My health challenge and journey begun in 2015, when I began experiencing Musculoskeletal symptoms.   After driving in a car with poor ergonomic seats and bumpy suspension for 3+ years, I developed an anterior pelvic tilt  and a  repetitive injury.   My pelvic muscles and surrounding nerves became irritated and abnormally stretched.   All of this musculoskeletal shifting may have caused changes in the abdominal muscles as well because the pain and muscle tightness seemed to gradually spread (which I've read is typical of muscle trigger points).  And my symptoms also gradually expanded to include shallow breathing,  tingling and pain /tension in my pelvis, abdomen, chest, neck, legs, and back.,  also poor digestion, abdominal pain, and bloating.  But before I continue, I want to explain the organization that you have been directed to briefly.  eFundYourHealth is an organization that helps people with illnesses reach out to family, friends and others for help and assistance.  The organization will match any donations received for the cause of those who initiate a campaign.   The funds can only be used for alternative medicine practitioners and health supplements, such as I am attending.  I was encouraged by a health practitioner to start this campaign , under my overwhelming distress and circumstances.   

     Although I'm still working, I've become "debilitated" (dictionary meaning: weakened, hindered, delayed).  Many things  that I'd hoped to pursue in my life like changing jobs, engaging in more social activities like "Christian Mingle.com", or to even maintain basic needs (like exercise, church, etc),  has been hindered because my health journey has been overwhelming physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritualy.  This 'Illness' has  stressed my life more than any other experience that I can recall.     Even single parenting while going to Nursing school full-time doesn't compare.  The journey has "morphed" into musculoskeletal, hormonal, urinary, metabolic, gastric and respiratory symptoms  over its' course.    Shallow breathing has been the most disturbing.     Most of my spare time is spent on researching/reading, seeking out the right practitioner and next steps to take, going to appointments, self-treatment at home such as self-massage, castor oil packs to the liver and other painful areas, etc, and working overtime to cover the cost of care.   A few years ago, I  began a long process of requesting labwork and diagnostic measures to rule out any serious illness..   I've discovered that there are many causes of shallow breathing, ranging from musculoskeletal to hormone /metabolic imbalances.   And at the same time I also began attempting to remedy the musculoskeletal symptoms with anti-inflammation diet changes, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapists, acupunturists, posture therapists for muscle balancing, pelvic floor specialists, osteopaths, naturopaths, etc.   But my condition steadily worsened with every attempt I made,  and I began suspecting other systemic causes  that may have occured simultaneously.  

     I recently performed a sleep study to rule out apnea, and although the results don't indicate apnea, the study did reveal a severe sleep disturbance as well as lowered oxygen saturation.  My normal oxygen saturation has always been 100%.    I'm now at a 96% rate daytime, and lower at night.   I can only sleep in 1 position (on my back) which still causes neck ad hip/sacral pain.  Sitting is the most painful, and I can't seem to hold my posture (my upper torso slumps and seems to compress my chest and abdominal cavity.     My normal exercise routine is almost non-existent due to the respiratory distress and muscle tightness/pain.  Hiking, one of my favorite enjoyments is not an option unless the path is flat.  Even walking a flat path causes distress often.   And hot weather  can zap me of strength and energy.    I have other symptoms that I'd prefer to talk about one-on-one due to the nature and locations.   I'm not able to wear any tight clothing around my chest/torso/pelvis which is impossible (even loose clothing and wire-free bras have elastic bands that cause distress).   The muscle tightness eventually spread into my neck and jaws causing greater respiratory distress, and I felt my upper airways restricted further.   A few recent visits with a Chiropractor who specializes in Cranial / Sacral Dynamics explained that I have an underdeveloped narrow jaw and malocclusions which are contributing to my spinal misalignment as well.     After 1 of his cranial/pelvic adjustments, I felt relief in the jaw, neck and tongue which were full of tension.  He indicates that my teeth show signs of severe wear from  clenching and grinding my teeth at night.    He is recommending a night guard as well as dental work to address these issues and possible osteopathic therapy to support the process.  

     I'm coming closer to finding answers, especially with the cranial /sacral /dental enlightenment,  but I still need to rule out other possible systemic causes that might have arisen simultaneously.   A recent appointment with a Functional Medicine Practitioner confirmed the need to rule out Mold Illness, and possibly SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).   Mold Illness can cause Musculoskeletal changes and inflammation .  And the nature of many of my symptoms and exposure to mold in my work place and possibly home warrants the need for mold illness testing  (other symptoms include thick post nasal drip, waking up with red eyes and eye drainage, low-grade fever of 99.0 - 99.9 F,  tingling/numbness, blurred vision, and dental cavities and deterioration despite meticulous self-dental care - all which correlate with Mold Illness or SIBO possibly).   

     I've developed multiple food sensitivities. and recent  lab results reveal multiple nutritional deficiencies such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, Biotin, Choline, Glutathione, etc.  My already graying hair went from 70% gray to almost 100% gray in the past 3 years (B Vitamin Deficiency most probable cause).  Lab Results have shown my adrenal glands to be exhausted with hormone levels charting at a Stage 2 Adrenal Insufficiency level.   I became increasingly dehydrated despite drinking sufficient fluids, to the point where my fingers and hands had constant open cuts due to dryness.  I believe the dehydration impacted my spinal stability as well because the spinal adjustments were not holding for longer than a day, probably because of dried out joints.    The dehydration status got better when I began drinking salt water in February 2018.   One discovery that was made along the way is that I have a double mutation of one of the major methylation genes, the MTHFR 1298.   This means that my body cannot methylate properly so the processes involved in detoxification, hormone and neurotransmitter production, are sub-optimal.  This may partly explain my life-time of adrenal insufficiency, low tolerance to stress, chemical sensitivities, and  brain fog.    I'm  taking proper supplementation to support those pathways and nutritional deficiencies now.  There are other pathways  like Transulfuration and a possible leaky gut that I'm addressing currently as well. 

     The whole experience has impacted, directly or indirectly, my mental, emotional and spiritual state tremendously.  Depression has obviously been creeping in  (hormonal and neurotransmitters not functioning optimally), as well as the fear that I won't be able to continue working one day if I don't find an answer and treatment.     The respiratory distress has caused anxiety.  Normal routine activities such as driving or performing my  duties at work have become challenging, because the shallow breathing robs me of my focus and concentration.  I have "near misses", like swiping a  parked car going around a corner or  burning food and pans on the stove often.  My energy and posture  was so affected at one point that I couldn't carry a purse on my shoulder.     I still talk to God, but mostly it's a "crying out" to Him for help  in my distress and frustration.  My time with God jumps all over the map, and doesn't make sense, but I know He's making sense of it.      I've questioned His existence.  I've questioned His love and care for me.    I've questioned my own love and care for Him.   I've doubted my capabilities in my roles as a friend, a mother, a daughter, a sister.   I don't have energy to give in relationships the way I used to.  My social life is very minimal   and I sometimes don't enjoy the company of the few friends I do have only because (I'd prefer to be lying down where I feel the least distress or  just soaking myself with  songs that sooth my soul pain).    I have to decline normal family commitments - for example not helping my mother move,  etc.  

     I must note that if I were to experience some of these symptoms individually, I think I'd still be in good health,  and able to handle it . . . .but putting them altogether is what has overwhelmed me.  I know I could handle the musculoskeletel pain alone, but the shallow breathing causes so much secondary symtoms like anxiety and fatigue.   If my normal breathing returns, I'll have my energy and stamina back.  

     I thank you all first for listening, and carrying this burden with me.  Please know that it's not been easy for me to reveal this vulnerability going on in my life, let alone start a campaign like this.  I've felt like I've been spiraling downward, and not sure why it is that most of my attempts to find a real diagnosis and treatment have failed.  I seem to feel worse when I begin a new angle of therapy.   I've felt so alone in this because I don't know if anyone can understand it, and I'm isolated.    Although, I know I'm not 'dying', it " feels" like a cancer, or a life threatening illness because of the symptoms and how it's effected me. 

       I've seen 5  Chiropractors , 1 Osteopaths,  1Massage Therapists), 2 Urologists , 2 Acupuncturists, 3 Pelvic Pain Therapists, 1 Posture Therapist,  2 Naturopaths, and 2 Nutritionists and Functional Medicine Practitioners.   I've had an Abdominal Ultrasound, a Pelvic MRI, an Abdominal MRI, a trans-vaginal Ultrasound, and various blood lab work performed.  This is about $10 - $15K out of pocket already in 3 years.   On top of that,  I paid a visit to the ER room one evening in 2016 due to unexplained chest pain and distress  -   The ER staff said I had "gastritis", but I know it's more than that.   Weariness is weighing on me.    I don't have health insurance due to the high premiums anddue to my lack of confidence in many aspects of conventional western medicine.  I do have confidence in Alternative Medicine.

     I was fortunate to come by the way of Jan Kielmann, an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, who is  VP of Corp. Dvpmnt. for eFundYourHealth.  After an initial consultation with him this week to discuss my nutritional deficiencies and gene health, he’s given me specific guidance on proceeding forward through the Mold Illness testing and proceeding forward with the Cranial/Sacral/Dental connection. That’s what I’ve been looking and hoping for – someone to help in the decision-making process.   I hang on to hope, and look forward to giving a future report of progress, and on the road to greater health.   The reason my journey has been prolonged and slow going is predominantly my lack of funds.  It's taken everything I have to get to this point plus borrowed funds by way of credit card in the amount of $5600.   My target funds are below what my course of treatment might require, but I still have hope in a minimal treatment course by the grace of God, and believe that the "ruling out" phase is on the home stretch and can move forward with focused and precise courses of therapy once I obtain the Mold Illness results.    

     Any contributions would be a blessing from heaven, but never ever expected from anyone.   A phone call and connection would honestly be joyfully welcomed,  just hearing from some of you.    My only hope is for my faith to be strengthened and my love for God to be renewed as I turn to and focus on Him first  instead of this illness.   1st Peter 5:10-11 " And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you into His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm and strengthen, and establish you.  To Him be the dominion forever and ever."  There is no disappointment in God.  Roman 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."      

     God bless you all.   I haven't seen or talked with many of you in ages, but I hope we can connect through this somehow - that would be the best gift of all.