NBS #103: The Collapse Doctors Called Anxiety — Mold Was the Real Cause: Michelle’s Survival Story

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When rashes, hair loss, vertigo, and crushing fatigue sent Michelle to the ER (more than once), she was told it was “just stress.” The real cause? Hidden mold—from an apartment that had flooded repeatedly and an HVAC system pushing contaminated air. In this raw, practical interview, Michael Rubino unpacks Michelle’s step-by-step journey: missed diagnoses, what finally revealed the problem (pro-level testing with HVAC running), why roommates can be “fine” while you’re not, and how toxigenic molds like Chaetomium can impact the brain.

You’ll learn:
Early signs Michelle missed (and why “sleeping 12 hours” didn’t help)
Why landlord “moisture meter checks” aren’t real investigations
The test that finally exposed the problem: air sampling with HVAC on
Hidden sources (under tubs, inside walls) and why baths can worsen exposure
How genetics (HLA types) and biochemistry shape symptoms
What to ask inspectors & property managers (and when to self-test)
The emotional toll: gaslighting, isolation, and staying resilient

👉 If you suspect a mold issue: Schedule a free call with our Care Team today: https://marketing.homecleanse.com/meetings/home-cleanse/welcome-consultation

Chapters
00:00 Intro & Michelle’s first symptoms (rashes, hair loss, fatigue)
03:29 Thanksgiving sewage flood & sudden crash
05:21 New apartment → rapid decline in ~3 weeks
07:03 Vertigo, vomiting, cognitive dysfunction while driving
11:36 The “aha” moment: a bartender who’d lived it says “black mold”
13:08 ER visits, “it’s anxiety,” and months of dead ends
24:09 Testing that works: HVAC on during air sampling
25:03 Hidden source: Chaetomium under the tub/walls
29:36 Neuro effects of toxigenic molds; susceptibility & mycotoxins
35:12 Turning pain into purpose: Michelle studies to help others
39:55 Why awareness + better building/health policy matters

👉 Connect with Michelle:
Instagram: @michellelizaabeth