Pascale's interview
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How did all start?
Overuse of standard antibiotics for chronic sinus infections since 2000 (grade 9) set me up for UTI's that started in 2002 which led to relapsing kidney infection in May 2003 with Cipro, Migraines started but were blamed on Multiple Chemical sensitives and sinus issues then IV of Cipro in June 2003 plus a full course my graduation month. 12-24 months later GAD, IBS diagnosed in 2004-2005. TMJ started right away, extreme facial pain for nerve pain as well. Floxed by Norfloxacin in Feb 2011 (post warnings) for a UTI as well. 9 months later- low thyroid diagnosed Nov 2011 with and FMS and CFS/ME diagnosed Feb 2012. Mono in 2017 and mold for 10 years after making it all worse.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I had/have a history of sinus issues, was a premie, got sick easy and had allergies to everything.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
GI, Neurologist, Naturopath - most useful asking what to do if treating someone pregnant ( I reacted to everything) and they tell me what supps are safest- NP's are great to check bloodwork and interactions/diffeciencies.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Shilajit resin and Magnesium Glycinate 800mg/day, high doses of vit D, cannabis oil (1:1 CBD: THC) for breakthrough pain aim to get 60 mg of CBD / day through my licensed medical producer to prevent relapse of chronic migraines
What have been your biggest difficulties?
getting my Dr to understand or even accept that FQ's and antibiotic oversure has played a role/ accepting her role in my illness.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
yup - I used to carry others - now others have to help me
What things have you stopped doing?
I spend 80% of my time on self-care tasks- I cant cook for family other than once a week, cant do cardio or walk even 1 km reliably, can't stay out in the cold, cant do groceries & cant socializing, or go anywhere loud and too bright
What do you think about the future?
not sure if I'm going to ever find the right for me long term (like 1 -5 years) job, ... maybe time to get on basic income (if it goes through) and focus on getting into a house so we can grow food and cannabis and cut down out living costs
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
this year has been both best and worse - best for my healing - worse for my career. LOADS of journaling, meditation, CBT, yoga, and bodyweight-based strength training.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
work at my old job with the Green party
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
a life sentence of symptoms
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
keep looking for the root cause of your health issues - it's never just one thing- functional and lifestyle medicine are the only things that have come close
