A Figment or Not a Figment: Morgellons Reality Bites
There are Unidentified Flying Objects. There are Unidentified Submarine Objects. Now there are Unidentified Cutaneous Objects. (For those of us without an MD, and even for those WITH an MD, cutaneous means relating to or existing on or affecting the skin.) These "UCO" are classified officially as Delusional Parasitosis since the Center for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't know what they are, or even IF they are. And of course, what they don't know about must be delusional.
I suppose whenever humankind faces something new, it is a throwback to the day when we believed we lived in a geocentric universe in which the sun and everything else revolved around us, and everyone who was anyone said the world was flat. Just like those long ago days, now they're all having a whopping case of denial. And I'm not talking about that river in Egypt. I'm talking about Morgellons syndrome. It IS denial when a scientist won't even look at the problem. Not investigating. . . that is not scientific method.
Maybe it is a scary thing when we have to admit there's something new out there in the big bad world. After all, we humans are creatures of habit. Most of us would like to be able to take a snapshot of things and be able to relax and say "This is how it is." But the world keeps turning. We keep discovering new things about our old world. Our body of knowledge keeps on growing, in spite of denial. Things grow. Things change, even if we say they don't.
You'd think a researcher would be thrilled to find something new. But they (the official powers that be) spent years denying the existence of Morgellons syndrome. It is a debilitating condition which wears down those afflicted by it, a condition which is characterized by itching skin, the sensation of crawling or biting on or below the skin, skin lesions, and weird fibers that grow below the skin.
In fact, experts don't agree on anything about this condition. Is it a single parasite? Are there misdiagnoses in addition to legitimate cases? Is Morgellons a collection of other conditions mislabeled and lumped into a single category? Is the syndrome imaginary? Is it a mental illness?
For now, it is classified as an Unexplained Dermopathy; at least it's been acknowledged to the point of being investigated in epidemiological studies by the CDC. For the past few years, sufferers have had http://www.morgellons.org/ which is working toward getting more money for more research centers. Because of Morgellons Org., there are some legitimate researchers getting involved: Oklahoma State University, California State University – Hayward, State University of NY – Stonybrook, a microbiologist at Clongen Laboratories, and possibly others.
So, how is the research going? Some scientists think that the fibers are consistent with substances created by the body. They've discovered half of the people they've investigated who have symptoms of Morgellons also have Lyme disease. At least they're looking at the problem. There may not yet be a light at the end of the tunnel, but at least they're admitting there is a tunnel, and not declaring it hysterical spelunker syndrome.
Links
On Wikipedia
Morgellons Research Foundation
Study seeks clues on skin-crawling Morgellons
Currently, I am the President of the consulting firm, Brockovich Research & Consulting, where I am involved in numerous major environmental cases
Comments
Erin I just needed to say thank you for your post on Morgellons.
You are so well know and respected that important people out there will take notice and wonder too if this is a real condition.
It is that Erin, I watched it kill my son.
I'm thanking God that CDC has at long last decided to have a look at this.
The biggest crime commetted with this horror was doctor's being so crule as to not look and they would not look at the skin in our case, not at all.
Thank you so much for a open mind. Sue Laws
Posted by: Sue laws | February 5, 2008 2:17 PM
Thank you for writing this on Morgellons. The Charles E. Holman Foundation/The New Morgellons Order has been trying for years to get the CDC to do something. They did a rally outside the CDC last year and nobody from the CDC even walked out of their offices to talk with the morgellons patients that were right out side.
The CEHF is doing a Morgellons Conference on March 29, 2008 in Austin, Texas it would be wonderful if the CDC will come and learn what they don't know about morgellons, but that maybe asking to much.
Erin we would love to have you join us in March if you have time.
Keep up the good fights for the small folks!!
Posted by: Chris Beasley | February 5, 2008 2:46 PM
Thank you for acknowledging Morgellons Erin. Every bit helps, and speaking up on the topic means so much to those of us who are affected by this "syndrome". My heart thanks you and my 3 year old daughters thanks you.There is not a day that goes by when I don't look at her and agonize over the fact that I can't help her, can't take her to a doctor for help, or shield her from the misery of what this is doing to me. We do the best we can with what little we know. Morgellons is like living your own death, slowly.
Thank you for your time
God Bless you and yours,
Ali
Posted by: Ali | February 5, 2008 4:22 PM
To all of the people who may be thinking this can not be a real disease,it is! I have had this for many years.Doctors have been no help.If it cant be diagnosed by a Derm in 15 minutes,they give you antibiotics,if those dont work they give you creams,if that doesnt work they give you accutane...all of this with out ever once looking at the skin under a microscope. I am glad to see this is being studied by Kieser and the US army.It is about time,the numbers of people with this has risen so high ,so quickly,wish they would have listened sooner.
Posted by: Dawn | February 5, 2008 8:28 PM
Hi there,
This is interesting!! I can't help being excited about reading this. Erin, there are people in the UK, with this. I'm in contact with quite afew from all over.
We have joined the research forum below:
http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/Morgellons-Message-Board/index.php
I'm just about to launch a UK campaign website - its purpose: to raise awareness to sufferers, health care professionals, vets and pest control teams.
Will keep you posted.
All good wishes for your work on this one. Willing you on....
Jo Simmons
Hampshire, UK
Posted by: Jo Simmons | February 6, 2008 9:48 AM
Thanks for your brillisnt article... we are all screaming out for people like you to write for us and get something done at last.. I'm from the UK where people with morgellons are increasing at an alarming rate.
Posted by: Helen Mill | February 6, 2008 11:14 AM
I'm thrilled beyond words that you are interested in this. When one of our members and moderators of the Morgellons site posted your information (from UK....why did she know before us???) I was stunned and knew immediately that things were going to change.
Upon finding your other interests involving social implications such as the fish (which may be related), I am equally thrilled. It takes a person with the intestinal fortitude you possess to drive through to get the facts.
I look forward to your involvement.
Thank you.
Kritts
Posted by: Kathy Ridge | February 6, 2008 5:12 PM
You asked:
"Is Morgellons a collection of other conditions mislabeled and lumped into a single category? Is the syndrome imaginary? Is it a mental illness?"
A syndrome is a collection of symptoms reported by the patient and/or observed by a physician, you can't have an imaginary syndrome. However, a syndrome can have multiple causes, which can differ from patient to patient. That's what the vast majority of health professionals believe about Morgellons.
The only evidence that these people have something in common is that they claim to find microscopic fibers on their skin. But it's been shown time and again that if you look close enough, then anyone will find microscopic fibers on their skin.
Try this experiment. Take a PostIt pad, peel off a clean PostIt note and verify there are no fibers on the sticky part. Then take the clean PostIt note, and rub and pad the sticky part on your forearm. Now look at it (preferably with magnification). You will see several tiny fibers, of various colors. These are the same fibers that people with Morgellons have. Since they often have open sores from picking at their skin, you can see how they would get these fibers in their sores.
Armed with this knowledge, it's relativly easy to see that Morgellons is most likely just a collection of known skin conditions, compounded by the patient's obsession with fibers. However, a significant advocacy group sprung up, and via media efforts and political lobbying, have persuaded the CDC to set the matter to rest.
It is unfortunate that people continue to promote the myth that there is any evidence that fibers are connected to other symptoms. Because of this myth, people are not getting appropriate medical treatment, often resorting to harmful self-treatments such as bathing in bleach, and picking at their skin. They need individual care for their individual health needs.
Posted by: Michael | February 6, 2008 7:11 PM
Erin,
Thank you for recognizing Morgellons as an issue that will ultimately affect all.
My 9 year old daughter and I both have Morgellons. For me, the symptoms started manifesting around 6 years ago. This past summer my daughter started showing the markers of Morgellons.
For the casual observer it is apparent that we have some sort of skin condition. But for those who suffer from Morgellons, it goes much deeper than the skin. We become severely depressed, have no motivation and no longer can think clearly, ie "brain-fog". We have stomach and digestive problems, many of us have trouble standing up because the message somehow gets lost between our brain (intent) and the muscles in our legs. We have severe joint, abdomen and upper back pain. These are only some of the symptoms and I purposively have not mentioned the "sci-fi" and unbelievable aspects of this syndrome that lead to the diagnosis of "Delusions of Parasites".
This has to be addressed. Thank you again for the recognition.
Sincerely,
Ronda
Posted by: Ronda Jones | February 6, 2008 9:00 PM
First of all, thank you Erin for discussing this topic in such a rational way.
Morgellons gets way too much press that suggests that it is a disorder of mental illness (delusional parisitosis) and that the complaints of the infected are not real. As a person who has been suffering from this hellish disease plus Lyme for several years now I can tell you that my symptoms are most certainly
real and that any doctor or scientist willing to take a close look at what is in my skin and coming out of my skin should be able to see that there is something real going on that involves a parasite if not several different parasites as well as bizarre fibers. This stuff is not just under the skin, it feels systemic in my entire body as I can feel deep tissue movement in many areas of my body that I attribute to the Morgellons pathogen. My central nervous system has been affected and I have a great deal of trouble walking. I do not think as clearly or as well as I once did. This disease is disabling and it can be a killer. It is most serious.
One bit of info that has not been covered in mainstream media yet:
Every single original hotspot for Morgellons (San Francisco, SanDiego, Los Angelas, Austin Texas, Dallas and an area on the outskirts of Austin all have one thing in common. All of these original hotspots for Morgellons infected individuals are all cities that are home to a major/medial teaching University Campus with extensive facilities for bio research and every single one of these University Campuses in these hot spot areas is also involved in bio-warfare research in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Dept. of Defense.
In California the University campuses that are involved are UCSF, UCLA and UCSD. In Texas the University Of Texas Campuses in Austin and Dallas are involved.
Morgellons appears to be a bioengineered pathogen with some researchers (Dr.Hildegaard Staninger for one) claiming to have found self replicating nano-bots in the bodies of the Morgellons infected, as well as rivers of silicon and other bizarre assemblages. It is time for the press to do some serious sleuth work to find out who created this pathogen and why and why there are so many people infected that live in the vicinity of major medical research university campuses that are involved in doing bio research in partnership with Sandia National Labs and the US Dept of Defense.
Posted by: Glenn Boyle | February 6, 2008 9:31 PM
Many people have suffered for years, lost jobs, families, friends, homes, the list goes on. This is more than just cutaneous, it can cause neurological deficit that some believe may be misdiagnosed as ALS and other diseases. Most medical care is not covered by insurance. I personally have spent about $3,000 - $5,000 in 2 years just trying to get to the bottom of this and find relief in my life.
The morgellons community is crying out for help! At least the pressure on political figures has forced the CDC to increase the amount they've stated they've allocated to research.
The theories for the cause ranges from GMO in our food source, to GMO pesticides, particles in chemtrails, ancient bacteria being released as the glaciers melt, modified bacteria to clean oil spills, and on an on.
Any and all attention you may be able to offer gives hope to thousands.
Thank you for your time.
Karen
Posted by: karen | February 7, 2008 8:57 AM
Thank you so much for your voice in this matter!
Posted by: Karen | February 7, 2008 8:30 PM
Dear Ms. Brockovich~~
Thank you for your comments and interest in Morgellons. As a sufferer of this debilitating condition, I have been hoping (waiting, actually) for your attention. Your abilities are undeniably superior when it comes to finding out what is really happening.
I am a teacher at Marina del Rey Middle School here in Los Angeles. I have had this for 4 1/2 years and I believe (with 99 percent certainty) that I got this at my school.
I am currently being treated by a team of doctors; the key person is Dr. Hildegard Staniger, a triple Phd environmental toxicologist, who has been having great success treating Morgellons sufferers. I am also seeing Dr. Privitera, M.D., who specializes in immune and allergy issues.
Since these two incredibly gifted and talented medical professionals are in the greater Los Angeles area, I thought I would let you know of them. I am presently on a medical leave from my school and being treated by them both.
Thank you for your attention to Morgellons. It will take someone such as yourself to help us figure this out. What I mean by that is that I find it interesting that the CDC would receive letters from so many of us Morgies (I believe the CDC stated themselves that letters have come to them for about ten years now), and it was not until we started writing our congressmen and women that the CDC took any interest (openly anyway) in this matter.
Dr. Staniger is quite knowledgeable concerning our plight. It is my hope (and desire) that, should you become more interested in Morgellons, that you might give her a call. Several doctors, who have or have had Morgellons, have been in contact with her for her treatment and protocol.
In freedom and health,
Carola Dunham
Posted by: Carola Dunham | February 7, 2008 9:16 PM
We all need help.
my whole family has this.
two dogs died from this.
No doctor will treat us.
HELP HELP HELP,
Thank you for listening and writing this article.
This is very real.
Posted by: B wells | February 8, 2008 6:44 AM
Erin has a topic where you can talk about Morgellon's here:
Morgellons
I
Posted by: Anon | February 10, 2008 1:57 AM
Thank you for posting this article on Morgellons. There are some that believe they know the manufacturer of this genetically modified bacteria, (or whatever the organism is). I quote from a post: "My Dr. says Morgellons is a bacteria-like thing made by Monsanto to eat the parasites of corn crops." I don't know how someone could go about proving or disproving this theory but if it is true, the manufacturer should be responsible for funding the research for the cure.
The one thing I do know, and all of us dealing with this know, this is no delusion. Thank you again for posting an article on Morgellons. It is someone like you with the good work of your organization, that may one day, help us get to the bottom of this!
karen
Posted by: karen | February 10, 2008 6:49 AM
I'm one of many suffering from Morgellons and I can tell you that it's very real. There are no dillusions here, what we have is a great number of people like myself fighting for our lives. We've also lost a great number of people who couldn't fight any longer. Those who couldn't hold on, those who felt defeated by being tossed aside as delusional, when in reality, they were suffering a frightening kind of pain....... physically and emotionally. I believe in God, but I can also deeply sympathize and understand why those who've decided to take their own lives have done so. I'll hold on for as long as I can keep fighting, only to fight for answers so that the future of this world will never have to endure what we've had to endure.
I've lost everything familiar to the life I once knew and I've been thrown into the outer limits of the twilight zone (as I refer to it.) Into a dark and unknown place trying so hard to find a way out, having to beg the medical society for some help....... anything to give me some relief. But, we have a medical society who (for the most part) have forgotten the words in the golden rule, let alone the fact that they took it as their oath. When you become a victim of a new emerging disease, and can only watch the ones who should've tried to help you years ago, continue to postpone an investigation into it and don't even seem to want to acknowledge that it's upon us as a society, then you know something other than your own health isn't quite right. It not only becomes more frightening every day with what's happening to you physically, you also find yourself feeling terribly abandoned and alone.
We can only hope and pray that the investigation into Morgellons that the CDC contracted Kaiser (only in N. Calif) to do, will be done correctly and honestly. I'd like this opportunity to list some of our concerns regarding the investigation.......
1. Kaiser and the CDC are maintaining a closed survey not available to the Morgellons population outside the institution of Kaiser( Northern California ). Therefore it is targeting a specific geographic area but creating a barrier that disallows actual representation of Morgellons sufferers within that target area. If they don't belong to Kaiser, they don't exist for the purpose of the survey. I do not find this statistically representative of the selected target area.
2. The working relationship between Kaiser and the CDC does not allow for transparency or feedback to the Morgellons Community and any doctors or researchers currently involved. It is designed as a closed process resulting in an end report that is not verifiable to/by those experts working outside the Kaiser/CDC partnership.
3. Kaiser/CDC have predetermined a window of time (July 1, 2006- Dec. 31, 2007) on which to base total outcome analysis. It is my impression being a member of Morgellons community at large and aware to some degree of new emerging posters on Morgellon websites, that new cases of Morgellons were emerging at a faster rate in late 2004- early 2006. Therefore I have some concerns as to why Kaiser is selecting a limited time frame for examination which excludes 2004-2006. Will it be truly representative of emerging cases?
4. How is it that the Director of this Kaiser Project, Dr. Joe Selby, appears to have limited knowledge about existing cases of Morgellons within Kaiser. Has no one checked cases reported to Kaiser within the year's negotiations for this contract? Wouldn't they be just a little curious prior to accepting the contract and making proposals for testing? (Perhaps this information is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. Perhaps it already shows up in diagnostic codes and is not being discussed.
5. Dr. Hildegard Staninger in Los Angeles (see Staninger Report) has identified
silcon nanotubes containing viral protein envelopes, DNA plasmids, DNA/RNA/siRNA plasmid cassettes. Put in plain English- nanotechnology has been identified (by high powered lab). Unless Kaiser is looking for nanotech using appropriate equipment and methods, they may come back with a diagnosis that
completely misses the root problem of Morgellons.
6. Kaiser may have a conflict of interest in accepting this contract. If they have seen and diagnosed any patients in the designated window of time or even before, they may put themselves in the position of contradicting their own previous diagnosis. If, for example, they have diagnosed DOP (delusions of parasitosis) for previous cases of Morgellons, they would then find themselves in the position of either agreeing with their previous diagnosis and declaring everyone delusional or subjecting themselves to possible lawsuits on the basis of malpractice. What would be the incentive to criticize their own physicians and their previous diagnosis?
Research into Morgellons is desperately needed. However, I am very concerned that Kaiser is not a wise choice for this task. I feel the tax payer money could have been better spent. A closed study with no outside supervision or intervention is an invitation to skew the outcome in desired directions.
If Dr. Staninger (see Staninger Report) happens to be correct that this condition
involves man-made nanotechnology, Kaiser HMO is not exactly qualified to
scan for this possibility. Likewise, if it involves agrobacterium as suggested by another researcher, then once again, Kaiser HMO is not qualified. If they were able to discover or diagnose what is causing this condition, one would think they would have applied that diagnosis/cure to their previous cases of Morgellons. But as most all patients with Morgellons have discovered, normal avenues of medicine are not producing results in figuring out the cause of Morgellons.
The possible involvement of the Army Military Lab does suggest a cause for hope
and for concern at the same time. If this IS a man-made pathogen, the military has sophisticated labs to help examine specimens. On the other hand, the military also is in the business of creating pathogens for warfare (read Lab 257).
If Morgellons happen to be the result of one of their own mistakes released into the environment, would they step up to the plate and confess? Likewise,would they tattle on an industry using nanotech or agrobacterium that accidentally got released?
Wouldn't it just be less fuss to declare this relatively small group of people (10,000 or so in the USA) expendable?
Thank you Ms. Brokovich, for your article and for allowing comments related. It's greatly appreciated.
God bless you,
Robin
.
Posted by: Robin Allanson | February 10, 2008 10:49 PM
Dear Ms. Brockovich:
Thank you for your article and for giving Morgellons Disease the attention it needs.
Posted by: Linnysue | February 10, 2008 11:18 PM
There is already research proving they are not textile fibers.Hey Michael read about it. You don't know what you are talking about.
Posted by: megan | February 12, 2008 2:28 PM
Comments: Dear Ms Brockovich,
I am in contact with over 400 persons with Morgellons.
Please Google wsvn.com "Body Bugs Part 1 and watch the videw and then
go to
wsvn.com and Google Body Bugs Part 2. I am in these segments with
Patrick
Fraser and Emmy Award Journalist along with patients with Morgellons.
I am also working with Dr Susan Kolb an MD in Atlanta. We believe and
are
proving that Genetically Modified Foods and Pesticides in our water are
causing this.
Bacteriums are Pseudomonis Pudita and
Monsantos Bacillus Thuringenesis. If we don't stop the Genetically
Modified
Organisms this planet is doomed. These create yeast, and other
organisms in
the body. I did an Observation in Brooksville Florida Oct 29,2007. 9
out of
10 were not delusional.
Sincerely,
Trisha, RN
Posted by: Trisha Springstead RN | February 16, 2008 9:37 AM
For more information on Morgellons see:
http://www.cherokeechas.com/index.htm
Also, a morgellons segment will be on Inside Edition 19 Feb 08.
Posted by: Cherie Larimore | February 18, 2008 10:58 PM
I am one of the weary, but always a fighter! I have had this for 7 years. I've had a nightmare journey with Doctors. Escorted out of one hospital by security guards because, after waiting in emergency until 4 a.m. a Doctor, stated "I don't have to look at your skin, I know what you have, I'll get you a psychiatrist!" I slammed a magazine down in frustration, hence the security guards were called. They were embarassed and tried to offer suggestions themselves to help. He was one of a parade of Doctors to act this way. I was labeled.
I fought to go to the only Morgellons specialist in Ontario Canada. He ran a battery of tests. His secretary,for months,replied that they were waiting on a test from Montreal. Finally,the last call,she said they could only find plant matter. I can't get past her to speak personally to him.
I've tried to contact my General Doctor, he is 400 miles away, so I can't drop in. I emailed him and asked what is up, what's with plant matter showing up in my skin? I've tried to get ahold of him and he's not available. I sent several articles as well about the recent Morgellons news. I offered myself up as a case study too. He's an instructor at a medical clinic. I get no reponse.
He was horrible as a Doctor and how he taught others to see over me, not at me. In Canada, you can't switch Doctors, there's a severe shortage. I jumped out all over different walk-in clinics and got some help with the Doctors there prompting my Doctor to send me to different specialists. The indifference has been a bazaar, cruel, trip!
I'm gradually getting better on my own. I stopped all prescriptions long ago, they were tearing me apart. I rely on marijuana and foods that kill bacteria. I'd rather not go near Doctors at this point. There too narrow minded. I got the best help from an Asian dentist. I have gotten others to try herbal foot pads and chlorella tablets along with a lot of cilantro as a chelation therapy. It draws out bad bacteria and it helps the immune system a lot. Doesn't strip out good bacteria like traditional chelation methods can.
Thanks so much for taking this up, finally a warrior fighting for us! Bless You!
Mary C Ontario Canada
Posted by: Mary Crow | February 22, 2008 8:38 PM
while reading the posts I came to one that spoke of rubbing a sticky pad on your forearm and then view it for fibers. I had not gotten far enough to know this person was making fun of our situation. I thought? what is this person talking about they don't have Morgellons. This is real and it is serious. I wish it was as simple as rubbing a piece of paper on your skin and the fibers will come out. I only hope this person never has to experience this or a loved one.
Michelle from Northern Ca.
Posted by: michelle | February 22, 2008 9:32 PM
After the CDC's announcement to what they call
"study" morgellons with a biased HMO, I called my local County Health Department. I spoke with the Director and he claimed to have "heard something about this". He said he would get back with me.
When he emailed me back after our phone conversation,
he said his source seems to believe this is indeed a contagious disease, but it has not been proven. He then said to find an understanding physician who could treat my symptoms. He said it doesn't appear that a "cure" will be in our foreseeable future.
NOTE: he accidently left the email of his "SOURCE".
It was the Head of Bioterrorism in the County.
This makes me think Morgellons could be similar to that of being HIV infected. Treat symptoms, but always infected. Though, morgellons is far worse
without and until we know how it is transmitted.
My best friend died from this at age 46 in 2004. It was concentrated in her lungs. The coroner kept her
body for an extreme long period of time. Death was
undetermined.
Please help. I have had this on the local news 2x here. Each time, so many phones calls come in to the station thanking them. The morgellons victims have
been referred to me.
Thank you so much for your interest and article,
Karen Marie, RN
Posted by: Karen Marie | February 29, 2008 8:08 PM
Dear Erin,
I personally think that your going green article and your Morgellons have a lot in common. I will give you a couple of links so you can check them out. This is again an assault on the American People by Mr. J Craig Venter. This is a by product of the cloning for gas. All Gov. agencies are backing this man and what people are not understanding is that doctors cannot diagnose and keep there medical liscense. Doctors all know what it is but the professional organizations that have billions invested in this are in control of our organizations that are set up to protect us FDA,DOE,USDA,NIH ect. This behavior is also Government funded! I believe morgellons is an experiment by the genome society, that is run and supported by our government to see if there are any dangers to this product in our gas. The symptoms and the form of this product have an erie likeness to Morgellons. It is all about cloning. Will our genetic bio-fuel cause any harm? Is this Morgellons? I donot know just trying to help.
http://agproducts.unl.edu/microcrystalline_cellulose.htm
cellulosic EFFECTS IN HUMANS GOOGLE THIS PHRASE
Morgellons & J Craig Venter GOOGLE THIS PHRASE
GOD bless all,
Jody Borgman
Posted by: Jody Borgman | March 3, 2008 4:32 AM
God forbid someone makes a little effort in researching Morgellons, and finds the answer to... lets say.......
Alzheimers
or
Cancer
or
Autism
or
i dont know ...
any number of those profitable and therefore, so-called
syndromes and/or disorders.
Hey Michael,
Do your sticky-note fibers gyrate and dance? with no breeze?
Take a slow and steady look Michael! ...and good
luck w that case of denial.
Angela
Bravo Erin!!! You rock!
Posted by: Angela Kosmicki | March 7, 2008 3:43 AM
After doing a search on the internet, I found out in minutes what I suffer with. Several years of doctor visits and medicines brought basically no benefit, just frustration and resignation that I had something that no one was able to diagnose.
I would tell the doctor there's little black hard specks that seem to suddenly appear on my skin and they seem to be coming from the inside out. Sometimes they are longer. They generally appear on my hands, arms, face and chest, although not exclusively. The specks and filaments turn into much larger sores that may take weeks to heal only to sometimes return. I have some itching, but if lesions are on my arms the pain is sporadic, varying between slight to feeling like someone suddenly stuck a drill into my arm.
I came down with this at about the same time I was diagnosed with Lymes disease. I think I got over the Lymes, but this has persisted.
I'm a dairy farmer, and my initial bout with this occurred one summer evening after handling corn stalks and putting them in cattle pens for bedding.
Shortly after my hands and arms felt somewhat itchy. Within hours, my arms had large painful sores which did'nt heal for months leaving scars.
Currently, if I come into contact with corn stalks I react with significant increase in morgellon symptoms, although nothing like it was at first. I've handled corn stalks all my life, but interestingly this all started occurring with the use of genetically-modified corn seed.
What is the cause of morgellons? I have my suspicions.
Posted by: Terry | March 19, 2008 8:54 PM
I want to thank you for addressing this urgent issue. I
have been battling this illness along with Lyme and was postitive for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In western PA the docs don't even think Lyme is present so the educational work ahead for Morgellons is daunting.
With your voice to help us, maybe we can get some answers!!
Lynn,
BSN,RN
Posted by: Anonymous | March 30, 2008 3:12 PM
Thank you Erin for your ongoing courage and commitment to the search for truth in our environment. I have had this condition for almost 7 years and have been diagnosed also with Lyme Disease.
When I was finally evaluated by a competent physician, I was shocked to learn how much the internal environment of my body had been affected, along with the fibers and "pseudo-hair". I was severely anemic, with several lab values indicating extreme inflammation and immune compromise.
After a little over one year of rigorous care, including IV antibiotics and antifungals, and several topical and oral anti-parasitic medications, I am much better, and all my lab values are finally normal. The cost has been everything I could possible liquidate and/or charge, with the result of being poised on bankruptcy. I had to decide to put it all on the line to get well, but am now able to work two jobs and try to get back on my feet financially.
I am trying to support others who have this by serving on the MRF nursing board, and giving support to some people referred to me by my current physician, Dr. Susan Kolb. She has a practice in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and a weekly talk radio show. I am sure she would be interested in having you on her show. I will let her know of your recent involvement and hope you would be willing to speak to her. Thank you again for being a light in this world.
Posted by: Vicki | April 4, 2008 12:28 PM
Hi,
I wanted to comment on something mentioned by Erin.
"Some scientists think that the fibers are consistent with substances created by the body."
According to the leading Morgellons expert, Dr. Hildegard Staninger, the fibers could not possibly be endogenous to the human body. She personally biopsied several samples of the fibers from her patients and among many other tests, she had them subjected to a burn test. The fibers do not burn at 1400 degress Farenheit!!
www.staningerreport.com is or was her site. I went to look for updates tonight and the site is just gone. Most of her info is cross posted at rense.com including many many pictures of the fibers close up as well as the nano-creatures. Those affected by Morgellons would benefit from reading "The Methodic Demise of Natural Earth." This is available at rense.com it goes into great detail about the chemical mixes and government weather modification programs being dropped on us.
Dr. S has also been featured several times on Pacifica radio station in Los Angeles KPFK.org. The shows are archived and be listened to in MPEG format.
Posted by: anonymous | April 12, 2008 10:41 PM
Hi,
anonymous again. staningerreport.com still appears to be gone. All of Dr. Staninger's research and findings are cross-posted on this Australian website. Morgellons is there too.
http://www.loveforlife.com.au/node/2365
There are a ton of articles that will help enlighten all.
Take care all.
Posted by: anonymous | April 14, 2008 7:25 PM
Thank you Erin.You are a great hope in this mystery called morgellons,along with other concerned researchers and Doctors that are starting to look and see real evidence of this disease.We have waited so long for a glimmer of hope and now I think it is here.I believe this is genetically modified material,it is so unnatural,yet almost seems programed to work through the body.It has been a nightmare to try to live normally while knowing I have this thing growing in my body.Alot of affected cannot even go to work because of the horrendous lesions and much more debilitang affects this disease causes.If keiser says they find nothing,they will be lying through thier pearly whites. I hope other researchers will jump on board,this is taking off at record speed,as there are many more that have this and have no clue they do,please keep this thread alive we need you,and many others to help! God bless you,and thank you,Erin.
Posted by: Dawn | April 14, 2008 10:54 PM
Just learned that Dr. Hildegarde Staninger's new website is under construction......
www.staningerreport.com - coming back soon!
Posted by: anonymous-2 | April 14, 2008 11:10 PM
God bless you for taking the time to look into this and write about it.
I am infected (20 plus years), my 2 Grandchildren and my Brother.
I am so teary eyed right now.
I called your office a couple of years ago.
Through some strange event someone from your office contacted someone that had morgellons and they contacted me. Very helpful
Weird but wonderful.
Thank you so much for caring.
Erin...God bless you so much for caring.
I mean that.
We are tired.
Posted by: Laur | April 15, 2008 12:08 AM
Erin
Thank you for the guts to broach this subject. Recently, in doing research, I discovered ALL OF US
MIGHT ALREADY HAVE THESE MORGELLONS FIBRES IN US.
Any of us can find out by just urinating into a
glass jar and taking it outside to look at it in
the natural light. I don't have the Morgellon's on
the outside, but the blue and red fibres are already inside of me I have recently discovered, to my shock
and horror.
They seem to be coming from all those 1,000's upon
1,000's of chemtrails they have been Xing our skies
with. Depending on how they are manipulating the
atmosphere in each state (here's a video showing such)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU4pVxvUQGw
Different polarized energy levels seems to create different catalysts inside of our bodies that
quite possibly might be what is activating these
fibres in certain clusters of the population.
They might possibly be in this solution of theirs
of lingo they call SOLGELS. Here is a video link to
what a layperson found under the microscope from a
rain water sample in Colorado. It clearly shows, at
first it looks like some form of a mucous field, but
when magnification is increased, the solgel becomes
quite evident also more of a connected fibrous mycoplasma substance of their possible nanosubstrates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86aE-pR9EpA
United States Patent 7,320,858
Giaquinta , et al. January 22, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formation of combinatorial arrays of materials using solution-based methodologies
Abstract
A combinatorial method for discovering or optimizing materials is disclosed. The method uses solution-based components that are mixed and dispensed into regions on a substrate for drying and/or heat-treating. The drying and/or heat-treating produces materials that can be tested for a desired property.
---------------
At least a researcher, Dr Randy Wymore, at Oklahoma Univ, has taken the lead in admitting the sufferers of Morgellons are not delusional as many dermatologists (intentionally?) tried to infer in the beginning onset of people seeking answers who had this
mysterious disease.
Per Dr Randy Wymore,at the Oklahoma Univ, the fibres cannot be identified as any known substance.
Here is a video link to a Channel 2 News report
done in Feb 2008 concerning Morgellons n Chemtrails,
which also includes an interview done with Dr Randy
Wymore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAGgwUSngnI
Please don't leave this issue alone. Please revisit
this issue of Morgellons, as it could be a disease
that a very large part of our population might have
already in their bodies, of which the fibres could,
quite possibly, activate at any time causing untold
millions to also start suffering this
mysterious silent genocide disease of Morgellons.
Thank you for adding your voice to this perplexing,
newly emerging disease. Your voice is respected
and hopefully others will add their voice to yours.
Posted by: Dee Hardin | April 16, 2008 6:37 PM
I'm in Tucson, Arizona and believe I have Morgellons. Thinking back, I remember the first symptoms of an itchy lice-like feeling in my hair and crawling/biting sensations shortly after visiting San Diego, CA in 2006. Those symptoms went away, yet December of 2007 I came down with a skin rash. First an itchy, dry spot on my back that went away. Then, shortly later, two worse patches on my stomach. I have the biting, crawling, wiggling sensations on several areas of my body; especially butt, breasts, and scalp.
Anyway, after doing some on-line research, it seems that Dr. Hildegarde Staninger is one of the few doctors successfully treating this. Does anyone know: 1) any health care providers in Tucson or Arizona treating Morgellons - or one that can even diagnose it? and 2) what is Dr. Staninger's treatment protocol, or does anyone know where to find it?
So many people suffering with this that it would be extremely helpful to those of us with limited income and resources to know what this treatment protocol is.
I'm currently using Sovereign Silver @ 10ppm, vitamin supplements, dietary changes (no sugar/little carbs/only organic vegs), and will start cilantro and chlorella shortly. Just this alone is costing more money than I can afford to spend and don't even know if I'm taking the right route. The more research I do, the more frustrated I become with talk of no cure, and highly adaptive organisms.
Thank you Erin and all "morgies" for their posts. It brings me hope that I'm not alone and that respected persons are getting involved.
With love and peace,
eM
I may be reached at: michele_hedlund@yahoo.com, (520) 623-1366
Posted by: Michele | May 6, 2008 10:24 AM
I have had Morgellons for 3 years now. People are comitting suicide over this disease. There is a Nurse in Florida helping many people and has enough people to file a lawsuit in the State of Fla.
Dr Susan Kolb MD in Atlanta is saving the lives of these patients. Both these women have had their lives
threatened by strangers due to their standing up for the poisioning and treatment of these patients.
People are losing homes, families, lives ect due to the indifference and ignorance of many.
Thank you For your Attention to this matter.
Sincerely
Sue in Florida
Posted by: Sue in Florida | May 8, 2008 2:49 PM
Hello Erin and others reading these blogs. I posted already (Vicki, April 4th) but wanted to add some information. Dr. Hildy Staninger, mentioned above, interviewed with Dr. Susan Kolb, also already mentioned in these blogs, on several occasions and as recently as May 10, 2008. Interested individuals may access this by googling Radio Sandy Springs, clicking the right Network button, and scrolling down to Temple of Health. The interviews are within that library. The interviews in March and May of this year are quite fascinating, hopeful, and accurately match my personal experience. We would all benefit by your participation in such an interview. However, if unable to do this, perhaps you could speak to the doctors personally to learn of the results of ongoing testing and efforts to treat the Morgellons symptoms. Thank you again for allowing us to communicate on your site, Erin. Sincerely, Vicki RN, Atlanta
Posted by: Vicki Ward | May 13, 2008 9:03 AM
I hope this helps some of you people. I am a cross-country runner. In 2002, I ran through a thick chemtrail on top on Mount Hollywood. Shortly thereafter, my shoulders started itching, and then I developed a serious cough which turned into something like pneumonia. I am a very healthy person, eat vegetarian, exercise, etc., and had never been sick until then. The itching became almost unbearable, until I decided to remove the top layer of skin -- I went to a Korean spa and had a salt scrub, then went home and treated the area with teatree oil. The itching stopped! I then read than teatree oil inhalers would help my lung problem. Twice each day, I pour boiling water on two or three drops of teatree oil in a cup and inhale deeply for as long as the vapors rise. After two years, a three-week regimen of teatree oil inhalers got rid of my cough. PS doctors said that despite the fact that I could hardly breathe, coughed continuously and hardly slept as a result, the lung X-rays taken by Kaiser showed no problem! So much for doctors! Also, the last people to research this would be the US Army, as I strongly suspect the involvement of the military in these chemtrails. Who else would have access to highflying aircraft and the technology to spread this stuff. I'm told chemtrails are used for something called the MILNET, which ionizes the atmosphere, and facilitates real time communication. Also, the patent for the chemtrails was originally owned by Hughes Aircraft -- now known as Raytheon Corporation. It has been "improved"upon since that time. I do hope this has helped some of you sufferers out there. Good luck.
Posted by: Kyle Bradshaw | May 15, 2008 4:44 PM
Hi,
anonymous again. I just wanted to link a page with over 100 Morgellons articles. Keep up the fight!!
http://www.rense.com/Datapages/morgdat1.htm
Posted by: anonymous | May 17, 2008 3:25 PM
Erin,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this contribution. I am a person that has suffered in silence for fear of being ostracized or fear that it could hurt my career as a public figure.
Morgellons is real. I know that I carry it. I feel the bugs and have picked them off of myself.
My doctors didn't believe me and refused to actually help me so I just shut up.
I hope a cure is found.
Posted by: Miss J | May 21, 2008 11:13 AM
Bless you Erin for taking your time to acknowledge, research and get the word out regaring our plight.
Before this dibiltating disease, I was the picture of health. I never took a vitamine or went to the doctor because I was never sick. Then about six years ago it started. I became exhausted when walking, lesions that would not heal appeared on my skin. My legs and hands swelled and a daily film covered my mouth.I endured all of this for a year. Then the nightmare started. A crawling feeling began in my eyes, ears, nose and face. A tortureous sharp pain jabbed my legs and feet until I would scream in pain. I could no longer work and stayed away from others fearing it to be contagious. Doctors I visted took all my money and said they could find nothing wrong. What was I too do? I did what every modern day person would do, I surfed the net. There I found many sites from all over the world stating the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS and they were united searching for answers. Some doctors, the ones with their heads buried in the sand(ostrich syndrome) said we were DOP(delusions of parasitosis) and laughed and rolled their eyes as we suffed. But that did not deter us and only served to make us more determined. We found other doctors, scientists and media who did believe us and investigated our symptoms and found us to be correct. We have a disease. To date we are still united researching this disease. Our support groups growning strong giving us hope that someday soon there will be an answer to this disease and cure. In the mean time, it's people like you Erin that help further our campaign to educate the people that this is real,and we need help finding a cure. God bless you Erin Brockovich for your words of wisdom and support. ChicagoBonnie
Posted by: Chicago Bonnie | May 24, 2008 11:20 AM
Bless you Erin for taking your time to acknowledge, research and get the word out regaring our plight.
Before this dibiltating disease, I was the picture of health. I never took a vitamine or went to the doctor because I was never sick. Then about six years ago it started. I became exhausted when walking, lesions that would not heal appeared on my skin. My legs and hands swelled and a daily film covered my mouth.I endured all of this for a year. Then the nightmare started. A crawling feeling began in my eyes, ears, nose and face. A tortureous sharp pain jabbed my legs and feet until I would scream in pain. I could no longer work and stayed away from others fearing it to be contagious. Doctors I visted took all my money and said they could find nothing wrong. What was I too do? I did what every modern day person would do, I surfed the net. There I found many sites from all over the world stating the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS and they were united searching for answers. Some doctors, the ones with their heads buried in the sand(ostrich syndrome) said we were DOP(delusions of parasitosis) and laughed and rolled their eyes as we suffed. But that did not deter us and only served to make us more determined. We found other doctors, scientists and media who did believe us and investigated our symptoms and found us to be correct. We have a disease. To date we are still united researching this disease. Our support groups growning strong giving us hope that someday soon there will be an answer to this disease and cure. In the mean time, it's people like you Erin that help further our campaign to educate the people that this is real,and we need help finding a cure. God bless you Erin Brockovich for your words of wisdom and support. ChicagoBonnie
Posted by: Chicago Bonnie | May 24, 2008 11:20 AM
Thank you Erin,
Please help end the suffering of thousands of morgellons sufferers. I lived in los angeles and started feeling like bugs were crawling all over me. I had trouble breathing and then a year later started breaking out in unhealing lesions all over my body. It's been a nightmare. I have since learned that los angeles is a hotspot for morgellons and has a high rate of chemtrails. the substances that are being dropped from chemtrails match the substances that i am finding under my skin. They look like pieces of lint, long fibers and black bluish colored dots. They burn and itch like crazy. I have not been able to work or participate in life for about a year. I have extreme muscle aches and fatigue. Please help us to figure out what is causing this and help us end the suffering. Los Angeles Lesions
Posted by: LosAngelesLesions | June 19, 2008 6:26 PM