Kathryn is feeling better!! How fun it is to write those words!!!!!!!
Less pain, less fatigue, less headaches and chronic nausea is gone at this time!!
Only a few weeks ago Kathryn’s CRPS pain was a 7+ and climbing; it had again spread to her entire left side and to some areas on her right side as well.
Her body was following the same pattern it has followed for years. It’s been 4 months since her hospital Ketamine treatment so she has been due for a Ketamine booster for some time. Kathryn decided to delay Ketamine because she was trying to push through some school work and school activities. The rising pain and the crippling fatigue and nausea were fighting against her every day.
Then, about a week ago, Kathryn’s health made what looked like an overnight turn after we changed some things in her environment! We have added several changes in the last few months including food, supplements and purified water that we suspect may play a part in her turn-around as well.
Today her pain is averaging a 5 and it encompasses only her left leg. This reduction in pain intensity and area occurred without a Ketamine booster and without any additions or changes in traditional medicines or treatments.
These changes are breathtaking for me as a mom -I don’t have words to describe it!
You see, there has not been a lowering of pain (without a Ketamine treatment or nerve block) in my daughter in more years than I want to think about. Since April 1, 2008 Kathryn’s pain only wanted to go in one direction, AND THAT IS UP!
Daniel: Praise the name of God forever and ever, for all wisdom and power belong to Him. He sets in motion the times and the ages; He deposes kings and installs others; He gives wisdom to the wise and grants knowledge to those with understanding. He reveals deep truths and hidden secrets; He knows what lies veiled in the darkness; pure light radiates from within Him. I recognize who You are, and I praise You, God of my ancestors, for You have given me wisdom and strength. Daniel 2:20-23 THE VOICE
Here is more information about what we have been doing for Kathryn that is most likely responsible for her feeling better. In this blog I’m including more detail than usual. This detail isn’t included for friends and family as much as for those searching for answers as they (or their loved ones) suffer with similar chronic illness.
About six weeks ago Dr. Cathryn Harbor, Lexington Va., told us that she believes mold has been a culprit in Kathryn’s illness for a long time. We considered moving Kathryn to a newly constructed apartment for a while as a test and to decrease her exposure to AC mold. As a less extreme alternative, we allergy proofed her bedroom. The thought was to give her body a 10 hour a day rest from what doctors speculate is making her sick. If we continue to see improvement in K, we will most likely do home remediation in our present house or in a new construction.
Before committing to the extensive work, expense and disruption to our lives that mold remediation or moving can bring, we decided to start with some relatively minor changes. Again, these changes have been made so far only to Kathryn’s bedroom.
*Changes are listed here in the (slightly random) order we did them in:
- remove all wall hangings, posters, books etc
- removed all carpet and all upholstered items out of Ks room
- wiped all wipe-able surfaces with bleach/water mixer -floors, walls, furniture, shelves
- put clothes in plastic tubs after being washed
- use air purifier with HEPA filters
- use sealed/zipper vinyl bag on mattress and box springs (Bed Bath and Beyond -$18.00 for Q) MARKED RESULTS FOLLOWED THIS CHANGE!!! [In July 2014 we replaced Kathryn’s mattress and box foundation with an easy to clean metal foundation and foam mattress. We chose a foam mattress that was tightly sealed after manufacturing. Standard mattresses may sit in a warehouse for months loosely sealed and that warehouse may have air-conditioning mold similar to our house. We have continued to see this help Kathryn!!! -updated 8/25/2014]
- new pillows with vinyl covers
- wash linens and blankets frequently
- closed off central AC duct into Kathryn’s room and installed a new window AC unit
- purchased new HEPA filters for vacuum
*Additional changes and treatments introduced within the last 2 months could be part of helping K feel better, but her health turned better quickly and immediately after mold remediation to her bedroom. These other changes and treatments include:
- Avoid Canola or other GMO’s in diet
- Semi-organic foods
- Nutramedix Cowden support for Lyme disease
- Whole house water treatment system (we love the way our water tastes now!)
Additional Taglines: RSD, multiple autoimmunes, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, chronic nausea, migraine headache, muscle pain, joint pain, air conditioning mold, duct board
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