is there any way to treat brain fog caused by mold senstivity?

Posted by ariza9110 @ariza9110, Nov 7 12:40pm

Hey, so 3 years ago I lived in a moldy place, and since then I developed brain fog as a reaction to mold, since I became hypersensitive it became chronic and ive been having brain fog 24/7 with no relief, I dont know what to try and if there's any possible way to treat it, if anyone knows about something that might help ill like to hear, thank you.

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winnievo | @winnievo | 4 days ago

In reply to @jeff1047 "@winnievo- I would be interested in hearing any details of your treatment protocol and any associated..." + (show)

@jeff1047

@winnievo-
I would be interested in hearing any details of your treatment protocol and any associated symptom improvements that you are comfortable sharing.
I am a retired, non-medical research scientist who has lived with a mold-induced multisystem/multisymptom illness for over 50 years. For the past 20 years I have maintained online access to a medical school library and regularly search Pubmed for articles that are relevant to my illness.
When articles about mold-induced illness began to appear in the popular media, I knew that I responded to both indoor and outdoor molds. The mold toxicity theories that were originally put forward by Shoemaker and others were limited to indoor mold species that were known to produce highly toxic bioaerosols.
I decided to consult a ‘mold doc’ in 2002 and I selected Vincent Marinkovich from the group of qualified MD’s. (https://www.globalindoorhealthnetwork.com/marinkovich). My choice was primarily based on his academic credentials and research accomplishments.
Marinkovich did not know the specific mechanisms that caused mold-induced illness but his patients (myself-included) typically presented with significant levels of mold specific IgG, little/no IgE. and systemic symptoms. In 2004 he published a paper in Medical Mycology (https://docslib.org/doc/5581273/fungal-hypersensitivity-pathophysiology-diagnosis-therapy) that summarized his diagnostic criteria and treatment protocol. He did not think that mycotoxins caused mold-related illness and wrote: “Hyperactive immune systems responding to the influx of fungal antigens following chronic exposures are much more likely to be a cause of symptoms in most individuals.”
The research papers on fungal immunology that have been published in reputable scientific and medical journals for the past 20 years have supported Marinkovich’s conclusion. For example, the recognized North American authority on mycotoxins and mycotoxin-related illness (J David Miller https://carleton.ca/chaimcentre/2016/david-miller/ ) published a paper in 2023 in which he clearly states that the health effects of mycotoxins are insignificant in comparison to the innate immune response to a fungal beta glucan compound. He also talks about this in Episode #731 of IAQRadio (https://www.iaqradio.com/j-david-miller-phd-bioaerosols-health-effects-secondary-metabolites-endotoxins-more/). The relevant portion of the interview video begins at the 42:10 time mark and ends at 56:00.

Marinkovich’s treatment protocol can be described in one word – avoidance. In his 2004 paper he wrote that “it is important to recognize that there are three sources of exposure: The airborne particles, mostly spores, which result from water intrusion at home, school, and work; ingestion (as in the enormous amounts and types of fungal products used by the food industry); and colonization of skin, lung, sinuses, and other mucosal surfaces.” In my case, Marinkovich’s treatment has worked, and I am currently able to stay symptom-free for weeks at a time. Unfortunately the lifestyle modifications, financial investment, and engineering skills that were required to get to this point were significant. For this reason, I don’t think that most people who suffer from mold-related illness will be able to reduce their symptoms to a negligible level. The good news, however, is that almost every reduction in my mold exposure has resulted in a noticeable health improvement. You don’t have to be symptom free in order to feel a whole lot better and I believe that almost all reductions in exposure level are helpful.

I don’t know if I can sustain my current level of avoidance as I age and wouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment with a CIRS-certified physician if I knew that Shoemaker’s treatment protocol was effective. I have searched for detailed ‘success stories’ from people who have gone all the way through the Shoemaker Protocol and so far I haven’t found any. I would appreciate any detailed info that you and other members who are currently on the Shoemaker protocol are willing to share.

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Hello! I have had some mold exposure, but I don’t believe that is the only bio toxin that triggered my CIRS. I have been on and continue to be on a TON of supplements, weekly Myers Cocktail IV infusions, Cholystermine (CSM) - a binder medication to grab the supplements, and weekly Ozone IV infusions. I’ve also been on Ivermectin, Nystatin and Praziquantel for fungal infection/parasites that I got separately , but could have triggered my CIRS further. I will say that I have seen a huge improvement since starting Ozone IVs and Ivermectin, which also works as an anti-inflammatory. I know everyone is totally different, but I can say with firsthand experience that the Shoemaker protocol has worked for me so far. I also completely understand about the financial burden - it is quite an expensive disease to handle! Hang in there!!

winnievo | @winnievo | 4 days ago

In reply to @marshasanger "Who and where are these CIRS doctors? My doctors just say it’s all in my head...." + (show)

@marshasanger you are not crazy! I had a PCP make me feel this same way before I was diagnosed with CIRS. I was able to find a functional medicine / integrative medicine doctor that diagnosed me with CIRS. I would start searching around you for “functional medicine CIRS near me,” or “integrative medical doctor CIRS near me.”
I have had firsthand experience with Living Health Integrative Medicine in Annapolis, MD, who is well-versed in CIRS. They receive patients from all over, not just Maryland. Hang in there, you’re not alone and what you’re experiencing is real!

lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | 3 days ago

In reply to @marshasanger "Who and where are these CIRS doctors? My doctors just say it’s all in my head...." + (show)

I think it’s time to find a new doctor! That’s just awful that your doctor talks to you like that! I am so sorry! I hope you get the help you deserve.