Sunday, October 19, 2008
Quick Update!
I will try and get some pictures up! I didn't get to see a doctor when I went in because she went to deliver a baby! But I got a message saying the he looks great and is growing well. They noticed something wrong with my Kidneys to my bladder or something. I don't know what that means as of yet. She said it should go away. I need to call to tomorrow to find out. So please keep me in your prayers. But I am greatful that he is ok and growing well. He is measuring ahead of his time so I might have a tall little guy. We shall see! His name is Brody Aaron! We have been praying about it! It's so hard to choose a name. But that's what we got... for now at least. I don't think it will change! We went shopping for him and got some cute stuff! We are SO excited! I just want to hug him and kiss him but I know he still needs to grow! I will try and upload his pictures soon! Love you guys and thanks for all the support!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Just wanted to share!
A friend had this as a quote....I thought it was rather perfect!
"Without suffering we would turn to our own perfection rather than God's Perfection"
"Without suffering we would turn to our own perfection rather than God's Perfection"
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thank You!
In the midst of another families struggle I have come to realize how blessed Chris and I are to have such amazing friends. I want to thank everyone who has been praying for them and helping out with what you could. From neighbors to my hair dresser, I have been amazed and feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life. It's wonderful to know that my friends want to help support friends of mine that they don't even know. Praise God for all of you! You mean a ton! Please keep praying, I know they need it!
And if you could keep Chris and I in your prayers. He hasn't been getting great hours.. meaning low pay checks. But I am not going to worry because God has always provided!
I will post pictures soon! Life's been a little busy for us! Here's a few to hold you over! ( A few silly ones.... and for some reason my belly looks small but it's really not that tiny)
And if you could keep Chris and I in your prayers. He hasn't been getting great hours.. meaning low pay checks. But I am not going to worry because God has always provided!
I will post pictures soon! Life's been a little busy for us! Here's a few to hold you over! ( A few silly ones.... and for some reason my belly looks small but it's really not that tiny)
Friday, October 10, 2008
In Need of Pray and Help For a Family
As we all sit snug in our homes worried about our economy and who we are going to vote for we fail to remember that there are others around us suffering from things much worse.... like how to pay the rent or will there be enough food on the table. How about even wondering where your going to live with your 6 children because you can't live in your home due to improper building and worst yet MOLD. Let me explain.
About a week ago a family that we have known for about 11 years now has had to leave their home and everything they have behind. Their house is infected with mold that has not only caused them to leave their home but also horrible health problems to the family. Because I have the facts I will go ahead and share their story with you!
(If you could add this family to your pray list it would be much appreciated. Chris and I are trying to save what we can to help them out money wise too and if you feel you would like to help this family in anyway just let me know. My Mom and I have been working to see what big name stores can help. Unfortunately most won't. We also are trying to get info to ABC's Extreme Makeover to see what they can do)
Read on.....
June 2000 Chris, myself and our 8 children move from a small 1800 square foot home in suburban Chicago to an expansive, relatively new 5500 square foot home in Monument Colorado. We choose Colorado for its beauty and close proximity to Chris’ writing colleagues.
June 2001 through May 2007 Our 9th child Brandon James is born in June of 2001. We begin to see some medical issues arise. Our oldest daughter develops a severe nut allergy. Our 4th daughter is diagnosed with complex partial seizure disorder. Other issues arise in the family such as mild hearing loss, heavy menstrual bleeding, rashes, nickel allergies, swollen adenoids, and a dog with type 1 diabetes.
April 2007 Our 11 year-old son Reagan has skin biopsy for mysterious rash in the form of small bumps on his elbows and other joints. Determatologist cannot diagnose the cause.
May 9, 2007 (the day before Mother’s Day) In the process of preparing for carpets to be cleaned in our downstairs I notice a brown spot in the corner of our oldest daughter’s room. It is located directly behind a bathroom. After uncovering the spot and cutting into the wall we discover black mold. We learn much later that cutting into the wall causes the spores to be released thereby putting the family at risk. We call a mold remediation team to diagnose and treat it. They do not wear masks and do not ventilate the contaminated air. They assure us there is no risk or danger. We believe them.
(14 months later I would read this: Remediators who are not wearing any face, mouth, hand, or body protection in the midst of visible mold or moldy odors are untrained and should be asked to leave. You will be hurt by their lack of training). From the book “Your Guide to Mold Toxins” Schaller,M.D. and Gary Rosen, Ph.D.
June 26,2007 (7 weeks from the date of exposure) our 7-year old son Colin is diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Research suggests a “toxic trigger” for onset. Colin slept in a room with little to no ventilation which could explain his predisposition to diabetes.(with toxic fumes in the home), His adenoids became swollen soon after moving to Colorado. ‘”Usually, enlargement of the gland indicates increased working of the gland i.e. reaction towards the disease or infective agents (bacteria or viruses or fungi)”. With no family history and little experience with medical issues we are launched into a new world.
July 2007 The contractor determines the cause of the mold to be builder negligence. The drain was loosely installed and the shower pan liner was stapled instead of glued. Black mold was extensive in the drywall surrounding the shower area. We learn from our insurance company that slow leaks and/or mold are not covered.
September 11, 2007 Reagan calls from school to say his ear is ringing. I take him to a top neurotologist in Colorado Springs.
October 1 2007 Reagan’s ringing is debilitating. MRI and blood work scheduled.
November 1st Reagan wakes up dizzy. Much later I would correlate this day with Halloween the night before and chocolate which is a common trigger for migraine. However, we assume it is related to his ear.A few days later he is up all night with vertigo and vomiting. His last day of 6th grade will prove to be October 31.
November 6th We seek a second opinion at Children’s Hospital in Denver. Because of the severity of the vertigo attacks we are admitted to the Emergency Room. The senior neurologist determines there is nothing neurologically wrong. ENT doctors at the Hospital are mystified.
November 10th As the violent vertigo continues the neurotologist gives the diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease and performs shunt surgery. Reagan recovers well and begins vestibular rehabilitation as walking has become labored and difficult.
November 22nd Vertigo returns with a vengeance. Phenergan and valium are prescribed. We are now carrying Reagan as his balance is clearly disturbed.
November 28th Reagan is admitted to the hospital for an injection of gentamiacin with the hope of killing the 8th nerve on the left side. Following surgery he is admitted to the rehabilitation unit at Memorial Hospital as he is only able to walk with the help of a walker. His balance is restored on day 7. He is perpetually dizzy and crying at night the dizziness is so intense. The rehab people seem mystified that he is chronically dizzy.
December 7th Reagan comes home from the hospital. Vertigo comes back within days. Perpetually dizzy 24 hours a day. Awake until 2 am most nights until exhaustion overtakes him. I have to hold him and sing to him until he finally falls asleep.
December 21st Second gentamiacin injection. Outpatient surgery.
December 22nd Vertigo intensifies.
December 25 Christmas. Reagan is terribly dizzy. Bangs his head against the couch to try to get rid of it. He’s trying to cope with the lack of progress.
January 3rd 2008 The neurotologist says Reagan needs tough love. I sense there is nothing more he can do.
January 2008 Our son with diabetes (now 8 years old) continues to complain of headaches and blurred vision. Says he is seeing double. After ruling out complications from diabetes, glasses are prescribed.
January 2008 I notice unusual rashes on our 6 year-old son Brandon.
January 2008 I call an environmental hygienist in Denver and talk with him at length about my children’s illnesses and the mold remediation in May. He does not believe the illnesses are related to last year’s exposure. He is aware only of respiratory illnesses related to mold. We decide not to pursue testing. He comments on the fact that the remediation team wore no masks. He calls it poor business practice and unprofessional.
February 2008 Our 10 year-old daughter Kaitlyn continues to complain of headaches, double vision and dizziness. She has difficulty riding in the car. The optometrist diagnoses her with convergence insufficiency and diplopia. I take her for 3 other opinions including an opthamologist who concurs. All agree she needs vision therapy. We begin a home therapy program for Kaitlyn. She is clearly debilitated and asking to come home after just 3 hours of school.
February 13th VNG testing for Reagan shows the left ear has recovered to almost normal caloric activity. This is amazing in light of the toxicity of the drug gentamiacin. Meniere’s Disease appears unlikely. Reagan’s hearing in the left ear returns to the level it was on Sept. 11th. Denver neurotologist introduces the idea of migraine. I feel a need to pursue another opinion as this is a brand new idea.
March 3, 2008 Through an e-mail to the University of Michigan the head of the vestibular department at the Mayo Clinic hears about Reagan and calls me. Tells us that we created a separate vestibular disorder with the gentamiacin and we are in truth dealing with vestibular migraine with some adult presentation. We begin periactin and watch for trigger foods and other common migraine issues including weather changes, light sensitivity. His vertigo begins to make sense. But we are still not linking any of this to the mold exposure in May.
March 2008 Colin complains of abdominal pain. A stomach X-Ray shows that something is clearly creating a disturbance in his intestine.
March 2008 Kaitlyn worsens. We begin vision therapy in Denver in hopes that the convergence issue will resolve and her symptoms will dissipate.
March 2008 Our 17 year-old son Ryan’s acne has become severe. He has had chronic cold/sinus congestion/sore throat since February.
April 2008 Kaitlyn is unable to return to school. Her motion sickness and vertigo are escalating. We see a dramatic shift in her personality. She is negative and irritable. She lies on the floor many nights and says she wants to die. The vision therapist notices a major head tilt in Kaitlyn. Suggests that there may be more going on than the convergence issue. Advises us to see a chiropractor.
April 2008 Colin complains of numbness in his right hand. He has significant rashes on both hands. The blurry vision and headaches continue. The abdominal pain continues. He cries at night asking if he will feel like this forever since diabetes is forever. We see a gastro-intestinal specialist. He suggests stress but agrees to do further testing. Colin leaves school early most days.
April 2008 Our 6 year-old son Brandon complains of blurry vision and abdominal pain. His teacher sends home a note saying he appears to be urinating frequently. Brandon is diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding. Stomach X-ray shows he is constipated.
April 2008 I become chronically fatigued. Develop ringing in both ears. I assume this is due to stress of these last 11 months.
April 2008 A Pediatric neurologist at Children’s Hospital in Denver skeptically prescribes topomax for Reagan’s migranious vertigo. With no family history of migraine he expresses disbelief that a child can be dizzy 24 hours a day. With the lack of support I decide to pursue alternative/natural care. Reagan is suffering with each weather change. Because of this and Kaitlyn’s head tilt I consider a chiropractor with a head/neck specialty.
April 25 2008 I reach the point of desperation and despair. Chris is doing his best to continue to pay the mounting bills. 3 children are out of school completely and are not improving. Within a five minute span my daughter and a friend give me the same name: A chiropractor with the specialty of orthospinology. As I would come to learn orthospinology focuses on the Atlas bone and its intersection with the spinal column. Misalignment inhibits the brain from sending its messages to the body creating neurological/immune system issues. One of the primary causes of misalignment is toxic exposure.
May 2 2008 I take Reagan to see orthospinologist. Following the first atlas adjustment his vertigo intensifies. Still, I sense a change in him. In the weeks to come he will slowly improve and not have another severe episode.
May 10 2008 (the day before Mother’s day) Colin notices discoloration in his ceiling. Unaware of the dangers of mold exposure we cut into the floor area around the master bedroom shower area and notice a mold-like substance. Assuming there is no connection with our childrens’ illnesses from the previous mold we call the same remediation team. They begin work the same day.
May 16 2008 I become increasingly uncomfortable with the remediation process. The workmen still wear no masks. Black mold is visible in the room where we are sleeping. The owner of a second remediation company comes to review the work. He is shocked at the fan which is re-circulating contaminated air through the house. There is no ventilation and black mold is clearly exposed. We call the hygienist and schedule air sampling for the following Tuesday. We tell the remediation company to remove their equipment immediately. They assure us our air in the affected areas is the cleanest in the house. Once again we hear from the insurance company that mold and slow leaks are not covered.
May 2008 Reagan is suffering massive nosebleeds each night.
May 2008 Chris experiences numbness in his left hand and lower arm.
May 21 2008 Following atlas adjustment Colin becomes feverish and gray in color. He begins vomiting. His fever climbs to 104 degrees. Visibly shaking. Diarrhea begins. This continues for the next 4 days. There is black substance with each bowel movement.
May 22nd 2008 The hygienist calls with the results of our air samples. The lower level of the home has a reading of 120 mold spores. The count outside our house is 790. The count in the boys’ room is 293,000. 207,000 of these spores are stachybotrys. 86,000 of these spores are the type chaetomium. The count in our master bedroom is 321,987. 250,000 are stachybotrys. 71,000 are chaetomium. The hygienist indicates he has never seen counts this high in either residential or commercial structures. The mold in this area of the house is significantly less than the area downstairs which was improperly remediated last year. The magnitude of last year’s exposure has to be much greater.
May 22 2008 We call for an emergency remediation. The new remediation team recommended by the hygienist contains the affected areas, and seals off the rooms by midnight. They are in full protective wear. We schedule carpet steam cleaning throughout the house, and vent disinfection for the next week. Our clothing,linens, and bedding are put in sealed bags and are later disposed of.
June 2008 We continue to see the benefit of the atlas adjustment as well as proper mold remediation. Chris’ numbness, my chronic fatigue, Colin’s abdominal pain, rashes, and numbness all dissipate.
June 6 2008 Our new remediation team diagnoses the cause of the mold as builder negligence once again. This time no liner at all was installed under the step-out portion of the shower.
June 18 2008 The vision therapist sees Kaitlyn for the first time since the atlas adjustment. The change in Kaitlyn is dramatic. Kaitlyn is now able to ride in the car comfortably. Her nystagmus is negligible. We continue vision therapy through the summer.
June 2008 I take Kristen off her seizure medication.
June 2008 Brandon’s rashes are gone. He is no longer complaining of constipation. His frequent urination is improving. I learn that frequent urination can be a sign of a low MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone). Dr. James Schaller writes “The most common cause of a very low MSH in my patients is exposure to biotoxins”.
June 2008 Reagan has some residual dizziness but is progressing. His response to weather changes improves dramatically. He no longer needs glasses. He is active, playing baseball, laughing and playing for the first time in 9 months. Preliminary testing at the website chronicneurotoxins.com suggests vertigo, dizziness, and bright light sensitivity as symptoms of toxic exposure. Other articles suggest hearing loss and tinnitus.
June 29 Colin is able to attend Diabetes Camp. His blood sugars have stabilized for the first time since diagnosis. His rashes are gone. His vision has improved. His abdominal pain is gone and has not complained of a headache for more than a month.
July 2008 Ryan’s acne is dramatically reduced.
July 2008 I begin extensive research on the subject of Toxic Black Mold Syndrome. I read this on the website Mold-Help.org:
“The most dangerous mold strains are: Chaetomium (pronounced Kay-toe-MEE-yum) and Stachybotrys chartarum (pronounced Stack-ee-BOT-ris Shar-TAR-um) as they have been proven to produce demylenating mycotoxins among others, meaning they can lead to autoimmune disease. Under certain growth and environmental conditions, both of these fungi release toxic, microscopic spores and several types of mycotoxins that can cause the worst symptoms which are usually irreversible such as neurological and immunological damage.”
July 2008 We continue taking de-toxifying supplements. I read about the prescription medication Cholestyramine which has been proven to successfully bind biotoxins. I consider blood testing as outlined in “Your Guide to Mold Toxins”.
August 14 2008 The children return to school. Some symptoms remain but on a much smaller scale. We continue to explore the long-term effects of toxic black mold syndrome.
August 18 2008 I obtain Colin’s blood tests from May 5. I look for evidence of toxic exposure. His Gliadin IgG f is high: a level of 105.6. Anything higher than 55 indicates positive, anti-gliadin IgG antibodies which can occur after indoor mold exposure.
September 18 2008 Colin gets a palate expander due to the mouth breathing that developed from the swollen adenoids.
September 29 2008 I study Reagan’s blood tests from October 1, 2007 to search for clues to mold exposure as the cause for his hearing loss and tinnitus. (vertigo had not set in at the time of these blood tests. They were taken 4 months after initial exposure) His Hgb level was elevated at the time as was his Alk Phos level which was extremely elevated to 309 with the healthy range 37-250. In addition his Potassium level was low and C-ANCA level was equivocal for antibodies and a re-test was suggested.
About a week ago a family that we have known for about 11 years now has had to leave their home and everything they have behind. Their house is infected with mold that has not only caused them to leave their home but also horrible health problems to the family. Because I have the facts I will go ahead and share their story with you!
(If you could add this family to your pray list it would be much appreciated. Chris and I are trying to save what we can to help them out money wise too and if you feel you would like to help this family in anyway just let me know. My Mom and I have been working to see what big name stores can help. Unfortunately most won't. We also are trying to get info to ABC's Extreme Makeover to see what they can do)
Read on.....
June 2000 Chris, myself and our 8 children move from a small 1800 square foot home in suburban Chicago to an expansive, relatively new 5500 square foot home in Monument Colorado. We choose Colorado for its beauty and close proximity to Chris’ writing colleagues.
June 2001 through May 2007 Our 9th child Brandon James is born in June of 2001. We begin to see some medical issues arise. Our oldest daughter develops a severe nut allergy. Our 4th daughter is diagnosed with complex partial seizure disorder. Other issues arise in the family such as mild hearing loss, heavy menstrual bleeding, rashes, nickel allergies, swollen adenoids, and a dog with type 1 diabetes.
April 2007 Our 11 year-old son Reagan has skin biopsy for mysterious rash in the form of small bumps on his elbows and other joints. Determatologist cannot diagnose the cause.
May 9, 2007 (the day before Mother’s Day) In the process of preparing for carpets to be cleaned in our downstairs I notice a brown spot in the corner of our oldest daughter’s room. It is located directly behind a bathroom. After uncovering the spot and cutting into the wall we discover black mold. We learn much later that cutting into the wall causes the spores to be released thereby putting the family at risk. We call a mold remediation team to diagnose and treat it. They do not wear masks and do not ventilate the contaminated air. They assure us there is no risk or danger. We believe them.
(14 months later I would read this: Remediators who are not wearing any face, mouth, hand, or body protection in the midst of visible mold or moldy odors are untrained and should be asked to leave. You will be hurt by their lack of training). From the book “Your Guide to Mold Toxins” Schaller,M.D. and Gary Rosen, Ph.D.
June 26,2007 (7 weeks from the date of exposure) our 7-year old son Colin is diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Research suggests a “toxic trigger” for onset. Colin slept in a room with little to no ventilation which could explain his predisposition to diabetes.(with toxic fumes in the home), His adenoids became swollen soon after moving to Colorado. ‘”Usually, enlargement of the gland indicates increased working of the gland i.e. reaction towards the disease or infective agents (bacteria or viruses or fungi)”. With no family history and little experience with medical issues we are launched into a new world.
July 2007 The contractor determines the cause of the mold to be builder negligence. The drain was loosely installed and the shower pan liner was stapled instead of glued. Black mold was extensive in the drywall surrounding the shower area. We learn from our insurance company that slow leaks and/or mold are not covered.
September 11, 2007 Reagan calls from school to say his ear is ringing. I take him to a top neurotologist in Colorado Springs.
October 1 2007 Reagan’s ringing is debilitating. MRI and blood work scheduled.
November 1st Reagan wakes up dizzy. Much later I would correlate this day with Halloween the night before and chocolate which is a common trigger for migraine. However, we assume it is related to his ear.A few days later he is up all night with vertigo and vomiting. His last day of 6th grade will prove to be October 31.
November 6th We seek a second opinion at Children’s Hospital in Denver. Because of the severity of the vertigo attacks we are admitted to the Emergency Room. The senior neurologist determines there is nothing neurologically wrong. ENT doctors at the Hospital are mystified.
November 10th As the violent vertigo continues the neurotologist gives the diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease and performs shunt surgery. Reagan recovers well and begins vestibular rehabilitation as walking has become labored and difficult.
November 22nd Vertigo returns with a vengeance. Phenergan and valium are prescribed. We are now carrying Reagan as his balance is clearly disturbed.
November 28th Reagan is admitted to the hospital for an injection of gentamiacin with the hope of killing the 8th nerve on the left side. Following surgery he is admitted to the rehabilitation unit at Memorial Hospital as he is only able to walk with the help of a walker. His balance is restored on day 7. He is perpetually dizzy and crying at night the dizziness is so intense. The rehab people seem mystified that he is chronically dizzy.
December 7th Reagan comes home from the hospital. Vertigo comes back within days. Perpetually dizzy 24 hours a day. Awake until 2 am most nights until exhaustion overtakes him. I have to hold him and sing to him until he finally falls asleep.
December 21st Second gentamiacin injection. Outpatient surgery.
December 22nd Vertigo intensifies.
December 25 Christmas. Reagan is terribly dizzy. Bangs his head against the couch to try to get rid of it. He’s trying to cope with the lack of progress.
January 3rd 2008 The neurotologist says Reagan needs tough love. I sense there is nothing more he can do.
January 2008 Our son with diabetes (now 8 years old) continues to complain of headaches and blurred vision. Says he is seeing double. After ruling out complications from diabetes, glasses are prescribed.
January 2008 I notice unusual rashes on our 6 year-old son Brandon.
January 2008 I call an environmental hygienist in Denver and talk with him at length about my children’s illnesses and the mold remediation in May. He does not believe the illnesses are related to last year’s exposure. He is aware only of respiratory illnesses related to mold. We decide not to pursue testing. He comments on the fact that the remediation team wore no masks. He calls it poor business practice and unprofessional.
February 2008 Our 10 year-old daughter Kaitlyn continues to complain of headaches, double vision and dizziness. She has difficulty riding in the car. The optometrist diagnoses her with convergence insufficiency and diplopia. I take her for 3 other opinions including an opthamologist who concurs. All agree she needs vision therapy. We begin a home therapy program for Kaitlyn. She is clearly debilitated and asking to come home after just 3 hours of school.
February 13th VNG testing for Reagan shows the left ear has recovered to almost normal caloric activity. This is amazing in light of the toxicity of the drug gentamiacin. Meniere’s Disease appears unlikely. Reagan’s hearing in the left ear returns to the level it was on Sept. 11th. Denver neurotologist introduces the idea of migraine. I feel a need to pursue another opinion as this is a brand new idea.
March 3, 2008 Through an e-mail to the University of Michigan the head of the vestibular department at the Mayo Clinic hears about Reagan and calls me. Tells us that we created a separate vestibular disorder with the gentamiacin and we are in truth dealing with vestibular migraine with some adult presentation. We begin periactin and watch for trigger foods and other common migraine issues including weather changes, light sensitivity. His vertigo begins to make sense. But we are still not linking any of this to the mold exposure in May.
March 2008 Colin complains of abdominal pain. A stomach X-Ray shows that something is clearly creating a disturbance in his intestine.
March 2008 Kaitlyn worsens. We begin vision therapy in Denver in hopes that the convergence issue will resolve and her symptoms will dissipate.
March 2008 Our 17 year-old son Ryan’s acne has become severe. He has had chronic cold/sinus congestion/sore throat since February.
April 2008 Kaitlyn is unable to return to school. Her motion sickness and vertigo are escalating. We see a dramatic shift in her personality. She is negative and irritable. She lies on the floor many nights and says she wants to die. The vision therapist notices a major head tilt in Kaitlyn. Suggests that there may be more going on than the convergence issue. Advises us to see a chiropractor.
April 2008 Colin complains of numbness in his right hand. He has significant rashes on both hands. The blurry vision and headaches continue. The abdominal pain continues. He cries at night asking if he will feel like this forever since diabetes is forever. We see a gastro-intestinal specialist. He suggests stress but agrees to do further testing. Colin leaves school early most days.
April 2008 Our 6 year-old son Brandon complains of blurry vision and abdominal pain. His teacher sends home a note saying he appears to be urinating frequently. Brandon is diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding. Stomach X-ray shows he is constipated.
April 2008 I become chronically fatigued. Develop ringing in both ears. I assume this is due to stress of these last 11 months.
April 2008 A Pediatric neurologist at Children’s Hospital in Denver skeptically prescribes topomax for Reagan’s migranious vertigo. With no family history of migraine he expresses disbelief that a child can be dizzy 24 hours a day. With the lack of support I decide to pursue alternative/natural care. Reagan is suffering with each weather change. Because of this and Kaitlyn’s head tilt I consider a chiropractor with a head/neck specialty.
April 25 2008 I reach the point of desperation and despair. Chris is doing his best to continue to pay the mounting bills. 3 children are out of school completely and are not improving. Within a five minute span my daughter and a friend give me the same name: A chiropractor with the specialty of orthospinology. As I would come to learn orthospinology focuses on the Atlas bone and its intersection with the spinal column. Misalignment inhibits the brain from sending its messages to the body creating neurological/immune system issues. One of the primary causes of misalignment is toxic exposure.
May 2 2008 I take Reagan to see orthospinologist. Following the first atlas adjustment his vertigo intensifies. Still, I sense a change in him. In the weeks to come he will slowly improve and not have another severe episode.
May 10 2008 (the day before Mother’s day) Colin notices discoloration in his ceiling. Unaware of the dangers of mold exposure we cut into the floor area around the master bedroom shower area and notice a mold-like substance. Assuming there is no connection with our childrens’ illnesses from the previous mold we call the same remediation team. They begin work the same day.
May 16 2008 I become increasingly uncomfortable with the remediation process. The workmen still wear no masks. Black mold is visible in the room where we are sleeping. The owner of a second remediation company comes to review the work. He is shocked at the fan which is re-circulating contaminated air through the house. There is no ventilation and black mold is clearly exposed. We call the hygienist and schedule air sampling for the following Tuesday. We tell the remediation company to remove their equipment immediately. They assure us our air in the affected areas is the cleanest in the house. Once again we hear from the insurance company that mold and slow leaks are not covered.
May 2008 Reagan is suffering massive nosebleeds each night.
May 2008 Chris experiences numbness in his left hand and lower arm.
May 21 2008 Following atlas adjustment Colin becomes feverish and gray in color. He begins vomiting. His fever climbs to 104 degrees. Visibly shaking. Diarrhea begins. This continues for the next 4 days. There is black substance with each bowel movement.
May 22nd 2008 The hygienist calls with the results of our air samples. The lower level of the home has a reading of 120 mold spores. The count outside our house is 790. The count in the boys’ room is 293,000. 207,000 of these spores are stachybotrys. 86,000 of these spores are the type chaetomium. The count in our master bedroom is 321,987. 250,000 are stachybotrys. 71,000 are chaetomium. The hygienist indicates he has never seen counts this high in either residential or commercial structures. The mold in this area of the house is significantly less than the area downstairs which was improperly remediated last year. The magnitude of last year’s exposure has to be much greater.
May 22 2008 We call for an emergency remediation. The new remediation team recommended by the hygienist contains the affected areas, and seals off the rooms by midnight. They are in full protective wear. We schedule carpet steam cleaning throughout the house, and vent disinfection for the next week. Our clothing,linens, and bedding are put in sealed bags and are later disposed of.
June 2008 We continue to see the benefit of the atlas adjustment as well as proper mold remediation. Chris’ numbness, my chronic fatigue, Colin’s abdominal pain, rashes, and numbness all dissipate.
June 6 2008 Our new remediation team diagnoses the cause of the mold as builder negligence once again. This time no liner at all was installed under the step-out portion of the shower.
June 18 2008 The vision therapist sees Kaitlyn for the first time since the atlas adjustment. The change in Kaitlyn is dramatic. Kaitlyn is now able to ride in the car comfortably. Her nystagmus is negligible. We continue vision therapy through the summer.
June 2008 I take Kristen off her seizure medication.
June 2008 Brandon’s rashes are gone. He is no longer complaining of constipation. His frequent urination is improving. I learn that frequent urination can be a sign of a low MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone). Dr. James Schaller writes “The most common cause of a very low MSH in my patients is exposure to biotoxins”.
June 2008 Reagan has some residual dizziness but is progressing. His response to weather changes improves dramatically. He no longer needs glasses. He is active, playing baseball, laughing and playing for the first time in 9 months. Preliminary testing at the website chronicneurotoxins.com suggests vertigo, dizziness, and bright light sensitivity as symptoms of toxic exposure. Other articles suggest hearing loss and tinnitus.
June 29 Colin is able to attend Diabetes Camp. His blood sugars have stabilized for the first time since diagnosis. His rashes are gone. His vision has improved. His abdominal pain is gone and has not complained of a headache for more than a month.
July 2008 Ryan’s acne is dramatically reduced.
July 2008 I begin extensive research on the subject of Toxic Black Mold Syndrome. I read this on the website Mold-Help.org:
“The most dangerous mold strains are: Chaetomium (pronounced Kay-toe-MEE-yum) and Stachybotrys chartarum (pronounced Stack-ee-BOT-ris Shar-TAR-um) as they have been proven to produce demylenating mycotoxins among others, meaning they can lead to autoimmune disease. Under certain growth and environmental conditions, both of these fungi release toxic, microscopic spores and several types of mycotoxins that can cause the worst symptoms which are usually irreversible such as neurological and immunological damage.”
July 2008 We continue taking de-toxifying supplements. I read about the prescription medication Cholestyramine which has been proven to successfully bind biotoxins. I consider blood testing as outlined in “Your Guide to Mold Toxins”.
August 14 2008 The children return to school. Some symptoms remain but on a much smaller scale. We continue to explore the long-term effects of toxic black mold syndrome.
August 18 2008 I obtain Colin’s blood tests from May 5. I look for evidence of toxic exposure. His Gliadin IgG f is high: a level of 105.6. Anything higher than 55 indicates positive, anti-gliadin IgG antibodies which can occur after indoor mold exposure.
September 18 2008 Colin gets a palate expander due to the mouth breathing that developed from the swollen adenoids.
September 29 2008 I study Reagan’s blood tests from October 1, 2007 to search for clues to mold exposure as the cause for his hearing loss and tinnitus. (vertigo had not set in at the time of these blood tests. They were taken 4 months after initial exposure) His Hgb level was elevated at the time as was his Alk Phos level which was extremely elevated to 309 with the healthy range 37-250. In addition his Potassium level was low and C-ANCA level was equivocal for antibodies and a re-test was suggested.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Infant Loss Awareness
Someone I am friends with on myspace started a group for TTTS (Twin to Twin Syndrome). If your not sure what that it's your more then welcome to look that up! A lot of twins that get it don't make it so that is what her site is for, anyways.... she informed me the the whole month of Oct is for Infant Loss Awareness and for anyone who has lost a baby. So, Saturday the 18th they will be releasing balloons in honor of every baby's life lost and our baby's name (Baby Campbell) will be on it. I just wanted to inform all of you because it means a lot to us. :)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Yea Baby!
As I was doing dishes (around 9:10 to be exact) Chris had just walked in the door from being in the garage and asked if I needed anything... at that point I had felt a knot in my belly like I had been feeling at times but this time the little knot (baby bunched up) moved and when it moved I felt a little flutter... it was SO cute! I am SO excited I felt baby, I just wanted to share! :)
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