Mercury/Heavy Metals - new theory after 15 years

[farmgirl]

Hi Jenny: I am having it done at a naturopath. It does not make me sick and as of yet I am not considering my Sjogren's to be cured...F/G

[jenny2008]

Farm Girl.. does the chelation make you sick?? also do you go to a regular doc or naturopath for it?? has it helped your sjogrens at all yet?? thanks!!! ))

[farmgirl]

I think it may depend on the nature of the cause of your dry eye. I have been doing chelation (am about 1/2 done) and notice no difference but then again I have Sjogren's. I wasn't doing it to address the dry eye specifically but more to try to overcome the autoimmune condition which is the root cause of my dry eye. I wish you luck...F/G

[Katewest]

I agree with LaDiva! Keep us posted

[LaDiva]

Really glad you posted this Ronnie. I have subscribed to this thread and am watching it with interest. Please keep us updated on your progress, and best of luck!

[jenny2008]

what are the symptoms of mercury poisoning? i have sjogrens and mgd... not sure if related to mercury in my mouth?? i wonder if your dry eyes will go away after you get all the mercury out? u said you are going to a naturopath for this?? thanks!

[hankm9]

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[RonnieD]

Hey, I've posted for years and have tried a lot of crazy programs beyond conventional eye drops, compresses, etc. including detoxes, cleanses and taking extensive probiotics. I've seen eye specialists all across North America, from Vancouver to Miami, Los Angeles to New York, and none could help. I even went through extensive testing at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale but all results were normal despite my constant pain.

My chronic dry eye began back in 1997, two weeks after I received a vaccination for traveling to Western Europe. While in Paris, I caught a cold and from that point onwards, I've had chronic eye pain, joint pain, fatigue, dry skin, digestive issues and brain fog. The biggest problem, by far, has been with my eyes.

I was recently tested for heavy metal toxicity, via urine analysis, and the results show extremely high levels of mercury. Mercury was the preservative used in the vaccination I received back in 1997, two weeks before catching a cold and having all of my problems start.

Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause a wide range of problems, including eye pain/dry eye. Urine analysis for mercury is somewhat controversial. Some doctors claim only a blood test is relevant while many other doctors claim that blood tests will produce false negatives as mercury is absorbed by the muscle, bone and neurological tissue, specifically the eyes. I've had extensive blood work conducted by all kinds of doctors over 15 years for a variety of potential issues and all tests have always produced normal results with no indicated problems.

For me, the mercury explanation is finally something - after 15 years - that makes sense with my situation. I have started the heavy metal chelation (removal) process by taking DMSA (first 25 mg 5x daily, now 50 mg 5x daily) for two days on, five days off. DMSA is a prescription drug that has been used for decades to chelate heavy metals. It pulls out not only mercury and lead from the body but also other essentially vitamins, so the program is to take DMSA 2 days on, 5 days off, while taking a mineral supplement 2x daily on off days. Given my extremely high levels of mercury, I might have to take DMSA for up to 2 years; other, less severe cases might require DMSA for only 6 months. I was told not to expect to see any positive results for many months but I am already starting to feel a little better, after just a month on the DMSA.

I am based in Canada, and could not get mercury urine testing through the public system so I had to go to a private lab, through a naturopath (I would have preferred to go through a general physician but that is not an option in Canada to get to private labs). I had previously seen a GI specialist in Los Angeles who prescribed a lab req form for urine collection and analysis of heavy metals so this testing might be easier to obtain in the US.

The cost of the lab analysis in Canada was about $330. Before collecting the urine, it's imperative to take DMSA as a provoking agent for two days (given to me by the naturopath), while avoiding seafood consumption for days before. Over a span of 15 years, I have spent a TONNE of money seeing real doctors and naturopaths and buying antibiotics/supplements, none of which have worked. I do not recommend herbal supplements, detoxes or cleanses, despite what any miracles are promised by naturopaths. I also do not recommend any lubricating eye drops, prescription eye drops (including Restasis, corticosteroid drops, etc.) as none have ever worked for me.

The form of mercury detection is somewhat controversial (with doctors arguing over the relevance of urine vs. blood testing) but the symptoms of mercury toxicity appear to be more generally accepted. My symptoms are consistent with the list of what can be caused by mercury toxicity and the urine testing indicates mercury is the culprit so I will continue to take the DMSA and provide an update back here in about 6-9 months as I do not frequent the site much. I certainly hope this is the explanation/solution for me and I will check back to let you know of my progress in the summer/fall.

Mercury can enter the system through a variety of means, including foods (mostly seafood), environmental pollutants, etc. but it is most problematic for some people if introduced through vaccines or dental filings. Most people can chelate (expel) mercury fine and do not experience problems, but a small percentage of people have a genetic predisposition that prevents them from chelating mercury.

I would be interested to see posts from others who have experience with mercury and eye pain.

Good luck.