Good luck with going through the NHS.

Have you asked your doctor/dentist about a sensitivity test to mercury or the metals in amalgam? The NHS acknowledges that some people are sensitive to mercury so if you can test positive for sensitivity then they will pay for the treatment for you. I don't know what the test is though.

I too am living on a budget so know what it's like. Morrisons sells bottled water fairly cheap - £1.30 or so for 4 2 litres bottles - at least in my area. I also save water by boiling all my veggies together in one saucepan (which saves gas and washing up too, lol) as it doesn't bother me to have them in one heap on my plate instead of tidy portions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Let us know how you get on