💡 Getting Answers: My Journey With Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia & MCS

February 12, 2024

Why Dallas Was a Vital First Stop Before Our 7,000-Mile Road Trip 🚐💉🌿

Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) isn’t just exhausting—it’s confusing, isolating, and at times, overwhelming. Like many others facing these invisible conditions, I spent years searching for answers, relief, and hope.

Before setting out on our latest adventure—a 7,000-mile RV trip across the country—we made a very intentional stop: Dallas, Texas. Why? Because this detour wasn’t just about travel. It was about healing.

In this post, I’m sharing why we made this stop, how working with Dr. Alfred Johnson has helped me find clarity, and why we’re now traveling with a toy hauler and our pup Sadie by our side. If you’re living with chronic illness or caring for someone who is, I hope this offers insight and encouragement as you navigate your own journey.

🧠 Understanding the Struggle: When Your Body Just Won’t Cooperate

For years, I’ve dealt with a trio of conditions that often go undiagnosed or misunderstood:

😴 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Extreme exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Tasks like walking across the room or taking a shower can feel monumental.

🌡️ Fibromyalgia

Widespread muscle pain, brain fog, and fatigue are just the start. This condition makes everyday living feel like a constant uphill battle.

🧪 Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

A heightened sensitivity to environmental triggers like perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, and even certain fabrics or building materials. MCS can make it nearly impossible to spend time in public spaces or traditional housing.

💬 “It’s like your body becomes allergic to the world—and no one believes you.”If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

🏥 Why We Went to Dallas Before Our Big Trip

Before launching into full-time travel, I needed help. Real help. That’s what led us to Dallas, Texas, and the care of Dr. Alfred Johnson, a physician known for his work in environmental medicine and chronic illness.

📌 Who is Dr. Alfred Johnson?Dr. Johnson specializes in treating complex chronic illnesses using a blend of conventional medicine, detoxification therapies, and non-invasive approaches like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

His clinic is one of the few places in the country that understands the intricate web of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and MCS—and treats them all under one roof.

For me, this wasn’t just a pit stop. It was a reset.

💨 My Experience with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

One of the core treatments I started in Dallas was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

🛏️ What is HBOT?

HBOT involves lying inside a pressurized chamber while breathing 100% pure oxygen. This allows more oxygen to dissolve into your bloodstream, which helps reduce inflammation, boost cellular repair, and improve cognitive function.

✨ What It’s Helped Me With:

• Mental clarity

• Energy levels

• Joint pain

• Recovery after exertion

It hasn’t been a magic bullet—but it’s been a powerful part of my healing puzzle.

🐾 Switching Gears: Why We’re Now RVing With a Toy Hauler & Our Pup Sadie

After years of adapting our travel to my energy and exposure limits, we’ve made a change. We’re now traveling with a toy hauler RV, giving us the flexibility and protection we need on the road.

🧼 MCS-Friendly Living Space

The toy hauler allows me to control my environment, avoiding chemical exposures that would normally trigger symptoms.

🐶 Sadie Joins the Adventure

Our sweet dog Sadie has become an integral part of our travels and healing process. From grounding walks to unconditional love, she’s more than just a travel companion—she’s therapy on four legs.

🗺️ What’s Ahead: A Healing-Focused 7,000-Mile Journey

This isn’t just a road trip for photos and views. It’s a purposeful journey to support healing while embracing adventure. Our travels are guided by:

• Climate-friendly routes (chasing 70 degrees for comfort)

• Quiet, natural spaces for rest and reflection

• Access to clean food, fresh air, and low-exposure zones

• Time to integrate treatments from Dallas and continue healing

💡 What I’ve Learned (So Far) About Living with Chronic Illness

1. You have to become your own advocate.No one knows your body better than you do. If a doctor isn’t listening, find one who will.

2. Healing isn’t linear.There are good days and bad days. Progress isn’t always obvious—but every small win matters.

3. Community matters.Whether it’s online, in-person, or via your travel tribe, find people who understand and support your journey.

4. Safe environments make a difference.Reducing chemical exposures and managing sensory input has made a world of difference in my ability to function.

5. You can still live fully, even with limitations.We’re not waiting to be “all better” to experience joy. We’re creating a life that supports healing and happiness.

🧭 Considering Treatment for Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, or MCS?

If you’re exploring options like HBOT, integrative medicine, or environmental detox, consider a consultation with clinics like Dr. Johnson’s. While every path is personal, finding professionals who understand multi-system chronic illness is a game-changer.

✨ Final Thoughts: Hope, Healing & the Road Ahead

It’s not easy to travel with a body that doesn’t always cooperate. But with the right support, tools, and mindset, it’s possible to build a life that works for your health—not against it.

Dallas wasn’t just a stop on our map. It was a turning point.

As we roll into this next chapter—on wheels, with our toy hauler and Sadie by our side—we’re filled with more hope than we’ve had in a long time. If you’re walking a similar path, know this:

🫶 You are not alone. Healing is possible. And adventure can still be yours.

💬 Have You Tried HBOT or Traveled With Chronic Illness?

We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences, questions, or encouragement in the comments below. Let’s support each other on the road to wellness and freedom.