Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to what people ask most. Tap a question to open it.
What is CIRS?
CIRS stands for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. It's an illness where the immune system gets stuck on high alert after exposure to biotoxins, most often from the mold and bacteria that grow in water-damaged buildings.
It affects many parts of the body at once, which is one reason it's so often missed. It's real, it's measurable, and it's treatable.
How do I know if mold is making me sick?
You can't know for sure on your own, and I couldn't either. CIRS is diagnosed by a trained practitioner using your symptoms, a vision test called VCS, and specific lab tests.
If you have symptoms in many areas of your body that no one can explain, and you've lived or worked in a building with water damage, it's worth asking a CIRS-trained practitioner.
Are you a doctor?
No. I'm a CIRS patient who went through the Shoemaker Protocol. My book shares what I learned and lived through, and the practitioners who treated me have read it.
It isn't a replacement for medical care, so please work with a qualified practitioner.
Where should I start if I think I have CIRS?
Start with two things: finding a practitioner trained in CIRS, and finding out whether your home or workplace has water damage.
My Resources page has directories to help you find a practitioner, and places to learn more.
How do I get my home tested for mold?
Most CIRS practitioners recommend a DNA-based dust test called HERTSMI-2, and sometimes ERMI. You collect a dust sample yourself and mail it to a lab.
I used EnviroBiomics for all of my home testing. Readers get 10% off with code CIRSCOMPASS.
When will the book be available?
The CIRS Compass is in final production. Join the email list, and you'll be the first to know when it's out.
What will I get if I sign up for your emails?
News about the book's release, sneak peeks, and practical tips along the way. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
How can I contact you?
Email me at karin@thecirscompass.com, or send me a message on Instagram at @thecirscompass.
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The information on this site is not medical advice. Please work with a qualified practitioner.
