Guest guest Posted October 21, 2003 Report Share Posted October 21, 2003 Dear Rose, I am so awfully sorry to hear this terrible tale. I think your next step is to get a lawyer on contingency - he only gets paid when you win the case. If the insurance company thinks that you don't have this kind of outside help, they will do everything they can to either weasel out of helping you or nickel and dime you. As a mold sufferer, I know you've heard that you have to get out of there, but I'm going to repeat that you have to not do that work yourself. Money lost is a horrible thing, but if you lose your health and can't think, then you have nothing. Plus you have got to get your kids away from that. Breaking into the walls is only going to expose all of you to more and more of the mold. I don't know where you live, but you have got to find a reputable firm to remediate. Oh, I don't know. It just sounds as if you should just bulldoze the house. You can't even get rid of all the mold inside the walls and hope to live there again. I wish I could paint a brighter picture. Get the lawyer. Call Dr. Eckhardt Johanning and ask him to recommend lawyers. You have to be careful and not call just anyone who hangs out their shingle as a "mold lawyer" or "remediator." Everyone wants to get in on this new big money action. Here's Johanning's #518/459-3336. He'll tell you a lawyer's name in your area. Also, contact oesenv@.... He is an extremely qualified mold tester in NY state, connected to Johanning. You should get some names from either of them. Number One: GET AWAY FROM THAT STUFF. You may end up not being able to hold a job or make money because you will be too ill, much less move and care for your kids. Good luck ----- Original Message ----- From: Rose Briggs Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 1:26 PM Subject: [] I need advice!!! Hello, I discovered problems with my home 5 years ago with an unknown water source leaking into the home. I called my insurance company and they came out and told me it was my deck. I then paid someone $8,000 to come out and replace the wood and re-side the house with channels that would direct water away from the house and deck. Here it is 5 years later and I am midway tearing out and gutting my home to find the mold and water damaged wood and replace it. My 6 kids have gone through years of getting sick with two developing asthma and at times hospitalized with pneumonia. I have been ill with chronic health problems ranging from lyme to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue problems. I even developed acne and skin rashes. Anyway, we didn't have the money to hire anyone so we are doing it all ourselves with air cleaners, respirators and I am sure we are doing it wrong but we had no choice. The allergy doctor insisted I either gut my house and get rid of it or move. The latter wasn't a choice as we would have to take a loss and we just couldn't do that. Soooo armed with a home depot $30,000 loan and a desire to fix our health situation, I started the demolition with my brother's help and my children helping wherever possible. We have only gotten to the point of gutting the kitchen and replacing with green board and the subfloor and new studs where ones were molded and rotten. We then knew we had to tackle the outside wall before anything else. Still believing that the deck was my problem as that insurance guy said 5 years earlier, I tore down the deck and removed the ban board and the fiber board that covers all of this house under the siding. The fiber board is permeated with mold so it definitely has to go. As I tore off the fiber board around the kitchen area I realized there was a sewer pipe that was in the wall that had a two inch crack in it. We didn't notice that crack from the inside. All that area was rotted and molded but we still thought it must be from the leaking deck. Anyway, it was apparant when you looked at the pipe that the mold and rot on the exterior were due to that leaking pipe. The water had been turned off to the kitchen 5 months ago when we started the project. Now this cracked sewer pipe was dry but everything around it including the walls downstairs and the ban board around the back of the house was rotted and molded because of the unknown broken pipe. I immediately called the insurance company thinking they should cover this and all the resulting problems that came with the leaking (i.e. high humidity in the home lending to an extremely high dustmite problem, mold and related health problems to that mold.) The insurance adjuster came out to look at the pipe and he didn't really say all that much except he knew about toxic molds and getting sick from it and he seemed to understand stuff like that, but at the same time, he said that he thought the pipe was probably busted by some flunky in the construction of the home 25 years ago so he would have to consult his supervisor to see if they could help. I felt as if he didn't really think there was anything they were liable for except that if they were charitable they might help a little. I am now really discouraged. I thought I had finally come to the source of my mold problems and I could finally have help to fix them. Everyone I have spoken to said that the insurance company should be paying for this and even the backlogged medical bills. So far we have had to replace the walls and subfloor and we haven't even gotten to the downstairs bath which sits below the kitchen. We know the walls are molded behind there, because the shower walls were always moldy even after repeated cleanings. After using the dremel tool to chisel out the moldy grout, we realized we couldn't get it all because the mold was coming from inside the wall not the shower itself. We stopped and didn't pursue tearing that out yet. We did find Stachy in the walls of the bedroom downstairs and plan on replacing all the wood that was affected, but it's terribly difficult to work in there without getting physically ill (i.e. headaches, severe nausea and chest closing up.) I have used an industrial strength ozonator in that room when we are not at home for a few days to see if that would help. It only helped temporarily as the source of the mold was still there. I plan on using it after we remove everything but then again I know it's still taking chance that it will get rid of the spores. Well, I am sure I am rambling now as my brain often goes into that mode, but I need help to know what my next course of action is. How can I make an insurance company pay for what I think it should cover especially since I called them out 5 years ago and they told me it wasn't a pipe but the deck and it wasn't their problem. I feel like they will weasel out of this one if I don't have some help forcing the issue. Does anyone know of what my next step should be? Thanks, Rose Briggs Fretting that your Hotmail account may expire because you forgot to sign in enough? Get Hotmail Extra Storage today! FAIR USE NOTICE:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 I just got a letter yesterday from the insurance company stating that they would not cover my claim and especially emphasized mold. I called and talked to the supervisor of the adjuster who came out and she said she saw the pictures he took and they definitely don't cover mold. She was very emphatic and not the least bit sympathetic to my problem of "what do I do now". I feel discouraged and wonder if I will ever get out of this house alive. The youngest child who is 4 and myself have both had diarrhea for two weeks.... I am wondering if that could be the mold making us sick. The other kids don't have that yet. I know that stachy is bad and I am sure that it also what is behind the dreaded shower wall. I haven't even wanted to go down there and start tearing it out because it makes me sick down there and it's scarey to think the motherload of mold is in that bathroom wall. I am beginning to think my skin problems are because of this mold as well. I could probably contribute all my increasing health problems to this house. How long were you exposed to toxic mold before you got sick and how long were you exposed before you got out? How long have you been feeling the effects of it since you left that environment? Enjoy MSN 8 patented spam control and more with MSN 8 Dial-up Internet Service. Try it FREE for one month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 is right. In a year and a half my body is JUST starting to stableize from avoidance abnd a good kinesiologist. Im calming down on MCS. But I am still very hypersensitive to mold. I havent gotten that far in my treatment yet. I am going to lose my job because I refuse to go work in a moldy building on a shipyard. God knows how I will do it but I will NOT go backwards on what little progress I have made. You will get worse. I have asthma now that I have never had before. I started with hives.I know its hard to do but you need to leave the moldy area or your treatment will be or nothing. God Bless, Janet In a message dated 10/25/03 10:08:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time, stenjess@... writes: If you are sensitive to mold - and I really don't know what that means because no one should breathe or touch it - you will get sick RIGHT AWAY. Forget anyone helping you with the mold and get to a friend's or relative's house IMMEDIATELY. Dog sit, house sit, do whatever you have to do. Yes, diarrhea can be from the exposure - skin irritation and rashes, too. Get out get out. NOW. The longer you stay, the more chances you and your children will have permanent problems, cognitive defects, intestinal, you name it. It will be much harder to get rid of. GET out so that you can have somewhere to think and plan normally. Just think of it as being like carbon monoxide poisoning. LEAVE. NOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 If you are sensitive to mold - and I really don't know what that means because no one should breathe or touch it - you will get sick RIGHT AWAY. Forget anyone helping you with the mold and get to a friend's or relative's house IMMEDIATELY. Dog sit, house sit, do whatever you have to do. Yes, diarrhea can be from the exposure - skin irritation and rashes, too. Get out get out. NOW. The longer you stay, the more chances you and your children will have permanent problems, cognitive defects, intestinal, you name it. It will be much harder to get rid of. GET out so that you can have somewhere to think and plan normally. Just think of it as being like carbon monoxide poisoning. LEAVE. NOW. ----- Original Message ----- From: Rose Briggs Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2003 1:02 AM Subject: Re: [] Re: I need advice!!! I just got a letter yesterday from the insurance company stating that they would not cover my claim and especially emphasized mold. I called and talked to the supervisor of the adjuster who came out and she said she saw the pictures he took and they definitely don't cover mold. She was very emphatic and not the least bit sympathetic to my problem of "what do I do now". I feel discouraged and wonder if I will ever get out of this house alive. The youngest child who is 4 and myself have both had diarrhea for two weeks.... I am wondering if that could be the mold making us sick. The other kids don't have that yet. I know that stachy is bad and I am sure that it also what is behind the dreaded shower wall. I haven't even wanted to go down there and start tearing it out because it makes me sick down there and it's scarey to think the motherload of mold is in that bathroom wall. I am beginning to think my skin problems are because of this mold as well. I could probably contribute all my increasing health problems to this house. How long were you exposed to toxic mold before you got sick and how long were you exposed before you got out? How long have you been feeling the effects of it since you left that environment? Enjoy MSN 8 patented spam control and more with MSN 8 Dial-up Internet Service. Try it FREE for one month! FAIR USE NOTICE:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 26, 2003 Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 Your earlier message mentioned a cracked sewer line. That will not only provide nutrient and moisture for mold growth, but a multitude of bacteria. E. Coli is always in human waste, and thus in this sewage. This will invariably cause digestive system disorders. If you must do this remediation yourself, use good protective equipment and clean it often. Clean up around the work area as often as is practical. Also, wash hands very often, and never eat, drink or smoke without washing your hands first. Respiratory protection is essential. You can do this work yourself, but you must take stringent precautions to protect yourself and your family. Good luck. ----- Original Message ----- From: Rose Briggs Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2003 1:02 AM Subject: Re: [] Re: I need advice!!! I just got a letter yesterday from the insurance company stating that they would not cover my claim and especially emphasized mold. I called and talked to the supervisor of the adjuster who came out and she said she saw the pictures he took and they definitely don't cover mold. She was very emphatic and not the least bit sympathetic to my problem of " what do I do now " . I feel discouraged and wonder if I will ever get out of this house alive. The youngest child who is 4 and myself have both had diarrhea for two weeks.... I am wondering if that could be the mold making us sick. The other kids don't have that yet. I know that stachy is bad and I am sure that it also what is behind the dreaded shower wall. I haven't even wanted to go down there and start tearing it out because it makes me sick down there and it's scarey to think the motherload of mold is in that bathroom wall. I am beginning to think my skin problems are because of this mold as well. I could probably contribute all my increasing health problems to this house. How long were you exposed to toxic mold before you got sick and how long were you exposed before you got out? How long have you been feeling the effects of it since you left that environment? _________________________________________________________________ Add MSN 8 Internet Software to your current Internet access and enjoy patented spam control and more. Get two months FREE! http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/byoa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2009 Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 , I am sorry to hear of the struggles you have.I can only comment on the water retention/swelling issues. I am on Gleevec just reduced from 600 mg to 400 mg due to side effects.I have swelling and water retention.I can gain and drop 10 pounds all in a few days time.I take Lasix almost daily to help.Doesn't seem to do much though.My right side abdomin will swell like I am 5 months preggo but my left side remains normal in size..I am lope sided.It is a visible size difference.No one knows why this is happening.It has been suggested that it is a hernia and scar tissue but nothing shows up on ultra sound.I have a pressure feeling on the right side when swollen but not much else.Seems strange but what do I know? Sorry I can't offer any help but you are not alone..I have unexplained health issue daily.I hope you get this resolved and feel better soon. SharonS #1226 In , vegasrnjen@... wrote: > > Hey ya'll- > > I don't post a lot anymore but I read the threads coming through all the > time. > > I wanted to see if anyone had any opinions on some things happening with me. > I guess if anyone can relate to these issues it will be comforting but > don't just tell me you experience them to reassure me(lol). I really want to > know. > > Okay, just to back up. I am on Spyrcel 50mg (2 pills daily at bedtime). I > was on Gleevec 800mg but due to intense side effects the drs switched me. > First, I talked about this before, the rash, blotchy red inflamed area that are > occurring on my face. Some might remember the dr thought maybe it could be > shingles, an allergic reaction, who knows. Well, it started really bad again > yesterday, the oncologist got me into a dermalogist who decided to due to > skin biopsy of them to find exactly what is going on. She took a small piece > off my face on the right hairline area, 2 stitches......She thought it could > be an allergy to something in or on my skin, could be allergic to the chemo or > possibly the leukemia coming though my face. This all sounds weird to be > and frightening! First, I have been on the Sprycel since 9/07. Wouldn't I > have shown an allergy since then? And can leukemia come through the skin > (oooey). The area is bright red, burns, itches, very swollen and blotchy from > right under my right eye to the side of my outer cheek. She put me on prednisone > until the biopsy results come back, then she is doing some allergy testing > where they put stickers on my back on Monday, remove them on Wednesday and > results on Friday. (not the needles in the back) this actually tests skin > allergies not seasonal/environmental allergies). > Anyone ever experienced or heard anything about this skin issues? > > Secondly, I feel like I carry a gut full of fluid. I am always short of > breath and when I switched from Gleevec to Sprycel, I was off everything for 3 > weeks during the transition. I lost 18 pounds when I stopped the Gleevec. > After starting the Sprycel, I have put all that plus probably another 5-10 > pounds on. I am not someone who worries about weight per say but I always feel > full and look it in the belly area. Chest X-rays have always been negative so > I know its not in my chest. Should I be concerned with this or is this what > there are talking about with side effect of just " fluid retention " I do get > the peri-orbital edema all the time. > > My PCR results on both Gleevec and Spyrcel have always been pretty good. My > body does well with the drugs as far as keeping the CML in check, which I am > grateful for, but the side effects have been not so wonderful. My PCR's for > the last 6-8 months have all shown PCRU. (Thank Gosh). > I am a little freaked out about the possibly of being allergic to Spyrcel. > I feel like I am always waiting for the next shoe to drop....... > > Sorry this is so long. I due apologize. I had a rough CML day as I call > them and today I just needed to vent and question alittle. This has always > been a great place for me to do that. Thanks again and thanks for any advice to > come especially from my senior CMLers out there! Bless you for your > guidance and support!!! > > I should just lastly say that I am my local oncologist's only patient on > Syprcel, he has 3 on Gleevec so he is very honest that he is out of his league > with syprcel. I am flying to Portland in 2 weeks to see my CML specialist, > the great Dr. Mauro at OSHU who I know will have all my answers. > > Hugs & Hope > 36 > Wife and mom to 3 (13,10, 8) > CML 5/13/05 > Gleevec 800mg until 8/07 > Sprycel 100mg since 9/07 > **************You're invited to Hollywood's biggest party: Get s > updates, red carpet pics and more at Moviefone. > (http://movies.aol.com/oscars-academy-awards? ncid=emlcntusmovi00000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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