I'm new here and I'm asking for a little help.

[guinnesstony9671]

Hi there, my name is Tony. I worked for a company for 10 years and was assured that the benzene and naphthalene I worked with was at safe levels. After about four years of suffering bouts of fatigue I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and was prescribed Levothyroxine at 100 mgms. This helped for a short period of time but the tiredness/fatigue returned. I was also suffering from sleep problems and never woke refreshed. Over the next couple of years a kind of brain fog developed which made life very difficult. After several more trips to my GP who was very sympathetic tried more blood tests. My white blood cell count was reduced, mean blood cell volume was at the top of the range, red blood cell count was below range, mean HG was above range, red blood cell distribution was at lower end of range, neutrophil count above range, monocycle count was reduced, lymphocyte count was increased, my serum urea/sodium/potassium were all increased, my liver bilirubin and alanine were reduced but my alkaline/gamma/albumen have all increased and my serum TSH level had increased. After more consultation with my GP I was referred to a centre for Clinical Infection, the first thing the doctor stated was that blood tests were not reliable. At this time I was also having a peculiar reaction to food whenever I had a large meal I fell asleep within minutes the doctor said I would need to speak to someone else about that, so I did not have any diagnosis or conclusion to this visit. I was also suffering from huge mouth ulcers and blisters on the heel of my feet which took months to heal. Old ailments returned such as eczema and conjunctivitis which I had not suffered from in 20 years. I continued working for the company and raised my concerns even pointing out that my lung function had deteriorated while working at the site. They said I was wrong. I carried out some of my own tests and they were beyond consent limits. I have since been made redundant but still suffer from these ailments and have also been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. I'm sorry if this is a bit long and probably dull, but I now have a question, does anyone know of any blood tests I could have taken privately or a consultation with a doctor to determine what has happened to my immune system?

Thank you all for your time and consideration.

Tony I've included a photo of the type of environment we worked in.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Tony, I can't help with suggesting blood tests or a doctor but are you in the UK?

I've had a very quick Google and different countries will have their own regulations but I found this for Benzine (which is as far as I got):

"Exposure Routes:

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms;

irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory system; dizziness; headache, nausea, staggered gait; anorexia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); dermatitis; bone marrow depression; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Target Organs:

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, blood, central nervous system, bone marrow

Cancer Site:

[leukemia]"

So no wonder your lung function has deteriorated amongst other things.

Have you done any research into everything you've been exposed to? I would do plenty, make notes of all dangers, warnings, recommendations for people working with these substances, list how you have been affected.

You obviously need to find a specialist doctor who understands these things and knows which tests to carry out and can tell you if your problems are caused by exposure.

And it may be that you need a good lawyer too.

[guinnesstony9671 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi there SeasideSusie,

Many thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm based in the UK I have plenty of photos and some videos of the exposure but the company is based in the US so my problem as you suggested is to find a specialist doctor. My own GP has been sympathetic but I think I may need to see someone in a private capacity who specialises in this type of work.. Thanks for the advice.

Best wishes,

Tony.

[greygoose]

So, are you still taking 100 mcg levo? Was your dose never raised?

[guinnesstony9671 in reply to greygoose]

Hi there greygoose,

Thank you for the reply. No the levo was never increased, and to be honest I never thought of asking my GP for a stronger dose. With the other ailments I've lost track a little.

Best wishes,

Tony

[greygoose in reply to guinnesstony9671]

I think it would be a very good idea if you went back to your GP and asked for a thyroid test. You'll probably find that your TSH is slightly raised, now, and that you need an increase in dose.

Ideally, you should always get tested six weeks after starting a dose and increase by 25 mcg. You then continue like that until all your symptoms are gone.

[guinnesstony9671]

Hi greygoose,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'll take your advice and visit my GP for a further test.

Thanks again,

best wishes,

Tony