How can my day that started out decent, suddenly, crash and burn in the matter of a seconds?
I scheduled Dekker for a grooming appointment today to have him “furmigated” or in English, have his undercoat hair removed. I also needed to pick up a few grocery items and get money for a cab ride to my dental consultation on Tuesday.
My friend and I decided to grab a bite to eat at Fridays as it is right across the street from Petsmart, thus, making it easier to get Dekker when he was done. I was fine until we went to pick him up. By that time, we had been out about three hours. I got back to the car with Dekker and I was exhausted! I mean breathing-hard-please-let-me-lay-down-now-exhausted. It was crazy.
By the time we got home…
all I could think of was I just need to get to bed. My energy was ebbing away so fast I just wasn’t sure if I would make it. I did, but you know how it is.
About an hour after I laid down, my friend and I went downstairs (in the below apartment) to see a couch my neighbors were giving away. (They had moved out and had given me the key so I could check it out) Now before I tell you what happened, keep in mind that I have repeatedly stated here that this year has been one of the hardest I have had in a long time. Okay?
I immediately knew the couch wasn’t for me. I don’t do dirty or cleaning of someone else’s property. So my friend was pondering whether she wanted it. I decided to check out the apartment and see how the layout was different than mine. My last stop was the bathroom where I discovered this … (click image to enlarge for more detail)
and this …
and this …
You can only imagine my shock. You should have seen the face of my friend and her boyfriend! I was absolutely flabbergasted!
Now let me share the background story of this situation with you. I have been complaining since I moved in that my bathtub did not feel safe. Every time I get in it, it shimmies around and when I step out, it makes a popping noise and moves upward. But I have been repeatedly assured it was solid. (look again at the first two photos!) I also made it quite clear if I fell through the floor while showering and naked into my neighbor’s apartment, I would not be a happy camper. Again, I was repeatedly assured all was fine.
However, my tiles kept cracking, and the grout kept giving way. In addition, the caulking around the tub wouldn’t stay put but repeatedly pulled away leaving a gap between the tub and shower. I have now had 4 attempts to remedy this. The last thing I was told, was maintenance would go into the apartment below – after the tenants moved out – and cut into the ceiling and fix the support system for the tub.
Uh, does it look like that is a possibility? In addition, maintenance was in this apartment looking at the bathroom before they told me this! Hello! Uh … let’s just say, I am not too keen to trust maintenance again, and especially not with this.
I don’t even know if the mold is toxic. I can tell you this. We were only there for a few minutes and I started having breathing problems. (I have asthma) Both of my friends also had problems when they left.
What’s to say, this isn’t a factor in why I have been having such a hard year!? Just maybe …
Even as I write this, I am just dumbfounded. I don’t feel I can go to the office and ask them to fix all of this and ‘trust’ that it will be done right. I have no doubts that they will gladly fix it, I just don’t believe it will be done … right. Whatever is cheaper and more expedient is most likely what they will do.
I love my apartment complex and this is my second stint here. However, things just don’t seem to get done at the same level of quality that they did two years ago when I left.
So … I put in a call – after much, much thought – to the Consumer Protection Division here in Tulsa. Unfortunately, mold is not legally covered under our Oklahoma laws from what I can find in my research. Thus, I’m not sure how to resolve this so I am assured that I will not have to deal with the ramifications of mold and/or sickness after the job is completed.
Even now 6-7 hours later, I am still floored by the nightmare below my bathtub. And forget me taking anymore baths or showers until this is resolved! Nope. No way. It’s a miracle, and I do mean miracle, that I didn’t fall through. By the grace of God…Wow!
Needless to say my day did not end there! LOL! From about 6 pm-ish to 10 pm – ish we have been under severe tornado watches. Three I think was the last tally. The sirens went off two or three time in that period.
Tornadoes don’t really bother. You just do as your told and keep your head about you. However, my body is a different story.
I am really hurting bad. I would say I’m at a 7-8 level. Especially in my arms. This has actually been more challenging than usual for me to type. But I needed to get this out. Also, the fatigue, needless to say, isn’t much better. Sigh…
I’m searching for the positives in this whole day:
1. Dekker smells good.
2. Dekker can sleep with me because he isn’t shedding anymore.
3. I didn’t fall through the floor/ceiling.
Beyond that … I’m not sure I can see any more positives. At least not yet. Amazingly, however, I’m still smiling?!
What’s a girl gonna do (shrug).
Determined to continue forward,
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Dominique I have got to tell you that listening to this sends chills down my spine. I am extremely sensitive to mold and mildew. In fact, our last place was killing me. I had coughing spells all the time, I got sick allot and we didn’t know why until we had to redo a room from a water break in our shower. It was everywhere and although we used bleach, it still did not help.
It is a rotten shame that your state does not have this a law. It is very dangerous to your health. As for the tornados, at one time I wanted to be a storm chaser. Yea, watching those glorified TV shows about driving into the storm instead of away got the best of me.
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Redeemed from the Void =-.
Kimberly – I just read on line today in my research that bleach doesn’t work. Especially on the toxic mold.
It is pretty amazing to watch the tornadoes come in and then leave just as quickly.
OMG! I can’t believe that ceiling! Do you have some kind of Department of Health you can call to check this out? Also sounds like some kind of building code violation to me.
At least Dekker smells good!
xoxomo
.-= Mo´s last blog ..PICKY EATER =-.
Mo – LOL! I had a feeling there might be a few comments like yours! I called the Consumer Protection Agency and left a message tonight. If they don’t call me tomorrow, I will call them back. I hadn’t thought of that. Hmmmm…. a building code violation. I need to check into that.
Yes, Dekker does smell good, although, I don’t think he likes it very much!
Wow, I think you just found your problem! I expect you are furious, I would be. And tornadoes? I’m so glad we don’t get those! Actually, I think your building management people now have more to fear from you than tornadoes. I wouldn’t be in their shoes right now.
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Pooped Again =-.
Jo – Actually, I’m not furious. I’m REALLY concerned but not angry. I’m actually just stunned that the tenants didn’t do anything. It turns out the apartment had no idea. They are just as stunned as I am. They are taking out all the sheet rock, cleaning it up, and fixing the leak from my shower that caused the whole nightmare. Thank God, I started snooping around!
Wow – I am astounded to be quite honest. I am extremely sensitive (highly allergic) to mold and mildew also. My brother just found out he has mold in his basement and now they know why my 7 year old niece developed asthma, and why it can’t stay controlled.
I’m shocked that in your state mold is not covered, it is in NC and I thought we were behind in everything – LOL.
Yes, please follow up. You are correct bleach will not kill it completely, the spores will continue to grow. They must remove all of the building materials that have been exposed and those nearby as well. Also, when the renovation is done – you should find a friend to stay with for awhile, because they will be disturbing the mold and spores and you truly will not be well.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Allergic Reactions Only Make You Feel Worse =-.
Dawn – Astounded…that’s a good word to describe my reaction as well! You might be shocked to know that only a few states have mold covered. I find that amazing!
I contacted the Consumer Protection Division who told me to call the Real-Estate Commissioner, who then told me what to do. I have to write a letter explaining all of this and give it to the office. I decided to call them and give them a heads up, though, because I didn’t want to blindside them. This community is a really nice one.
It turns out they never knew there was a problem. The tenants downstairs never said anything although they kept mentioning a water leak to me? The were taking showers in there! Geesh! Anyway, maintenance is tearing all the sheet rock out, fixing the leak (which is actually a broken pipe on my shower) and will use the chemical cleaners if needed. They have promised to let me know when they do that so I can not be here. They are also going to fix the support structure for my tub (by going through the ceiling downstairs) and that should make it stable.
I told maintenance today, “Well, I guess my fear of falling through, naked, wasn’t too far fetched!” He laughed but reassured me that it wasn’t the tub that was coming down but the sheet rock because it was soaked. Not sure I believe that. I think I actually told him I wasn’t taking any showers till everything was fixed!
So there you have. As Dominique’s world turns! Now for a nap! LOL
Dominique
This is awful! Mold of any kind will weakne your immune system and yours is already weak. I am very allergic to molds ~ get flu like symptoms AND alot of pain…weakness, fatigue…you name it. I am going to be very straight forward here and tell you that this will never be totally resolved unless all the wood and sheetrock is removed, flooring, everything! I would bet this has been why you have gone down hill with your health and I suggest your friend not take the sofa either. Mold spores go through the air. When they fix your apt. they will go through your apt. too. You should talk to Terri at CFS Warrior as they had to move because her health went down hill due to mold in their apt….Some affects can become permaanent. When we look for a house, the first thing we do is look for any mold at all….it is deadly to me.
We lived in a parsonage years ago and several of our kids ended up with allergies which we think was due to mold and mildew in the place. I would have issues with sinuses etc. there also and after we left we had less issues ~ all of us!
Praise God you went into that apartment…Praise God he kept you from falling through that floor…Praise God that He has a plan for you now!
I am so sorry you are going through this now. Will keep you in my prayers.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Tuckered Tuesday =-.
Renee – Well, fortunately, maintenance has told me there are removing anything with mold on it. They aren’t taking any chances. Thankfully….
Actually, we all decided not to take the sofa for that very reason.
The one thing that saved me is I purchased this amazing air cleaner. It uses heat to kill mold, germs, pollen, etc. Works amazingly well. It is in my bedroom. Interestingly, it is the only room I don’t have problem. So, when this is all done, I will buy the bigger machine for the front of the apartment to ensure that I have the air cleaned up.
What is additionally concerning for me is Dekker is highly allergic to mold and he has been really struggling as well.
I called my prayer team today and asked them to pray that not one thing would be missed. Not one.
I am so thankful I didn’t fall through. The humiliation of being 214 and naked! Oh my! I am assured that as bad as it is, I was never in danger of falling through.
I wish people could understand the danger for those of us with neurological and immune problems. This might not be big for others, but is potentially huge for us.
Thank you for your prayers. I am bed bound today so I most definitely need them.
Hugs.
Dominique, You need to move right away. Your health is the main thing you have and that mold will surely defeat you much worse. May God be with you 24/7 , You know He loves you. I will and do Pray for you.
Jerry – I am prayerfully waiting to see what maintenance does. Every indication is that they are doing exactly what I was told was needed. They are removing all sheet rock, everything and starting over.
Thank you for your prayers. It is good to know you are still reading the blog and hanging out with all of us here at 4Walls and A View!
Hi Dominique, Weird–not your post, but that I posted last night about the gaping hole in our kitchen floor due to our unbeknownst drowning bathroom floor above it. There is some mold, but your pictures make it look like just a little bit in comparison. I’m sorry you have to deal with this Dom–both the logistics of getting it fixed (right) and living with the mold. I would guess it is definitely irritating the heck out of your lungs. Mine aren’t liking the small amount here. (We share the asthma thing.)
I’m realizing how lucky I am to know the boards and all mold will soon be removed and done right. I’m hoping your landlord cares and takes good care of you with this one Dom…and gets that air clean. Thank goodness for Dekker and that you didn’t fall through the floor!
.-= Kerry´s last blog ..Murphy May =-.
Kerry – This is going to sound unbelievable but the New Chapter product I take, Sinus Take, instantly help me breath better (well about 10 minutes later) after my asthma attack last night. I have been faithfully taking it since and even taking a little extra as a precaution.
Oops–the hole is in our kitchen CEILING, not floor…bathroom floor, kitchen ceiling. Oh this soggy brain of mine!
.-= Kerry´s last blog ..Murphy May =-.
Kerry – I am with you on the soggy brain. I just can’t seem to make mine work lately. Errr…
Dominique what you wrote about your day mirrowed my Monday May 17th.
I found out I need a $600 crown to save a tooth and driving home
my car’s tail pipe was dragging and scrapping on the ground, and was
given my lab report results that I’m pre-diabetic. Oddly enough
I’m pretty calm. You can do only what you can do, right? I also
found myself totally wiped out trying to walk a bit because of
the news about pre diabetes. Why I’m not stressed is God’s grace.
I think sometimes things are so much that all we can do is almost
laugh. But your situation with the mold is very distrubing to me.
I know you love the complex you are in. I’m hoping there will be
a good solution and the sooner the better. May God protect you from
asthma attacks while this is being resolved.
Patricia – You know something? I miss you when you don’t come around. I wonder what your doing or how you are doing. So, yesterday, I decided I would start praying for you every time you came to mind!
You know. You’re right. All you can do is laugh. I have really been working hard at ‘letting go and letting God.” Struggling with it but trying to remember that He is in control and if I put it in His hands, He will show me what to do.
I’m feel better today after talking to maintenance. I really believe they will take care of this quickly and do it right. Apparently, there is a mold clause in our lease. I barely remember that. We are suppose to report it ASAP is we see any. Unfortunately, it appears that was not done here.
I totally understand you tooth thing. I am still dealing with mine. I always find when I am going to do something God wants me to do, I get bombarded with problems and they come in threes. Well, I have my three so now it is time for a break! Phew!
What is the doctors suggested treatment for pre-diabetes?
Dominique, Stupid question…was the ceiling like that when the other people lived there?
mo
.-= Mo´s last blog ..PICKY EATER =-.
Mo – From what I can find out yes. And they were taking showers because I could hear their shower whenever they use it. I hope they don’t get sick.
Hi Dominique,
Those photos are amazing! I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I am sensitive to mold too but that stuff looks like it would be toxic to anyone. I hope you are able to move soon and get away from that as I would not trust them to fix it right either. I am praying for you and trust that God will lead you.
Blessings,
Patti
My doctor had his office staff call with the lab report telling
me my fasting blood glucose was out of normal and I’m high risk
of developing diabetes. Pre-diabetic means just that pre.
My doctor just had an office person call and tell me this and
to be re-checked in one year. Two friends have commented that
if it was serious he would not say come back in one year for another
test. I got a bunch of books from the library and am slowing
absorbing information. My father had adult onset diabetes which
is a risk factor for me. Usually people are overweight but I’m
pretty skinny. Who knows? I’m just going to try to follow
nutrition advice and take supplements that help regulate blodd sugar
and get tested again in several months. At first I freaked out
becuase with diabetes the sugar cannot get into the muscles for
energy and circulates in the blood doing damage all over the body
if uncontrolled. I thought all I need is another illness that
causes fatigue, but you know would I even notice? — Because
the fatigue is already so bad how would I even know. For some
reason days later after the news I’m not very upset.
How dear of you to pray for me. Sammy is still with me and
I hold him a lot and tell him what a good dog he is. I think
he is comfortable and well loved just very tired like me.
Patricia – Isn’t it funny how our dogs are like us. Dekker has allergies and breathing problems. I have/had allergies and asthma. I rest a lot (at least lately) and so does he! Ha!
Okay. Now I get the pre. That would mean, I think, that you should be able to get a hold of it by diet and supplements before it gets to where you need medication. I would assume you don’t do a lot of sugary stuff. I have a friend that would drink those starbucks drinks and then not understand why his sugar levels would sky rocket. A light bulb finally went off and now his sugar levels are more stable. At one point he went over 500! Scary.
Ps I know I come back later to see what people are saying
in response to your post of the day. And then I’m chatting
away kinda late for you to check in again. Must keep you
very busy with the new post and re-checking responses from
the previous one. I’m so impressed with what you are able to
do. That nasty mold and going out too which put you back in
bed but already you are on top of making sure things are being
done to fix the problem. You truly inspire me. I have thought
several times about what people congratulate each other for -
graduation, job promotion, some award Well we all who are
carrying on with our chronic illnesses certainly need to
congratulate each other for what we accomplish and not downplay
it. What we do while ill is enormous accomplishments.
You rock, Dominique!
Patricia – Actually. I have ‘designated’ times I check the post. I look in about 2-3 times a day. 3 if it is a busy one like today. Thank you! You know, I have a friend who does some of the ‘technical’ stuff behind the scenes on my blog that is over my head, and he once told me I do more in one day sick than he does well. That made me stop and think. I feel like I get very little done, but then I have to remember what I used to get done when I was well.
It is amazing how much you can do online and with a laptop. Mine cost me $200 five years ago. Best money I ever spent. And now my free BB (blackberry) and I can do everything from bed.
You know another thing that is cool? People I interact with never have to know I’m sick. They can’t see that I’m in my PJ’s working away!
That ceiling is just disgusting looking, Dominique. I know just how you felt when you got to the car after lunch. When my energy goes, it goes fast and I’d better be in a place I can sit or lie down.
I love that at the end of your post you managed to list the three good things that came out of the day (especially about Dekker).
Thanks for sharing your crazy day and know that I hope your pain subsides soon.
Toni – LOL!~ I know. I know. Everyone that sees those photos is jaw-slacked!
Thank you for that Toni! Sometimes with the craziness of the symptoms and this illness(es), you just wonder what the heck!? Thank you for letting me know I am not alone in my energy leaving fast! I so appreciate that.
I try to see some positives – I don’t always succeed. When I’m overwhelmed, though, I have found I need to refocus and look at something more uplifting that what may be right in front of me.
Have a great weekend Toni!