Jeremy Piven's mercury poisoning: Scary or fishy?

Perez Hilton may think Jeremy Piven is just playing hooky, but the actor and his doctor insist that a legitimate illness forced the actor to leave the Broadway show “Speed-the-Plow.”

J-Piv’s doc, Carlon Colker, told "ET" that the “Entourage” star has extreme mercury toxicity, and with it, fatigue, dizziness, neuro-muscular dysfunction and problems lifting his arms and legs.

Piven’s doc blames the illness on the actor’s frequent sushi consumption and use of Chinese herbs. Colker said Piven has the highest mercury level he has ever seen.

But playwright David Mamet might not be sold. “I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury," Mamet told Daily Variety. "So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”

What do you think? Will you be sending Piven a get-well card, or do you think something smells fishy? For more deets, watch "Entertainment Tonight."

-- Stephanie Lysaght

Photo: David Goldman / Associated Press

Comments

[Bob]

What a joke! He should be ashamed of himself!!!

[BADKarma]

The only possible way Jeremy Piven could have gotten a "high level of mercury" from eating seafood is if he was consuming massive quantities of whale meat. Which I rather doubt he was. Now, the Chinese herbs, on the other hand... That, I'd believe... (And he might even have some Melamine floating around too, if that's the source of his problem).

[Dr. Aristotle]

Mercury toxicity can be very debilitating. I personally experienced it and ended up in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU) with complete muscle paralysis for 72 days, then in an electric wheelchair for almost a year. I was told I may never walk again.

I incorporated alternative methods that got me back on my feet and recovered. DrAristotle

[Niki]

I find it very interesting that the individuals who feel the need to analyze the validity of Mr. Piven's illness, are people who's medical expertise likely doesn't exceed the process BOTOX involves.

Extreme Mercury Toxicity is very serious, and you can't fake it. It can lead to a permanent deterioration of basic motor functions and mental health. These are devastating circumstances for anyone who relies on these functions to do their job. What a terrible thing to be accused of fabricating.

I have long felt that celebs can be scrutinized ad nauseum, but Perez Hilton and David Mamet are simply unkind.

[Kathy]

My girlfriend had mercury poisoning. She was trying to lose weight and instead of eating meat, she ate tuna. A sashimi tuna salad at lunch and tuna sushi for dinner. Her hair started falling out and she had no energy. It wasn't immediate .... it was about six months and then it took about a month or two to properly diagnose it.

[Sheila]

I too was diagnose with mercury AND lead toxicity. I figured out the lead was from some vitamins I was taking and drining my coffee form a mug full of lead paint. I also had years of a mouth full of mercury. My symptoms were inability to think clearly, memory problems and two autoimmune problems possibly related to metal toxicity. I feel it effected my performance at my business and I have folded that business in the end. It upsets me when I get doubtful looks from people who find out. We all should be more cautious about our coffee mugs and other possible contaminats.