Hello. My job is making me sick. Actually, I like my job... it's the workplace that is making me sick. I started w/ this company 4 years ago and have never been so sick in my life. What started as neck pain (usual for me w/ c5/c6 disc bulge) escalated into severe OA of the sternum, then fibromyalgia w/ some sort of neuropathy including muscle spasms, severe at times. I have allergic rhinitis that won't go away unless I am away from the building(s). I also developed some mystery rashes that came and went. Then came the bacterial infections of UTI, Vaginal and penumonia. The pneumonia was a year ago and I haven't been the same since. Developed senstivity to light, headaches, chronic fatique and all my tests come back normal. I have all the symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth but a recent EMG ruled that out. This past May I demanded that an AQ test be done and they found mold: Stachybotrys, Alternatia, Cladisporium and Penicillium. They cleaned the areas but never addressed the water-entry points and NOW, they have moved our department to another building that definitely has mold because I'm still sick and the mildew smell makes me gag. Was tested for Lyme, RMSF, Celiac, EMG/NCV, ENG, BPPV, Brain MRI, Myelin Protein, C3-C4 and all have come back normal. What's next? I'm losing my mind I think. I've taken the week off and have just started cholestyramine. This is great, but what happens when I return to work next week? What precautions can I take? I'm trying to find a new job but the pickins are slim and can't afford to quit because I'm single and you know the rest....

Great site by the way!!

Thanks for listening.

Pat

Hi Pat,

Welcome to the forums

Sorry to hear you're having such a rough time. I know it doesn't really help that much but you are certainly not alone in this.

I think you've worked out correctly that it is definitely your workplace that is having a detrimental effect on your health. Whatever your diagnosis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sick building syndrome etc, the unfortunate likelihood is that your condition will worsen the longer you are in that building so it's vital you get out of there asap. Stressful and depressing I know but it's got to be done by the sounds of it.

Unless you want to force another AQ or environmental test I'm not sure what you can do while you look for work elsewhere. You may want to look into your local environmental health laws as employers are often required to fix problems such as mold and damp. As a last resort you could always wear a face mask (www.icanbreathe.com are great) but this would obviously make life difficult for you as well.

In terms of what to do next healthwise I would find a doctor practicing environmental medicine:

US: http://www.aaemonline.org/
UK: http://www.ecomed.org.uk

You need to find out why the environmental triggers in your workplace are making you sick. Certain underlying problems can make us much more susceptible to such things. Have the doctor check your thyroid, adrenal and sex hormone levels, nutrient status, and the health of your gut (presence of yeast, bacteria, parasites and whether you have a 'leaky gut'). You may also wish to have immunological tests and a good environmental medicine specialist will know which are appropriate in your case after a consultation.

If you want to learn more about the kinds of lab tests used in environmental medicine have a look at our 'Useful Lab Tests' page.

Hope this helps,

Maff<br /><br />Post edited by: Maff, at: 2008/08/06 18:10

Thank you Maff. Just received word this morning that they are going to do AQ testing at all buildings and cleanup of the HVAC systems. While this doesn't address the structural problems, it will help ease symptoms while I pursue other opportunities.
Also, thanks for the links. I have scheduled allergy testing and will look into the other tests.
BTW, the quote about going thru hell... it's posted on my desk

Hi Pat,

Good news that your employers are undertaking AQ testing for all buildings now. I hope this alleviates your symptoms a significant amount.

Glad you've got allergy testing scheduled as well. The worst thing in the world when faced with problems is to do nothing. As long as we're taking action then we're closer to a solution. I'm sure once you've done more reading on this site and others you'll also feel more in control and more positive.

Great quote isn't it....keeps me motivated!

Maff