Lucy, I had the last of my 8 metal amalgams replaced on September 2005. I was feeling great -- and the only side effects after 6 months was a weight gain of 10 lbs., and some pain in my wrists and knees and a minor flare up of a yeast infection.

What I did to deal with the assumed mercury backlash was continue to chelate - as well as chelating naturally with chelating type foods incorporated in my meals. (raw nuts, raw apples and pears, pineapple, a clove of garlic every other day, raw onions and lots of liquids and herbal teas (no sodas, no sugar, no yeast,-- just organic yogurt for dairy)

I continued to supplement with Magnesium , selenium, organic Calcium and Vitamin D. The mercury toxic body needs these minerals more than ever.

Then I realized that since mercury does play around with the thyroid (my wierd weight gain) I should start taking some essential oils. I add Oil of Evening Primrose the week of my Period and a week before and after, and a TBSP of flaxseed oil every day with my raw nuts breakfast. I eat plenty of raw fruits and veggies-- and some seaweed Miso soups at work (cheap and nutritious)

I got more sunlight to increase Seratonin levels (as well as use those Sun spectrum lightbulbs for lighting (to make up for the crappy flourescent lighting at my job)-- and I started minor excersizing-- no marathon, but doing yard work, etc. I dropped the excess weight and feel great and it's been over a year now since all my amalgams were removed.

Now- I didnt get them out all at once, but I had 2 removed each month or so- from May 2005 to September 2005.

What was really sad was the day of my last amalgam removal was the day Katrina hit Louisianna and Mississipi. I kept thinking that like me-- they will also go through a restoration process. First the pain and loss and later the restoration and beauty! They're struggle will be a long one, but they will come out good in the end!! :-)