PA woman ordered out of chemical-free "bubble"

[LymeEnigma]

This is really sad ... and the woman's symptoms sound a heck of a lot like Lyme, or something Lyme-like. I can't help but wonder if she has considered that route....

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081020/ap_on_re_us/steel_shed_allergy

I wonder if there is a way of contacting her, to see if pathogens have been ruled out?

[nyxie63]

I really feel for her. There has to be some sort of compromise that can be reached, rather than tearing down the structure. Maybe issue the missed permits and fine them accordingly?



My hubby works for the local utility company and has met quite a few folks in our area with various chemical/environmental sensitivities. Considering, a few years ago, we had cows giving purple milk because of toxins in the soil (no kidding!), it does make me wonder. That, on top of the water contamination article from earlier this year, it's no wonder there are so many sick people around here.

Btw, I'm less than an hour from Atown. I looked up their addy and phone number, but can't find an e-mail addy for them. Might whip off a letter in the next day or so.

[LymeEnigma]

You know, I used to think chemical sensitivity was exaggerated. Since the Lyme, however, I've found that everything sets off my lungs, and sometimes my sinuses. Sometimes it's asthma ... but sometimes my lungs simply fill with so much mucus that it literally hurts to breathe, and I cough up all sorts of black stuff. I quit smoking forever ago, hoping that would help, but it didn't. I really can't help but let the hypochondriac in me raise continued suspicions of mycoplasma ... maybe even TB.

I think Lyme would be enough to set off a latent infection ... maybe my thirteen years of smoking just caused permanent damage ... all I know is I don't judge anyone, these days, for having issues with allergens and chemicals, because I feel their pain.

As for the woman in the article, I just think it's atrocious that her neighbors, as well as the city, would have an issue with her little refuge. Seriously, how many people have sheds for their lawn equipment? How hard would it be to get the proper paperwork filled out, so that it was all legit and legal? How much of an inconvenience is it, really, on her neighbors to have this "unstable eyesore?" If it makes her feel better, regardless of the reason, isn't that all that matters? As someone with severe agoraphobia and OCD, I know how important it is to have a safe haven. Granted, I don't take nearly the means she does to keep my place allergen-free ... but a safe haven is a safe haven.

If you find an addy to write to, let me know; this woman needs all the support she can get.

[nyxie63]

Does steam seem to help your lungs at all or make them worse? Just curious.

Yeah, it really is stinky of the neighbors to raise such a fuss. From the pics, it doesn't look like "that" much of an eyesore.

I could only find the snail mail addy. Will PM it to you if you like.

[LymeEnigma]

Steam helps, but it makes me cough up more junk. Sometimes I'll sit in the shower, just for the sake of clearing out my lungs. When I had the active babs, a hot shower was a double-edged sword; they helped, but they also brought about horrifying gasping episodes, in which I felt like I was going to stop breathing and pass out. Glad to have those behind me.

Yes, if you have the addy, please PM me with it.

[LymeEnigma]

Thanks!

[nyxie63]

You're welcome

You're in the desert, right? Just wondering if maybe the dry air isn't aggravating your lung condition. Air conditioning (if you run it) might not be helping either as it takes moisture out of the air. Maybe run a humidifier and see if that helps? Sorry, just brainstorming here.

[LymeEnigma]

I broke down and bought a humidifier last year. It definitely helps ... also helps with dry skin issues that come with the dry winters, here. I'm afraid my lungs will never be the same, however; having been a smoker for fifteen years probably did not help matters. When I quit, it was out of necessity: either continue smoking, or continue breathing. I fear it may have been too little, too late....