Wow, thanks for the welcome, guys!
Laura, I have 9 amalgams (one of which has been deteriorating, I think)! That's probably more than the average adult has. The first went in about 17 or 18 years ago; the last one about 8 years ago, so they've been in quite some time now. I can't have them out right now for a couple of reasons. I have had issues with my adrenals for several years now and in December, suffered from an adrenal collapse (term used by my alternative healer). I'm not stable enough to handle the risk of more mercury entering my body. Very symptomatic lately. The other problem I have is most likely due to the adrenal insufficiency and possibly the mercury itself. I suffer from pretty severe agoraphobia. I don't want to challenge my body by getting to a dentist office at the moment. Hopefully this will change in the future.
Linda kindly directed me to this forum.

Tracy and Bex, I've seen skirmishes in many forums. I guess it's bound to happen. I'm not put off by it at all, in fact I'm very grateful there is a forum to discuss the mercury issues. It's wonderful that I'm not alone!

Russ, no I'm not in any form of health care - allo- or otherwise. I experienced a long-lasting drug withdrawal because I didn't know how to taper properly. Many of the more dangerous symptoms (like the suicidality) were short-lived. But there are others that continue today.

There are so many things going on right now, that I don't know what to attribute to the mercury.
I'm wondering if the adrenal collapse hadn't occurred, if I'd display any symptoms of mercury poisoning at all.
I was already having issues with my kidneys. My Chinese herbalist diagnosed me with kidney yin deficiency.
Maybe that was caused by the mercury?

I have a few questions though. Is it pointless to try chelating without first removing the amalgams?
If I read correctly in another post, the best way to do this is by clearing out the body (or at least the intestines) first, then moving on to the brain. Is that correct? I've been having both physical symptoms and mental (have compared my symptoms with those of forum member Jinx).

Thanks and sorry this is so long!
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