Brain Fog, Fatigue & No Answers?
Brain Fog, Fatigue & No Answers? This Doctor Found the Missing Link
If you’ve ever heard “everything looks normal” from your doctor—but you still feel trapped in a cloud of fatigue, brain fog, or chronic illness—this blog post (and the podcast episode it’s based on) is all for you.
Unlocking a Hidden Cause Behind Chronic Illness
In the latest , hosts Lori and Kelly welcome Dr. Richie Shoemaker, a trailblazing physician who’s uncovered what many conventional doctors overlook: Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), often fueled by environmental exposures like mold and biotoxins.
Dr. Shoemaker’s journey—from early case observations to validated diagnostics and treatment protocols—has given countless patients clarity when they felt dismissed or misdiagnosed.
What Is CIRS—and Could It Be Behind Your Symptoms?
CIRS, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, is a multi-system condition triggered by prolonged exposure to environmental toxins—think mold, algae, or biotoxins. What makes it especially tricky is its fluctuating nature:
- You might feel great one day, then utterly wiped out the next.
- Traditional labs often come back “normal,” leaving you feeling lost.
Dr. Shoemaker describes it vividly: imagine standing against 65-mph winds of inflammation—your body responds constantly, but the impact is chronic, not acute.
The Breakthrough Path: From Exposure to Action
Dr. Shoemaker’s work evolved through curiosity, careful observation, and relentless persistence:
- Exposure + Symptoms + Treatment Response
He looked for people exposed to environmental toxins, noted their symptoms, and observed their response to treatment—then documented his findings. - Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Testing
This simple yet revealing five-minute test uncovered neurological impacts of biotoxins long before conventional tools did. - Genetic Insights — HLA Typing
Through HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing, Dr. Shoemaker discovered why only some people exposed to the same environment fall ill—genetics matter. - Validated Biomarkers Take Shape
From no tests at all, Dr. Shoemaker developed and refined over 64 reliable biomarkers—including MMP‑9, TNF, MSH, and more—to diagnose and measure treatment progress. - Evolving Protocols
Treatments like VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide), along with supportive agents and environmental remediation, shaped a multi-step protocol that restores function and resilience.
Why This Matters for You
- You’re not “crazy.” Traditional medicine can miss these underlying causes, but they’re real—and treatable.
- Hope is possible. With validated tests and protocols, healing is within reach.
- Your Story Matters. Many practitioners in the SurvivingMold.com network now carry this work forward, offering compassionate, multidisciplinary care.
Next: The Heart Behind the Science
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Shoemaker, where we dive into his personal motivations and the heart that drives his advocacy. You’ll hear how grief, dedication, and resilience shaped his path—from being called contrarian to becoming a clinical pioneer.
If you’re navigating a complex chronic condition—or helping others who are—this is where real transformation begins. Consider giving this episode your undivided attention, notebook in hand.
