Questions: Edema/Mold/Crankiness

So I worked my part-time waitressing job this weekend (one 8hr shift) and noticed a few things.

1. Dizziness and weakness were a little better but I noticed about 2 hours after getting there, I started having the creepy crawlies/cold/traveling tingling up my spine. I realized I only seem to get that particular feeling when I'm there! I wonder if it's because my body is working harder than usual or if it could quite possibly be the building itself? I honestly don't feel that bad until I get there and then I usually have crawly/dizzy/vertigo problems....Could it be a possible mold exposure?

2. At the end of my shift, my legs were painfully swollen again. I have been taking potassium which helped with bloating/swelling, but the combo of abx and standing for so long took a toll on me. Not only does the swelling keep me from being able to walk, but it's like someone put clamps on my achilles tendons and I can't properly flex or extend my feet. Would compression socks help?

3. And, finally, we get to the crankiness. I know I'm overtired from only having one day off and working a 12hr day on Saturday (had to work day job too). But when I get overtired, I am a BEAST! I am so incredibly cranky and cynical and just angry and miserable. I feel like a 5 year old who missed a nap! Even before Lyme, when I was in the restaurant business full time, I was used to being tired but I don't recall being such a crankpot. I read that this could be a sign of Bart. Anyone else react to being tired in this way?

PeteZa said...
You are sick and your body is giving you signs. I get super cranky when I am sick and if you add in that I did not sleep well, I am horrible to be around.

I wish I knew what would help you, I just know that I could not be on my feet for even 6 hours.

I would not want to guess about a co-infection. Lyme is huge enough all alone to explain your misery.

I think when you get to work, you know that it is WORK and your body knows it is not going to be relaxing or taking nap. It tries to amp up for the work and that just makes your lyme go crazy.

I wish I had answers. I will definitely say a prayer for you.

Thanks PeteZa. You make a lot of sense! Maybe I am overdoing it when I work the part-time job. I just thought maybe it had something to do with the building itself. I have been feeling better since starting the abx again so it was weird to have the creepy crawlies, especially when I wasn't busy at the time. When it does get busy, I do start to react poorly (noise/light sensitivity, confusion, etc). Maybe my crankiness is still due to overdoing it; one day is not enough recovery time.

3HumpedCamel said...
Hi, pmm73. Have you ever checked for mold? There are definitely markers that can be checked to tell you if you're in active exposure. I have the multi-susceptible gene, meaning I will struggle with mold and post Lyme.... my mold markers have remained in the normal ranges, even with the summer green and tons of rain we are having this fall. Other markers are rising though, which is indicative of active infection.

It could be as simple as overdoing it which would be great because perhaps you can control that part better, but you can concretely check the other if things don't improve or that feeling at work persists.

Thanks 3HC. I'm not sure if it's a mold thing or what. I think I had mold allergies as a child. I just know that I don't get that specific feeling anywhere except in that particular building. What type of doctor would I see for that and what tests would I ask for?

You're right, Traveler. I think most of my "crankiness" is a reaction to realizing I can't move as fast, or think as fast, and then the noise sensitivity, the dim lighting, etc etc and then trying to recover from that and the muscle soreness the next day. The creepy crawly feeling is different than the one I sometimes get and usually happens an hour or so after being there, when I am not really working, per se, just setting up and waiting for customers. I can't figure that part out.

Oh my gosh...I never even thought about approaching them lol! I would probably just give up the job altogether if it is in fact something in the building. It could be anything - mold, air filters, cleaning supplies, etc etc It could also be the time of day or that I've already worked a full week and am running on less than empty (cause who with Lyme really operates on a full tank to begin with?). I don't work that job if I'm not feeling up to it, but, it's turning out that even when I think I am up to it, I still have the same reaction. It's discouraging because I like the job, the money, and the socialization.

The crankiness worries me, as it seems like it's rooted deeper, if that makes sense. I get such angry, ugly thoughts, I just don't feel like myself. Maybe it is a simple answer afterall: it's Lyme.

PS - glad to have you back, Traveler :)

Lol! I swear, my office has the most annoying phone ring in the entire world! It goes right through me...grrrr

Speaking of lyme brain....I seem to forget that, even though I've had severe symptoms for almost two years, technically, I'm only in my second month of treatment! Geez, I feel like such a fool now lol

pmm73 said...
So I worked my part-time waitressing job this weekend (one 8hr shift) and noticed a few things.

1. Dizziness and weakness were a little better but I noticed about 2 hours after getting there, I started having the creepy crawlies/cold/traveling tingling up my spine. I realized I only seem to get that particular feeling when I'm there! I wonder if it's because my body is working harder than usual or if it could quite possibly be the building itself? I honestly don't feel that bad until I get there and then I usually have crawly/dizzy/vertigo problems....Could it be a possible mold exposure?

I have the tingling/shivering up my spine (and sometimes all over my body) - and I know something 'stimulating' to my brain often triggers it...something exciting...or hearing a song I really like...etc.

Do you think maybe that is why it happened there? Could it be nervous system over-stimulation?

I'm still trying to figure mine out..because it's very 'un-nerving'

pmm73 said...

Girlie said...

pmm73 said...


I have the tingling/shivering up my spine (and sometimes all over my body) - and I know something 'stimulating' to my brain often triggers it...something exciting...or hearing a song I really like...etc.

Do you think maybe that is why it happened there? Could it be nervous system over-stimulation?

I'm still trying to figure mine out..because it's very 'un-nerving'

I honestly don't know! I've had the chills with the tingling in my spine and the anxiety tingling in my arms (usually if I get startled or upset); this is just different somehow in a way i can't figure out. I'm not working this weekend (yay)....maybe I'll go in for dinner and see if I get the crawlies lol

You'd have to also go to another restaurant to see if you get the crawlies there, too...otherwise we won't know...if you just get overstimulated in restaurants...or THAT restaurant...

Isn't this stuff just TOO MUCH?!!!?
People don't realize what we go through...it's not just 'regular' pain/symptoms...it's strange stu

oh...I probably did that....tried to erase my quote in your quote, so when you quoted, it probably got mixed up.

I'm late to the reply party... crazy work day today.... I guess I'm pretty fortunate as my LLMD is also a doc who does CIRS testing. He is totally an abx guy, which I am not an abx girl, but he works with me thru the herbs and UV treatments which i appreciate. I can keep up on testing and we can check markers, etc.

www.survivingmold.com has doctors who follow the Dr. Shoemaker protocol. That site lists the types of blood work and a link to the VCS eye test (which is a great indicator of an issue ... and cheap!)

3hump