I have a toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasma gondii is a single-cell protozoan parasite that replicates and feeds on red blood cells. My symptoms are anemia, chronic fatigue to the point of listlessness, vestibular migraines, vertigo, impaired coordination, sweating, visual disturbances, brain fog, confusion, muscle pain, joint stiffness, body stiffness, trouble sleeping, swollen lymph nodes, Bell's palsy, and toxoplasmosis encephalitis. This infection is very similar to malaria and babesia.
I am still trying to figure out the exact time and cause of my illness. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, stray animals often surrounded me. The building where I lived had many cats in the basement. I learned that dried cat feces could become airborne as dust when carried by the wind, potentially leading to illness if inhaled. Additionally, my sickness might have been due to consuming undercooked meat or fish, drinking contaminated water, or coming into contact with an unhealthy cat. In my youth, I would frequently try to rescue sick animals, which once resulted in hospitalization and receiving multiple rabies shots after being bitten by a stray dog. Furthermore, I encountered ringworms numerous times and shaved my head several times.
It is also feasible that I ingested contaminated fruit or vegetables. We had a peach tree in our yard, and we would knock down the peaches with rocks and eat them straight from the ground. I did the same with apples, cherries, blackberries, and other fruits.
I believe I fell ill in my youth, as I recall being hospitalized for an enlarged liver, a symptom associated with toxoplasmosis. It seems likely that I was unwell before becoming a parent, as I experienced severe illness with similar symptoms during my first pregnancy. My doctor explained that if a toxoplasmosis infection is recent, it can be passed on to the fetus. However, the body can protect the fetus from harm if the infection is chronic. Since I did not transmit this illness to my children, I assume I had it long before becoming a parent.
The duration of my infection is critical as treating it becomes more difficult the longer it lasts. When Toxoplasma gondii detects a threat, it retreats and forms cysts or biofilms to hide. Factors such as my immune system, medications, and supplements can trigger this hiding behavior. Unfortunately, there is no known medication that can eliminate these cysts. While concealed in a cyst, the parasite can reproduce silently without causing symptoms. However, if my immune system weakens, the toxoplasma parasite emerges from hiding. It invades various body parts, including the brain, muscle, fat, nervous system, eyes, and organs.
The information provided by the CDC online should better reflect the severity of this infection. There is room for improvement in testing methods, and doctors could show more empathy, but the treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Daraprim is the primary medication for treating toxoplasmosis, but unfortunately, I am allergic to it. I had two near-fatal reactions after trying it.
I have discovered a doctor and medication regimen that effectively supports me. Yet, every time I attempt to discontinue the antibiotics, I experience a severe relapse after a year of daily antibiotic use.
After researching, I discovered Peganum harmala L. could potentially eliminate cysts and the active form of Toxoplasma gondii. Yet, I haven't located this herb. Chaga mushrooms may break the cyst wall. I found a supplement containing this, but I don't know what the dosage should be. This requires further exploration and faster research to initiate the treatment promptly. I am experimenting with different methods, hoping for a successful outcome.
Being a high-functioning individual with health challenges, I excelled in various activities such as practicing yoga, running a business, parenting, traveling, jogging, horseback riding, and taking jiu-jitsu and MMA classes. Unfortunately, following severe psychological trauma, a second bout of COVID, and a reinfection of Lyme disease, my immune system weakened, allowing toxoplasmosis to take hold. This resulted in significant physical, mental, and emotional distress.
I shared my journey with this illness because many of you may be affected by it. It is often overlooked and not routinely tested for during our regular check-ups. The symptoms can be intermittent and can be mistaken for other conditions. Essentially, you need to take charge of your own well-being. You must act as your own investigator and ask your doctors for specific tests to detect this infection. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with this condition and may not consider it during routine appointments. I managed to overcome many obstacles, but for the past four years, I have been unable to regain my everyday life. Don't let this happen to you. Going through this ordeal is genuinely distressing.
If you wish to engage with someone with toxoplasmosis, you can connect with me through social media. I will keep sharing my health updates and experiences on Instagram.
In health, Masha.