Exposure to Mold/Mildew & Neurological Symptoms

[thester6474]

Hi, I am a 25 year old that worked in an area school that was full of mold and mildew...I stayed sick from several bouts of sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonitis and so on...I have since been experiencing many symptoms that possibly have Neurological & Rheumatic causes...Could this be the cause of some of my issues?  I have Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, Myoclonus, Hypermobility Syndrome and many other things...I am scheduled to see a Neurologist at Emory U on January 12th...Symptoms include burning sensations (everywhere, esp chest), tingling sensations, impaired judgment, impaired concentration, impaired memory, migraines, Numbness, Decreased Muscular Control, Stiffness, Swelling, Fatigue (Mental & Physical), Malaise, Depression...These symptoms started a year ago, and has finally made it so that I am unable to work...Could my conditions be caused by my exposure to mold and mildew?

[thester6474]

No, sorry, I was unable to go..I got up that morning late for one, and when I got up I was stiff..And was barely able to move..I am sad that I missed it though..I am surprised his offie did not call wondering why I did not attend

[patsy10]

Did you go to the meeting?

[thester6474]

My appointment is January 31st, eleven short days from now, I am so scared...You would think after seeing all the docs that I have seen already, That I would not be scared.  But I am, I am just hoping that I do not get the same answer I get from all of the other docs.

[ggreg]

Your appointment in Atlanta was what I was referring to.  If anyone can figure you out, that neuro at Emory is the one.  I want to hear what he has to say about you, as relates to mold being a possible contributor to your symptoms.

[thester6474]

No, I have yet to be diagnosed with anything relevant, nothing that could really explain the problems I am having.  My PCP says that it is definetly Neurological and Degenerative..He has seen a steady decline in my health in the past few months..From changes in my reflexes to other changes such as my ability to feel..At my last appointment he stuck me continuosly, hoping to see if I could really feel when he did..Needless to say that for a long time, he would actually have to tell me that he stuck me, I could not feel it at all..When the symptoms first started a year ago, I could feel it, but I could not distringuish between the sharp or dull touch..Also at my first appointment my reflexes were fairly normal..Now he notices an abnormal Babinski in my right foot as well as hyperreflexia (overactive)..He is now sending me to Atlanta to see a different Neuro

[thester6474]

Hi, I have been referred to my third Neurologist..On January 12th, I had to see my second Neuro

[ggreg]

Dear THester,
I am confused about when you are to see the neurologist at Emory?  I re-read your original post of Jan 14, and you said your appointment was Jan 12... I want to know what that physician says about you.  I think if anyone can go ahead and pinpoint what is causing your symptoms, he can.

Fibromyalgia, since both you and Patsy have it, is a bad enough disorder that it's part of the Social Security Administration's disability groups.  So, just that you guys have that is pretty substantial.  Now, the Babinski response, that is specific to certain diseases, so some self-research on that issue might be helpful.  The MS diagnosis is reached by a combination of findings, to include a scan of the head and spine to look for lesions.

[patsy10]

I was able to click on the link on my e mail but it doesn't seem to work here.

[patsy10]

here's an article for you

"Lyme Disease & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A Patient-Researcher's Perspective"

[thester6474]

Wow, I thought that I had seen a lot of Neuros, but I think you have me beat..When I see my Neuro Saturday, I will definetly ask him about that.

[patsy10]

So you decided to go.  I also have hyperreflexia.  It was my first symptom along with leg weakness.  Like you, I've gotten the "typical" diagnoses when they don't know what it is.  Fibromyalgia is my main diagnosis.  I saw 6 neuro's.  Not one could give me an answer.  I encourage you to at least look into lyme disease as a possible cause to your problems.  It can be mistaken for MS and other neuro problems. I'll try to find a good link and post it for you.

[thester6474]

Dear Miss Tiffany C Hester,

We are pleased that you will be attending the following event:



Event Name:  
Adherence and Compliance

Date & Time:  
Saturday, January 19, 2008  9:00 AM

Duration:  
6 hours, 0 minutes

Location:  
Savannah, GA



Visit this event's page.


1 guest or guests attending

Please print or save this message for your personal records

Sincerely,

National MS Society

[thester6474]

No, I have yet to be diagnosed with anything relevant, nothing that could really explain the problems I am having.  My PCP says that it is definetly Neurological and Degenerative..He has seen a steady decline in my health in the past few months..From changes in my reflexes to other changes such as my ability to feel..At my last appointment he stuck me continuosly, hoping to see if I could really feel when he did..Needless to say that for a long time, he would actually have to tell me that he stuck me, I could not feel it at all..When the symptoms first started a year ago, I could feel it, but I could not distringuish between the sharp or dull touch..Also at my first appointment my reflexes were fairly normal..Now he notices an abnormal Babinski in my right foot as well as hyperreflexia (overactive)..He is now sending me to Atlanta to see a different Neuro.

[patsy10]

Hi GG!  We can only hope Cur is ok.  Maybe he got tired of reading.  Hopefully he didn't give up or something worse.

thester,  just the mention of MS makes people depressed.  You haven't gotten that diagnosis right?  I would think about it and decide if you want to go.

I will say, I had a serious mold problem in my attic at one time.  So bad the whole ceiling was covered with black mold.  I had a mold company come out and fix it and put a ridge vent in. No more problems.  I did not get any better and it's been almost 3 years.  My  husband is perfectly healthy with no neuro problems.  I agree with gg, it's mostly respiratory problems with the mold.

[thester6474]

My Neuro's office just called and invited me to a MS seminar in a nearby city, he is going to be one of the speakers. I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that their office is inviting me, trying to figure out if it would be in my best interest to attend...If I was already depressed before the phone call, it is 10 times worsenow..

[ggreg]

Hi Patsy!  Wonder what happened to our Curmudgeon?  So sad. GG

Dear Thester,
Glad finally someone opened up the mold and mildew issue and its possible effect on the mind.  The first time I came to this forum was with that question, got no answers.  I stuck around because a lot here is interesting, and I have other health issues that I can sometimes help people with.

I lived in a home that had lots of mold in the basement at one point.  Anyhow, long story short, for years I went thru a list of stuff that might be causing all my various syndromes and disorders, mold was there, Patsy's Lyme was there, finally decided it is an old back injury that set off all my health issues.  One thing I did learn about mold, it seems to be a respiratory deal.  But as everyone knows, if you ain't breathing right, your whole body suffers, got to have oxygen.

Plez post back what your doc says, I'll be interested to hear stuff I haven't been able to find out anywhere else about mold and any relationship to neurological issues.
GG

[patsy10]

It's up to you but to cover all bases I think bacterial and viral testing would be a good idea.  If nothing else, an Epstein Barr titer and lyme western blot.  It's unfortunate but when we have odd things than no one can seem to diagnose properly we have to do our own research.

[thester6474]

Yes I have had the ELISA done, it is funny that you mention that, everyone says how unreliable this is..Esp my Rheumies...I have had Mono, within the last year and a half...That is a type of Epstein Barr Virus..And I never bounced back after that infection.

[patsy10]

Anyone with chronic, undiagnosed neuro problems should be checked for lyme.  Not saying you have it but people with lyme get these symptoms and go to numerous doctors looking for answers to no avail.  No one even thinks about lyme.  Or a screening test called the ELISA is run.  The ELISA if very inaccurate and further testing is required.  I would do a google on lyme/chronic neuro lyme just for your own info and see what you think.

Viruses can cause neuro problems too.   Epstein Barr, herpes varicella zoster (chicken pox), CMV to name a few.  Titers can be drawn.

I know what you are going through.  I have much of what you have.  I have seen several doctors and have generally been disappointed as well.

[thester6474]

No I have not been tested for Lyme Disease...What do you mean have I been tested for viruses, what type???I have not really been happy with the set of doctor's I have..I mean I love some of them, my PCP is awesome, and I love both Rheumies, and love one of my Neuros...I have seen seven doctor's in the last 11 months, and about to start seeing my 8th at the end of this month...That will make 3 Neuros...My PCP is not really satisfied with either of my current Neuros..

[patsy10]

I would think the problem would stop since you have been out of the invironment.  I may have asked you this before...Have you had a work-up for lyme disease?  It's more than a simple blood test.  It usually requires seeing a doctor who specilizes in lyme disease.  All of your symptoms fit.  Also, have you been tested for viruses?