As usual, we have a lot going on in our neck of the woods. We are moving at a speed that is unsustainable, but it is what it is for right now. The image below accurately represents the last 20+ years of our life, and it made me laugh:
Here is the latest update . . .
Physical Health:
Here is a reminder of the tentative plan for healing and the parts that have been completed:
As I previously stated, the goal is to begin the mold toxicity treatment again at some point. However, since my body had been off of both bacteria and mold treatments for a few months as we were trying to get my body back to baseline, the bacteria and mold have both come back stronger than ever. We have increased a supplement that I have been on for years in the hopes that it will help kill enough of the bacteria in my body to be able to tackle mold again before we go back to bacteria full-time. However, my body is even more sensitive to oxalates (from mold) than we originally suspected as evidenced by the last few months of increased intense abdominal pain and the probable rare autoimmune condition that targets the skin in my genital area and is exacerbated by oxalates.
Two weeks ago, I began microdosing a prescription medication (not covered by insurance, of course) that will hopefully reduce my body’s inflammatory response. I have been slowly increasing the dosage every few days, but I still have a ways to go. So far, my body is accepting the new medication, and that is super exciting. We are hopeful that I can continue to increase the dosage amount to eventually reach the dosage that is the most helpful for people in my situation.
I am also slowly increasing the amount of time each day that I use my castor oil pack. The castor oil pack is an external way to help my liver with detoxification. So far, so good with this particular goal.
In addition, now that the cavitation surgery sites in my mouth have healed, it is time to determine next steps concerning my bite and braces (not covered by insurance, of course, since I am over the age of 18). We visited one of two orthodontists last week to gather more information about possible routes to take. In case you need a refresher, I was given bad dental advice from a dentist 15 years ago, and now I have a problem with my bite. We are in the process of determining how and when to proceed with next steps. The situation is complicated due to the fact that certain parts of the process won’t work if we start before my body is in a physically better place. However, we also don’t want to wait too long and cause permanent damage to my teeth and jaw. [Side note: It is terribly unfortunate that I didn’t need braces as a teenager when I would have had the privilege of my parents paying for them, and instead need them as an adult when my husband and I are being inundated with medical care expenses that are not covered by insurance. That seems about right. 🤣]
Last, but not least, my main doctor gave us a potential future treatment option to research and discuss amongst ourselves, so we have been spending time on that topic as well.
Emotional Health:
There is not a day that goes by that we don’t have to put a lot of thought into this entire situation. We are exhausted on all levels. I saw this image recently, and it tracks:
We are doing our best to make sure we are taking care of ourselves so that we have the stamina to keep going. We are actively using our tools as much as possible to help with nervous system regulation.
I continue to be grateful for having a job with a flexible schedule so that I have the opportunity to use my skill set to contribute in a positive way. I also continue to be grateful for my husband and the fact that we can still laugh. Sometimes, there is nothing to do but laugh at the ridiculousness of our current situation.
Brutal. Moving at a speed that is unsustainable. Living in a perpetual situation where a week feels like a year.
Beautiful. My body’s acceptance of microdosing amounts of a new medication. Increasing the usage of the castor oil pack without any known side effects. Continuing to prioritize taking care of our emotional health. Using our tools for nervous system regulation. A job with flexibility. Laughing with my husband.
Just another day of . . . This Brutiful Life: The Brutal & Beautiful Moments of My Life.
This Brutiful Life 