Having braces fitted at age 14/15 was the beginning of my health nightmare. I was never the same, even though they were removed later. I improved to a point, but that was it. From then on life changed and has never been the same.

I gather though I must have already had problems and it just took one more health challenge to cause me to buckle. I just did not bounce back. I never noticed big health problems before that and was always a very energetic person (possibly too much perhaps, a little hyper). But happy, seemingly healthy and confident though a bit shy.

I can't quite believe the dramatic change and impact following the placement of braces. It started as soon as the metal studs were put on, even before the wire. The changes were dramatic and I'm surprised nobody made the connection. It was almost immediate too. Hair, skin, eyes, personality/mental outlook, everything changed. Blurred vision, horrible skin that wouldn't heal properly, hair faded in colour, weight loss, late menstruation, tearful, depressed, taut skin with blemishes, bizzare mental thoughts, obsessive behaviours, compulsive behaviours, withdrawn, gut problems/cramps. It was like a nightmare descended upon me.

I have heard that there are alternatives to these metal/nickel braces? Ones that are ok for those who are metal sensitive?