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Welcome to the momsAWARE forum!
Tell us and our members who you are, what your health concerns are, and what you would like to gain from this site.
We welcome all new members and hope to assist you!
Tell us and our members who you are, what your health concerns are, and what you would like to gain from this site.
We welcome all new members and hope to assist you!
New to the world of 'mold illness'
9 years 5 months ago #1
by Elise R.
New to the world of 'mold illness' was created by Elise R.
Hi, my name is Tara. I have been a nurse for over 10 years and a massage therapist for 8 years before that. My health has quickly taken a turn for the worst after entering what I believe to be a 'sick building' where others in the past and present have fallen ill with similar health concerns. My thyroid gave out on my a year and a half ago and then my world turned upside down in August of this year. Dizziness overtook me, numbness began in my left hand and leg, my left low back (where my kidney is) started hurting all of the time, my voice is always hoarse, and I suddenly developed 'Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis'. Several physicians have strongly suggested I never return to my work building as it would result in permanent disability, which I am trying to find peace in. I am however having a difficult time leaving others behind who are ill and will continue to decline, I am supposed to be an advocate and I can not help them.
With much research I found a physician (Infectious Disease Specialist) in New York who has experience with 'mold related illness'. She has been such a blessing, I flew there (this has not been an in-expensive endeavor) but it was well worth it; she listened to me, took the most completely health history EVER, and I didn't have to convince her I was really sick because she believed me. Two weeks ago I started on anti-fungal therapy and hope to soon start on the supplements I have ordered (very costly) to hopefully regain my quality of life. The therapy has been tough, but I figured it would probably get worse before it gets better.
This is my first official 'sign-up' with a forum, I usually just research the forums and do not post to them as I have not had the time or energy to commit to this type of communication. But, I have hopeful I will find a sense of understanding and community with this site as this type of event truly changes your life. My heart goes out to all others who have struggled with these type of concerns as most of the traditional medical community does not believe or support the multi-organ dysfunction mold and mycotoxins can cause. Thank you for reading my story.
With much research I found a physician (Infectious Disease Specialist) in New York who has experience with 'mold related illness'. She has been such a blessing, I flew there (this has not been an in-expensive endeavor) but it was well worth it; she listened to me, took the most completely health history EVER, and I didn't have to convince her I was really sick because she believed me. Two weeks ago I started on anti-fungal therapy and hope to soon start on the supplements I have ordered (very costly) to hopefully regain my quality of life. The therapy has been tough, but I figured it would probably get worse before it gets better.
This is my first official 'sign-up' with a forum, I usually just research the forums and do not post to them as I have not had the time or energy to commit to this type of communication. But, I have hopeful I will find a sense of understanding and community with this site as this type of event truly changes your life. My heart goes out to all others who have struggled with these type of concerns as most of the traditional medical community does not believe or support the multi-organ dysfunction mold and mycotoxins can cause. Thank you for reading my story.
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9 years 5 months ago - 9 years 5 months ago #2
by Andrea Fabry
Replied by Andrea Fabry on topic New to the world of 'mold illness'
Hi Tara,
Thanks for sharing your story. The biggest obstacle is making the connection between health and environment. I wouldn't wish this road on anyone but there are benefits in the long run when it comes to important knowledge. I'm glad you have found a physician who "gets" it...that too is huge.
I relate to your concerns about the others who are still in the building. It's kind of like the mask in the airplane. Better to get your oxygen for right now. You'll be able to help down the road. Simply by getting away from the building you will be helping them.
Let me know if I can ever help in any way. Andrea This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks for sharing your story. The biggest obstacle is making the connection between health and environment. I wouldn't wish this road on anyone but there are benefits in the long run when it comes to important knowledge. I'm glad you have found a physician who "gets" it...that too is huge.
I relate to your concerns about the others who are still in the building. It's kind of like the mask in the airplane. Better to get your oxygen for right now. You'll be able to help down the road. Simply by getting away from the building you will be helping them.
Let me know if I can ever help in any way. Andrea This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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9 years 5 months ago #3
by Elise R.
Replied by Elise R. on topic New to the world of 'mold illness'
Hi, thank you for the introduction and encouragement. I do have a question...have you ever experienced or heard of someone being able to smell mold in other buildings after mold illness?
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9 years 5 months ago #4
by Andrea Fabry
Replied by Andrea Fabry on topic New to the world of 'mold illness'
I hear this quite frequently, Tara. Our bodies become very sensitized and this includes the sense of smell.
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9 years 4 months ago #5
by Elise R.
Replied by Elise R. on topic New to the world of 'mold illness'
Hi Andrea,
I feel like I hit a wall with treatment. I hopeful you could provide some insight into what it feels like to detox and go through treatment. The last conversation I had with my infectious disease physician provided me with a more definitive diagnosis of tricothecene poisoning and aspergillosis of sinuses and left mastoid. So, this has me a little more concerned having read up on aspergillosis. I have not felt well for the last three weeks, experiencing upper respiratory symptoms for the first time in over a year.
My question is...how long did it take (on average) to start feeling better after initiation of treatment? Would you mind sharing some details of your detox experience? I hope this is not too personal to ask, stories of survival really help, I need to know I am not a complete alien on this 'planet mold'
Elise R.
I feel like I hit a wall with treatment. I hopeful you could provide some insight into what it feels like to detox and go through treatment. The last conversation I had with my infectious disease physician provided me with a more definitive diagnosis of tricothecene poisoning and aspergillosis of sinuses and left mastoid. So, this has me a little more concerned having read up on aspergillosis. I have not felt well for the last three weeks, experiencing upper respiratory symptoms for the first time in over a year.
My question is...how long did it take (on average) to start feeling better after initiation of treatment? Would you mind sharing some details of your detox experience? I hope this is not too personal to ask, stories of survival really help, I need to know I am not a complete alien on this 'planet mold'
Elise R.
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9 years 4 months ago #6
by Andrea Fabry
Replied by Andrea Fabry on topic New to the world of 'mold illness'
Hi Elsie! You're definitely not alone with this. It took about two years to feel like I turned a corner and five years to feel like it was behind me. That doesn't mean I don't still have issues - it's just that I don't think of myself as " in recovery". Here are couple of articles that may help.
1. Stories of survival: www.momsaware.org/mold-survival-stories.html
2. Here's some of what I have done to get to the other side:
it-takes-time.com/2011/08/healing-as-a-lifestyle.html
Everyone is unique and what works for one may not work for another. I just want to encourage you to keep listening to your body and your instincts as you navigate this journey. Feel free to email me directly at any point.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1. Stories of survival: www.momsaware.org/mold-survival-stories.html
2. Here's some of what I have done to get to the other side:
it-takes-time.com/2011/08/healing-as-a-lifestyle.html
Everyone is unique and what works for one may not work for another. I just want to encourage you to keep listening to your body and your instincts as you navigate this journey. Feel free to email me directly at any point.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
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