Jinx

go with your gut instinct. I have been down the path of thinking it was all in my head, and that my inability to deal with stress / relationships had caused this so-called hypothalamitis - where the hypothalamus gets stressed for too long and down regulates production of the pituitary and all associated glands - thyroid, adrenals, etc etc - leading to chronic fatigue. It all fits, so it could be true.

And yet. My illness came on after a trip to the dentist, I have had exposure to mercury over decades, my symptoms got worse after amalgam removal and initial rounds with DMSA. Above all, I have this roaring metal taste in my mouth, and have had for 6 months. How does that fit in with hypothalamitis?!

I went to a yoga class once, and told the woman I was sick because of my mercury fillings. She instantly denied that this was the cause and told me it was emotional. I got pretty annoyed (inwardly) and didn't go back. How could she possibly know what was going on with me, and claim to know better? Unbelievable.

I wouldn't bother going to see any of these people - health professionals, kinesiologists, naturopaths etc etc. At this time you need sympathetic understanding people round you, and if you haven't got those - then avoid them, or don't talk about your illness with them. It will only wind you up and cause self-doubt. Many people with amalgam illness or chronic fatigue are fobbed off with a psychological cause. In England the only official NHS treatment for CFS is cognitive behavioural therapy - which is just ridiculous.

Like I said, go with your instinct. You know yourself best of all. I have often wondered whether I could put down a worsening of symptoms down to emotional stress - and time and again I can't -- but I can put it down to weak adrenals, candida, mercury on the move, under performing thyroid, etc etc. You have educated yourself enough on this now to know and trust yourself. If you're right - stick with the programme.

Nicola