sudden onset of frightening symptoms

[Ella1]

You may remember I am very sensitive to chemical fumes, fragrances, smokes, etc.
My reactions to whatever the trigger is, and whatever I have been exposed to prior, can be anything, but respiratory system distress is generally the first to be noticed.
Generally...

I Made an appointment ( Sept 15, 2016) to have my ears checked:
intermittent severe ear pain
intermittent severe pain from increase in volume of ringing
these symptoms were new.
The pain was severe and frequent enough that it couldn't be ignored any longer.

I made an appointment with ophthalmologist due to both eye and vision problems.
First was Oct 7, cancelled due to shortness of breath (SOB). I had been having trouble breathing and it wasn't getting easier. I rescheduled for two weeks later.

When I saw the ENT, we discussed my ear pain and the tinnitus that recently had gotten so bad.
We discussed my chemical sensitivity, and whether reactions to chemicals could cause it.
I said the paper I used to track symptoms had a listing for changes in hearing as well as ears ringing.
I would let him know what I saw in myself, that it might take a while.

During this time, my sleep habits were changing:
trouble getting to sleep, (never a problem previously)
waking almost every night every hour and a half or so,
sometimes unable to get back to sleep for several hours.
waking covered in sweat, even though the covers had been thrown off.
overheating—hot—during the day.
intermittent joint pain.

I saw the ophthalmologist Oct 21 with many symptoms including eye pain, severe itching, blurring of vision, photosensitivity, etc.
Reading, which had always been a pleasure, had become painful. I couldn't keep my eyes open. Using them to read was torturous.
I cancelled at least one commitment because I couldn't see well enough to drive that day.
He gave me a salve to put on my eyelids at night after washing them with warm water and shampoo, eye drops, and a paper with instructions.

The following week I realized that I had been using a different laundry detergent for a few months. For years I used only 7th Generation free and clear, but due to convenience, months ago had decided to try ALL free and clear detergent. So now I stripped my bedding and ran it through the washer with a little 7th Generation detergent, hoping to remove whatever residue there was of the ALL. The heavy sweating lessened, but I was still hot, and on waking, realized my hot skin was tingly, like, burning, pins and needles.
My left ear stopped hurting, but the ringing in both remained very loud.
After another wash using 7th G, the tingly skin stopped, the constant loud ringing lessened (still loud in left ear, not as loud in right).
I was finally able to read again, whenever I wanted, as long as I wanted.

I re-read the “care” paper Dr D. had given me for BLEPHARITIS. It says, in part, “blepharitis is an inflammation or infection of the eyelids...this problem is more common in people who have ...allergies.”

The shoe fell. All the symptoms-ear/auditory, eye/visual, respiratory, body sweats, skin irritation/heat, tingling, etc, were ALL reactions to the chemicals in the ALL laundry detergent.

I went to buy a jug of 7th Generation free and clear, but the container was new. I called the company. The rep said they removed the boric acid in the other formula as they found it was not needed, and changed the container. I told him my story about ALL, he said ALL is a petro-chemical product, 7th G is plant based.

I am saying that the petro-chemicals in the ALL caused the reactions, including some not mentioned, that I had been experiencing the last several months.
Yes, petro-chemicals DO affect ears, auditory, hearing, eyes, vision, respiratory and other systems of our physical bodies. I didn't recognize it because my respiratory system usually seems to be the first and most severely affected. My respiratory system may have been but it was subtle. I did increase resp. drug use but didn't understand why I was having such a problem. It took assault and damage to the other systems, and seeking relief for them, for me to become aware of and determine that this was chemical injury.
I had started using the ALL in June or early July.


Because I couldn't smell any odors in the jug of ALL, and it was free of fragrances and dyes, I thought it was safe for me. Not so. It took several months to figure it out. That ALL was the new thing in my life.
Now it's outside waiting to go someplace else.

I hope my story helps someone.

 

[DrJean]

Oh my! I understand. I have such allergies too... I can't use laundry soap.. i use the laundry balls.

Did all of your symptoms go away?

I won't elaborate my allergies, but keeping track in times like that those things are often missed, as are toothpaste, breathmints etc.

Glad to hear you figured it out.

 

[KASibson]

Do you usually sleep on your left side? Would that explain why the one ear is worse than the other?

 

[Queen]

Wow, glad you figured it out! Manufacturers seem to be able to hide things in "free and clear" products much more effectively these days. Like you, we sniff everything (my wife is sensitive to scents), and there is NO smell, wonder how they can hide the petrochemical smell.

 

[SoulRaven]

Thanks so much! I have an adult son with Down syndrome who is sensitive to everything it seems. I have been using the All Free & Clear along with a couple of the other name brand ones. This may really help my son with his rashes. Everything is so loaded down with chemicals anymore it often appears hopeless.

 

[rvpopeye]

Thanks for your post about this.
Both my mom and myself are chem (especially perfume) sensitive .
I had found All F&C because of it's total lack of scent but have been using Sun F&C lately, I will seek out some 7th G and give it a try. (at 92 mom can use all the pain relief I can find!)

It's very sad that the advertising has brainwashed so many into believing they have to wash everything in heavy perfume and powerful "brighteners" to be considered clean.
And don't get me started on fabric softeners.....aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

My ears ring loudly at several different frequencies but am pretty sure that is caused by over 30 years of operating high volume sound systems on the tour circuit !
Through my studies of human hearing , acoustics , etc. to support that job I'm pretty sure my ringing is permanent and yours isn't !

 

[ArtW]

for cryin out loud, petrochemicals, really? in laundry soap designated 'free & clear?
Hateful. I'll stick with 7 gen with my contact dermatitis

 

[Ella1]

Thanks, Everyone, I appreciate your responses. I almost did not post this.
DrJ, Most symptoms are gone. I've been sleeping as before which is wonderful. My skin problems are gone--the excessive heat and sweating, the tingling pins and needles haven't returned.
The ear pain--not ache--has not returned. That pain was something like one might expect after a hard blow to the area. The loud ringing in L ear is still there, but not like it had gotten too--loud enough to cause a pain of it's own. Volume in R ear is back to normal.

Both eyes are red this AM, and left eye hurts. I awoke on my left side, so maybe the pillow/case needs another washing. Eyes are pretty fragile. I have been reading much of the morning. If it doesn't clear up, soon, I'll go back to Dr D. He said they could give me something else.

KAS, Interesting question. Usually sleep on my right side or back, sometimes on left.

Queen, I guess we just have to be more aware. I tried a different (green) detergent years ago, I couldn't tolerate that one either.

Snow Gypsy, If the 7th Generation does help your son, please let us know. I think that by now I got even my clothing washed in it again, but maybe that pillow case escaped! It's now in the laundry basket. Im hoping it does. Having that rash, that pins/needles rash, that heat was not fun.

RVP, I've not heard of SUN F&C. I get 7th G from SPROUTS (USED TO BE SUNFLOWER) GROCERY, but I imagine that natural products stores would also carry it. http://www.seventhgeneration.com/store-locator
Apparently WALGREENS carry's it! Might be cheaper there than Sprouts.

Yes, my neighbors just got a new heavily perfumed soap. They have two little kids.
Art, seems like almost everything contains petrochemicals.
Take care, All. (no pun intended! )
I'll let you know how things go with my eyes.

 

[DrJean]

Tinnitus and pain can be caused by the jaw being "off".... see a DDS, especially one specialized in TMD. Or really rest your jaw, no chewing, if yawn...hold jaw in place and no yelling or musical instrument/singing etc to see ... ice on TMJs might help...to see if it releases (if this is the problem)

I am allergic petroleum based products. Yeah, in this world....

 

[Phantom Blooper]

Ella...a suggestion....you may want to try and replace your pillow/pillows since sweat may permeated the pillow from the pillow case. Best of good health!

 

[Goshawk]

how do you deal with off-gassing (all plastics will emit something in some time in their cradle to grave use) of everything that has petrochemicals. everything. clothing zippers plastic, bottles, gasoline for vehicles, paint coatings, rubber coatings. Sounds like a horror story where you need to live on an island without prevailing winds from other countries. Truly not being sarcastic, but it seems so difficult.

 

[Headache]

Goshawk you may be confusing exposure with contact. Many of the items you listed would fall under exposure(with brief contact) whereas chemicals used in laundry products come in contact with your skin for longer periods of time. By eating for optimum health we can usually counteract and repair the damage from many of the things we are exposed to, but mostly lessen symptoms of contact.

One caveat is paint and carpeting. Even with low/no VOCs there are other chemicals involved which can take upwards of 4-5 years to complete their off gassing.

The important thing to note regarding Ella's discovery of allergies is that they are limited to the types of chemicals that were used in the ALL. Until full scope allergy testing is done simply stating "petrochemicals" is generalizing what the actual cause is because there is another possible cause; chemical reactions.

It is just as possible that a couple of the chemicals in the ALL having been mixed together cause a chemical reaction that does not agree with her body chemistry, but each one separately may not cause an issue at all.

The most important part is that an allergy risk has been identified and comparing labels can prevent futures issues, but without proper testing the exact cause of the allergies remains unknown.

 

[DrJean]

They might have been referring to my allergy to petroleum based products.

 

[Ella1]

hi, PB, for that very reason, I don't use a manufactured pillow. I use a folded or a crumpled sheet usually in a pillowcase, and usually topped by a folded T-shirt. They get washed frequently. That is a good suggestion, and I thank you for it.
Off-gassing.hmmm   I buy fragrance free when I can. Almost everything I own is very old, so most of the off-gassing is done. I haven't used a commercial mattress for over ten years due to the chemicals in it. My floor is concrete.
It is difficult. it is isolating. Air carried fragrance chemicals of laundry products, air fresheners, incenses, etc do a lot of damage. Industrial and home care products are about inescapable. My cleaning products are as natural as I can use: vinegar, borax, baking and washing soda, elbow grease, etc.

 

[Ella1]

Goshawk you may be confusing exposure with contact. Many of the items you listed would fall under exposure(with brief contact) whereas chemicals used in laundry products come in contact with your skin for longer periods of time. By eating for optimum health we can usually counteract and repair the damage from many of the things we are exposed to, but mostly lessen symptoms of contact.

Yes. The products in the ALL were against my skin for weeks, months. That's why the symptoms got worse, and more symptoms showed up "cascaded" is one term used for that. If I had used the ALL for one wash, and back to the 7G, I would probably have been uncomfortable, SOB, but other symptoms may not have manifested. My increased respiratory distress was subtle, and could have been attributed to almost anything, including disease progression, so that I did not associate it with the ALL. It took the other symptoms, and seeking relief from them, that showed me the problems.

One caveat is paint and carpeting. Even with low/no VOCs there are other chemicals involved which can take upwards of 4-5 years to complete their off gassing.

The important thing to note regarding Ella's discovery of allergies is that they are limited to the types of chemicals that were used in the ALL. Until full scope allergy testing is done simply stating "petrochemicals" is generalizing what the actual cause is because there is another possible cause; chemical reactions.

That may or may not be true. The ALL may have been the major cause, probably was, but exposure to other chemicals may (or not) have added to that load.  Allergies IS one aspect. Known, expected REACTIONS to chemicals are absolutely part of the problem

"Allergy" is a word that, medically, histrorically, referred to respiratory and skin problems ONLY--rashes, hives, itching, watery eyes. The respiratory responses could be anything from the "itchy nose" one notices going through the detergent/cleaning aisles to anaphalyctic shock/death.   "ALLERGY"     the word, is often used (even incorrectly) because  many people have heard it and sort of understand it as a potentially severe, life threatening problem.
Some, or all, of the chemicals in ALL MAY have, singly or as a group, caused any one or several of my symptoms, but could also, singly, be the KNOWN, EXPECTED, PHYSICAL RESPONSES TO THE INDIVIDUAL CHEMICALS  that  industry is supposed to report on their chemical information sheets (MSDS [MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS] )  


It is just as possible that a couple of the chemicals in the ALL having been mixed together cause a chemical reaction that does not agree with her body chemistry, but each one separately may not cause an issue at all.
I think that is a correct statement. I had other symptoms that are not respiratory/eyes, or skin related that I did not report in my first post.

The most important part is that an allergy risk has been identified and comparing labels can prevent futures issues, but without proper testing the exact cause of the allergies remains unknown.
Research your own experience; absorb what is useful, reject what is useless and add what is essentially your own.  ~ Bruce Lee

Again, correct. Each body is different. AND, it's important to know that what causes any reaction, any strength of reaction, in me or someone else, is dependent not only on the immediate exposure, but also what the person has been exposed to, and is reactiig to, from (even days) previously. This is part of the problem in diagnosing Environmental Illness/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.  So, people work to find what is safe for them and use it.

Be aware that those chemical products that you use may in fact be causing any one, or several physical problems that YOU may be having. What is wrong with YOU? Headaches, nausea, loss of balance at times, loss of sex drive or ability, gotta go, way too often, increased appetite /cravings? Those could be the result of your after shave, body soap, lipstick, whatever other chemical products you use in or near you, even if the exposure is due to proximity to OTHER PEOPLE.
Not sure? Eliminate those products for a few weeks, and pay attention to your body.
Because our gov does not require full labeling, we can go only by responses to products. The products we use on or next to our bodies have the potential to cause a lot of harm. I hope this helps.

 

[Kathleen]

Goshawk you may be confusing exposure with contact. Many of the items you listed would fall under exposure(with brief contact) whereas chemicals used in laundry products come in contact with your skin for longer periods of time. By eating for optimum health we can usually counteract and repair the damage from many of the things we are exposed to, but mostly lessen symptoms of contact.

Yes. The products in the ALL were against my skin for weeks, months. That's why the symptoms got worse, and more symptoms showed up "cascaded" is one term used for that. If I had used the ALL for one wash, and back to the 7G, I would probably have been uncomfortable, SOB, but other symptoms may not have manifested. My increased respiratory distress was subtle, and could have been attributed to almost anything, including disease progression, so that I did not associate it with the ALL. It took the other symptoms, and seeking relief from them, that showed me the problems.

One caveat is paint and carpeting. Even with low/no VOCs there are other chemicals involved which can take upwards of 4-5 years to complete their off gassing.

The important thing to note regarding Ella's discovery of allergies is that they are limited to the types of chemicals that were used in the ALL. Until full scope allergy testing is done simply stating "petrochemicals" is generalizing what the actual cause is because there is another possible cause; chemical reactions.

That may or may not be true. The ALL may have been the major cause, probably was, but exposure to other chemicals may (or not) have added to that load.  Allergies IS one aspect. Known, expected REACTIONS to chemicals are absolutely part of the problem

"Allergy" is a word that, medically, histrorically, referred to respiratory and skin problems ONLY--rashes, hives, itching, watery eyes. The respiratory responses could be anything from the "itchy nose" one notices going through the detergent/cleaning aisles to anaphalyctic shock/death.   "ALLERGY"     the word, is often used (even incorrectly) because  many people have heard it and sort of understand it as a potentially severe, life threatening problem.
Some, or all, of the chemicals in ALL MAY have, singly or as a group, caused any one or several of my symptoms, but could also, singly, be the KNOWN, EXPECTED, PHYSICAL RESPONSES TO THE INDIVIDUAL CHEMICALS  that  industry is supposed to report on their chemical information sheets (MSDS [MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS] )  


It is just as possible that a couple of the chemicals in the ALL having been mixed together cause a chemical reaction that does not agree with her body chemistry, but each one separately may not cause an issue at all.
I think that is a correct statement. I had other symptoms that are not respiratory/eyes, or skin related that I did not report in my first post.

The most important part is that an allergy risk has been identified and comparing labels can prevent futures issues, but without proper testing the exact cause of the allergies remains unknown.
Research your own experience; absorb what is useful, reject what is useless and add what is essentially your own.  ~ Bruce Lee

Again, correct. Each body is different. AND, it's important to know that what causes any reaction, any strength of reaction, in me or someone else, is dependent not only on the immediate exposure, but also what the person has been exposed to, and is reactiig to, from (even days) previously. This is part of the problem in diagnosing Environmental Illness/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.  So, people work to find what is safe for them and use it.

Be aware that those chemical products that you use may in fact be causing any one, or several physical problems that YOU may be having. What is wrong with YOU? Headaches, nausea, loss of balance at times, loss of sex drive or ability, gotta go, way too often, increased appetite /cravings? Those could be the result of your after shave, body soap, lipstick, whatever other chemical products you use in or near you, even if the exposure is due to proximity to OTHER PEOPLE.
Not sure? Eliminate those products for a few weeks, and pay attention to your body.
Because our gov does not require full labeling,  we can go only by responses to products. The products we use on or next to our bodies have the potential to cause a lot of harm.  I hope this helps.

 

[Kathleen]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sensitive to chemicals too. Perfumed laundry soap knocks me out when I walk around town. It saturates the air for at least a block radius. Don't know how the users can tolerate its stench. Makes me ill. Alcohol based cologne and perfumes make me wretch. Why do people wear that smelly stuff??

Glues, resins, paint, fresh carpet are all killers for me. I think we've saturated land, air and water with too much gunk and it's coming back to us. Vehicle exhaust is another bad one.

I feel much better when I'm out in nature, away from traffic and cities. The fresh air and energy from the rocks, trees, water, and from laying down on a carpet of grass, or a soft sandy arroyo (a "wash") makes me feel more energetic. Some days I lay down on hundreds of garnets out in rock hound country. It's like garnet acupressure.

I need to find the fibromyalgia thread on here and join that conversation. On a good day, in a location where there are beautiful stones, fossils, petrified wood, or crystallized shells I can walk 4 or 5 miles at a leisurely pace. I stop often to rest and to view the beauties on the ground. I'm sure there are some other rock hounds in our group.

Good to share our environmental/health issues. Mine make me to wonder how I'll do when I have a high fatigue day. Must learn the lay of the boon docking land on routes I travel, so I can rest when I need to. Best not to travel during the tired foggy days. Glad you found the source of your conditions!

 

[Ella1]

Kathleen, thanks for your response. The more we get the word out, the safer we all have a chance to be.
Take care!

 

[DrJean]

I'm also concerned about having to stay/stop in areas where they allow marijuana smoking. I am SOOOO allergic to that smoke! Don't want to see if the "medical" stuff is different as people are going to flaunt the law anyway imo.

I went to a campaign volunteer worker watch party Tuesday...and while you cannot smoke inside... after 2 hours so many had gone out and smoked and come back in all I was trying to breathe was smoke filled air from their clothes and had to leave. I'm still coughing and congested.

 

[Ella1]

DrJean, my heart goes out to you. If it's not one kind of smoke or fume it's another. Wood smoke from chimneys and campfires, charcoal lighter fluid from picnics/grills, exhaust fumes, fragrances, insecticides, bug repellents.... seems there's no end to it. I carry masks in my van, but my breathing is so shallow, even with O2 it's exhausting to impossible to use them. Now I have my electric air cleaner, too. There's so little space in it, I don't do overnighters often.
It's why I've been a hermit for so long.