I thought I would update you all on the after-effects of the chemical poisoning. There is good news and then there is some not so good news.
On the good news front, my gait is much better. I still have problems with my balance but if I am just walking around the house for short durations I am pretty much back to normal. It appears the detox herbs my natural doctor suggested are working.
On the flip side…
if I walk for any length of time, I develop severe pain in my lower back which affects my gait. I did go get a treatment from my chiropractor in case this was the result of when I fell during the chemical exposure but nothing was out of place nor did anything indicate any new problems that would cause the pain and walking problems I have when I walk for a long time.
I have talked to other people who were over chemically exposed and they say they had the same problem. It seems as if the chemicals some how land in the lower back or spine, thus, interfering with the muscles.
Oddly, the more I push past it and continuing walking, the worse it gets. Sunday, I found myself having problems lifting my legs to get into the car and actually had to use my hands to help my legs. It feels like my muscles become rigid and I can’t get them to work right. I have found that when I have to walk for long durations that a wheel chair is the way to go as it takes a lot of pressure off of my back and legs. And to be honest, it takes a lot less energy.
I am still having problems with stuttering. I don’t do it all the time, but when it happens it’s as if my brain is stuck and I just can’t get what I am trying to say out smoothly.
As for the balance, that has not changed. I have startled several sales people now because I just suddenly lose my balance. So I am learning to hang on to things until it passes.
The shaking episodes have also greatly diminished and I am only having them when I am extremely exhausted or stressed. I have actually made it a full week now without one so I hope that is another indication that I am turning the corner.
As far as my lungs go, I am definitely feeling and noticing the difference. I can not miss the inhalers ( I take one in the a.m. now and one in the p.m) or I start wheezing. In addition to that I now must travel with a mask as I never know what will cause me to start wheezing.
Furthermore, I start wheezing for no reason. I have actually been wheezing since Sunday. I can’t seem to get this episode under control. I am hoping I don’t have to go back to the hospital but if this continues that may be something I have to do.
I’m hopeful that the detoxing herbs will restore my neurological faculties but I am coming to the realization that my lungs have been so affected that my life will be altered. Having had very mild asthma previously (1 episode every 2-3 years) I kinda understand what it looks like. I think now I have to be much more diligent about the chemicals I am now exposed to as well as learn what bothers me and what doesn’t.
I’ve been wondering if food chemicals can set off an asthma attack. My eating isn’t my normal eating due to my living arrangements and I think I am noticing a connection between certain food chemicals and the wheezing I have been experiencing.
The doctor at the VA made it very clear to me that humidity would not be my friend from now on and she was not kidding. I have noticed more wheezing as the humidity has increased. I definitely need to have an apartment now with central air.
I have been researching air purifiers for my apartment. My gosh those things are expensive! Yikes! $799.00 and up! But I’m thinking they would be well worth the investment especially in an apartment setting where I would be unwittingly exposed to chemicals in other people’s apartments.
I’m not 100% but I am turning the corner. The damage to my lungs is just something I will have to learn to live with and accommodate. The neurological deficits will hopefully resolve within the three-month time frame the VA is allowing for just that. So, in the end, I think I am making progress and good progress at that.
UPDATE: The above post was written Wednesday night. My friend ended up taking me back to the VA ER where I had to have two treatments and an injection of Prednisone. That helped but I was still wheezing some. So the doctor added a third inhaler – an emergency inhaler.
It appears that something got lost in translation when I was at the VA the last time. The doctors orders did not get transcribed correctly onto my prescriptions so I was actually missing a dose of one of the inhalers that I needed. Instead of taking it every 12 hours as she had ordered, the prescription said to take it in the a.m. only.
Hopefully that will keep my lungs calm. I do not want to go on an oral Prednisone. Taking an inhaler with Prednisone in it is enough.
Now I am taking it easy and resting as I am worn out … again! LOL! Isn’t life grand! 
It sure is never dull!
Determined to continue forward,
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Wow, you sure have been going through a lot. I hope the new symptoms are over with and the ones you have start to improve once your body can heal from the damage the chemicals did! Scary….you’re in my thoughts.
upnorth´s last [type] ..To drug or not to drug
upnorth – You know. I never knew how ‘vulnerable’ we are when we have people work on our ‘homes’. It just never crossed my mind. It definitely has made me more aware when any kind of ‘spraying” is done. And I am looking for a way to get an air purifier because I really understand, perhaps for the first time, how necessary they are.
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate that!
Food chemicals (as well as food intolerances and food allergies) can cause wheeziness. You might try eating organic (I know it’s harder to find and more expensive) as part of your detox regime.
Hopefully, the new inhaler regime will also help with your wheeziness. Not to add another health issue to your growing list, but acid reflux can also cause a feeling of wheeziness (at least it does for me).
phylor -Thank you for that information. I wasn’t sure if they could but if made sense to me. I can’t wait until I have my own apartment and I can get back to my organic, farm fresh diet!
I’ve already noticed a difference with the addition of the third inhaler. I have had to use it several times but it is working. Thank you God!
Hello dominique….you are on quite a journey. I cannot imagine the daily things you are coping with now and the damage that has been caused…Am praying that everything will heal for you and you will be able to live a healthy life within your limits as you mentioned. You definitely have all the symptoms of MCS now. I would suggest The Canary Report site for help.
One thing I read is from a chiropractor is that your lower back will hurt when the colon is struggling to detoxify? Wonder if this could have anything to do with what is going on? Just a suggestion…So difficult when we don’t have the answers to how to help our bodies function.
Thanks for your continual support even during this time. You are amazing.
Please know you continue on in my prayers…
God bless.
Renee´s last [type] ..Lyme Disease- A Formidable Foe
Renee – Hi!
I’ve heard about that site. I had actually forgotten about it but I will definitely check it out. Thank you for that. Never thought of that. That would be good news! I don’t care how the chemicals come out as long as they do!
Thanks for the prayers! YOU are awesome!
So glad there is some neurological improvement and I pray with time
perhaps even there might be improvement for your lungs.
Because I know people with CFS/FM/MCS I am cautious.
I would not let them spray under my house for carpenter ants and
I never use chemicals in my yard.
I did not know that air purifiers were that expensive and
I hope you will find a way to afford one. I will keep in prayer that
you are protected from other exposures as you live in your friend’s
home and as you travel to the wedding. I was wondering if you
were having your farm coop continue shipping your weekly food to
where you are staying; but sounds like no. Please know I think of
you very often and keep you in my prayers. We all will be with you
in spirit as you move towards getting a new home in November.
Patricia – I am being cautious too. I know that they can all come together and mine has kind of been helped along a little faster if you know what I mean.
No, I don’t have access to the food and I only have one shelf in the fridge for food so I am just getting what I can as I can for now. But I will be back on the East Coast in 23 days so I’m just trying to do what I can until I get my own home.
Thank you! Wow! You seem to be bringing me to tears (good ones) a lot lately. All of you!
Oh Dominique! I feel so badly for you. I know how much my husband struggles with his asthma and I suffer from it on occasion. Food does trigger your asthma, try to keep a journal (keep it short and sweet) so that you can review what maybe triggering your asthma.
Dealing with neurological problems along with breathing issues is very difficult. I will continue to pray for you. When we are dealing with a number of symptoms it is difficult to get a diagnosis. Sometimes the doctors don’t know where to start or what to treat first. Hang in there and keep your strength and faith.
When I read back on how I started off with all the symptoms, I find it hard to believe I have survived and am sort of sane! All of symptoms can wear a person down.
Sending soft hugs and prayers your way, Viv
Viviana Walters´s last [type] ..Our Body Communicates Possible Health Risks
Viviana – Boy do you got that right! Sypmtoms can definitely do that. I’m not struggling with the asthma thing to much. I carry around a face mask and pop it on as much as I need to. I had to wear it throughout a meeting I was at tonight but it didn’t really phase me except it gets a little hot in it.
Thank you for the hugs and prayers!
I too, have to lie down to relieve the pressure on my lower spine, have trouble with walking and occasionally have to lift my legs with my hands when getting in the car. I also get the words problem!! There the similarity stops. I don’t have problems with my breathing. I’m wondering if your gait and walking difficulties are related to the trauma of what you are going through, rather than specifically the chemical insult – or a combination of both? It’s just that I know from my own experience that emotional stress affects my walking quite badly. As you physically and emotionally process the insults things should improve. I’m thinking of you (())
Jo´s last [type] ..Feeling a bit low
Jo – I totally agree Jo. The thing is the gait problem only happened after the toxins and as I detox they are improving. I can be totally stressed out and not have pain in my back except if I do any constant walking for over an hour (I timed it today). That leads me to believe it is the chemicals or something else is going on. The thing is I haven’t had any other injury other than the chemical exposure.
Thank you for thinking of me! I have missed you on your blog.