https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/09/25/black-blood-apheresis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
- Patrich Ussher traveled from France to Bayreuth, Germany where he underwent 7 apheresis sessions.
- He was told at the first session that his “blood was black” and thick – apparently a common finding in ME/CFS and long COVID.
- The first 3 sessions produced crashes of various degrees but it was also clear that Patrick’s blood was becoming more oxygenated: his color improved and his purple fingernails became lighter. He described what it felt like getting more oxygen into his system “The feeling of oxygen getting into different parts of your body is warm, wet, ‘gungy’ and intense. I felt that sensation flow over my body in powerful waves. My head throbbed with the increased blood flow to my brain.”
- The sixth session produced something of a breakthrough as it became clear that his blood was finally flowing freely and normally and had returned to a more normal color and thickness.
- Four months after his 7th and last session Patrick felt he’d improved a solid 20% and thus far had maintained all the gains he’d received. He still has PEM but is cognitively sharper, sleeps better overall, his body feels noticeably lighter and like it’s functioning better.
- While Patrick is not well his response suggests that something in his blood (microclots, antibodies, immune factors (???)) is indeed playing a role in his illness.