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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
