desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Oh dear.... I am locked away in my bedroom while I get a new gas boiler replaced in my kitchen. I am having a ton of chemical sensitivity reactions as I can smell all kinds of crap coming from the kitchen. Windows open and air purifier on..lovely on this snowy winter day.
The old boiler was so dysfunctional and dangerous. I was getting carbon monoxide readings on my detector the past week or so. Every time it kicked on it would puff out a small amount of methane and eventually a backdraft of carbon monoxide would result. Actually this probably has been going on for the past 5 years or so. Told dh either the boiler goes or I go. Wouldn't ya know it's being replaced as I type:)
We had a gas leak behind our kitchen wall which took close to 8 years before someone took me seriously and found and fixed the leak. Every time I would smell it I would open up the windows and call the gas company. By the time they got here the gas had dissipated and we would get a zero reading. The last time I smelled it I left the windows closed and waited outside for them. Bingo! carbon monoxide detected.
Kinda ranting here but when it comes to gas appliances you can never be too careful. Stay warm and safe! DW
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
I have been through the same thing and they still charge you when they come out and don't find it that's why I got my own detector I'm really glad you're safe I'm glad you're getting it fixed I know just what you're going to have been like that for so long and people just keep thinking I'm crazy
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- desertwind,
You might qualify for insurance coverage of some mild hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBOT) if you have blood readings from "getting carbon monoxide readings on my detector the past week or so . . . "
If that is possible, confer with your LLMD as HBOT can be very helpful against lyme (usually for 40 sessions, though, often repeating with another 40) but as it is not covered by insurances for lyme, maybe even one or a few that might be covered to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, IF you blood levels register, could be of some benefit . . .
and, if not against lyme, well, certainly go help your body get over the exposure.
I hope you can get your blood checked today. As "had a gas leak behind our kitchen wall which took close to 8 years before someone took me seriously and found and fixed the leak. . . . " I very strongly urge you to seek whatever medical treatment you can get for this issue that well may be covered.
medical professionals should treat this as an emergency and get you in right away - at least for a proper blood test, I would hope.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
I just ordered 3 new detectors. Problem is they will not alarm unless readings are over 30 ppm.'s but will detect if under 30ppm.'s if you push the " check" button. I check continually. I also ordered a pocket co reading gadget that got really good reviews. I will carry it every where I go......like a crazy woman....
I was told that unless you get your blood levels checked right after exposure they will go down after 4-6 hours of fresh air. Monday night I turned my furnace completely off.
I wonder if I went to the ER today if they could test my blood levels or would it turn into a big four ring circus? I don't feel too bad right now and spent a lot of time outside yesterday.
I am certainly going to look into the HBOT because this has been a low level chronic exposure. Thanks for the tips. DW
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Have two carbon monoxide detectors because of gas furnace and gas water heater. Furnace misbehaving, techs brought new parts today but other parts need replacing too. So, no heat at all until they come back. This has been going on for 6 weeks. Parts they got had been backordered almost 3 weeks. Sure hope these others don't take that long. Now going to be operating strictly on two space heaters, not good when it goes below freezing at night. This week warmer for a couple of days, thank goodness.
I started this out to mention that with the furnace issues, I bought another CO detector online from Home Depot that has a digital readout. Because the others don't show anything until higher levels, and you don't know if you are being exposed longterm to lower levels. Only cost $30. Couldn't find anything like this in stores locally.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Hey poppy; We are in the same boat. Techs just left the house to get a part that they did not think they would need. We have been using space heaters since yesterday and I am huddled in my bedroom with a space heater on. Horrible. Snow freezing and thankfully I do not have to work today because I feel like crap....
I got 3 Kidde Night Hawks which does the digital readout but still will not beep unless over 30 ppm's. I was told anything over 9 ppms chronically is bad. The whole thing makes me sick. I do not feel safe in my house.
We have a gas water heater as well that is brand new. All is in our kitchen. Nice set up right?
Stay warm!
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I would not go to the ER for this. Your doctor's office should be able to arrange a lab appointment for you, somewhere, today. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If the roads are icy, though, I would not drive. It's just not work the risk getting out at all.
Even though it's cold, be sure to air flush your home at least once a day just to get a full exchange of fresh air. Upper levels are especially important as the gas will drift to upper levels.
If you have a gas stove, just before turning the burner on or off, turn the exhaust fan on high. It does not need to be on when cooking, just BEFORE the burner is turned on and again as it's being turned off as those are the times when some gas can "escape".
If the stove, water heater, furnace etc. are set up properly, have good ventilation and the fresh air exchange is in order, this should be much better for you. The newer units are much better, still, an full home air flush each day is important. Just for 30 seconds to a minute, all rooms, and open closet doors, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Yeah, I ALWAYS air out the house once a day no matter how cold it is out.
We also purchased a new gas range because the old one had a down draft that did not vent properly. Now with the new range we have an overhead vent that goes directly out w/ no elbows or twists and turns. Good strong exhaust fan.
We now have (as of 3:00 today:)) optimal venting for all our new gas appliances and I think the house will be much safer. Thanks for your feedback.
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
Yes, desertwind.
I am glad you got that sorted out.
30 PPM is the warning level, but is meant to alert people and then for them to leave and get fresh air.
Continued exposure to lower levels is just as dangerous. Most notice this with headaches.
Anywhere there is combustion, there is a risk of CO poisoning.
I am so glad you got this sorted out. CO is very dangerous.
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
It is not always "your nose"...sometimes its real...
Like the mold in my garage...
Listen to yourself. You're usually correct to be concerned.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Thanks so much. I always get way worse headaches when I spend more time in my home and have been feeling dizzy/vertigo. Not Babesia type so I knew something was up. After leaving the house I would feel better in a couple of hours. Took care of hidden black mold now this...why am I still here in this death trap?
The last reading in my house was at 27ppm. God only knows how long it has been that high - just a spike or continual? I do open windows and spend a lot of time outside of the house but...27 ppm's? That cannot be good.
Hubby tried to minimize it Sunday night till he saw my packed bag - sorry dude - love ya but I aint going down with ya! Furnace was turned off pretty quick.
I just had a dissertation by the installers on how the new furnace is soooo much safer and will not be producing any such level of CO.
They just had to bleed the lines one last time and I smelled the methane and wham - got hit with nausea and flashing lights. I think I have developed a chemical sensitivity to the smell.
I am going to check out the HBOT.
I think it is so important to keep our eyes open to things other then lyme that can cause symptoms. This stuff is scary.
Thanks again for "listening". Time to get some fresh air...DW
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If you do HBOT, though, even for other reasons, because it can target lyme, a herxheimer reaction can occur. Be sure to be prepared. Talk first with LLMD if at all possible. If not, research steps you will need to take.
A LL ND would also likely offer help from various points. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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(She is NOT A LLMD, however, she understands the kind of toxicity issues faced by many with lyme. She did not have lyme but overcame very serious MCS. She spoke at the 2011 & 2012 annual ILADS conferences.) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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