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Understanding the Impact of Mold and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) on Families and Relationships

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex and often misunderstood medical condition that can have a profound impact not only on the individual suffering from it, but also on their family and relationships. At EBHC, we strive to help our patients and their families better understand how CIRS may impact them, and discuss some of the key issues, conflicts, and questions that may arise when one person in the family is afflicted with CIRS while others are not.

How CIRS Impacts Hormones and Libido

CIRS is associated with a dysregulation of hormone production, particularly sex hormones, which can have significant effects on libido and intimate relationships.

 

Here's a partial breakdown of just a few of the common hormonal changes associated with CIRS:

1. VIP and MSH Dysregulation: CIRS can lead to dysregulation of hormones and peptides, such as VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) and MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone), which affect various bodily functions, including hormone production.

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2. Cortisol Dysregulation: Low MSH levels can result in cortisol dysregulation, leading to constant stress and heightened reactivity to external stressors. This chronic stress can strain relationships as individuals with CIRS may be more prone to overreacting.

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3. Depleted DHEA and Testosterone: CIRS commonly leads to depleted levels of DHEA and testosterone, which are essential for sexual function and libido. This can result in sexual issues that impact intimate relationships.

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4. Energy Depletion: CIRS often causes extreme fatigue and reduced energy levels, leaving individuals with limited capacity to invest in their relationships.

The Psychological and Emotional Impact

Beyond the physical effects on hormones, CIRS can take a toll on the emotional and psychological well-being of those affected.

 

Here are some additional factors to consider:

1. Self-Concept and Self-Confidence: CIRS can erode an individual's self-confidence and self-concept due to the constant feeling of bodily discomfort and insecurity. This can affect their ability to feel safe and confident in their relationships.

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2. Emotional Dissociation: Even well-meaning partners may struggle to fully understand what it feels like to live with CIRS. This lack of empathy can lead to emotional dissociation in intimate relationships, creating a sense of emotional distance.

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3. Weight Gain and Body Image Issues: CIRS-related weight gain can contribute to feelings of shame and low self-esteem. Individuals may feel unattractive and undesirable, further impacting their self-image and relationships.

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4. Brain Function and Identity: The cognitive effects of CIRS can disrupt an individual's sense of self and identity. They may no longer recognize themselves, which can strain relationships as partners try to navigate these changes.

Stress and Relationship Dynamics

The stress of dealing with CIRS, including financial burdens, treatment costs, and uncertainty, can introduce new challenges to relationships.

 

Some common stress-related issues include:

1. Anxiety and Emotional Irritability: CIRS can lead to increased anxiety, emotional irritability, and even anger, which can contribute to conflict within relationships.

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2. Resentment and Distance: Long-term CIRS treatment and the resulting changes in relationship dynamics can lead to resentment and emotional distance between partners.

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3. Interpersonal Conflict: The constant feeling of unsafety and stress can trigger interpersonal conflicts, making it challenging for partners to communicate effectively.

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4. Impact on Trust: Trust can erode as partners struggle to understand the changes in their relationship and the emotional reactions of the affected individual.

Support and Perseverance

If you or a family member is grappling with CIRS, it's essential to remember that you are not alone, and there is hope for improvement.

 

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Find a supportive treatment partner: Having a supportive person, whether it's a spouse, friend, or health coach, can be invaluable in helping you stay on track with your treatment plan.

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  • Persevere: CIRS is a complex condition that may take time to address. Perseverance is essential in the journey toward recovery.

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  • Seek professional guidance: EBHC’s healthcare professionals have experience in treating CIRS and communicating with families or trusted supportive friends and partners. EBHC provides evidence-based guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.

CIRS can have a profound impact on relationships and families. Understanding the physiological and emotional aspects of the condition, seeking proper treatment, and fostering support and perseverance can help individuals and families navigate the challenges of living with CIRS and work toward a better quality of life.

EBHC’s Mold, CIRS multi-faceted services for patients and their families include:

  • 1). The most current evidence-based medical treatment for mold/CIRS designed to address CIRS symptoms that can contribute to worsening interpersonal relationships.

 

  • 2). EBHC offers sessions with caregivers, spouses, partners, and other family members to help them contribute to the ongoing treatment conversations and to learn how to be positive participant part in your mold/CIRS treatment journey.

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  • 3). EBHC offers coaching for patients to help them align new habits and approaches as their mold/CIRS treatment progresses.

 

  • 4). EBHC created an interactive video series to provide medical expert perspectives on challenges CIRS can create in a patient’s personal life. It is called “TRUTH & TRUST ABOUT MOLD, CIRS, BIOTOXINS and MULTIPLE MYSTERIOUS SYMPTOMS™”, and it offers practical, compassionate, expert perspectives on the real life, day-to-day issues CIRS patients and their families face. Included in that series are topics such as, “My Family Says I’m Crazy” and “CIRS Impact On Sex, Intimacy, And Relationships.” You can learn how to access these, and other helpful topics presented in short video vignettes by enrolling here.

What You Will Learn In, “My Family Says I’m Crazy”:

  • A. How the medical system can contribute to the belief that the patient is making up their illness.

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  • B. How do fluctuating symptoms contribute to the belief that the patient is making it up.

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  • C. Why family members may be confused and wonder if the patient is making it up.

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  • D. Which statements Dr. Heyman suggests practitioners should say to patients as a starting point for a good relationship.

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  • E. Why Dr. Heyman is equally critical of both conventional and functional / integrative medicine practitioners when it comes to contributing to the confusion a patient and their families may experience.

What You Will Learn In, “CIRS Impact on Sex, Intimacy, and Relationships.”

  • A. How CIRS can change libido and perceived sexual attraction.

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  • B. How CIRS can change the ability to feel emotions of closeness, love, connection, empathy.

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  • C. How CIRS can change information processing of the brain that impacts what a person hears in a conflict or conversation.

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  • D. How CIRS can change emotions that escalate conflict into potentially harmful statements or even behaviors that can damage or ruin relationships permanently.

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  • E. How CIRS can create insecurities in the patient and their partner that maybe the relationship is the problem when it is more the disease than the relationship itself.

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  • F. What statements do these practitioners make to their patients about preserving relationships during CIRS treatment?

To Understand Your Journey More Completely, You Can Enroll In TRUTH & TRUST FOR MOLD, CIRS, BIOTOXINS, AND MUTLIPLE MYSTERIOUS SYMPTOMS™ by clicking here.

Families and Relationships

To schedule a FREE 15 min complimentary consultation, please click here.

Other related CIRS symptoms

Fatigue | Weakness | Assimilation of new knowledge | Aching | Headache | Light sensitivity | Memory | Word-finding | Concentration | Joint pain | Morning stiffness | Cramps | Unusual skin sensations | Tingling | Shortness of breath | Sinus congestion | Cough | Excessive thirst | Confusion | Appetite swings | Body temperature regulation | Urinary frequency | Red eye | Blurred vision | Unprovoked sweats | Mood swings | Unusual pains | Abdominal pains | Diarrhea | Numbness | Tearing | Disorientation | Metallic taste | Static shock | Vertigo

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Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.

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