Re: Teacher Suffering

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry to hear about your problem, but not totally surprised. Schools are

notoriously deficient in preventive maintenance, and quick to save money

wherever possible. That means leaks go unfixed, old carpet remains in place, air

conditioners get old and moldy and remain poorly maintained. I retired after 32

years as a research chemist because of IAQ problems. My problem was not the

chemicals, but the mold in the HVAC system. I now work a little as a substitute

teacher. I can't work at the school walking distance from my house because IAQ

is so bad I get sick within 5 minutes of entering. I do not have the sinus or

brain fog problem, but a severe cough when exposed to mold. At least that's the

way it started. Nine years after retiring from that moldy environment, I now

react to any smoke, even that from two birthday candles being blown out, and to

many cosmetics worn by other people. Once I react, I cough for a few hours, and

start with shortness of breath and wheezing if I don't get to fresh air soon.

Since you've taught 32 years, you are early 50's, like I was when I took

medical retirement. If you read up on allergies, you will see that your body

produces cortisol as an inflammation limiting agent. Past age 45, production

diminishes, allowing allergies that were minor to become severe. Some treat this

by replacement with oral prednisone or inhaled steroids. These may work for a

while, but eventually lose their effectiveness, and can create other problems

along the way. If you read the web site for American College of Allergy, Asthma,

and Immunology, you will read that the primary reason for any allergy testing is

to help the patient determine what to avoid. Finding a medication to treat

symptoms is secondary. Continuing to expose yourself to what bothers you will

only make your sensitivity greater. Symptoms will persist longer into the

evening, even into the weekend or vacations. It seems I am painting a picture of

doom. I am. But there is hope. Look for children whose asthma is bothered by the

school conditions. Educate their parents if they have not yet made the

association. Then confront your school board. Have them follow EPA guidelines

listed on the EPA web site " Tools for Schools " . Get rid of carpet if it is

there. Get roofs repaired so they don't leak and create moldy ceilings. And very

important, properly clean and service the HVAC. Follow the post I wrote several

weeks ago on the sickbuilding board on HVAC operation and maintenance.

Gil

Teacher Suffering

Posted by: " theprof55 " theprof55@... theprof55

Date: Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:59 pm ((PDT))

I am a 5/6 grade teacher of 32 years. I have always experiencd sinus problems

and was under control until January of last year. I began to experience very

serious congestion, headaches, and other allergy related symptoms.

After many doctor visits, tests, and medications, nothing seemed to work. Summer

came and I did not experience those symtpons for the entire summer. I had been

diagnosed with a deviated septum in the winter, so decided to have the surgery

before the school year started.

After returning to school, and after the splints were removed from my nose, I

immediately began having congestion, sinus headaches, and fatigue. The

congestion is much less severe than it was before the surgery. The symptoms

begin about an hour after I arrive at school and progressively get worse

throughout the day. By the end of the day, I feel miserable. It is negatively

affecting my attitude, productivity, and overall mood while teaching. My

symptoms subside within an hour or two after leaving work.

I have spoken to my principal and she has been sympathethic to my condition. The

district came out and changed the air filter in my classroom, and was told to

remove all stuffed animals and a couch that I had.

I have kept a health log for the past 5 weeks and the symptoms have remained the

same on a consistent basis.

Where do I go from here? I have 2 years left before retirement, and really like

my school, but am afraid if I start making waves about my condition, the

district may switch me to another school.

I have my doctors wrting summaries of my health and their reccomedations.

Where do I go from here?

Thanks

[Guest guest]

My suggestion is get out NOW so you can enjoy your retirement! I had

terrible sinus problems but developed much worse symptoms as the years went by.

Headaches, severe joint/muscle pain & twitches. Slurred speech, blurred

vision, memory loss, ear pain, chronic fatigue, itchy crawly skin, and more.

I would get to school about 7:30AM and every morning by 9:30 or 10AM I had

a debilitating headache.

Since leaving my school(6 yrs. ago) I haven't had any sinus problems, no

allergies, not even a common cold!

Go to _www.biotoxin.info_ (http://www.biotoxin.info) read all the

information and take the VCS test! You could reach a point at which you won't

feel better even during the summer months.

Feel free to contact me any time! I'll be more than happy to share more of

the nightmare that I went through.

SSR

I am a 5/6 grade teacher of 32 years. I have always experiencd sinus

problems and was under control until January of last year. I began to

experience

very serious congestion, headaches, and other allergy related symptoms.