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Progress Report, January 2003

This is Robert from Southern California.

I began treating myself for Amalgam illness in March 2002. I started by doing research, keeping a journal, and taking Vit C, Vit E, Mg, Zn and Se. Most of the ideas used below came from Andy Cutler's book.

By May, I had added B-Complex, B1, B6, Milk Thistle, Flax Oil, Cr,
Glutathione, Glutamine and Methionine. I stopped taking Methionine
because it caused angina and a worsening of other symptoms. In May, I also began replacing my 8 Amalgam fillings with composite. I did two at a time, finishing in mid July. I did not take DMSA OR DMPS after replacement.

By July, I had added Phenylalanine, Carnitine, Mb, B12, Folic Acid, CoQ10, Borage Oil, Fish Oil, Lecithin, Cod Liver Oil, Beta Carotene, Arginine, Lysine, Dolomite and Iodine.

In October, I started chelating with 30 mg ALA (about every 3 hours) in three-day runs. By October I had discontinued taking Glutathione, Borage Oil, and CLO. I added Taurine.

By Dec 2002, I had completed 8 chelation rounds. I find that taking at least 11 days off works best at maintaining a functional life. I have also discontinued fish oil and B1.

I currently take 25 Supplements Vitamins: C, E, B-Complex, B6, B12, Folic Acid and Beta-Carotene EFAs, herbs & other: Flax Oil, Milk Thistle, CoQ10, and Lecithin Minerals: Zn, I, Mb, Se, Mg, Cr and dolomite (Ca/Mg) Amino Acids: Glutamine, Phenylalanine, A L-Carnitine, Glycine, Arginine, Lysine & Taurine


I sometimes take yogurt, valerian tea (for insomnia) and psyllium
husks (for constipation).

Here is a list of symptoms I have contended with in 2002. The one's marked cured are basically gone or occur so infrequently or slightly that they no longer cause problems. Many of the one's marked persistent have diminished slightly but are still problematic. I believe that if I stopped taking several of the above supplements, many of the symptoms would worsen or return.


Mental Health / Psychological:

Cured:

· Depression or manic-depression

Diminished
· erethism (excitability)
· irritability & outbursts of temper
· low self control
· resentment of criticism
· timidity, fearfulness
· shyness
· embarrassment with insufficient reason
· anxiety, nervousness
· indecision
· insomnia
· vivid dreams
· lack of concentration
· memory loss
· decline of intellect
· suicidal thoughts or tendencies*
· lethargy & drowsiness
· brain fog


Persistent
· stress intolerance
· loss of self-confidence
· self-consciousness
* Suicidal thoughts have diminished greatly and are infrequent.


However, even infrequent suicidal thoughts are a concern.



Neurological:


Cured:

· chronic or frequent headaches
· slurring of words
· slight stammering
· difficulty in pronunciation of words
· frequent leg cramps
· loss of coordination
· sciatica
· ringing or noises in ears
· dizziness
· fine tremors (hands & feet)


Diminished:

· blurred vision
· numbness, tingling or pain in the extremities



Oral Cavity:

Cured:

· bleeding gums
· metallic tastes

Diminished:

· gingivitis
· white patches in mouth



Gastrointestinal:

Cured:

· abdominal cramps
· nausea
· bloated feeling
· colitis (inflammation of the colon)
· headache after eating

Persistent:

· diarrhea or constipation



Respiratory:

Cured:
· difficulty in breathing

Diminished:
· persistent cough



Cardiovascular:

Cured:

· tachycardia (rapid heart beat)
· pain or pressure in chest, angina

Persistent:
· elevated serum triglycerides
· elevated cholesterol


Endocrine:

Cured:
· low grade intermittent fever
· night sweats
· loss of appetite
· reactive hypoglycemia

Diminished:
· fatigue
· muscle weakness
· joint pain

Persistent:
· subnormal temperature



Immunological:
Cured
· allergies
· excessive itching
Diminished
· swollen lymph nodes in neck
· rashes, skin irritation
Persistent
· sinusitis


TOTAL:

27 Cured
27 Diminished
8 Persistent

Of 62 symptoms experienced in 2002



The main problems that I am contending with our mental & psychological, occasional muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. These have been greatly diminished but persist. I last tested my
triglycerides and cholesterol on Aug 31, before I started chelation.

This year I hope to continue the chelation. If it goes well, I will consider increasing the dosage and frequency. If my health is consistently good, I will consider reducing the dosage of some
vitamins in July.

I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Robert Cartland
Alhambra, CA