Lyme Disease & Chemical Sensitivity

Norsk Hiker

New Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 17

Posted 8/26/2011 2:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hi There All:

I am a newbie to this group and am seeking the wisdom of the group.

In June, 2010 I had a severe reaction to newly installed carpeting/glue in my workplace which resulted in the loss of my job. This was the first indication in my 40+ years that I had any issues with chemical sensitivity. Since then, I've experienced some foggiheadedness and cognitive issues (short-term memory issues, lack of focus, irritability, difficulties with processing things) but these have been intermittent. Sometimes they are present, other times not so much. Since that time, my chemical sensititivities appear to be growing. I lost a second temporary job in February of 2011 when I discovered I was reacting to strong fragrances worn by my new co-workers. Subsequently, I also discovered that I am also sensitive to chlorinated (i.e., municipal) drinking water which manifests as insomnia. I have been gluten and dairy-free on the advice of my naturopath since 8/10 and am pretty sure I have other as yet unidentified food sensitivities.

Up until the 2010 carpet issue, my only significant medical history was Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroid) which was well controlled and for which I didn't seem to have ANY symptoms, environmental allergies-mold/dog/cat/trees/grass/pollens (since early 1990's. Less than 6 months before the carpeting issue popped up, I started feeling poorly (fatigue/significant hair loss/change in my gums) and was diagnosed with iron-deficiency which to this day remains unexplained despite many tests. I've also experienced three 'drop attacks' or fainting spells (which I've never, ever had before in my life) since just before I got diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia until the last episode in November 2010. Nutritional tests show multiple nutritional deficiencies despite a diet of home-cooked, nutrient-dense, organic foods and supplementation. I have been referred to many specialists and have now seen in excess of 10+ drs. with no formal diagnosis. I've consulted with 2 different immunologists, the first of which said there's no evidence of another autoimmune disease (the naturopath's first guess when I surfaced with the carpeting issue in 2010) and a subsequent immunologist who said it's all about my immune system. Also, a rheumatologist said no evidence of inflammatory condition/autoimmune disease.

I am very curious to see if this resonates with anyone else's experience. The possibility of Lyme disease has been raised a couple of times and as a former avid hiker and general nature freak, I'm beginning to seriously wonder if it isn't a potential causative factor. Does this sound even remotely familiar to anyone's situation? If so, what did you do to treat your condition, who did you treat with and what did you find successful? I live in Michigan and am planning to see an MCS dr. on the East Coast. I'd also love to hear your recommendations and feedback in this regard. If you've treated with a particular dr., did you find it helpful, was it worth the expense, etc.? I have now been out of work in excess of 1 year with no disability, unemployment or worker's compensation and am growing desperate. While I have to admit that I feel better now than I have in the last year, I believe that is largely because I have spent the last 6 months largely quarantined in my home with only occasional, carefully crafted trips out to safe environments. I've also invested a LOT of time cleaning up my home environment and continue to do so as I educate myself about potential toxins. I'm really interested in trying to heal and, if possible, returning to a work environment if my health allows. I'd greatly appreciate any feedback on MCS and/or Lyme, based on your personal experience which you'd care to share.

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Hashimoto's

Gluten and Dairy Sensitive

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

achievinggrace

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 3266

Posted 8/26/2011 2:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Norsk,
Welcome to the forum! We're glad you found us. This is a great group of people -- supportive and well informed.

If you haven't already, take a look at our "New to Lyme?.." thread. There are symptom lists that may include things that you haven't even considered part of your symptom constellation. There are also a great many links and resources to help you with your research.

You have not mentioned if you have been tested for Lyme. Of course the tests are not accurate and Lyme should be diagnosed clinically; I was just wondering where you were in your Lyme inquiry.

Traveler

Elite Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 36573

Posted 8/26/2011 3:55 PM (GMT 0)

Norsk Hiker

New Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 17

Posted 8/26/2011 4:18 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks, Achieving Grace and Traveler, for the warm welcome and the links. I'll be sure and check them out. To answer your question, supposedly my neurologist tested me for Lyme but I have no idea which test (antibody???). It was one of many tests he ran and it simply says "Lyme - negative". Not very helpful, I know.

Also, in response to Travelers' post, just to complicate matters, although I've had ample opportunity for tick exposure (thru hiking), I was stung twice by a wasp (first wasp sting of my life) on Labor Day weekend in a heavily treed metropark. I didn't have any particular reaction (other than it being somewhat itchy for about a week--no rash) but I have always wondered if that could be linked with my inexplicable symptoms which started in December of the same year, so about 3 months later. Does anyone know if wasps can be a Lyme vector or if wasps can transmit some of the common Lyme co-infections (babesia, bartonella, etc.)?

Any and all wisdom on this issue would be greatly appreciated. I feel like the tock is ticking if this is Lyme and although I've actually been feeling a bit better (rather than worse lately), I'd rather deal with it sooner rather than later, based on all I've read and heard.

Cheers!

Lyme14

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2011

Posts : 381

Posted 8/26/2011 4:26 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome Norsk Hiker!

You sound exactly like me--except I don't have anemia. I react strongly to formaldehyde (in new carpets, glues, cars, clothing) chlorinated tap water, and a host of other things. Prior to my tick bite, I was allergy free. I agree that you should be tested for Lyme--esp. through IgeneX lab, as their test is more comprehensive.

Lyme aside, you seem to have developed a sensitivity to aldehydes (which I also have). That can be from Candida in the gut, which is a bit difficult to test for. There are blood, stool, and urine tests for it, and some people will test positive on one, but not others, while other people will test negative on all of them but still have symptoms and actually have candida. A good nutritionist can sort this out.

Candida produces aldehydes, which are neurotoxic, much like others molds and funguses produce neurotoxins. The trace mineral molybdenum will help the body handle aldehydes better, but it won't stop their source, which is the Candida.

There is a huge connection between the gut and the immune system, because there are so many lymph nodes along the gut. When then gut has an issue, it causes toxic overload in the liver, which decreases the body's production of glutathione, and it also conjests the lymph system, so now the body begins to develop allergies to things it used to be able to handle.

Another possiblility is that the Candida caused leaky gut syndrome, and foods that are not fully digested are being absorbed into the blood stream and subsequently attacked likie they're invaders, resulting in allergies and sensitivities.

You and I both have Hashimoto's, and I don't know if you're aware that fluoride in water suppresses the thyroid, as well. The only real way to eliminate fluoride is through reverse osmosis, as fluoride filtersall contain aluminum. If you do go reverse osmosis, you'll want to re-mineralize your drinking water with something that contains healthy proportions of minerals.

Anyway, that said, Lyme can exacerbate any/all of the above conditions. You should also check for a mycoplasma infection, as they can often be overlooked.

Traveler

Elite Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 36573

Posted 8/26/2011 8:06 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Norsk Hiker!
If you don't mind, may I call you Hiker for short? You can just call me Trav. I think that our search function here on the site would be of great value to you!! It allows you to search out past posts here on Healing Well matching your search criteria, so that you can see what other have had to say about a condition or symptom.

I agree with what Lyme14 said about the gut - immune system connection! Probiotics are a must! YOu need to get the ones that are stored in the refrigerator at your local health food store or use Kefir - a probiotic rich food. This will not only help with the effects of abx, but the effects of having a tick-borne infection as well!

Wasps are typically thought of when speaking of critter that can pass a tick-borne infection to a person - I don't believe it has ever been looked at before!! Although, from the reading that I have done over the years, it would be entirely possible!! All it would need to do is to sting someone/something that is infected and the next thing the wasp stings, it has the potential to pass along the infection.

I think that's what scares me the most with this set of infections, the ways of contracting it are increasing!

I'm sure, given a bit of time you will hear from a lot of members and their differing opinions on a lot of things - but that's what we like!! I'm a firm believer that differing opinions, expressed properly can bring about a great deal of learning for all sides!

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