ipodfan0330
New member
Recently a friend of mine has been very sick with breathing problems in addition to other medical issues and can
Mold Exposure??
- Thread starter ipodfan0330
- Start date
When I read this post, I immediately saw many of my own current symptoms, which occur every year, but only from spring through late fall:
Just on a hunch, I started subscribing to reports on pollen and mold counts from the National Allergy Bureau, and it's finally making sense - I only have these symptoms when the outdoor mold count is high and I stay outside for some length of time. I never feel like this in the dead of winter (that's when I feel my best!).
This morning I woke up with none of the above symptoms, but I had slept in my dry, filtered air-conditioned house. But after taking a long walk to get some "fresh air" and exercise, I now have every one of the above symptoms. It started with my feet starting to tingle badly and then go numb while I was walking, and then everything else kicked in. And checking the NAB report, the mold count here is again high today.
For a long time after moving here, I thought I was developing some serious nerve disease or my immune system was breaking down - and it scared the hell out of me. It is a sort of mixed relief to realize that it is so clearly a reaction to outdoor mold. My next problem is finding a job in a drier climate at my age. I may have to wait until retirement.
'Crin
- burning. aching and congestion of the sinuses
- burning eyes
- tingling hands and feet that often become numb
- lightheadedness, spaciness, like I'm "on remote control"
- pressure inside the ears
- stomach trouble
Just on a hunch, I started subscribing to reports on pollen and mold counts from the National Allergy Bureau, and it's finally making sense - I only have these symptoms when the outdoor mold count is high and I stay outside for some length of time. I never feel like this in the dead of winter (that's when I feel my best!).
This morning I woke up with none of the above symptoms, but I had slept in my dry, filtered air-conditioned house. But after taking a long walk to get some "fresh air" and exercise, I now have every one of the above symptoms. It started with my feet starting to tingle badly and then go numb while I was walking, and then everything else kicked in. And checking the NAB report, the mold count here is again high today.
For a long time after moving here, I thought I was developing some serious nerve disease or my immune system was breaking down - and it scared the hell out of me. It is a sort of mixed relief to realize that it is so clearly a reaction to outdoor mold. My next problem is finding a job in a drier climate at my age. I may have to wait until retirement.
'Crin
soulz solace
New member
There are many different types of mold and mildew and most leave black marks or are black themselves. Being allergic to mold or mildew can make you feel very lousy(I'm on my 5th round of allergy shots).
But there has been a lot of press about "black mold" and how sick it can make you but it is one type of black colored mold called stachybotris(I think that is how it's spelled) that causes the big problems. You can scrap off the mold and have it tested but it is rare. Most black colored mold is of the non-life threatening variety.
If you or anyone is concerned, search it and do some sleuthing and see if that is what is around.
Jenny
But there has been a lot of press about "black mold" and how sick it can make you but it is one type of black colored mold called stachybotris(I think that is how it's spelled) that causes the big problems. You can scrap off the mold and have it tested but it is rare. Most black colored mold is of the non-life threatening variety.
If you or anyone is concerned, search it and do some sleuthing and see if that is what is around.
Jenny
No, I doubt it's a black mold that's getting to me. I had that stripped out and removed from my house when I moved in (it was just in my shower walls), so I know to look for that.
Whenever I stay inside this house all sealed in, I actually have none of the symptoms I listed. I've now been inside under A/C for about 3 hours, and the feeling is returning to my extremities, and my sinuses and eyes are burning much less. But I feel like a prisoner in my own house.
It is some of the molds that grow on the wet decaying wood, leaves and humus around here - the red, yellow, green and brown molds, aspergillus, penicillium, etc. - that are killing me.
'Crin
Whenever I stay inside this house all sealed in, I actually have none of the symptoms I listed. I've now been inside under A/C for about 3 hours, and the feeling is returning to my extremities, and my sinuses and eyes are burning much less. But I feel like a prisoner in my own house.
It is some of the molds that grow on the wet decaying wood, leaves and humus around here - the red, yellow, green and brown molds, aspergillus, penicillium, etc. - that are killing me.
'Crin
☼Sunshine.
New member
Sorry...I was responding to the original poster on the black mold. Just now read the original post date.
As for exterior molds, have you considered allergy shots for molds? I'm doing my 5th round of allergy shots right now. Each time they have helped but they do wear off and as I move, I need new ones that are local.
I'm also doing the "local honey" thing again as it did help when I first moved to this area. I take a teaspoon a day of local "native" honey that has the local pollens and I imagine some mold spores in it. It helps to slowly expose you to the local flora. Your stomach acid will kill most of it but you do get some exposure and desensitization. I thought it was an old wives tale until I tired it and it helped me adjust to the area. But after the rainiest and warmest spring on record, I decided to do the shots as well and get some real relief.
I understand feeling like a prisoner in your home but you can do something about it.
Jenny
As for exterior molds, have you considered allergy shots for molds? I'm doing my 5th round of allergy shots right now. Each time they have helped but they do wear off and as I move, I need new ones that are local.
I'm also doing the "local honey" thing again as it did help when I first moved to this area. I take a teaspoon a day of local "native" honey that has the local pollens and I imagine some mold spores in it. It helps to slowly expose you to the local flora. Your stomach acid will kill most of it but you do get some exposure and desensitization. I thought it was an old wives tale until I tired it and it helped me adjust to the area. But after the rainiest and warmest spring on record, I decided to do the shots as well and get some real relief.
I understand feeling like a prisoner in your home but you can do something about it.
Jenny