News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

I just received Andy Cutler's "Amalgam Illness" and skimmed through it.

I have to admit, it actually REDUCED his credibility in my mind. Sorry, but no serious scientist would make THAT many claims to knowledge over that many systems. The book has far too many potentially wildly unsupported statements about complex body systems and functions.

I am still fairly convinced by his protocol, because the pharmokinetics seem to make sense and I've seen the independent ALA studies showing it crossing the BBB. And DMPS is acknowledged as a real mercury chelator, and again, Andy's scheduling of dosage appears reasonable.

That said, the book is almost quasi-insane. No human being has command over that many illnesses, body systems, and potential interventions.

I share many of your concerns about 'traditional' medicine. That said, the lack of caution shown by Andy here really does speak to the need for more rigorous testing of statements and claims.

I have to say, I'm disappointed.

im glad i am not the only one....some people seem to make things far worse than what they seem and who knows crazy ppl can write books.

too many unsupported statements make me worry too

I don't know, I only know that most of what I've seen, when people apply his advice, they get the results or the relief spoken of. To me, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

I know what you mean though, but don't forget he's a biochemist, this is ALL he's done for years. He's had to study on all the systems that mercury effects in order to figure out not only what to do about the mercury, but how to treat some of those other problems in the meantime so the patient maybe kept more comfortable and functional.

The only problem I have with the book is that I find it disorganised and so much indepth information, your head starts to swim. Other than that? i'm amazed at the work he's done. People on two forums apply nothing but his advice and treat their other problems the way he has recommended and they find he's been right just about everytime.

I usually trust fellow sufferers. Because they are the ones going through it and trying these things out.

The main issue to all this is people removing their mercury. His protocol is probably the safest and most effective I have used and hear the same from others. Surely if he's gotten that right, which takes a scientific mind, can we then not assume that he may also have it right on many other issues that require the same kind of mind? Some people go so far as to consider him a genius in what he's figured out and achieved.

Andrew Cutler's book is used all over the world. If his comments were unsupported and guess work, he'd have been found out long ago. Fully qualified doctors are reading it and more of them are using it to help patients.

My own doctor read his book and then photocopied much of it. She was impressed. He also helps autistic kids around the world a LOT of mercury toxic adults. I think he has some idea of what he speaks.

I am about 50/50 on his book ,some of the presciption medications in his book that he mentions can be dangerous and he does not mention that the withdrawl symtoms from some of these medications can mess you up for a very long time ( for example hydrocortisone if taken for 6 monthes can shut down your adrenal gland production for up to a year in some cases and anti depressants have a down side also ,I know I was on 5 different types of them on and off for about two years untill I found out what was really causing my problems MERCURY !!!!!!!!) ,but symtoms section in the book are very desciptive and correct you have to give him credit for that. all and all I am glad that there are people like him, huggins and russ tanner that are willing to put there neck on the line to inform so many of us who are dealing with this murcury issue and give us hope

I personally love the book. In fact, it's the most in-depth and informative book I've found on the subject (I found it accidentally) and that is why I began to sell it.

The information is extensive and I don't view the fact that someone can have so much knowledge as a discrediting factor. I would take a look at his Curriculum Vita. Nobody's perfect, but Dr. Cutler has been around the block a few times.

I'm not a big fan of taking a pharmaceutical approach to detox, but I believe it's only fair to give people both sides of the issue and allow them to make their own decision. I also appreciate that the book includes a lot of alternative health information and approaches. This you will not normally find in most books by conventional doctors.

Not only am I impressed that the book is so comprehensive, I also was glad to find that it was written so anyone could read it.

I also want it understood that I'm not biased because I sell it. In fact, I decided to sell it after I was totally impressed with it, except for one thing...

It's possibly the ugliest book I've ever seen. Nevertheless, the information it contains has been a powerful tool for me for years. It is one of the small number of health reference books that stays within arms reach of my desk chair.

By the way, I offered to help Dr. Cutler redesign the book cover and binding a few years ago just to make the book look up to it's content, but he declined. He seems to value the content but not be worried about the cover.

I think Andy Cutler is remarkable personally. he has had to learn to cut to the quick, defend his position constantly and get on with it. HE doesn't muck around, he pretty much tells you how it is, if you wish to not follow those directions and want to do your own thing, then that is up to the person. But so often some muck up his protocol, put their own swing on it or confuse it with another, then when things go wrong they blame him and put it up on the forum. Then when you ask what they actually did, you see they were doing it completely wrong. Some seem to do this on purpose or repat the same problem and for him, it's very frustrating. But he just has to eventually get on with it. He admits that some are so toxic, that it is very hard to even treat them based on how much the mercury has affected them, to where it is almost impossible to get them to follow directions and comply with treatment. So the area he deals in, mercury toxicity, is probably one of the most difficult in respect to its affect on human nature.

Ive heard people phoning him all hours of the day and night often. I really do think he is someone that would be under tremendous stress. So many people, adults, children, austistic, or other mercury toxic, want his help and some have been injured previosly by other methods and he's the "fix it guy". Which he cannot always do perfectly or speedily.

I think his book is wonderful too Russ. I think it could be more organised and as I said, a lot of it is beyond my understanding, but so much of it is and you read and learn and it's book that he has obviously been totally dedicated in doing. His learning is extensive, becuase he's been toxic himself and has a lot of passion towards this. He has been on radio also. Believe me, if he wasn't genuine, he would not have gotten this far.

Andy doesn't often defend himself, and does not want to be thought of as a guru or genius. He lets the treatment do the talking and the results speak for themselves. I think that is why I tend to trust much of what he says.

Hi, Bex,

I just wanted to make clear: I think Andy's chelating protocol makes sense. However, I think he bites off more than he can chew with all the medical discussions about different body systems, supplements, and medications. I am just very wary of someone with such certain claims about such diverse subject matter.

That said, I am very much on "his side" in terms of how awful mercury is, and smart ways to remove it from the body/brain.

I wanted to post since I first read this thread this morning, but decided to wait until I could find the right words. During that time, Russ and Bex put those words down beautifully. Thank you, both.

I, for one, have benefitted from the book. While I have lots of work ahead in my chelation, I have made great strides in the 8 months that I have been doing so, and I believe that my body has healed as it has because of his protocol.

Interesting, the first time I read the book it seemed so technical that I had trouble understanding it, in some places. Guess that is why he said that it's not necessarily a read from cover to cover book. Some of it is written for doctors in hopes of helping them to help the mercury poisoned. I'm reading it the second time and it's a real eye opener and for me, as Bex put it "the proof of the pudding is in the eating". I say that because this time I am able to grasp things that I couldn't at first because of brain fog. I appreciate every minute of time that he put into this bood, as well as the time (that Bex appreciatively mentioned) that he takes today answering peoples qustions.

Russ, I have to agree with you about the cover, though. It is way too simple of a cover for such an important book. LOL
Thanks everyone for putting into words what I couldn't find words to say.

Hi Blicero, yeah I do know what you're saying. I mean I can understand your view and perhaps you are right, maybe he does tend to spread himself too thin on too many aspects of health to where you wonder how far indepth he can possibly know on all at once? As you said, perhaps biting off more than he can chew.

I think many of us agree, he certainly has the mercury chelation side as sussed as I think it can get at this time, but not sure how he is on all other aspects as in how far indepth and knowledgeable he is on them each. I'd say he' be almost a specialist in mercury, but that does not automatically mean he is on the rest, though I think he must have a good grasp of it, or he would certainly be in trouble by now.

E.g. take candida for example. He mentions that, but only talks about how to deal with it by nystatin, or other antifungal, but I don't hear him mentin the diet, which is the main point of treating candida and the first stage. So someone else whose energies have gone completely into candida, woudl know more than he does and possibly he would do well to refer that patient to someone more up on that than he might be. Unless he's willing to devote more time to it. But I think his big thing is mercury and I doubt he has much time for much else, so many of us are poisoned by it.

Problem is, so many systems are poisoned by it, and he has to try and work on so many things at once and get people some form of help and relief to help the symptoms in the meantime, so they can be barely functional as they chelate.

So it's not easy. I can see your concerns though for sure.

I found this link in past posts on page 13 on the bottom of this page. Very interesting. It's an interview Teri Small had with with Andrew Cutler on Autism One Radio. For those who might be wondering who he is, or who may just be beginning their mercury chelation...you may want to take a listen to this interview.

http://www.autismone.org/radio/default.cfm?archive=698&bg=&FromA1

Thank you for that link. I just listened to the interview with Andy Cutler and it was very good. I would recommend others listen to it if they re thinking about his protocol.

Personally there are not many people I have come across over the last 2 yrs that have not had success or progress with his protocol and advice detailed in that book. I think its also very accurate in terms of details. If you don't think so I would just check out the area that is of concern. I have not found anything yet and issues I have had have been addressed using this book

Phil

I am someone that has not had success with Cutlers protocol. I still cannot tolerate even very small doses of DMSA on a four hourly schedule and i am over three years post removal. Although I think his book 'amalgam illness' is by and large quite good he doesnt really go in to this issue of DMSA intolerance which seems to me to be a common problem.

I had no success with it either, and i know many who couldn't tolerate it also. It's easy to see why his protocol is history with every single heavy metal expert. Cutler has never been in clinic but has managed to convince most people into his protocol. Dietrich Klinghardt MD PhD is one of the worlds authorities on metal detox and he is quoted as saying that nanonized chlorella and certified organic cilantro are the safest and most effective remedies he's ever used. It's only when people self-medicate that it becomes a problem. The in-clinic experts all use forms of bio-energetic testing in the form of Applied Kinesiology or something similar.

One thing thats worth mentioning though is the culter protocol is not just DMSA every few hrs. It is a protocol using what works for you, with the options of DMSA or DMPS with ALA being key to removal of mercury in the brain because its the only one that crosses the BBB (fat and water soluable). The idea of the protocol is to work with how long the chelator stays in the blood to keep it at a continous level preventing redistribution. ie. Random dosing will result in drawing and letting go of mercury, the worst issues I coming from IV because of the large ammount of redistribution esp if the body cannot deal with it all but oral dosing can also be bad if randon. Personally if I did opt for chlorella or any other kind of seaweed I would only use one grown in a lab in glass tubes because of contaminants. The only one I know is e lyte chlorella but I do not know whether seaweeds can chelate all mercury other than whats in the gut, maybe in combination with raising glutathione would be best

ALA could only dream to chelate the brain the way organic cilantro can. That's from the in-clinic masters, not me.

How does Dr. K recommend dosing cilantro?

Well all I have to add is I was on the scrap heap just over a yr ago, tired just walking up stairs, reactions to everything, severe reactions to carbs, could not even eat carrots, you name it I was in a bad way. 3 Months later I could run 5 mins on a running machine which was a huge thing for me to do. 13 months later I have now been weight training 2x per week, cardio exercise 3 times per week. Normal functioning, can eat some carbs, rice, sweet potatoes etc, remaining issue is gut is still not 100%. Protcol was cutler, ALA 50mg, DMSA 25mg. Still chelating, I tried ALA only for a month, I find I need to use DMSA every so often still with ALA, I don't seem to clear the mercury as well without it.

Phil

I have a lot of experience of persevering with Cutlers protocol using both DMSA and ALA and trying very small doses of each. I am also aware of the underpinning rational of his protocol. All that said though It made me feel worse. Algin has been the only supplement that has made me feel better. I dont think this protocol works for everyone and it is up to individuals to question and find out what is right for them.

My experience was the same as Phils experience. Compared to months ago, I am not the same person. Just steady permanent results. For me, too, the issues that he brings up in the book and the supplements go hand in hand. The supplements are important to make the chelation process more comfortable.

At the same time, I can understand both Dental Holocaust and Richard, in that no protocol is for everyone. Even some who use Andy's protocol can't use DMSA. Some use only ALA. Some use only DMSA.

You can't argue with the figures, though, many are doing well and moving on with their lives using this protocol. At the same time it takes time, as any safe protocol would. Really, it's just an option for those who are looking to unload their bodies of the burden of mercury.

Hi, yeah I see a lot of people responding well to Andy's protocol, but there are always going to be people who don't and respond well to another like Richard has.

Also, some do not tolerate DMSA as you said, so they can chleate with ALA alone if they wish (as long as they are 3 months post amalgam removal or other mercury exposure).

Also some people have to address their yeast issues during their time of chelating with these products, because whether directly or indirectly (or both), they can flare yeast up and make things worse for a time. It could be the action of the movement of metals passing through that does this, OR the high sulfur or something else in the products.

So that can cause issues too. I have heard of some people have horrific results with chlorella and cilantro, so it goes both ways for sure. Unfortunately so much of this is trial and error, no matter how well thought out the protocol is from the professional he is dealing with individuals and different body chemistries etc.

Even Andy will admit there are some that do well on the things he usually advises against and basically if it works and you find you don't tolerate his protocol? Keep on the one that works for you.

I'm certainly not experiencing horrific results with the form of chlorella and cilantro i take. It's not really trial and error because there are doctors out there who use state of the art testing techniques to determine what your body is asking for.

You might not be experiencing bad results, but some have. Which I'm sure you'll agree should not have happened and no doubt would not have occured had they been appropriately pre prepped for it.

But yeah, I am sure those people did not have the testing you've had, but it does show that many out there certainly ARE doing trial and error. Perhaps they are not aware of the testing available to prevent such a thing?

You are in good hands Im sure, but I dont know how many others have access to the people who make sure this is all done perfectly. I could not afford to pay out to those to continually monitor or test me. I wish I had.

I was not even able to afford Andy Cutler's personal consulting help, the one on one most of us need and appropriate monitoring was way above my means. So for me, all I had was his book to refer to and the hopes that the protocol would be tolerated by me and the info within was sound.

I think it was overall, but still, I have other problems that often complicate any mercury chelation protocol, or interfere with it, so I have to try and monitor myself and make the adjustments on things I can. Other than that, I am alone in this.

I know people that have his one on one help, and then he is more able to test and monitor them and make changes where needed or adjustments. But like any health professional, they are not cheap.

I don't know how to respond to the ones who haven't been successful on Andy's protocol. However, I was directionless and partially and confusingly informed until I combined this book with all the other research I was doing.

In fact, the book was able to help me leave my doctor who wanted to do the monthly IV DMPS and find a D.O. who specializes in mercury detox and autism. I ended up going with the oral DMPS. I was doing "okay" on DMSA, but a lot better on DMPS.

I began chelating on Andy's protocol March 16th DMSA 12.5 mg every 3/4 hrs (no ALA). Three weeks ago I began chelating on DMPS 50 mg, no ALA. Last week I was able to add the ALA 25 mg and now can chelate up to 10 days on 4 days off and feel so much better. I am also going to begin 2.5 cortisone doses for a couple a months while my adrenals are healing as the herbs were not enough.

I can tell you that mentally I feel so much better. Physically, I have days that my body "sings" and other days I am pooped, but no where near the fatigue I had for the past several years. What I am most thankful for is that my new doctor was very aware of Andy's protocol (the one that I left was not and was scared to try anything other than what he knew), and was willing to let me try DMPS right away. He also partners with a doctor of Naturopath. I was so blessed to stumble upon them in a "Healthy Times" newspaper at my local health store.

I also wanted to add that the forum for Andy's protocol is also quite helpful and has helped me understand why I was having gallbladder and liver issues. I also see a lot of people on that forum making significant progress and being cured.

So, while I cannot report that I am cured, I can report that from the decision to follow Andy's protocol things are now finally turning around, I can see the light. I hope this helps others...

Gabriella

Gabriella how did your CFS start? With an infection? Or do did you just start feeling sick gradually, stress, etc...

CFS started in '95. At first I thought I had the flu, tired and unable to do anything for 3 days. However, I didn't have achiness, just tired. It happened once in 95, then the next couple of years I noticed I couldn't excercise without energy drinks and had these weird 2 or 3 days of exhaustion once or twice a year. Then in 2000 I noticed even more tiredness after exercising and emotionalism seemed to sppear (crying without reason). By mid-2001 I had to stop training for triathalon, just could do free weights, took weeks to recover from any cardio exercising. Finally, in 2002 I had to stop exercising altogether.

I was also going to school (getting bachelors) and working my way up the corporate ladder. Its amazing how all this becomes inconsequential when your health starts to disappear. Huge bouts of brain fog, bone and joint achiness, insomnia and emotionalism, which had to be kept in check at all times and could be quite embarrassing in meetings. All the while I was just plain exhausted!

Kept telling the doctor something was wrong, she blamed my lifestyle. Between 2000 and 2006, saw 11 doctors, found I had thyroid issues and hormones. These however, were just symptoms of the root cause, the mercury. Quit my job in 9/06, discovered mercury poisoning 11/06.

I had 14 silver fillings. 5 of which were root canaled. By 2/8/07 had the 5 pulled and the other 9 removed and replaced with porcelain. Thank God for the 401k, savings and insurance.

Within the first weeks, felt huge bursts of energy. Now, I am on the chelation rollercoaster ride. Some days I feel great, other days it's downright awful. I just finished 5 days on with DMPS and decided to take a break, the first two days were YUCK. Am on 2.5 mg of cortisol to try to help with the adrenals (ACTH stress response).

Constantly reminding myself that in a year I will be a new woman! I don't make any hardcore decisions, have any important conversations without speaking to my husband first, who is a saint!

I thank God that my husband let me stay home to get well as I also have adrenal and digestive issues that are being addressed. Every month SOMETHING is a little better. Haven't seen major improvements except in the area of clarity. I can think SO much better now. Paranoia is dissapating and I am starting to feel like me although, I still feel dead inside sometimes, like I just don't give a rip about things. But then I remind myself that its the mercury that's making me think like that and CANCEL that thought, sometimes easier said than done. Long answer to your question...Hope this helps.

Gabriella

Gabriellla, How are you doing with the insomnia after amalgam removal? I too have similar problems and am in the middle of amalgam removal.

Dear Mom of 7: I still use Ambien to get a good nights sleep. I found that I need it especially on the 3 days ON with Andy's protocol since you need to take meds every 3 hours those days. Usually by the 2nd night I can get to sleep on less Ambien, but then by the 4th day off I need to take a full dose again. I am sure I will be off these by the time my adrenals and thyroid is all figured out.

I just recently found out that my adrenals and thyroid are in need of repair and began hydrocortisone and additional Armour thyroid meds which is helping with the daily energy and regulating cortisol levels. Spiking cortisol levels affect sleep in a MAJOR way. I used to not be able to sleep for days at a time or was woken up 5/6 times a night. This is getting much better.

I am convinced that the mercury attacked both of these areas, and that just chelation alone is not going to do it, especially after reading all the posts on this forum and others and then reviewing the www.stopthethyroidmadness.com website, which does an EXCELLENT job of tying adrenal and thyroid issues together, and just like Andy's website helps you figure out dosing for both HC and Armour. Also, check out www.drrind.com. In just three weeks I am finding my emotions are smoothing out and the "wired, but tired" feeling is slowing leaving (a sign of adrenal exhaustion). I have also been unable to take a nap since 2001, hardly ever yawn and seem to be getting this back as well, albeit, slowly.

One day at a time...I am finding that the more research I do on the suggested websites is helping me self diagnose and have much more informed discussions with my doctor, therefore leading to more pinpointed treatment.

Hope this helps....

Gabriella