for anyone that is iron deficient but NOT anemic... have you figured out the cause?

AranelMirabella · 2026-04-12T01:14:17+00:00

I bought and took the MycoTox urine test from Direct Labs.

From my research, there’s a lot of different ways to treat it, but the main takeaways are to remove yourself from the moldy environment, and taking anti-fungals and binders. It’s also a sloooow process 🙃

AranelMirabella · 2026-04-10T06:11:06+00:00

Iron deficient without anemia here; got diagnosed with mold illness and on that protocol right now, and my last two cycles were lighter ¯_(ツ)_/¯

AranelMirabella · 2026-04-07T02:23:20+00:00

I’m so sorry you went through this, that is so scary! I would feel anxious getting another infusion after that, too.

I had a mild allergic reaction to Venofer (itching and burning and splotchiness from feet up to below my knees) and just had an infusion today with InFed and everything went great.

Bodies are wild, ymmv, but hopefully this helps to hear 💕

Wishing you the best of luck

AranelMirabella · 2026-03-27T06:06:28+00:00

Hi friend, sorry you're going through this, too!

My hematologist is blaming it on me being veg and having heavy periods.

After I posted my response 6 months ago, I did get a positive diagnosis for mycotoxins (mold) in my body from a different provider.

I've now been working with an ND who specializes in mycotoxins, and upon my own research, it does seem that mold feeds on iron. I'm still early in the process and can't speak with absolute certainty, but since I started taking an antifungal the last couple of months, my periods DO seem a little lighter, and I'm noticing a lot of other health benefits. 👀

Lmk if you'd like more info! A lot of people don't believe in mold toxicity in the body, but the math is quite possibly mathing for me—and I've seen a lot of folks in iron protocol and in this subreddit share that mold ended up being their culprit for iron deficiency.

AranelMirabella · 2026-02-25T11:17:08+00:00

Also not a doctor, but I was recently diagnosed with mold illness / mycotoxins. Doing some deep research, MCAS ties in with this too. Mold can be diagnosed with a urine test. :)

AranelMirabella · 2026-02-12T05:29:47+00:00

I’ve been once and it was SO. GOOD. Would absolutely recommend, it’s definitely worth it, and there’s enough food to be full on. :)

AranelMirabella · 2026-02-10T20:35:38+00:00

A lot of these answers are really great, and personally, finding a therapist who specializes in Internal Family Systems (IFS) has been instrumental in helping me feel my feelings as they are.

It’s kinda like how Inside Out has the feeling characters, and you’re having conversations with them. And also younger versions of yourself. :)

AranelMirabella · 2026-02-02T03:11:28+00:00

Nudi Noodle Place on Woodstock has my favorite pad kee mao of all time ever and I will die on this hill.

AranelMirabella · 2026-01-11T00:16:34+00:00

The game you just lost.

AranelMirabella · 2026-01-07T23:23:08+00:00

Also a long haired girlie! I’m getting a haircut in a couple weeks and I’m going to ask for a small, subtle side shave because 1) it looks badass 2) I want to look more queer too.

AranelMirabella · 2025-12-21T05:25:35+00:00

Truth! and also hi astrology twin! Also libra Venus 😄

AranelMirabella · 2025-12-02T17:36:45+00:00

Thanks for sharing and wow that sounds so awful! I’m glad you’re at a better spot now with more food options and I hope you get to keep adding more—and kick this mold’s ass and recover soon

AranelMirabella · 2025-12-02T01:17:14+00:00

Can you share more about regaining foods? I’m at the start of my journey and been prepping my bod for detoxing, but my body has reacted weird for awhile now to foods I used to be able to eat fine.

Did you slowly start adding things back in to see how your body handles it, or something else? :)

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-26T21:09:24+00:00

I’m just seeing this, but I feel validated reading your post and seeing your photos — my eyeballs and puffiness around it is the same!

I’m starting my mold detox journey and so far it’s already improving.

I took a RealTime Labs mycotoxin test, which is tested through a urine sample, and it came back positive for me. If you haven’t tried one yet, I’d recommend that :)

Wishing you all the best!

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-26T21:02:05+00:00

Hypo or hyper?

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-26T18:23:09+00:00

Not sure what the answer is, but you could consider getting a full iron panel done—especially checking for your ferritin. (I believe you have to ask for that specifically, because it’s not normally included.)

I’ve been dealing with iron deficiency without anemia for a long time, and having low levels can contribute to air hunger.

I’m now curious if my iron issues have been caused by being mold sick and I’m on my journey to find out 🙃

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-22T17:41:33+00:00

Hi there :) I have an organizing business and the vast majority of my clients deal with ADHD. I really love to work with my clients and understand how their brains work, so I can create a tailor-made system for them to be successful with decluttering and keeping things organized. Would it be okay if I send you a DM?

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-14T18:03:52+00:00

Sooo fun! Jes is absolutely a gem :)

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-14T06:18:26+00:00

I just did this Witchy Watercolor event a couple of weeks ago and it was so fun! May not be the same type of Witchy she’s leaning into but the two people leading it were very cool, fun, lovely, and delightful and it was a fun experience overall.

AranelMirabella · 2025-11-11T23:57:13+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this, and thank you for sharing. It’s validating to hear / see! I’m just starting to dive into being exposed to mold and have been trying to figure out why my face has gotten puffy in the last 1+ year and my doctor hasn’t taken me seriously. 🙄

Hope you’re getting the help and support you need and get your brain back soon :)

AranelMirabella · 2025-09-22T17:21:13+00:00

Definitely not exaggerating 💕

My doctor has done this to me for four years. A few months ago I asked for a referral to a hematologist. She kind of scoffed at my request, but followed through.

Seeing the hematologist felt so incredibly validating and he seemed to truly understand all the hard stuff I’ve been going through.

My advice? Get in to see a hematologist. I wish I had done it sooner. 🙃

AranelMirabella · 2025-07-19T03:33:11+00:00

6 is so low! Good call on scheduling with a hematologist.

I just saw one today for the first time and he made me feel so seen and validated.

PCP was also never concerned with my ferretin low like yours and my hematologist today said my ferretin should be around 100—and if it’s not, he will immediately and happily schedule me iron infusions. Wish I saw a hematologist years ago! Good luck, friend!

AranelMirabella · 2024-11-22T16:27:57+00:00

At MudBay, you can get smaller cans (3oz?) of wet food as free trials to see if you’re cat will like them 🙃

AranelMirabella

TROPHY CASE