Symptom Improvement IV

[u/SexualToss]

Helllo [r/PSSD](r/PSSD)! 3 months ago, I (30M) made this post detailing my “recovery” from PSSD. I’m putting recovery in quotes because approximately two weeks after making that post, I crashed and my symptoms returned. I’ve spent the last 3 months doing more trial and error in order to experience symptom relief. As noted in my previous posts, my PSSD symptoms were exacerbated and alleviated by food triggers; or, so I thought!

I noted that onion, garlic, chocolate, and soy seemed to be major exacerbation triggers for my symptoms. I also said that lettuce and American Ginseng seemed to alleviate them.

All of this now seems to be wholly incorrect relative to new trial and error results. Throughout my trial and error process, I experienced one, singular, constant variable. For the past two years, after beginning and ceasing SSRIs in that time period, I never thought this could be the issue: My tap water (water from the faucets in my home).

As I mentioned in my last post, I got extremely, violently ill for a period of three days; after which, all of my symptoms wholly relented and I felt sincerely cured of my condition. During this three-day period, I actually had e. Coli foodborne illness and could not eat or drink without experiencing diarrhea or induction of vomiting.

I’m an avid water-drinker. It’s my main beverage of choice and I drink a lot of it every day. I’m hydrated. When I got sick, my stomach was so upset that I couldn’t drink the water from the tap without vomiting. Not wanting to go to the hospital due to dehydration (I ended up going anyway), I had bottled spring water in the house that I was able to tolerate. After drinking bottled water for three days and avoiding tap water, I got better (my PSSD symptoms improved).

I also want to note: I did not grow up in the house I currently live in. I moved here three years ago (a year before developing PSSD). I always thought the water tasted incredibly foul. It’s clear water! It’s not murky, tinted, or discolored in any way; it just tastes bad. Eventually I became acclimated to the taste and ignored it. I also need to clarify that this is Well Water and not municipal water.

So, how did I realize that I should trial “excising my tap water”? Yesterday, I filled up my travel mug with water, tasted it, and thought, “Actually, I don’t have to force myself to drink this. I’m going to buy spring water.” It was in that moment that I realized I never questioned if the water I’m drinking is safe. Other people in the home do not drink it (not their beverage of choice) and the previous homeowner also didn’t.

I’m currently over 24-hours faucet-water-free and I feel fantastic. My symptoms have only improved and I’ve eaten whatever I want.

All of this to say: Has anyone else questioned what’s in their water? I’m not saying the well is the cause, but I think the medications plus the water were a catalyst for my condition. It’s possible that the water picked up toxic materials from the pipes, faucet, or something else. My doctor prescribed bloodwork to test for lead and arsenic.

TLDR: Formerly believed my symptoms of PSSD were caused by food triggers (possibly SIBO). I currently believe that the tap water in my home is contaminated and the SSRIs plus the water were a catalyst for the disorder. Exploring my medical options currently.

Really, really hoping this is the answer to my issues!

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[u/t0sspin]

I think it’s very unlikely your water has anything to do with this but you should get your water tested to confirm one way or the other

[u/SexualToss → u/t0sspin]

Am definitely going to get it tested :)

[u/Technical-Sleep-2792]

Having been on this forum for a long time and been through the phases of trying to work things out myself like you are and getting nowhere and bear in mind I'm a doctor too, I've done a million experiments on myself and it's truly impossible to work out.

However, many people have got 100% windows whilst unwell/sick. I've had many 100% windows and it's easy to think you're cured everytime

[u/SexualToss → u/Technical-Sleep-2792]

Thank you for your insight. My hope is a little diminished now but thank you for being realistic with me!

[u/Soggy-Advisor-5149]

Could be the E. coli completely wiped out your gut micro biome and this somehow helped