I have mold toxicity…let’s talk about it!
The past year and a half has been a wild ride. I spent 10 of those months not knowing what was wrong with me. I developed chronic fatigue, debilitating joint pain, unexplainable/rapid weight gain, mood swings, moon face, hormone imbalances, SIBO, headaches, numbness/tingling, frozen shoulder syndrome, and a great deal of inflammation. When only looking at this equation from a conventional medicine standpoint, I was often told that my lab results were within normal limits & I was fine. I did not feel fine. I knew I wasn’t fine. I even had providers stress to me, “There is something wrong with you but we don’t know what it is.” This was discouraging, disheartening and so upsetting.
I kept searching for answers. I was on a 5 month wait list to see a functional medicine provider. After seeing my now provider for the first time, she took one look at me and told me that I have mold toxicity. We ran a mycotoxin panel just to be sure. And sure enough, my body was full of mycotoxins. Prior to experiencing theses symptoms, I was a college athlete living in a mold infested environment. Even after moving out of that environment, I continued to get more and more sick. Knowing this, the news didn’t come as much of a surprise. I then started my healing journey that I continue to work on everyday until I am healthy again.
I did not stop advocating for myself during these times & I refused to accept being told that it was all in my head, I needed to work on diet and exercise, and that somehow this was my fault. I didn’t accept that & eventually found the answers I was searching for. I am feeling better & on the road to recovery! If you are experiencing anything like this, you are not alone!
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When I look back, I realize my symptoms weren't just random; they were a cry for help from my body. Beyond the chronic fatigue and debilitating joint pain I mentioned, I also experienced significant brain fog – it felt like my memory was constantly failing me, and I had a strange buzzing sensation in my nerves. My body felt inflamed all the time. It's so easy to dismiss these things as just stress, aging, or 'all in your head,' but if you're experiencing a cluster of symptoms that don't make sense, especially after being in a damp or musty environment, don't ignore it. Start keeping a symptom journal; tracking how you feel daily was incredibly crucial for me in identifying patterns and showing my doctor concrete evidence. While my primary battle with mold toxicity was internal, I've learned from countless others in the chronic illness community that mold exposure can absolutely manifest on your skin. Think about it: microscopic mold spores are everywhere in a contaminated environment. These spores can settle on your skin, leading to unexplained rashes, persistent itching, hives, or even worsening pre-existing conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Some people even report stubborn fungal infections that seem resistant to typical treatments. If you suspect direct skin contact, gently cleansing the affected area and observing for changes is a good first step. Don't underestimate this as another overlooked piece of the mold toxicity puzzle. My personal journey was as an adult, but it truly breaks my heart to think about children unknowingly suffering from mold toxicity. Kids often can't articulate what's wrong, so their symptoms can look very different and be easily misdiagnosed. Parents, please be incredibly vigilant! Mold toxicity in children can manifest as recurring sinus infections, chronic coughs, new or worsening asthma, inexplicable fatigue (even after a full night's sleep), behavioral changes like increased irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty concentrating, and even developmental delays or learning challenges. If your child is struggling with persistent, unexplained health issues, especially if you live in an older home, an apartment with known water damage, or a generally damp environment, mold exposure should absolutely be on your radar. Early detection and intervention are paramount for their long-term health. Finding answers for mold toxicity can feel like an overwhelming and frustrating uphill battle, but remember, my 'rock-on' spirit kept me advocating for myself! My biggest piece of advice is to trust your gut instincts about your health. If something feels profoundly off and conventional tests aren't giving you answers, don't give up. Seek out a functional medicine doctor or an environmental medicine specialist who truly understands mycotoxins and their impact. They can order specific tests, like the mycotoxin panel that finally gave me my diagnosis. Equally critical is assessing your living environment. Do you notice a musty smell? Any visible mold? Consider getting a professional home inspection or using air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters in your main living spaces. Supporting your body's natural detoxification pathways through diet, hydration, and gentle supplements (under guidance) can also be incredibly helpful for your recovery from this *chronic illness*. You deserve to feel well and regain your vitality!
🙌 Been healing from toxic mold after being nearly debilitated for 3 years! Mold toxicity is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.. Now I share my journey on social media too! 🌱🌿