Hey Mombies – I am very excited to write this post because this is one of the main reasons I began this blog. You will hear me mention these two CFS superwomen several times in my posts, but they have given me something that I haven’t had in a long time – HOPE!
Anna Marsh and Francesca Liparoti are both Functional Nutritionists who are EXPERTS in chronic fatigue and after listening to Anna’s podcast I knew I had to work with them.
Before the appointment :
- I sent my medical history timeline along with copies of previous lab results:
- 1996 – diagnosed with mono
- 2000 – diagnosed with mono – bad case
- 2001 – diagnosed with fibromyalgia/CFS
- 2003 – diagnosed with hypoglycemia
- 2003 – suffered a concussion
- 2006 – diagnosed with Hashimoto’s
- 2008 – car accident – minor – rear-ended – was taken to hospital
- 2022 – diagnosed with adrenal fatigue – worked with an acupuncturist
- 2022 – completed Dr. Will Cole’s Autoimmune Reset program
- 2022 – diagnosed with POTS and started brain retraining with Carolina Functional Neurology Center
- 2023 – diagnosed for the second time with adrenal fatigue
- I had a 30-minute consult with Francesca to learn more about the 1:1 program
- I filled out a 6-page health history
During the appointment (90 mins):
- Discussed my chief complaints – chronic fatigue, pain, excessive sweating, thirst, and urination
- Discussed possible root causes – autoimmunity, mono, trauma, concussion, possible mold exposure
- Discussed next steps – We scheduled my second session 2 weeks out and she let me know when to expect my appointment summary
After the appointment:
- I filled out a Brain Region Localization Form that we will review in our next session
- Within a week, I received my first visit summary- 29 pages long 💜. (If you would like to see my full summary, contact me)
Summary of my first appointment:
My Root Causes or “Big Rocks”:
- Neuroinflammation (blood sugar, oxygenation, antioxidants, sleep and circadian rhythms, exercise and movement)
- Systemic Inflammation (gut and digestive health, autoimmunity, possible mold and mycotoxins, chronic pain)
- Nervous System Dysregulation
Recommended Testing:
- Mycotoxin + OATs – Mycotoxins are toxins from mold. This test is combined with organic acid testing and includes 76 urinary metabolites.
- Cyrex Array 5 – This tests for other autoimmunity issues, which may be contributing to my chronic fatigue
- Access Medical Laboratories Panel – A serum antibodies test that looks at levels of IgA, IgM & IgG in order to determine the need for immune system support
Recommended Supplements:
- Supplements are VERY individualized, so these won’t necessarily be supplements that would be recommended for you, but feel free to reach out to me if you want to see the full list.
Quantitative Goals:
- Optimize Full Blood Count markers (RBC, WBC, GGT, Lymphocytes) and Ferritin
- Transferrin Saturation %, and Cholesterol markers
- Improve T3 levels
- Bring vitamin D into an optimal range
- Improve cortisol; diurnal pattern and awakening response (CAR)
Homework:
- Ensure a calm, relaxed environment before I start to eat my meals
- Focus on chewing every mouthful of food thoroughly before swallowing
- Count how many times I chew my food and report back
- Use my blue light blocking glasses in the evenings and limit any blue light 30-60 minutes before bed
- Increase/optimize protein intake -aim for 30-40g with all meals but particularly at breakfast
- Arrange Mycotoxin + OAT sample collection once kits are received
- Start the supplement plan
- Work to reduce caffeine intake
- Incorporate a 10,000 lux light into my morning routine
- Begin work on my nervous system by completing Anna’s Nervous System Mini Course
- Record a week’s worth of my food diary along with my CGM recordings and send before our next session
- Conduct the ACV (apple cider vinegar) test:
- Take 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar + 2 tbsp of water on an empty stomach
- Wait 5 minutes before eating your meal
- If there is burning you have sufficient acidity
- If there is no burning, report back on your findings before moving on to the next challenge
I have a lot of work to do, so more to come later!!
Together in healing 💜
