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

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

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.

Let Go and Let God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Greatest Gift...

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

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

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

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

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

The Happiest of New Years!!

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

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

Blog/Radio Show With Dr. Omar Amin

Pam Crane will be hosting a show with Dr. Omar Amin this week. I hope to listen when it is broadcast, but I may have to listen to it after it airs.

Dr. Amin has done some of the most important research related to Morgellons (NCS) and was the key player in my recovery. I'm certain this will be a very worthwhile listen!



http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pamcrane/2011/11/03/dromar-amin-timeline-disease-toxens-parasite-whos-first

Morgellons Focus on Health
Dr. Omar Amin
Time line for the mark of causation in 'Disease' Such as Morgellons also known as Neurocutaneous Syndrome
Toxins? Fungus? Parasite? Who's First?
by Morgellons Focus on Health

Thu, Nov 3, 2011
Pacific 4:00PM

Call in number to as questions

(661) 621-7550


Thanks.

Blessings

Pamela Crane

www.Morgellonsfocusonhealth.com

Pamela@morgellonsfocusonhealth.com

Clay, Movie and a Challenge

It's an eclectic title and reflects well on my thoughts this morning. I've just finished a week of house and chicken sitting for some friends. The rainy days (which were more than the sunny) gave me time to reflect and the sunny ones to plan. On one of the rainy days, I listened to Joyce Riley's Power Hour radio show (I wanted to hear what Trisha Springstead had to share)and was really intrigued by information on calcium betanite clay. I posted a link for a free viewing of the movie Food Matters; I watched it twice, so I give it a big thumbs up. Lastly, I wanted to offer a fun challenge involving some serious thinking.

Calcium betanite clay (also called living clay) is being used to assist in detoxing. The way it works is based on how the clay particles are charged; they draw heavy metals to them and bind. The clay can be drank to internalize and pull from the intestinal track. It can also be used in foot baths or, and this is what I'll be trying next month, can be applied to skin. Once on the skin either spend time in an infrared sauna or lay in the sun (weather and setting permitting). The clay will draw through the skin and simply wash all off. The expert speaking on this (forgot her name...can I call it a senior moment?)claimed great success. Trish Springstead is using this with some of those suffering from toxicity in the Gulf region with good results. I looked up the cost online and found you can get a pound of this for as little as $6. Give it a shot! Why not?

Onward, the movie Food Matters link was forwarded to me by Pam Crane (another Morgellons/ toxicity recoverer). If you can watch it for free today or get a copy of it. While the focus was on the importance of food and the role of nutrition in health, it also shared a good deal on detoxing (especially Gerson Therapy). The overwhelming theme was nourish the body and the body heals. All in all, it was very well done and provided excellent information. Two thumbs up!

Finally, with the change in weather and the coming holiday season, I thought I'd provide a challenge with a prize. As you may or may not know, I am a professional writer (among other things). My first book Grandpa and the Christmas Crib was released last year (and I am hoping is found at your local library). I also illustrated this book. What my publisher does not know is there are three Morgellons related images in the book. Your challenge is to find them. Sound like fun? Here's the deal, the first person to send the page number as well as what and how part of the image relates to Morgellons will win a signed copy of Grandpa and the Christmas Crib. You can send your answers to me through my main website: jwkeleher.com. I will let everyone know the winner through this blog. Good luck!

Radio Show with Pam Crane

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

Get the Metal Out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reclaiming Your Internal Environment- Part 1

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

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

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

Wilson's Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

Detox Setting- The Home

Last year I spent almost 4 months removing toxins and making my home a comfortable place to live in. My plan had been to find work teaching and continue on my detoxification. Things never go exactly as you plan. Not finding true work, I went to Africa to teach and got very sick. I feel like I've taken some steps back in getting my health in order.

I do believe a key factor in regaining health is to eliminate as many toxins from your life as possible. I did do as much as I could with the prompting of Natural Home Magazine. They wrote an article on the initial assessment of my structure and then also did a follow-up article. I've provided the links below, but will add NH has excellent related articles on good cleaning materials and keeping your home healthy. They're a great magazine!


http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/Green-Remodeling/Pennsylvania-Pick-Me-Up.aspx




http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/whole-house-remodeling/can-this-home-be-greened-pennsylvania-pick-me-up-completed.aspx

Nurses, Teachers and Adrenal Exhaustion

It has been an interesting week (not always a good thing). I had some health issues midweek which prompted me to getting a medical check up and having blood testing done to check on kidneys and liver. I'll have the test results this week and hope to hear all is well.

My health issues made me think of a recent conversation with Pamela Crane from Hypertoxicworld. I mentioned my chelation work and she said something along the lines of, "I'm sure you have all of the support you need for your kidneys and liver". I don't remember my response, but, honestly, I haven't focused much on some of the main exits for toxins. So, now I am wondering if I stressed out these organs. I need to work on strengthening them.

Typical of the way things work for me, I headed to the local health food store to get some cilantro tea (helps memory and pulls mercury from system)and cold pressed sunflower seed oil (google- oil pulling) as recommended by a friend in the health profession. I thought these would be a good start at simple ways to detox further. As I was leaving, the cashier threw in a copy of Better Nutrition Magazine.

B.N. (May 2011) has an excellent article on adrenal exhaustion and wondered about the possible connection to Morgellons and my present kidney/liver concerns. The article mentions the adrenal glands are located on top of your kidneys. So, if your body is working at eliminating mercury, it seems logical the adrenals might be effected.

Stress is key to activating your adrenal glands. I feel my Morgellons symptoms first started after extensive and intensive stress. Your body produces cortisol to help soften the effects of stress. If the adrenals are pumping nonstop for extensive time, eventually you body cannot produce cortisol.

So, I am now wondering about and thinking if professionals known to have extreme and prolonged stress, such as teaching and nursing, are developing symptoms initially in part from adrenal exhaustion. I am picturing a cycle of mercury to kidneys, adrenal pumping, cortisol exhaustion and Morgellons symptoms. Make sense?

I've had five emergency room visits where my heart was racing (four before Morgellons symptoms developed). I was told after the first visit (where I was absolutely certain I was about to die) I needed to eat more bananas and green vegetable (I was low in potassium). This cycle could account for my unexplained hospital visits...and it also may account for so many nurses and teachers having Morgellons. Again I ask, make sense? I hope so.

I recommend reading the article in Better Nutrition. I'll list the vitamins and herbal remedies recommended (please check with your medical professional before implementing). Vitamins include: B-complex, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C. Herbal supplements listed include: licorice root, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and eleutherococcus senticosus (please keep in mind B.N. is meant to promote herbal sales).

Remember to talk with your primary health care professional. Peace, Joe

Crawling Sensations, Fibers and Other Noted Morgellons Syndrome Symptoms: Another Theory for Sufferers to Consider

This was posted some time ago on the blog Morgellons-A Mudane Approach. I am currently working on a better presentation of this theory. I made one glaring mistake and I noted it in parenthesis.



I am not a medical professional. Let me repeat that. I am not, never have been and have no desire to ever become a medical professional. I might best be labeled a reluctant participant, as I suffered from Morgellons Syndrome Symptoms.

I have done my best to document what I went through (see Keleher 2008 “Hell and Back Again”). I wrote about connections to mercury and these horrific symptoms. I’ve angered medical professionals and sufferers. I’ve lost some old friends. I’ve found some new friends. I’ve written, emailed, and spoke on the phone with others who suffer. I’ve cried a bunch and still do (I don’t exactly know why).

I know it is possible to get well. I know what I suffered from and what I think most are suffering from is mercury as a neurotoxin. It is treatable with chelation and changes in lifestyle.

What I share are my thoughts. Yes, it is speculation. It is theory related to symptoms I had and you may still have. In reading be warned there are many “I think”s and “I believe”s. It’s all theory; it may be right or it may be wrong. Still, I feel compelled to share.

The Cause
I believe the recent growing numbers of those suffering from Morgellons symptoms is due to two ingredients- toluene and mercury.

Toluene is found in glues, methamphetamines and cocaine(this is not true....what I should have said is these are potentially interactive with mercury). I believe the toluene found in dental adhesives, and connected to symptoms by Dr. Omar Amin, correlate with a surge of sufferers of these symptoms (and possibly via prenatal passage the exponentially growing number of children with autism, ADD and ADHD).

I think toulene interacts with mercury to allow passage of this toxin into the nervous system. Toluene may dissipate after carrying mercury into the system leaving deposits of mercury. The primary source of mercury in the mouth (though there are other sources causing mercury increases including some skin creams, coal burning power plants, and historic mining activities) decreases as secondary deposits in the nerves increase.

The associated symptoms of this neurotoxin can be viewed as occurring in stages with new symptoms added as secondary deposits increase. The stages, based partly on my own experience, but also drawing from the experience of many others, might look like: 1) depression and panic attacks (typical symptoms of neurotransmitter blockage), 2) bloating, heart palpitations, and exhaustion, 3) crawling sensations, 4) fibers and skin lesions….and so on.

All of the symptoms noted with Morgellons, except crawling sensations and fibers, have been shown to be associated with mercury poisoning; because of this, I want to share how I think these two symptoms form.

Crawling Sensations
In the earliest onset of the “bugs”, I had faint flea-like zips across my scalp. I believe this was mercury pathways forming within the nerve cell network under my skin.

As the secondary levels of mercury increased, the sensations of crawling began. My crawling always started each night at the rear, right occipital area of my scalp (in journaling, at that time, I referred to the spot on my scalp as the “Mother Ship”); this area correlates with the low spot of my skull when resting (I have a preference for sleeping on my right with my head cocked back). The extreme density of mercury I believe was pooling.

Crawling typically began as the sun was setting and there was a change in temperature. Within weeks, the crawling expanded to my groin and bottom of my feet. Eventually my whole body had the sensations. It was during this time that I was diagnosed with sheet mites and scabies (and found out about something called Morgellons).

I believe as levels of mercury further increased, the crawling became more pronounced and expanded throughout my body. The sensation was especially disturbing when it began in my ear canals and nostrils.

I think the crawling is due to the expansion and contracting of mercury within the network of nerves. I picture it as one spider-shaped cell after another filling and twitching as mercury moves through (causing a kind of “cartoon effect” movement); one sufferer described this observed movement as certain proof of parasitic infestation. I still get a faint twitch occasionally at the base of my feet (but it feels different and I suspect it relates to nerve repairs and not mercurial movement).

If the Morgellons symptoms occur in stages related to increases in mercury, then I arrived at one of the middle stages. I never found fibers projecting from my skin or had any lesions. I’m thankful for this.

Fibers
I think the fibers are the result of repeated cell damage repairs from mercury expansion and contrasting through the nerve system. A weak spot may have mercury break through and this will “scab” over. The fibers eventually poke through as they have nowhere else to go.

Final Words
I know there are many theories out there. Mine is one among many. Take it as such.

Morgellons is an especially cruel condition. In addition to the symptoms, the medical community has not been especially kind. The sensationalism of the media doesn’t help. Isolation and lose of connections to other people is difficult. There is one thing though that especially irritates me; I cannot stand that there are people taking advantage of the vulnerability of many sufferers. For those snake oil sales people making money off this condition, someday you will get yours; it is true what we do to others we do to ourselves.

For those suffering, be careful of the sharks, keep faith that answers will come soon, and always, always keep an “attitude of gratitude” for all you have. You are not alone and things will get better! I wish each and ever one of you a clear path towards health.

Self Care

Last year I had an ongoing dialog with a biochemist from Mansfield University. I was trying to get a better understanding of the internal mixing of mercury with toluene and/or methamphetamine (I wanted to better understand--would this change the properties of mercury to allow it access beyond the blood/brain barrier?...and cause the Morgellons symptoms?). While he was initially interested, he distanced himself when I proposed Morgellons symptoms are likely "the tip of the iceberg". He did make one statement which has stuck with me; "With toxicity it is all about amounts," he stated.

In my recent extended stay in Africa, I believe my internal environment was effected. I'd had two heart racing episodes in the last two weeks (which could be caused by an increase in mercury levels); one of these was midway over the Atlantic (I had some Xanex with me to slow my heart down). While these symptoms were terrifying to me, it seems some would question whether I even had any.

Here's a point anyone who has dealt with Morgellons symptoms can related to. Imagine going to your family doctor and saying, "I have a stomach ache". The doctor is likely to tell you to take some antacids. If you go to the same doctor and say, "It feels like bugs are crawling under my skin", it is more likely than not they will say you are delusional. Why is it people, whether medical professionals or not, feel justified in questioning others when they state symptoms they are experiencing?

My sister-in-law, who is a respected biologist, professor, and general kind person, talked with me about Morgellons when I was in the thick of symptoms. I remember her saying, "I watched a special on it. They concluded 'It's all in your head'." She meant to be helpful and objective.

I told her, "Yes, it is in my head...and my arms, legs, intestinal track. In fact, it is all over my body." How can you be angry with anyone when the majority of the medical community still sees these symptoms as fiction?

Sufferers rely on other sufferers, those who have recovered and/or a handful of medical researchers to find a path to wellness (by the way, could somebody please call the CDC and wake them up!). I've said it before and will say it again- the person who can greatest help you recover is right in the mirror. We have got to take care of ourselves!

Taking care of myself at this moment means getting feedback from a doctor (I am waiting for test results and may do follow up testing), keeping stress low, and finding a setting with clean air and water (related to this I just read some discouraging news for North Central Pennsylvania (see http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/us/27gas.html?_r=1&hpw)). I'm not certain where this will take me. I've taken the "breathing time" over the last week to build my online presence as a writer (thank you Liz!! please take a look at: jwkeleher.com or cliffhuggins.com). Remember every moment of every day--take care of yourself!

Is Morgellons in Natural Home Magazine?

It's late on a Saturday night in Arusha. Part of what I'm missing in Tanzania is regular mail. I like to know I can put something in an envelope or box and know it will arrive at its destination in a couple of days or, at most, four. Things can go slow over here...especially mail.

My brother Chris emailed me yesterday to tell me he'd gotten his copy of Natural Home Magazine (Nov/Dec issue) and the return article on my home in Wellsboro, PA. I'd wanted to take a "green" approach towards eliminating/containing toxins. I think I did a decent job. The article looks at all I did and cost (I believe).

Not having seen the article, I'm wondering if it mentions Morgellons Disease. When I spoke with the writer I mentioned Morgellons and prompted her to look into it further. I am wondering if she mentioned my having this condition and the necessity for detox work. I suspect my copy of the magazine will arrive here in two or three weeks. If you're quick about getting to your local news store, you may be able to read it before I do. If any of my three followers read it, let me know if Morgellons is mentioned.

Back to my Mer-world edit.