Mold Illness (CIRS) Journey – FAQ

What is this site about?

This site is a place where I share my personal story of surviving and healing from mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It documents my entire journey — the before, the during, and the after — in hopes that it helps others find answers and healing more quickly than I did.

Who are you?

I'm not a doctor. I’m a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, and a sales executive. Before mold illness took over my life, I was a healthy and mentally sharp 42-year-old woman. Mold illness robbed me of my body and mind, and left me bedridden. This is my real, personal account of that experience and my road to recovery.

What symptoms did you experience?

My symptoms were severe, widespread, and often confusing. They included:

• Chronic pain and abdominal pain

• Blurry vision and stroke-like symptoms

• Blood clots

• Memory problems and difficulty with word recall

• Heart palpitations and dyspnea

• Body temperature regulation issues

• Urinary frequency

• Joint pain and insomnia

• Weakness and disorientation

• Burning sinuses, neuropathy, and nerve damage

• Paresthesia and neurological problems

• Brain atrophy

• Anxiety

How did you figure out what was wrong?

It took tireless effort — months of medical appointments, emergency room visits, labs, scans, tests, and misdiagnoses. I refused to accept that “this is just how I am now.” Deep inside, I knew something was causing all of this — and it wasn’t just stress, age, or anxiety. Through relentless searching and the grace of God, I discovered that mold illness (CIRS) was the root of it all.

How sick were you?

Very. I was scared, desperate, and so incredibly sick. I had to go on long-term disability, I spent most days in bed with chronic pain throughout my left side. My memory was compromised, my vision impaired, my breath was short and my body couldn’t regulate temperature and then tremors set it. But I refused to give up — I needed answers and wouldn't settle for being dismissed or told it was “all in my head.”

What will you be sharing?

• My full timeline from start to recovery

• A complete list of symptoms I experienced

• The doctors and practitioners I worked with

• Therapies, protocols, and recovery tools

• Resources and recommended readings

• Dead ends and misdiagnoses

• Recovery details — what actually helped

• Podcasts/interviews with doctors, experts, and fellow patients

Is this a finished story?

No — this will continue to grow and evolve as I learn and heal further. I’ll keep adding updates, interviews, and resources to support others on their journey.

What do you hope others get from this?

I hope this space helps you feel less alone. I want you to find answers, hope, and a way forward. If you're suffering, I am so sorry. I’ve been there. And while I’m still healing, I can say: recovery is possible. Keep going.