated with. The world does need to know! Laura Cherry Talks About Morgellons God bless her for sharing! 

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.

The Morgellons Related Book- Follow Up

It's a "no go" on the Morgellons related book.

I had only one very enthusiastic response and that was it. I'm guessing it just isn't the right time.

Given my current life of a highly demanding teaching position along with over-seeing the repairs of my fixer-upper, I don't actually have the time right now. I do think all of the time and effort I've put toward the cause of better understanding Morgellons has been worthwhile. As always, if new ground-breaking research on Morgellons is released, I will certainly keep you posted.

For now- signing out- Joe

p.s. If you haven't read my Merworld Fantasy, Beul Nam Beinn, I dedicated it to Morgellons Sufferers Everywhere. It was my favorite writing project so far and it had been getting excellent reviews! You can find it through Amazon or my main website: jwkeleher.com . Thanks!

Should I Write a Book on Morgellons Disease or Not?

A little over a year ago I was prompted by a friend to start writing a nonfiction piece on Morgellons Disease. I outlined a book which I estimated would be between 125 and 200 pages in length. It would define Morgellons, present theories on cause and explore peer-reviewed research. I also planned on including stories of recovery, suffering and a chapter with entries by medical professionals titled “Thoughts on Morgellons”.

Fast forward ahead six months, I’d found a full-time teaching position and decided I needed to somehow find the means to get to Austin for the Holman Foundation’s Annual meeting (and make my trip worthwhile by arranging some interviews for my book while there). I worked extended days and over the weekends to accumulate enough comp time to get some days off. I saved money and cut costs enough to buy a flight ticket, pay the meeting fee and reserve a bed at a hostel. I was confident I would be able to have some finality and free myself from ever thinking about Morgellons again- for good!

I expected the meeting to motivate me further towards finishing the book. Instead it had the opposite effect. I felt shunned and belittled. While the foundation welcomed my participation fee, the “experts” appeared to rush down the hall in the opposite direction when I approached (a couple did give me a minute or two).  I felt my time, energy and money had been wasted; it sent me in a swirl mentally and I have hardly picked up my pencil since.

So here I am now. I have a new home and another teaching position. Returning to elementary teaching is truly a whole new challenge (I’ve been working nearly as many unpaid as paid hours). I feel pretty content though and have started to pick up my pencil again. My words are still less-than-smooth. My thoughts continue to be fairly scattered. Still, I am here to ask a question- Should I write a book on Morgellons Disease or not?

I need some motivation. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time (including my own). I have dedicated many hours and much money toward writing and publishing on the topic of Morgellons. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Joe Keleher (AKA Morgellons Joe)

jwkeleher.com

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

Top Ten Reasons Sufferers are Tired of Morgellons

10) 85% of Medical Professionals call it delusional  (though clinical studies have shown patients to have high resting heart rate, low body temperature, high miscarriage rate, skin lesions, fibers under skin, neurological symptoms, and numerous other common symptoms)

 9) The History Channel is trying to convince everyone Morgellons is caused by alien bacteria (more history, less ‘gater hunting. Thanks!)

8) Fibers don’t always match what they’re wearing

7) 85% of Medical Professionals might believe in Bigfoot

6) Even if recovered from the symptoms, people still think they’re bonkers

5) People keep trying to change the name Morgellons Disease to something else

4) They know “delusional” is worse than a four letter word

3) Kids keep asking if they can take them for Show and Tell

2) Can’t convince Joni Mitchell to talk to their doctor

And the number one reason is:

1) Playing doctor isn’t as much fun as it used to be

The Scale May Have Just Tipped!!

The Charles Holman Foundation continues to make advancements in our understanding of Morgellons.

New news on Morgellons

The Cure?

As I sit here thinking of the words to say, I find myself hesitant. In my years of talking about and thinking about Morgellons, I am reluctant to use the word cure and also to find myself promoting a product. Still, I find myself scanning all I know personally and as a researcher about this condition...and this cure makes sense!

The product is called Readysorb. It is a chelator as well as a glutathione booster. I have been taking it for a week and am amazed by the outcome. My energy levels, sleep patterns, thinking and overall feeling of "well being" are better than ever! A bottle cost around $60 from http://www.readisorb.com/ . Related peer reviewed research is found at lipoglut.com . To order, you'll need to give a recommending doctor's name (as your trusted professional).

If you take this course of action, I am truly wanting to hear about your experience. It is very powerful stuff! Happy Healing! Joe 

Important Research- Please Share!

The Charles E. Holman Foundation Announces Research Publication Honored Among Top 2%http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/19/prweb9616173.DTL

Austin, TX (PRWEB) June 19, 2012

A recent study of Morgellons disease has been cited as a “must read” by the Faculty of 1000 (F1000). The article entitled “Morgellons Disease: A Chemical and Light Microscopic Study”, by MJ Middelveen, EH Rasmussen, DG Kahn and RB Stricker, was published in the open-access online Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Research. Three of the authors, including the principal investigator, serve without compensation on the Advisory Boards of The Charles E. Holman Foundation.

F1000 is a global community of over 10,000 experts who select, rate and evaluate the very best articles in biology and medicine. The service is widely used to find significant new research articles, and the inclusion of the Morgellons article places the work in the top 2% of published articles in these fields. The study evaluation can be accessed at the F1000 website (http://f1000.com/716597867).

In 2011, veterinary microbiologist Marianne J. Middelveen from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and internist Raphael B. Stricker, MD published a study documenting similarities between Morgellons disease and a veterinary illness known as bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) that causes lameness, decreased milk production, weight loss, and skin lesions near the hooves of affected cattle. That study revealed that the unusual fibers seen in the animal disease were similar to those seen in and under the skin of people worldwide who suffer from Morgellons disease. The new study confirms that Morgellons disease is not a delusional illness, as some in the medical community maintain.

The latest findings confirm that fibers from both bovine and human samples were similar in formation at the cellular level and had the chemical and physical properties of keratin. The keratin composition of filaments from humans was confirmed by immunohistological staining with antibodies specific for human keratins. Fibers from human patients were found to be biological in origin and are produced by keratinocytes in epithelial and follicular tissues. The findings are consistent with the 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publication stating that over 80% of non-biopsy material taken from patients had a protein composition.

“This study puts the final nail in the coffin of delusional disease that these patients have been labeled with,” stated Dr. Stricker. “It proves that Morgellons disease is a physiologic illness. From here on, scientists will be able to move forward in finding a cause and a cure.”

The Charles E. Holman Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to advocacy and philanthropy in the fight against Morgellons disease. The foundation was named for Charles E. Holman, a pioneer in the fight against Morgellons disease. The Charles E. Holman Foundation is based in Austin, Texas and is led by Executive Director, Cindy Casey Holman, R.N.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Ms. Cindy Casey-Holman, R.N.

For the original version on PRWeb visit:www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/6/prweb9616173.htm

To read the study see http://www.omicsonline.org/2155-9554/2155-9554-3-140.php?aid=5477

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Another Recommended Read

A friend and health professional recommended the book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price, D.D.S. Dr. Price traveled the world in the 1920s and 30s to document the effects modern diet was having on our species. The observed changes in health when people move from a traditional diet to a modern diet of processed and sugar heavy foods is drastic!

Photos document the health of people living off traditional diets. Even the aged appear to have perfect teeth and good health. This is true for native Celts, Inuits, Aborigines, Native American, and other. All of those eating traditional diet have exceptional health.

There is also documentation of first and second generation introduced to western diet. Tooth decay are common, bone abnormalities occur regularly, and general health falls into chaos!

It is difficult to picture ourselves eating as our ancestor did, but traditional diet is what our bodies are adapted for. The Scottish fishermen are likely most similar to my ancestry; they ate primarily fish and oats. I am rethinking my own diet.

I highly recommend reading this book. With great willpower it is possible to change diets to fit our bodies needs. 

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.