My aunt bought me this new blanket that I been wanting for a while ( and it's an expensive one)... But ever since I got it I been having really bad heart palpations and fast heart rate.why do I think it's the blanket? Well, because it only happens to me when I am in bed.
Last night I slept on my sister's bed to see if I felt different and I did! The palpations with in 15 minutes were gone. And also since i got this blanket I been having really bad insomnia.
Right now I put the blanket close to my face and I started getting palpations right away. Is this weird or what?!
-------------------- Ema Posts: 394 | From Southern California | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Did you wash it before using? Some bedding has flame retardant chemicals.
Many fabrics are sprayed with chemicals that extend storage and shelf life.
Or it could be the material itself.
Sorry your new blanket is giving you such trouble!
posted
I didn't wash it. I hope washing it won't cause these symptoms
-------------------- Ema Posts: 394 | From Southern California | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
It sounds like you're having an allergic reaction or toxic exposure to something. If it's a washable material, try washing it in a detergent you know you tolerate.
Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
Well this is an odd situation, I've never heard of it before.
Ema, what is the blanket made of...cotton, wool, polyester microfiber, acrylic.
Try increasing your dose of magnesium, and eat foods high in magnesium also. You may also need Vitamin D3 to help the body absorb the mag.
Editing to add, just because I haven't heard of something, doesn't mean much.
But the symptoms you list ARE symptoms of low magnesium.
[ 03-12-2013, 12:42 AM: Message edited by: Carol in PA ]
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
Sorry to laugh, it's with you...not at you. Where else could something like this be shared and totally understood? I really hope washing it helps. I can't remember my own similar situation right now... But your post hit a chord.
Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
This has totally happened to me. I can't handle the chemicals on unwashed new anything! It makes my heart race and my skin burn. I don't have palpitations- but it's an allergic reaction for me. And I've gotten much more sensitive to chemicals since Lyme.
I bet you'll do better once you wash it unless there could be type of fiber in the blanket that you are allergic to?
Posts: 428 | From Midwest | Registered: Dec 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
Many, MANY moons ago, when I was very young, I saw a story on the news about the textile industy and how clothing is made, stored, shipped, etc. Yes, and including the chemicals added to "protect" the material during this process from insects, vermin, etc.
It scared me to death.
I have always washed EVERY new textile purchased no matter how wonderfully clean the store is that you buy it from and no matter how nicely packaged it is.
And that was WAYYY before I was introduced the to crazy sxs of lyme. I've always had a very sensitive 'sniffer' and those chemical-induced headaches are "nothing to sniff at!" (sorry for the pun.. sometimes..they just fall out.. )
If it's newly acquired fabric ANYTHING .... WASH it!!!
Sometimes I add vinegar to the wash too to remove residues and odors.
I agree with Kudzu.. where else can you ask such a question and ppl TOTALLY "get it?" I love this place.
-------------------- KentuckyWoman tired of medical run-arounds
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. ~ ~ Robert Frost Posts: 221 | From Kentucky | Registered: Sep 2012
| IP: Logged |
Imagine I tell someone hey my blanket gives me heart palpations. They'll think I am going crazy.
I am going to wash it and see if it'll help.
Thanks everyone
-------------------- Ema Posts: 394 | From Southern California | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Washing it could spread the problem to other clothes, even in the next load or for several after that -- and then you could then start reacting to everything that has even a trace of the chemical.
Likely, whatever the treatment is, it's petroleum based and that can then stick around forever.
I've been unsuccessful with trying to wash this kind of stuff away and then just got it all over other clothes that I had to discard.
As mentioned above, it could be insecticide.
The heat from the water - and dryer can make it all much worse, too, getting into the air.
I would return the blanket and make it clear that something is on it that should not be. Dyes, chemicals, etc of some kind, it would seem.
Washing it will not likely help much. I've had similar problems with some clothes that had scents. It was infused into the fiber and never would wash out.
You also don't want to put whatever is on the blanket into the water supply, or taint your washer or dryer.
Just say "no" to any fabrics that are laced with fabric finishing agents. Most are.
And, please, please, do not assume others will think you "crazy" -- this is a fact. Something is on this, a fabric finishing agent, and you are having physical reactions.
It's a matter of fact. Treat it like that and don't take guff from anyone who thinks differently.
Of course, since a gift from a family member, it's a delicate matter to explain but you must first consider your safety. If you are reacting to it, you are reacting to it. That's a matter of health.
Now, just as not everyone reacts to peanuts, those with an allergy will. SOMETHING in this is affecting you. Plain. Simple.
But, don't treat yourself like a crazy person about this, either. This makes sense and I know you are not alone in your reaction. It's happened to me, too. And others whom I know.
Any toxic reaction can cause heart palpitations. MAGNESIUM SHOULD HELP, though, you need to get that out of your home.
My guess is that it's a flame retardant - or dyes. It could be a teflon coating that is sprayed into many textiles.
Be sure to call the main office for the blanket company and get some answers.
Get all the numbers and specifics from any tags or paperwork, box before it's returned.
Then, also search: ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP -
[ 03-12-2013, 03:19 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- One other possibility could be static electricity if it's polar fleece or a similar plastic product. Many blankets are from recyled plastic bottles - but they can also have flame retardants added. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Those with porphyria can react to all kinds of dyes and fabric chemicals, even regular laundry detergents.
Lots of explanations here. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Katie,
If the bed is still within warranty, you should be able to return it. The flame retardants might be the issue here.
However, the foam, itself, off-gases and that can cause some to react terribly. Be sure to ventilate your entire home with fresh air as much of the day and night as possible. Strip the bed of the linens during the day so that air can get to it . . . but, still, it's best to get that out of there.
I hope your LLMD / ND will be of help in how to handle your reaction (but I'm also appauled that he did not steer you away from this choice if he knew about it beforehand - maybe it never came up in your conversation?).
I'm so sorry to hear that. I once got a tempurpedic pillow but it made me very ill.
You have a right to return that bed, have them come and get it and give you a full refund, ASAP.
If you need the help of an attorney or advocate when dealing with the company, you might contact the Portland lyme support group.
Green Depot may also have some ideas for phrasing that will get action from the company.
Really. Return it while you still can.
Now, that does not solve the problem as most beds are sprayed with flame retardants by law. There are some organic options, though, and probably well within the range of the bed you bought.
Our store first opened in 1992 as Environmental Building Supplies. Then, the store merged with Seattle�s Environmental Home Center to become Ecohaus, and part of a West Coast supply chain.
In February of 2011, we became a part of the Green Depot family of stores, joining our forces with a national effort.
Though our name has changed several times over the years, our mission hasn�t. We remain committed to bringing our customers the best building products we can find for their families and the environment. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
I'm with kudz - I wash EVERYTHING before wearing it or using it. I cannot tolerate the chemicals (especially the formeldehyde, which is in everything it seems). Also, when washing, I add baking soda. I heard it helps release the chemicals a little more from the fabrics. Then I always do an extra rinse.
katie - I feel for you. I've long known that mattresses are toxic and we've been researching the best mattress option we can find (will likely be something latex.) We stayed away from the Tempurpedic because I just instinctively knew I would have issues with the chemicals. If possible, I would try to return it. Good luck.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
)
Printer-friendly view of this topic