Tracy - this is one of those grey areas where we'll never really know. I know that I have a high Epstein Barr titre in my blood, which could also be causing my symptoms. My illness started after a trip to the dentist, when she removed a mercury filling without taking any precautions at all. With 12 amalgams already in my mouth and a mercury load accumulated over 30 years, this was the final straw that broke the camels back. I have all the classic symptoms of Amalgam Illness as discussed in Cutlers book - adrenals, thyroid, hypoglycemia, fatigue, low hormones etc.

I suppose Cutler would say that those who have removed their amalgams, chelated and are still sick did not chelate properly, and probably caused more damage with bad chelation protocols. This may explain why they still feel sick. Also, mercury makes the immune system more susceptible to candida and parasites and other bacterial infections, so it may be a whole combination of issues. The only thing to do is deal with each issue at a time, in a process of elimination. Mercury, parasites, candida, bacterial infections.

There may also be physiological reasons why a person might not get well after amalgam removal. A lady who posts on the frequent dose chelation forum has been talking alot about the methylation process in the body. If this is not working properly, then the body will not release heavy metals, even if chelation is taking place. There are supplements you can take to increase the methylation process and she is now seeing good results. This is also the reason why autistic children don't excrete heavy metals very well.

It is a minefileld, and one which we have to navigate by ourselves, because doctors are so clueless about the whole thing. I believe that having mercury fillings removed is a positive step, however, and providing you don't mess it up with a bad chelation protocol, your health should improve, albeit slowly. The only protocol I would contemplate doing is the frequent low-dose DMSA and ALA, as I think Cutler really knows what he is talking about.

Don't let yourself get discouraged!! Read your Cutler book, take your supplements and see how you go for about 18 months. Then you can start thinking about other possible causes.

Nicola