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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 15:44:05
This is sooo weird. Ever since i've been sick (mentally and physically) my whole family has been sick. We've had chronic ear infections, sinus infections, yeast, etc... It has been nuts.
My mom has been saying to me, " Are they sure there is not something wrong in your house? Is there any water under your house?"
I blew her off thinking she was paranoid (yeah I get the paranoid thing from her!). LOL
Then today, my father in law went under the house and found that we had a serious hot water leak and it has molded/damaged all the wood under the house.
The plumber is coming out soon but from the looks of things.. it has been going on for a while.
Does anyoen know if this can really affect your health?? Could it cause infections and such?
even my husband had to go through SEVEN rounds of antibiotics over 8 weeks to kill an ear/sinus infection.
Posted by Sarah T. on April 21, 2005, at 18:16:54
In reply to Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 15:44:05
Hi Spriggy. A few years ago, I read that most sinus infections are caused by fungi. I don't know whether otolaryngologists still believe that to be the case, but that was the consensus a few years ago. I do know that one particular type of mold is supposed to be very bad. I wish I could remember the name of it. I will look it up. I know that it's a black mold that tends to grow in wet basements, often behind wood panelling. It's NOT the same fungus that you see in the bathroom, which is usually a pinkish color. One room in my house has been smelling mildewy lately. I've been trying to figure out exactly where the odor is coming from. I can't tell whether it's a leak from the roof (I don't see any ceiling stains) or whether it's from below. If I'm able to find out the information I mentioned above, I'll let you know.
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 21, 2005, at 18:42:48
In reply to Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 15:44:05
> This is sooo weird. Ever since i've been sick (mentally and physically) my whole family has been sick. We've had chronic ear infections, sinus infections, yeast, etc... It has been nuts.
>
> My mom has been saying to me, " Are they sure there is not something wrong in your house? Is there any water under your house?"
>
> I blew her off thinking she was paranoid (yeah I get the paranoid thing from her!). LOL
>
> Then today, my father in law went under the house and found that we had a serious hot water leak and it has molded/damaged all the wood under the house.
>
> The plumber is coming out soon but from the looks of things.. it has been going on for a while.
>
> Does anyoen know if this can really affect your health?? Could it cause infections and such?
>
> even my husband had to go through SEVEN rounds of antibiotics over 8 weeks to kill an ear/sinus infection.Molds can cause a lot of different health problems, usually associated with the lungs, sinuses, and skin......but, there is growing evidence of psychological effects, as well.
There is an excellent resource, probably too full of information, on toxic mold in home and work environments. There are two links in this post:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031003/msgs/268914.html
It would help to get a clear physical description of what the mold looks like. Identifying the species goes a long way towards determining what you need to do about it.
One very simple way to test your home's "mold exposure rating" is to leave it. If you feel better after two or three days away, and then sick again within hours of your return, it's a pretty ominous sign.
Good luck with this,
Lar
Posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 19:31:19
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time » Spriggy, posted by Larry Hoover on April 21, 2005, at 18:42:48
Well, the mold is black/greenish and slimey looking.
Interesting enough, a woman from my church had recently told me this very thing:
" A friend of mine had their house flood several years ago, we helped them move their stuff. For some reason, your house has that same distinct smell."
I was kind of "put off" by that thinking my house must stink but I think she smelled mold. I likely can't smell it since I live in it.
It's all under the entire house. They went under the crawl space.
They think it could be in the sheetrock as well- I have complained for a year that black mold grows on the bathroom wall and ceiling- I constantly have to use Clorox to keep it off of there.
From what they are thinking.. it sounds like we will have to move asap. They are going to have to gut the whole place.
This is a nightmare.. but at the same time, it is possibly an answer to prayers.
Even my 5 year old has had chronic tummy aches with fever and they thought it could be appendix. From what I have read, toxic mold can even do that!
It would explain my mental state as of late; also my constantly feeling fatigued, achy, headaches, flu like, and "mental fog."
I kind of feel like I am in a bad nightmare that is getting worse with every passing month.
Dad is dying,
Autistic son having serious issues right now,
5 year old with chronic tummy aches,
my mental state,
my physical state,
some serious church/job issues,
now we will have to move,
I just had it out with my in laws..It gets better and better.
Yes, that is a "poor, pity me" cry but nonetheless, it felt good to say it.
*BIG SIGH*
Posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 19:32:31
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 19:31:19
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2005, at 21:41:04
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 19:31:19
Black mold is bad. When we lived in our other house we had a leak which created black mold in the living room. Even when it was repaired I swore that was why I developed the debilitating depression and anxiety, ctc. Come live with me! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 21:46:18
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time » Spriggy, posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2005, at 21:41:04
Yeah.. I am pathetic.
I just reread my post up there and thought, " wow.. you sound like a big, old whiney, baby."
Now.. let me go suck up some more mold spores into my already impaired immune system and brain. LOL
I am such an optimist.
Posted by alexandra_k on April 21, 2005, at 22:49:52
In reply to packs her bags and moves to Phillipa's..., posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 21:46:18
I used to develop a sore throat at night. It cleared up during the day. After a while I noticed a mould growing on the wall and floor behind / under my bed. YUK YUK YUK.
It is pretty damp and humid here in the winter. Lots of low fog ('cause of the river). De-humidifier was the answer for me to get rid of the condensation inside. After I cleaned it up with bleach my sore throat disappeared.
I hope your house gets cleaned up ok.
You might notice a world of difference with your families health problems.
Posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 23:13:39
In reply to Re: packs her bags and moves to Phillipa's... » Spriggy, posted by alexandra_k on April 21, 2005, at 22:49:52
It sounds like this is a bigger job than just a clean up. They are talking of gutting the place.
Which means our landlord (which happens to be my father in law) might just tear it down.
Posted by alexandra_k on April 22, 2005, at 1:21:16
In reply to Re: packs her bags and moves to Phillipa's..., posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 23:13:39
Oh.
So you are going to have to move out?
Posted by Sarah T. on April 22, 2005, at 1:54:42
In reply to Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 15:44:05
Spriggy, the black mold I was referring to is known as Stachybotrys. If you're planning on moving out anyway, then I guess you may not want to know exactly what type of mold it is. I assume you're more focused on getting out of there. On the other hand, if you plan to continue living in that house, perhaps you can call one of the environmental organizations that tests for toxins, molds, contaminants, etc. If you go that route, try to hire one that isn't selling anything. You want to know what types of mold are in the house, how they might have affected your present and future health, and what you can do to get rid of the molds. Please let us know how you're doing.
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 22, 2005, at 18:50:05
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time, posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 19:31:19
> Well, the mold is black/greenish and slimey looking.
There are reputable engineering firms which can assess the species present by doing an air filtration test. The spores of each species are unique in appearance under the microscope, and finding out what (and how much) you're exposed to will also tell you what sort of specific health effects might be associated with the mold.
It's really the best thing to do, find out what you've got. That link I gave has some information about finding a reputable testing service.
Lar
Posted by Phillipa on April 22, 2005, at 18:53:39
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time » Spriggy, posted by Larry Hoover on April 22, 2005, at 18:50:05
I have a feeling she has already moved out as she indicated to me that she was already packing in an E-mail. And I haven't seen any of her witty posts today. I miss Spriggy! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 22, 2005, at 19:42:03
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time » Larry Hoover, posted by Phillipa on April 22, 2005, at 18:53:39
Posted by TamaraJ on April 25, 2005, at 19:51:58
In reply to Re: packs her bags and moves to Phillipa's..., posted by Spriggy on April 21, 2005, at 23:13:39
Hope the move went smoothly, and you and your family are settling in nicely in your new home. I also hope that y'all are starting to feel a bit better health-wise. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take good care, and come back real soon. You are missed!
All the best,
Tamara
Posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2005, at 20:08:37
In reply to Spriggy, How did the move go? Are u ok? » Spriggy, posted by TamaraJ on April 25, 2005, at 19:51:58
Tamarra, I don't think Spriggy will mind if I answer for her. I received an E-mail from her this morning. She is now traveling somewhere in Washington State with her Husband to a Pastor's Convention. When they return they have to vacate their house. Her Dad fell and fractured some ribs, and you know he is a few months from death. She is then going to travel to Alabama with her two son's to visit and stay there while her Husband finds them somewhere to live. She even has to throw out all their furniture! She said all the medical problems she and her family have had since Christmas are probably related to the mold. So, Spriggy will not be on Babble for a while. I don't know about you, but I miss her already. She's always been there for me to either make me laugh, or to quote me an inspirational message when I need one. She is truly a wonderful person. I just wish we could let her know how much we miss her and support her through all the trials she will be going through. She has a lot on her plate. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by TamaraJ on April 26, 2005, at 15:11:14
In reply to Re: Spriggy, How did the move go? Are u ok? » TamaraJ, posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2005, at 20:08:37
Thanks so much for letting me know Phillipa! Yes, like you, I miss her, especially her sense of humor and good nature, which she seems to be able to maintain in spite of all of her trials and tribulations. If you hear from her again, please let her know that my thoughts are with her and her family, and I wish only good things for all of them in the very near future.
Take care Phillipa.
Tamara
Posted by world citizen on April 29, 2005, at 3:06:14
In reply to Re: Standing water under our house/mold big time » Spriggy, posted by Larry Hoover on April 21, 2005, at 18:42:48
Please, please have respect for mold!
I lived in an apartment that had Stachybotris (in addition to several other varities). I developed night terrors (acording to the sleep study) walked in my sleep, became VERY senstitive to chemicals in general. I'm not sure if my nervous system will ever return to normal.
Who owns the house? Are they aware of the problem? If you can possibly leave please leave. As of last month I "settled" on a toxic mold law suit (my son and I were the plaintiffs). It even made my cats act weird.
If you have any specific questions you'd like to ask, in terms of my toxic mold (your's may or may not be toxic) experience, please feel free.
World Citizen
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