Kate's Health Log
@healthlog.kateviolette.com
A "director's cut" of @kateviolette.com 's medical journey: not just what treatments they're trying but why, and how they make medical decisions generally. Also various educational bits!
📋 ME/CFS, MCAS, lyme (plus bartonella, babesia), and mold toxicity
📋 ME/CFS, MCAS, lyme (plus bartonella, babesia), and mold toxicity
tomorrow's plan:
- pause Phase 2 supports (like Glucuronidation Assist), and add milk thistle to slow Phase 2
- psyllium husk to open the lil valve so my bile can go where it's supposed to (to my gallbladder not blood)
- binder to help with all the nasty stuff I'm about to dump into my intestines
- pause Phase 2 supports (like Glucuronidation Assist), and add milk thistle to slow Phase 2
- psyllium husk to open the lil valve so my bile can go where it's supposed to (to my gallbladder not blood)
- binder to help with all the nasty stuff I'm about to dump into my intestines
no you just spent 45 mins reading re: liver detox phases, and MRP2 & the pesky valve closure thing that can happen,
in an attempt to self-dx bc you've had URQ pain and on/off weird smelling sweat for months now*,
and then writing your bestie an explainer email about it all & what you plan to try
in an attempt to self-dx bc you've had URQ pain and on/off weird smelling sweat for months now*,
and then writing your bestie an explainer email about it all & what you plan to try
December 3, 2025 at 7:01 AM
tomorrow's plan:
- pause Phase 2 supports (like Glucuronidation Assist), and add milk thistle to slow Phase 2
- psyllium husk to open the lil valve so my bile can go where it's supposed to (to my gallbladder not blood)
- binder to help with all the nasty stuff I'm about to dump into my intestines
- pause Phase 2 supports (like Glucuronidation Assist), and add milk thistle to slow Phase 2
- psyllium husk to open the lil valve so my bile can go where it's supposed to (to my gallbladder not blood)
- binder to help with all the nasty stuff I'm about to dump into my intestines
Been two months since my last update, probably time for another one! (As I'm able, I'd like to post more here so that I later have an at-the-time account of my illness/recovery process, so I don't forget the uncertainty and context of the moment in favor of post-hoc bolting a tidy narrative on it.)
First walk for fun since 2023 🫡
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
December 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Been two months since my last update, probably time for another one! (As I'm able, I'd like to post more here so that I later have an at-the-time account of my illness/recovery process, so I don't forget the uncertainty and context of the moment in favor of post-hoc bolting a tidy narrative on it.)
First walk for fun since 2023 🫡
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
October 2, 2025 at 4:00 AM
First walk for fun since 2023 🫡
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
(other than a short jaunt literally just across the street to a cute shop in September)
I know there are plenty of people who have been sick longer than me. I've only been "big sick" for about 5 years.
But it is very weird to be (possibly, likely) experiencing some sort of recovery. It's wild to me that more doctors don't care about proper diagnosis.
(small thread)
But it is very weird to be (possibly, likely) experiencing some sort of recovery. It's wild to me that more doctors don't care about proper diagnosis.
(small thread)
September 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
I know there are plenty of people who have been sick longer than me. I've only been "big sick" for about 5 years.
But it is very weird to be (possibly, likely) experiencing some sort of recovery. It's wild to me that more doctors don't care about proper diagnosis.
(small thread)
But it is very weird to be (possibly, likely) experiencing some sort of recovery. It's wild to me that more doctors don't care about proper diagnosis.
(small thread)
The provider I saw today (who I'll be sticking with, she was super great) told me she also gets a lot of Lyme patients coming to see her. (She also knew of the provider I'm seeing and said she's seen a lot of people get good results from her so that was great to hear.)
I think I'm now a colonic fan
I think I'm now a colonic fan
the first colonic provider I saw said it's not uncommon for people whose bodies are killing a lot of stuff off (like people being treated for lyme, or cancer) to experience gut slow-downs--the liver is working hard collecting all the junk and its usual digestive responsibilities get a lil neglected
August 29, 2025 at 11:27 PM
The provider I saw today (who I'll be sticking with, she was super great) told me she also gets a lot of Lyme patients coming to see her. (She also knew of the provider I'm seeing and said she's seen a lot of people get good results from her so that was great to hear.)
I think I'm now a colonic fan
I think I'm now a colonic fan
just two days away from my second colonic, and my doctor was absolutely correct about me likely needing them weekly for a while 😬
the train station is uh, slowing down again
the train station is uh, slowing down again
also hello pocket friends, I am alive and got my first ever colonic yesterday and I'm sure I will tell you more about it soon because irreverence is near and dear to my heart
tl;dr: a positive experience, but probs will indeed need more of them, as my doctor suspected
tl;dr: a positive experience, but probs will indeed need more of them, as my doctor suspected
August 27, 2025 at 6:25 PM
just two days away from my second colonic, and my doctor was absolutely correct about me likely needing them weekly for a while 😬
the train station is uh, slowing down again
the train station is uh, slowing down again
Increasing to 2 caps seems to have gone well today 🕵️
Yesterday I started HydroPerox Ease, a supplement recommended to me by a naturopath who practices functional genomic type work. (As always, happy to share provider names if folks are looking for good providers.)
The purpose is to assist in breaking down excess hydrogen peroxide in the body.
The purpose is to assist in breaking down excess hydrogen peroxide in the body.
August 27, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Increasing to 2 caps seems to have gone well today 🕵️
(Posting this a day late but)
New med Monday! I'm still cruising on the alinia (nitazoxanide) for my babesia (and a bit against my bartonella), and while we're waiting to see how long that keeps helping me get better before I plateau on it, I'm working my way through other to-be-trialed things.
New med Monday! I'm still cruising on the alinia (nitazoxanide) for my babesia (and a bit against my bartonella), and while we're waiting to see how long that keeps helping me get better before I plateau on it, I'm working my way through other to-be-trialed things.
August 26, 2025 at 5:09 PM
(Posting this a day late but)
New med Monday! I'm still cruising on the alinia (nitazoxanide) for my babesia (and a bit against my bartonella), and while we're waiting to see how long that keeps helping me get better before I plateau on it, I'm working my way through other to-be-trialed things.
New med Monday! I'm still cruising on the alinia (nitazoxanide) for my babesia (and a bit against my bartonella), and while we're waiting to see how long that keeps helping me get better before I plateau on it, I'm working my way through other to-be-trialed things.
oh my goodness my personal long national nightmare of getting my subdomain handle working is over 🥹
this also means my main handle will stop cyclically showing "invalid handle", yay 🎉
(it really wasn't that hard, I just needed a few minutes of free brainpower to do it)
this also means my main handle will stop cyclically showing "invalid handle", yay 🎉
(it really wasn't that hard, I just needed a few minutes of free brainpower to do it)
August 25, 2025 at 4:02 AM
oh my goodness my personal long national nightmare of getting my subdomain handle working is over 🥹
this also means my main handle will stop cyclically showing "invalid handle", yay 🎉
(it really wasn't that hard, I just needed a few minutes of free brainpower to do it)
this also means my main handle will stop cyclically showing "invalid handle", yay 🎉
(it really wasn't that hard, I just needed a few minutes of free brainpower to do it)
I need to make time to share some anecdotes from the past few weeks!, but just hopping right into today's adventure for now:
Starting an l-arginine + l-citrulline combo today to see if we can boost nitric oxide (NO) that way.
I've done a bit of reading as to how NO interplays with MCAS--
Starting an l-arginine + l-citrulline combo today to see if we can boost nitric oxide (NO) that way.
I've done a bit of reading as to how NO interplays with MCAS--
January 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
I need to make time to share some anecdotes from the past few weeks!, but just hopping right into today's adventure for now:
Starting an l-arginine + l-citrulline combo today to see if we can boost nitric oxide (NO) that way.
I've done a bit of reading as to how NO interplays with MCAS--
Starting an l-arginine + l-citrulline combo today to see if we can boost nitric oxide (NO) that way.
I've done a bit of reading as to how NO interplays with MCAS--
I'm waiting on another Biomesight result (I'm gonna start doing them monthly), I'll be curious to see if there's been any significant changes since my last one in Oct or Nov (I forget which).
So, is this a sign that my body is beginning to stabilize after the wreckage of the past 2.5 months? I sure hope so.
December 30, 2024 at 11:30 AM
I'm waiting on another Biomesight result (I'm gonna start doing them monthly), I'll be curious to see if there's been any significant changes since my last one in Oct or Nov (I forget which).
Reposting from this account because this is something I want to talk more about at a later date! :) Construction and testing of mental model hypotheses in treating complex illnesses.
body's just tryin' to help! lol
(On a more serious note though, this is one of the mental models I'll use when trying to figure out why some fresh hell has emerged in my illness--like if I were a body trying to do the right thing, what are some ways this symptom might arise in the course of that?)
(On a more serious note though, this is one of the mental models I'll use when trying to figure out why some fresh hell has emerged in my illness--like if I were a body trying to do the right thing, what are some ways this symptom might arise in the course of that?)
December 28, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Reposting from this account because this is something I want to talk more about at a later date! :) Construction and testing of mental model hypotheses in treating complex illnesses.
Opening up my Lumia device!! Aaaaaaaa I'm so excited
December 17, 2024 at 10:50 PM
Opening up my Lumia device!! Aaaaaaaa I'm so excited
Sorry to tease this then not get around to it yet! I've been prepping for my trip to Michigan, which has had my focus. I'll return to this nerdery once I've settled in!
Who wants to look at some Organic Acids Tests? 😆
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
December 16, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Sorry to tease this then not get around to it yet! I've been prepping for my trip to Michigan, which has had my focus. I'll return to this nerdery once I've settled in!
Who wants to look at some Organic Acids Tests? 😆
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
December 12, 2024 at 6:54 PM
Who wants to look at some Organic Acids Tests? 😆
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
Since I'm doing so much worse since my last OAT earlier this year, and a new specialist relies heavily on it, I wanted to do an updated one so we're working with current data.
I'll upload the current and prior one in a bit along with thoughts!
So I think I've honed in on a company to work with for this! It's going to be fucking expensive. But I'm going to do it anyway bc I think being in a shared space with friends and homecare is necessary for me to make real progress
(Also I am extremely excited to fly over the Rockies in a smol plane)
(Also I am extremely excited to fly over the Rockies in a smol plane)
Long shot, but:
Does anyone here have experience with air ambulance companies? (Or know anyone who has?) My use case would be non-emergency, long distance flight, but curious in any experiences anyone might be able to share to help winnow down company options.
Does anyone here have experience with air ambulance companies? (Or know anyone who has?) My use case would be non-emergency, long distance flight, but curious in any experiences anyone might be able to share to help winnow down company options.
December 11, 2024 at 5:38 AM
So I think I've honed in on a company to work with for this! It's going to be fucking expensive. But I'm going to do it anyway bc I think being in a shared space with friends and homecare is necessary for me to make real progress
(Also I am extremely excited to fly over the Rockies in a smol plane)
(Also I am extremely excited to fly over the Rockies in a smol plane)
you know what is not fun is increasing a supplement you've been told to increase and also told it may give you a gnarly headache (but that's ultimately a good sign)
increasing the supplement
and indeed having the gnarly headache 😣
increasing the supplement
and indeed having the gnarly headache 😣
December 10, 2024 at 5:40 AM
you know what is not fun is increasing a supplement you've been told to increase and also told it may give you a gnarly headache (but that's ultimately a good sign)
increasing the supplement
and indeed having the gnarly headache 😣
increasing the supplement
and indeed having the gnarly headache 😣
walgreens: there is a problem processing your prescription
me: what prescription
Walgreens: sildenafil
me: what's sildenafil
the internet: kate that's viagra
me: what prescription
Walgreens: sildenafil
me: what's sildenafil
the internet: kate that's viagra
December 8, 2024 at 6:58 PM
walgreens: there is a problem processing your prescription
me: what prescription
Walgreens: sildenafil
me: what's sildenafil
the internet: kate that's viagra
me: what prescription
Walgreens: sildenafil
me: what's sildenafil
the internet: kate that's viagra
why am I fucking short of breath again ARGH
(I mean, we are winnowing down the possibilities, and about Mon-Thu this week was pretty solidly free of shortness of breath. But still. FUCK. I want to be rid of this fucking symptom that's just been new in the past couple months, like come on)
(I mean, we are winnowing down the possibilities, and about Mon-Thu this week was pretty solidly free of shortness of breath. But still. FUCK. I want to be rid of this fucking symptom that's just been new in the past couple months, like come on)
December 8, 2024 at 1:42 AM
why am I fucking short of breath again ARGH
(I mean, we are winnowing down the possibilities, and about Mon-Thu this week was pretty solidly free of shortness of breath. But still. FUCK. I want to be rid of this fucking symptom that's just been new in the past couple months, like come on)
(I mean, we are winnowing down the possibilities, and about Mon-Thu this week was pretty solidly free of shortness of breath. But still. FUCK. I want to be rid of this fucking symptom that's just been new in the past couple months, like come on)
Up yet again with a grouchy gut + probs grouchy vagus nerve bc of it.
Gonna try the new exercise I learned from the book today in case it may help at all?
Gonna try the new exercise I learned from the book today in case it may help at all?
December 7, 2024 at 9:58 AM
Up yet again with a grouchy gut + probs grouchy vagus nerve bc of it.
Gonna try the new exercise I learned from the book today in case it may help at all?
Gonna try the new exercise I learned from the book today in case it may help at all?
Since we're gonna be doing a lot of gut work in coming weeks, and my vagus nerve is hella touchy when it comes to anything gut related for me, I'm starting this book on the vagus nerve. Thanks to my buddy @liapas.bsky.social for the recommendation!
Hopefully some daily exercises will help 🙏
Hopefully some daily exercises will help 🙏
December 6, 2024 at 8:09 PM
Since we're gonna be doing a lot of gut work in coming weeks, and my vagus nerve is hella touchy when it comes to anything gut related for me, I'm starting this book on the vagus nerve. Thanks to my buddy @liapas.bsky.social for the recommendation!
Hopefully some daily exercises will help 🙏
Hopefully some daily exercises will help 🙏
Up with another middle of the night wake-up, but!, no big MCAS symptoms or vagus nerve aggravation. Just awake in a neutral sense. This is progress. 🥹
(I previously had four nights in a row with really awful symptomatic wake-ups...maybe tomorrow I'll actually sleep through the night. 🙏)
(I previously had four nights in a row with really awful symptomatic wake-ups...maybe tomorrow I'll actually sleep through the night. 🙏)
December 6, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Up with another middle of the night wake-up, but!, no big MCAS symptoms or vagus nerve aggravation. Just awake in a neutral sense. This is progress. 🥹
(I previously had four nights in a row with really awful symptomatic wake-ups...maybe tomorrow I'll actually sleep through the night. 🙏)
(I previously had four nights in a row with really awful symptomatic wake-ups...maybe tomorrow I'll actually sleep through the night. 🙏)
I used a term here that I should probably define for folks unfamiliar with it! And that's "mechanism of action".
That's the medical term for "how does this drug do the thing it does?", emphasis on the "how" part.
I'll illustrate with an example--a class of drugs you know as antacids, like Pepcid 🧵
That's the medical term for "how does this drug do the thing it does?", emphasis on the "how" part.
I'll illustrate with an example--a class of drugs you know as antacids, like Pepcid 🧵
I'll also typically read some medical journal articles for whatever potential treatment it is that I'm considering. But the MSK site is typically my first stop just to learn what a thing is, if the mechanism of action is established, what possible side effects to worry about or drug interactions etc
December 6, 2024 at 12:00 AM
I used a term here that I should probably define for folks unfamiliar with it! And that's "mechanism of action".
That's the medical term for "how does this drug do the thing it does?", emphasis on the "how" part.
I'll illustrate with an example--a class of drugs you know as antacids, like Pepcid 🧵
That's the medical term for "how does this drug do the thing it does?", emphasis on the "how" part.
I'll illustrate with an example--a class of drugs you know as antacids, like Pepcid 🧵
Not sure how widely-known this resource is, but as someone who is game to engage in alternative therapies--responsibly, the Memorial Sloan Kettering database is an incredibly solid resource. They have both a pharmacist and "botanicals expert" (maybe some sort of herbalist?) who manage it:
About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
Find evidence-based information from our Integrative Medicine experts about herbs, vitamins, and other dietary supplements.
www.mskcc.org
December 5, 2024 at 11:07 PM
Not sure how widely-known this resource is, but as someone who is game to engage in alternative therapies--responsibly, the Memorial Sloan Kettering database is an incredibly solid resource. They have both a pharmacist and "botanicals expert" (maybe some sort of herbalist?) who manage it:
I think I actually have a bit of brain budget to listen to some music this morning.
fuck
yes
(I am deeply a musician at heart, and have been all my life, from sitting on the piano bench with my Memère when I was a tiny tot, to starting to learn piano at 7 and studying composition in college.--
fuck
yes
(I am deeply a musician at heart, and have been all my life, from sitting on the piano bench with my Memère when I was a tiny tot, to starting to learn piano at 7 and studying composition in college.--
December 5, 2024 at 8:35 PM
I think I actually have a bit of brain budget to listen to some music this morning.
fuck
yes
(I am deeply a musician at heart, and have been all my life, from sitting on the piano bench with my Memère when I was a tiny tot, to starting to learn piano at 7 and studying composition in college.--
fuck
yes
(I am deeply a musician at heart, and have been all my life, from sitting on the piano bench with my Memère when I was a tiny tot, to starting to learn piano at 7 and studying composition in college.--