It all began on May 3rd, 2021, while I was in Queensland celebrating my wife’s 30th birthday with friends. The day was filled with laughter, joy, and good vibes — but little did I know, it would mark the start of an unexpected chapter in my life.

As the holiday came to an end, I began feeling slightly off — just a mild headache, a runny nose, nothing too alarming. I assumed I had caught a cold and thought some rest would make it pass. But by the time I was on the plane back home, my symptoms worsened. My body ached, my fever spiked, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I assumed it was the flu — a few days of rest should fix it, I thought. But instead, I only got worse.

Days turned into weeks, and my flu-like symptoms persisted, accompanied by a constant underlying exhaustion that never seemed to go away. Despite ample rest, the burning fatigue never lifted, and I was stuck in a cycle of illness, wondering when I would feel like myself again. Visits to my doctor and antibiotics didn’t help. I felt as though I was living with the flu permanently.

As time went on, I saw more doctors, underwent numerous tests, and tried everything to find an explanation. Tropical viruses, autoimmune diseases, chronic conditions — nothing seemed to fit. My world began to shrink, and the energy I once took for granted was now a distant memory. Even on the better days, I was reminded of the uncertainty ahead.

Eventually, after countless doctor visits, MRI scans, blood tests, and specialists, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The doctors told me it was likely something I’d have to live with forever, with no cure or treatment in sight. Those words hit me hard. How would I continue to live my life like this? How would I be a father, keep my job, and show up for my family?

Though I was crushed, I refused to accept this as my new reality. I wasn’t willing to simply live with it. When I received a recommendation to see integrative doctors at a specialized clinic, I decided to give it a try — even though I had no idea what an integrative doctor was. I had nothing to lose.

That’s when I met a doctor who gave me an unexpected diagnosis: mould toxicity. For the first time, I had a clear explanation for the symptoms that had been overwhelming my life. It was surreal, but it sparked a new hope that recovery was possible.