CIRS - The Emotional Toll

[@VALiantiosous]

You two ar blessed to have one another. Being all alone with this illness is a nightmare. If you are low income, it is not treatable. Impossible to even find a safe rental under $2K let alone $2K per doctor appointment. You loose everything, including your health, and our left to fend for yourself. This illness has made me see firsthand how cruel humanity is. What do you do though? Manage symptoms? Live in a tent with a child? How do you secure safe housing? My brand new rental is not even safe. Yes, the support groups really stress me out. As a single mother this has been the most isolating and heart breaking illness. To see my child suffer like this and not be able to help him is unbearable. The mocking and invalidation regarding this illness from the legal system, the government, doctors, non-profits, family, and friends is devastating when you are already suffering so much. I can't even figure out how to get my son and I's basic needs met let alone heal our injured nervous system and brain.

[@Jolei33]

I am a single mom going through this with my son as well. Sending you prayers!

[@VALiantiosous]

@@Jolei33 Thanks, the CIRS turned into bone cancer, and I do not know what to do. No, $, no family, no credit cards (all maxed),I cannot eat food, and my son is still sick. If you don't get to safe housing, it turns into cancer. I want to be euthanized but I know no one will ever help my son to detox and get healthy. Meanwhile my millionaire landlord lives a life of luxury with zero repurcossions while my child and I have been tortured for over 4 years. Ge to safe housing. I could not obtain it. Do not end up like us.

[@VALiantiosous]

There needs to be a safe place for people to camp. I don't know why this does not exist. No mold, chemicals, and fires. It is pure torture living with hyper smell and chemical and mold inflammatory responses in apartment complexes and cities, etc... I would be interested in working on this if my brain was not on fire ,and I forget what I am supposed to do everyday... and living in survival mode. So much effort to even write this. If I recover, I promise to make a safe campground for healing from CIRS/MCAS/MCS/environmental trauma. Without a safe place, there is no way to reset and recover it seems.

[@VALiantiosous]

Just want to note that I do not think camping is a long-term solution for all. I just think it would be nice to have a place for people to go once they first develop the hyper smell and hypervigilant to mold and chemical type symptoms. I was tortured by brand new apartment and the city once I left my toxic apartment and developed hyper smell and MCS. It would have been nice to have a safe place to go to learn what was happening to me. Possibly it would have halted the deeply ingrained groovers from forming in my brain from all the pain and fear.

[@theQuietWire]

Yes! This is such a good idea! I'm dealing with black mould in my rental that my landlord removed while telling me there is no mould (it was black fuzzy pingpong ball sized mould on wet rotted wood). I'm sleeping in a tent in my backyard but still go inside for cooking and showering but my symptoms start up again while I'm in there. It's horrible

[@tesss5368]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I’m currently battling CIRS from Mold Exposure and it’s such a relentless illness. I feel so alone at times but hearing people like yourself share your story makes me feel a lot less alone. Xxx

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hi Tess, I apologize i didn't see you comment earlier! Thank you so much for kind comment. I am so grateful that my journey can help! I am so incredibly sorry that you are going through this, it truly is relentless. I will keep you in my prayers as you continue on your road to health. We WILL get through this together!!

[@Rawlina7]

CIRS is such a cruel condition - it robs you of your health, home AND possessions and there are not many illnesses out there that you can say that about. I am currently in recovery and it is taking time but I just hope one day I can feel normal again. All the best to you in your recovery, my heart goes out to everyone who has had to go through this awful thing

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Paulina I am so incredibly sorry you are going through this! You really said that well. All of those large challenges built into one illness. Thank you for your well wishes and I will keep you in my prayers! We WILL get through this❤️

[@Chereese0808]

I'd like to learn more about your illness. I have CRPS and it's no fun either. Very painful. I'll check out your other videos when I get a chance. Gotta lay down now. 😉

[@Rawlina7]

@@Chereese0808 CIRS is a complex condition but it's basically when the body becomes inflamed due to toxic mould exposure. There are a range of symptoms it can cause and can be anywhere from mild to totally debilitating . I've never heard of CRPS but wishing you all the best for recovery 🙏🏻 I'm happy to report that I'm doing much better now since I stopped being exposed to mould

[@VALiantiosous]

So cruel. I just want to scream most of the time.

[@sharonjessen]

Great video. Good intro to what it's like having a chronic autoimmune illness. I especially liked what you said about forgiving your body and yourself. After 35+ years with autoimmune disease I have finally decided it's time to stop blaming my body for being sick and myself for not being able to heal. I think this is a good step forward. Blessings to you on your journey and thanks for your willingness to share your experiences.

[@rcnhlw]

Can def relate to the part about shaming myself for not being able to do things you expect of yourself

[@tammygonzalez9313]

It is so hard!!!!!😫😭

[@FeelingBeingFromTheLiving]

It feels good to hear that your companion shared the learning experience with you

[@Dana_Black]

Talk about expensive, I've started calling around to find a practitioner, and one MD charges $3000 for the first appointment and $2000 for the second appointment. This does not include the cost of labs. Almost took my breath away. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@SkylerF]

Yeah… I said screw that and got the blood test myself, not going to go to a practitioner unless I know I have it first things first.

[@DeniseLovat]

I don't believe you have it forever. I healed with brain training. and the shoemaker protocol. The protocol was making me better at first and then I was getting worse. I found DNRS and trained my brain to believe I was well. I can eat mold now and I am not affected.

[@KKKKAAAARRRRYYYYNN]

Tell me more about this. I'm finding that I'm doubting the protocol.

[@selfLove89]

We just found out my BF has CIRS and we are definitely going through a rollercoaster of emotions. We are currently getting ready to leave our current home and all our possessions. Thank you so much to the both of you for these thoughtful videos. We are feeling less alone ❤️

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Megan I am so so sorry you and your boyfriend are going through this. I am so glad that this video could bring you comfort. I will keep you both in my prayers 🙏🏼 You are not alone, we will all get through this together❤️

[@attunewellness444]

Great insight, and understanding of the emotional toll it can take. There are answers and solutions, and the more people share their stories the more awareness and understanding we can create! ❤

[@Stardust_7273]

I am so sorry you’ve been through this. I know exactly how it feels to have invisible illnesses. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and degenerative disc disease. I’m 41 (some say I look younger, not sure about that but whatevs🤷🏻‍♀️) so I get looks when I park in a handicapped spot even though I have my placard. People can be so narrow-minded. Like, excuse me for putting a bit of makeup on and trying to look nice. If only they knew how much energy it took for me to just get up and make myself look decent. There have been times when I just want to get my errands done and run home, so I don’t bother.

[@Amber-mw8nb]

Your reply was posted 4 months ago so things may have changed for you but all your health challenges sound like you have CIRS. You may want to look into it.

[@dandy6196]

I’m in the beginning stages of getting diagnosed after 6 years of doctors, tests etc. I have finally started having abnormal test results at the rheumatologist after 6 years of severe symptoms. I am working with a CIRS NP now. I finally feel understood.

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

HI Brenda, I apologize I am just seeing your comment now! I am so sorry to hear you are also goin through the trials CIRS brings. I hope that you have been able to find some healing and hope since you posted this comment. I will keep you in my prayers as your continue on your healing journey. YOU GOT THIS!

[@cjs553]

Going through the same thing. My life has been completely turned upside down. I think the hardest part is finding out the why. Is it mold, lyme, something else. No answers.Tried remediating the house and spent a lot of money. Still the same symptoms.

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

I am SO sorry your going through this! It is so frustrating not knowing what else to do! We have a video about the first steps we took and resources we found if that might help at all! Please let us know if we can help in any way. I will keep you in my prayers 🙏🏼 We WILL get through this, you are not alone!

[@gailivey2015]

You know what's sad? I think all of my mom's problems were caused by CIRS. I also think if she knew mold was behind my illness, she'd have torn down the house and rebuilt it just to help me. So glad I have great CIRS doc.

[@HomeCraftNThings]

Am Ruth, I just came across your channel and am now a friend. I have an allergy to mold and I also suffer from sinusitis, candida, digestive issues and hypothyroidism. This has been going for over 12 years now.

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hi Ruth, thank you so much for your comment and friendship! I am so sorry to hear that you have been struggling with this for over 12 years. I cant imagine how difficult that has been for you! Do you think that you may have Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome as the underlying factor? Please let us know if we can be of help in anyway. We will keep you in our prayers as you find healing

[@HomeCraftNThings]

@@OliviaFarabaugh Thanks Olivia. Yes, whenever I get my thyroid checked for cancer, the only thing that shows up is lots of inflamation. So I am trying to avoid inflamatory foods, gluten and carbs. I bake with almond flour, coconut flour, buckwheat flour and millet. I do take fish oil off and on. I have been back taking them over a month now and am feeling a little better. I do get anxious too 😟 . The conventional doctors cannot help only the herbalists. I have been taking lots of herbs as well. What's new that I might give a try. Thanks for responding and I look forward to hearing from you soon 😇

[@lisadewitt2576]

Hi there, I'm really glad I found your video. I think ive had cirs sonce i was a child. Ive always had ups and downs. I've definitely been through a massive amout of false diagnosis and treatments. Im really not feeling well 95% of the time. I have tons of symptoms so i will list some of the most severe...major fatigue, extremely sore muscles and tendons, weight gain, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and i generally feel pretty terrible. Id say right now my boggest energy drainers are the very sore muscles and tendons and fatigue. Ive jusy been through so much emotional and physical pain and it seems like ppl think im exaggerating. The pain and fatigue ate so bad that i can't work, walk much, do housework, or stand and sit without pain. Its really hard to shower and put clothes on and off. I really kinda feel like cirs is trying to kill me. Ive powered through for approximately 4 decades but ive been having very dark thoughts lately on and off. Anyway, cirs is really difficult and i think it would be good for me to connect with other's going through this. If anyone wants to reach out to share similar issues pls feel free . I definitely feel alone in this. Thank you, Pls ignore typos. I feel like crap.

[@KKKKAAAARRRRYYYYNN]

Hi Lisa, we're out here...others with CIRS, that have all those symptoms, like me. I'm going through the protocol now but it's still hard.

[@BuckleBunny]

Bless you for sharing your journey and your difficulty in going through with us. Your struggle matches many of ours that have different autoimmune disorders. I am almost 50 years old. And a very attractive female, and what I am finding is that it is hard for men to take on the struggle burden of being with someone that’s going through these type of health challenges. Especially when you present “normal“ on the outside. Bless your meeting may you have many years continued bliss to come.

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Rose I am so sorry you are going though these hardships! Thank you for your sweet comment of support, I really appreciate it! I will pray for you as you continue on this journey to health. You are so strong persevering through this. That itself is such a beautiful thing. The right person will come along and see it for what it is, not a burden but a strength, and a beautiful part of what make you who you are. Thank you again for spreading love and support ❤️

[@littlemiki2420]

You are so right! GOD HAS A PLAN! I am going through some valleys of my own, but I know that God is working things out! Amen! Jesus is the Christ!

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

YES! I am so sorry to hear you are having these ups and downs but i am so happy to hear your foundation is in Christ and his beautiful promises!! God is Good!

[@leeanna1222]

Thank you.

[@earthangelintuitivetarot]

I’ve had two sinus surgeries because of chronic and on going sinus infections. I would wake up so stuffy, my eyes looked puffy when I woke up. Headaches all the time, etc. I went from dr. to dr. With no real help. Most offered Claritin or antidepressants. Which didn’t help at all. I was finally diagnosed with CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia. It was so overwhelming. Had to file bankruptcy at one point due to $40,000 in medical bills. Also was a huge factor in getting divorced. It took a huge toll on my marriage. Anyway, I’m right now on Prednisone which is helping a bit. I also have chronic inflammation in my body so I’ve changed my diet a lot to a more vegan based diet. Meditation has helped me a lot and I listen to relaxing music on KZbin to fall asleep. I hope you find some help and healing soon.

[@opedromagico]

The opposite worked for me! I'm 1000x better eating just meat, high-fat carnivore diet. The mold lives on sugar and carbs, watch out!

[@Truerealism747]

@@opedromagico did it cure muscle pain

[@tammygonzalez9313]

Omgosh! I have Lyme and CIRS! I just found carnivore! I'm on day16! I'm seeing and feeling improvement already! I can feel the inflammation leaving and my brain is feeling better already! On top of that, I've lost 7 pounds! How are you doing!?

[@GoddessGiving]

I was recently diagnosed and the last 3 years have been so frustrating. I’m looking forward to finally healing and getting myself back.

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hello! I apologize i am just seeing your comment! I hope that you have been able to find some answers and healing since this comment! YOU GOT THIS!

[@FredGDracoHRonH]

This is so relatable. Thank you so much for this!

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

I am so so glad ❤️ I will keep you in my prayers on your journey back to health!

[@samogden7537]

Thank you so much for putting this out there (your guys humor helps lighten the heaviness) also going through this process... I couldn't believe my ears when you described the constant 'coming down with the flu' type feeling- that's literally exactly how i've described it so many times. Which doctor did you work with, if you can say? I'm about to see one in a couple weeks, very expensive like you said... and my parents are paying for this so I'd love anything to lessen the burden on them.

[@Fixyourfatigue]

Hey! I’m an ICU nurse too! I’m so sorry you are dealing with this..I’m right there with you… since 2016. Took me until 2019 to be diagnosed with Lyme disease. Now-2023, I have been dealing with chronic pain for years! Nothing is helping! I have never heard of CIRS until today from a different podcast.

[@Truerealism747]

Me to have you got fybromyalgia symptoms

[@Fixyourfatigue]

@@Truerealism747 yes. Lyme disease can be the root cause of fibromyalgia for some people, like me. I’m having trouble clearing the infection.

[@Truerealism747]

@@Fixyourfatigue did you get special testing I grew up on a farm u have hypomobility my mum has severe ms trying to get good testing my father has CFS we all could if been bitten.are you any better

[@Fixyourfatigue]

@@Truerealism747 I’m better than I was when I was at my sickest but I still have a lot of symptoms that affect me. I will be seeing a doctor that specializes in CIRS May 4th. They ordered special testing I haven’t heard of before and don’t know how to interpret my results but they also ordered infectious panel (Lyme disease, Ebv, ect), cbc, bmp, thyroid, ect.

[@Fixyourfatigue]

@@Truerealism747 If you grew up on a farm it could be infectious or toxin overload from things like glyphosate. Do you have regular BMs? Do you sweat daily then shower after? Do you use sauna?

[@mountainsofscraps]

I love you two and I love your supportiveness

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

[@daynalynn4629]

Hi Olivia and Caden, you guys are wonderful. I love your CIRS vids. I have CIRS and am struggling, living in a hotel, not working, very sick etc. I am worried about money and my health. You mentioned your physician might be a bit more price conscious. I feel like CIRS physician's are so expensive. Would I be able to get the name of your physician? thank you so much! Dayna

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hi Dayna! I am so sorry I miss your comment until now. I so hope that you have been able to find some healing since this comment but i will share with you who i am seeing now. Unfortunately my original doctor retired. I went through a few doctors since then and finally found Dr Andrew Heyman. I will put his website below. He is just as expensive as the other specialist in this field but my treatment has been moving along and i am at a place in my health i hadn't been before since my exposure. My Doctors website: www.vc4hw.com/ Also i teamed up with a non profit called Malachis Message and we started the CIRS Support Fund if you would like to look into this for finical help! malachismessage.org/cirs-support-fund/ I hope that this can be helpful to you and i will keep you in my prayers!

[@ginaharris801]

If you don't have a certified physician in your area what are your options? In in TN

[@endgamefond]

I swear CIRS is like a person having depression and none cant tell how sick you are. People might not know that having bad mental health could be your brain is super inflammed but guest what not many people think of that. I am on low carb diet (I do still eat rice) n exercise help but my body can still feel the brain fog and so tired all the time (I dont eat refined sugar. Source of sweetness is only from fruits n dates n that is it) and yet still not at 9

[@coya4321]

Who was the affordable doctor you found?

[@williamchanningreis]

Who was your cirs doctor I was diagnosed with

[@curiosityguru9037]

Thank you for sharing your story. What state are you guys located in that you were able to find a reasonably affordable practitioner? I’m in California and it’s not an easy find. Thanks

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hey, thank you so much for your support! We have had an interesting journey finding the right doctor. The original doc we found that was well educated in CIRS, retired not long after this video was posted. We have since seen many other doctors until we finally found Dr Heyman. He is located in Virginia but does Tellahealth. We were living in PA and now TN and still are seeing him vitally. His first appointment was much more expensive than we were hoping BUT we are saving SO much money now because he doesn't require a follow up every four to six weeks like other doctors did and we have been able to take out unnecessary supplements from my regimen. He is also working closely with Dr Shoemaker who discovered CIRS and I have never felt like i was in better care. I hope that this is helpful. You can find other "Shoemaker Protocol" certified practitioners on the Surviving mold website. I have the link below. I will keep you in my prayers that you can find comfort and healing

[@curiosityguru9037]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond

[@kyleshelton77]

Did you all experience hair loss from CIRS?

[@OliviaFarabaugh]

Hi Kyle, I have personally not experienced hair loss from CIRS but I did have some hair thinning from the meds I was on while was trying to fix my symptoms before knowing what I actually had going on. My main symptoms were: Brain Fog Body aches Sinus infections Fatigued blurred vision Ice pick pains Difficulty sleeping Rashes CIRS affects people in SO many different ways, so I don't want to say it is not a possibility. There is some great information on: www.survivingmold.com/

[@tammygonzalez9313]

Yes!!! 😭

[@redesign5096]

@@OliviaFarabaughwhat a blessing to have found this. I watched a more recent video you did of your good news. But this - very much helps to hear how intense the journey is going discovery and healing. I’m single and had just moved back to Omaha & knew I was in need of finding a good functional. The woman I found here missed it as did several others before her. I then knew I had to spend the money and go to Synapse in Eagan, MN. I do virtual appointments. Yes it’s costly but what’s more costly is letting this mold and inflammation destroy your brain and all else. I was terrified that I had Alzheimer’s setting in. There were many other symptoms of which I had no answer. Did the Total Tox burden test and voila! Answers! I do have a question for you, Olivia if I may. In taking CSM did you experience any growths on your knuckles and finger joints along with pain?? 😢 I only started taking it a month ago and my elbow and finger joints are super inflamed. I see side effects of CSM can vary but feel it could just be CIRS giving me arthritic hands and joints. ? How long were you on CSM for?? It’s next to impossible to hold a job while going through detox!!! Always have to take something all day long. I just want to say that it’s also great that you talk about the mental care. Last summer I was NOT myself with rage and paranoia. And then learning of MARCoNS, Mold, Metals etc I went into a dark winter depression. My family was not helping and I finally told them that I needed a break from them to reduce stress or healing will be impossible. Definitely remind people to reduce stress. Darn stress hormones will keep you in fight or flight. All that aside- as you shared about your healing I am going to do what I can with my protocol as I MUST start producing income soon and won’t beat myself up for missing some things. That happens when you have to actually do life!! Hope you’re still doing well! Much love! Rona

[@KKKKAAAARRRRYYYYNN]

9:22 every detail