CFS started in '95. At first I thought I had the flu, tired and unable to do anything for 3 days. However, I didn't have achiness, just tired. It happened once in 95, then the next couple of years I noticed I couldn't excercise without energy drinks and had these weird 2 or 3 days of exhaustion once or twice a year. Then in 2000 I noticed even more tiredness after exercising and emotionalism seemed to sppear (crying without reason). By mid-2001 I had to stop training for triathalon, just could do free weights, took weeks to recover from any cardio exercising. Finally, in 2002 I had to stop exercising altogether.

I was also going to school (getting bachelors) and working my way up the corporate ladder. Its amazing how all this becomes inconsequential when your health starts to disappear. Huge bouts of brain fog, bone and joint achiness, insomnia and emotionalism, which had to be kept in check at all times and could be quite embarrassing in meetings. All the while I was just plain exhausted!

Kept telling the doctor something was wrong, she blamed my lifestyle. Between 2000 and 2006, saw 11 doctors, found I had thyroid issues and hormones. These however, were just symptoms of the root cause, the mercury. Quit my job in 9/06, discovered mercury poisoning 11/06.

I had 14 silver fillings. 5 of which were root canaled. By 2/8/07 had the 5 pulled and the other 9 removed and replaced with porcelain. Thank God for the 401k, savings and insurance.

Within the first weeks, felt huge bursts of energy. Now, I am on the chelation rollercoaster ride. Some days I feel great, other days it's downright awful. I just finished 5 days on with DMPS and decided to take a break, the first two days were YUCK. Am on 2.5 mg of cortisol to try to help with the adrenals (ACTH stress response).

Constantly reminding myself that in a year I will be a new woman! I don't make any hardcore decisions, have any important conversations without speaking to my husband first, who is a saint!

I thank God that my husband let me stay home to get well as I also have adrenal and digestive issues that are being addressed. Every month SOMETHING is a little better. Haven't seen major improvements except in the area of clarity. I can think SO much better now. Paranoia is dissapating and I am starting to feel like me although, I still feel dead inside sometimes, like I just don't give a rip about things. But then I remind myself that its the mercury that's making me think like that and CANCEL that thought, sometimes easier said than done. Long answer to your question...Hope this helps.

Gabriella