Symptoms
During the most challenging times, my body felt like it was failing in almost every system at once. Some symptoms are tied to Lyme disease, while others may have been connected to mold toxicity or other issues, but all of them were real, and together they created a level of suffering that was super hard to live through.
Neurological
Brain fog so severe I could not think clearly, concentrate, remember things, or find simple words while talking.
Electric shock sensations throughout my body.
Numbness and tingling, especially on the left side of my body.
Severe headaches and migraines.
Blurry vision.
Dizziness.
Extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
A constant feeling of brain inflammation or mental “heat.”
Musculoskeletal and Pain
Unrelenting pain and inflammation everywhere, as if my whole body was on fire.
Constant pain in my bones, tendons, fibers, nerves, skin, and muscles.
Muscles that burned, weakened, and gave out easily.
Migrating joint pain.
A swollen knee that stayed enlarged for weeks at a time to where I could not bend it and barely walk.
Immune, Inflammatory, and Skin
A chronic infection-like feeling in my body with low-grade fevers.
Bruising easily.
Hives over my entire body, lasting for a year the first time, and 6 months the second time.
Swelling and puffiness.
Frequent hot sweats.
Hair falling out.
Food sensitivities, with reactions to almost everything.
Nutrient and micronutrient deficiencies.
Cardiovascular and Autonomic
Heart palpitations and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
A constant fight-or-flight state for years, with my stress response always activated.
Shortness of breath.
Heat intolerance.
Putting forth any exertion would knock me down for the rest of the day.
Frequent urination, including waking up constantly at night.
Digestive and Metabolic
Ulcers.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver and an inflamed pancreas.
A bloated stomach that made me look months pregnant.
Stomach pain.
Adrenal exhaustion.
Hormonal and Endocrine
Throat swelling and goiter.
A swollen, inflamed buffalo hump.
Hormonal and stress-system dysfunction that left me feeling depleted and dysregulated.
Mood, Sleep, and Mental Health
Depression and anxiety.
At times, feeling like I was breaking from reality.
Insomnia.
Other Serious Health Issues
Superficial venous reflux disease, which led to 49 incisions in my legs to remove diseased veins.
A tooth infection that required a root canal.
Biopsies for possible cancer in my thyroid and my left breast (twice).