Re: I need help understanding how to detect mold
Absolutely it can. I've had to take it in pieces myself, partly bc of the info overload and partly bc of like you said all the vaiables...combined with not feeling well to begin with. I seem to have found a method of writing down a few things I am concerned with and trying to just deal with those that day. Albeit I was reading a lot in the beginning, but it's your health and it's not a bad thing to be concerned and search for solutions.
From what I know
parasites and candida are prone to existing together. I perhaps will address this more aggressively after I remove some of the more pressing things.
As far as your furniture goes, didn't you say the petri dishes came back negative? I too have lovely antique furniture, but if it was the source of my problem I would def let go of it. If you are unclear, you could try storing it somewhere for a few months to see how your condition responds...or perhaps there is some way to seal it up with plastic and tape if that would be an easier or more cost effective alternative.
good luck, let me know if you have any other concerns. I know for me I grew up in the woods in Wisconsin with pets that weren't dewormed, swimming in the lakes, I could go on, but basically I've found you can get them almost anywhere. In my case I was sick a lot as a kid and may have picked up some type of virus, who knows. The good news is that I feel now at least I'm doing some things different, and like you it's a process of elimination.