Gulf War Illness - Another Discussion Forum - 2005
Are there similarities between what happened to the Exxon Valdez Oil spill cleanup workers
and the Gulf War Syndrome' vets?
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WELCOME! Are there similarities between the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup chemicals & what happened to those workers with known exposure to the cleanup chemicals ... & what happened to the 'gulf war syndrome' vet? |
Corrected posts - January, 2004
| 12-25-03 Thank you for this information,
I'll be reading up on more of it; But did share this information with them: Are we poisoning our own? It is really hard to believe that a chemical we use in a lot of things can cause all the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. Please look at this information. If this IS true, 'Gulf War Syndrome' is NOT over. Also - Looking for 2 Navy reports: 1994 on JP-5 (Navy Jet Fuel) and one on the 1996 experiment carried out by the NAVY off the Coast of
Washington. gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000036.html 1-16-04 Docs need to overview the BROAD picture. Isn't it true that vets don't have some one thing and others others? That you have most all of the symptoms each of you?This is what I would expect to see valdezlink.com/scenario.htm You need to help the docs. Fill out your own exposure to chemical response list: valdezlink.com/pages/too_much_chemicals.htm and before you select your doctor inquire thru the nurse whether or not he/she is open to working with specialists in other fields? Would they allow you to get some extra testing on your blood, etc. Reviewed by a hematologist? Helps in selecting a doctor .valdezlink.com/gwv/gwh_doctor.htm 1-16-04 Boy there is a lot here!Just a couple of mini comments. Be involved in your own health care. If you feel worse after taking a medication, see if the medication is essential, and if not, skip it. Eyes? Blurry vision? Sensitive to light? Please have eyesight checked by an ophthalmologist. There is concern for holes in retina and eventually being declared 'legally blind' Same symptoms as spouse. The is such a thing as second hand solvent exposure - not contagious, but 2nd handedly exposed. Note this study valdezlink.com/solvent_studies.htm#storyJust last week we had our town chiropractor die of melanoma liver cancer. In 1992 he had survived melanoma eye cancer. My theory is that he had a lot of contact in 1989 with those of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup: cheek to cheek (breathing same breath) and skin to skin in doing his profession. If they tested enough in the blood, they could know for sure; but I don't know of anyone who has had the thorough blood info checked ... because docs don't know that they should be looking there. valdezlink.com/pages/complete_blood_check.htm1-15-04 That does sound odd. With the chemical I've studied (that VA should, since troops were exposed to it) valdezlink.com/same.htm there is often leathery (defatted) skin that dermatologists don't know what to do for it, or what caused it.Remember, most doctors are not toxicologists and they don't study chemical exposures and their effects. Hoping you have a doctor that will go the 'extra mile' or refer you on. A hematologist and an endocrinologist would be important specialists to involve, if possible. What cancers are known among 'Gulf War Syndrome' vets? some helps? valdezlink.com/pages/changes.htm posted January 15, 2004: Robert, Don't worry about loosing 50 lbs to fit into the brain scanner machine - When it is all said and done, doctors will still say Gulf War Syndrome is just post traumatic stress disorder - even if brain waves look different. There have been plenty of lists developed by VA study groups as to what the Central Nervous System damage shows. valdezlink.com/gwv/gw_51symptoms.htm For instance, this is what harmed one of our Gulf War vets more valdezlink.com/gwv/chad_shares.htm#chad This focusing on trying to help the central nervous system damage ... hurt him more. And as you can see by reading his comments, REALLY hurt him. Could be that the headaches are from endocrine disruption, in the first place, and can't be helped by such a procedure. valdezlink.com/gwv/complete.htm#endocrineThis whole problem is like a multi-faceted diamond. So you have to look at the whole picture, and even the studies only seem to focus on one thing. I still say that the etheylene glycol ethers are the main culprit. Troops have been exposed then and in ordinary life, too; CDC and VA must jointly study 2-butoxyethanol or they are missing it. Note in the Gulf War and Health, Vol 2 that came out in February, 2003 that 2-butoxyethanol and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are listed as solvents the troops were exposed to: valdezlink.com/gwv/media/Gulf_War.pdf I have written the Dept of Defense over a month ago to find what they KNOW the exposures are to these. I am still waiting. Besides whatever they know, you can add to that JP-5 jet fuel and certain pesticides sprayed to secure the living and work area of troops (why rear echelon troops express more symptoms than front line soldiers) and repetitive gun cleaning is NOT safe with the cleaning compound they used. The USA doesn't even know that!The real biomarkers are what is different in your blood; can't blame that on post traumatic stress disorder. But so far, the blood as not been studied in depth. Therein would like the answers you seek; I feel certain. Use good eating habits, etc., by the way valdezlink.com/pages/changes.htm You can help yourself more that way than any other; medications, even, are not a cure-all.Overview this list - See if it makes sense: valdezlink.com/pages/ask.htmAll the best! posted January 15, 2004:Sounds like a combination of two things ... elevated blood sugar that looks like regular diabetes, may, however, be a symptom of endocrine disruption (which pesticides are known to do) valdezlink.com/gwv/complete.htm#endocrine The other would be to check kidney function; doesn't that sound like a symptom of kidney. Another thing that the eythylene glycol ethers do is to cause kidney damage (even failure) and liver damage; but blood damage first. Ask the doctors how your blood is doing valdezlink.com/pages/computer_car.htm#bloodIf you saw the doctor today; it probably isn't too late to ask for some of these extra tests with the blood sample they just took. posted January 16, 2004:Did you know that jet fuel was added to the dioxin mix during the Vietnam war? I just learned that recently valdezlink.com/pf/jetfuel-5.htm#col I suspect JP-5 of having the chemical of concern or some 'pesticide' It is labeled as a pesticide, believe it or not. Yes, abnormal blood sugar (high or low) is part of endocrine disruption which is what I believe Gulf War Syndrome vets are dealing with valdezlink.com/evos/health_changes.htm valdezlink.com/scenario.htm valdezlink.com/gwv/complete.htm#endocrineMy question, "If high blood sugar and high blood pressure are a result of a chemical exposure that causes endocrine disruption, is it treated in a different manner? Is there an non-difficult way to test for bone cancer? What are the symptoms, medically? posted January 17, 2004:I say get a second opinion! In fact, see a urologist & for the mass in testes - A biopsy! Don't delay This neurosurgeon is in WA DC, I believe. He beat prostate cancer & said he wanted to help in future using less cutting and radiating. Dr. Ben Carson would be a good man to have on your team! valdezlink.com/pages/drbencarson.htm posted January 29, 2004:Quote: "I would like to see it done here on Earth." Me too Hello all Back pain (that is sometimes indication of kidney problems isn't it?) Pain in the back of the head/neck? Could that be where the pituitary is? I've gathered some info on the headaches from your group and the EVOS group who may have both been affected by this solvent/pesticide/poison Consider this research I suggest asking your doctor for the kidney and liver function tests along with the 'retic' ratio and comments of a lab tech on the red blood cells next time you have a blood test ... or especially if you have the multiple symptoms that this chemical causes (pretty much what's become known as 'gulf war syndrome' symptoms) If all doctors would routinely check these for anyone with unexplained fatigue, this whole issue could have been accurately diagnosed 50 years ago; however, still the secondary symptoms are getting all the blame/credit. PS Gale, is it true they are connecting dioxin to diabetes? One of the Patriots shared with me that military in Viet Nam days mixed Jet Fuel 5 with dioxin so that it would stick on the leaves. I have a theory that Jet Fuels may have the same chemical of concern I have studied: ethylene glycol monobutyl ether Pesticides cause endocrine disruption. Gulf War Troops have been exposed to (2-butoxyethanol and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) These were tested by EPA for it. These are listed as solvents the Gulf War Troops 1990-1991 were exposed to
Oh, well, maybe the cat can help?
From what I've read, it doesn't sound like there is anything that can be done for Central Nervous System damage Going to whole foods and leaving out the junk foods, etc is one of the best helps, believe it or not! valdezlink.com/changes.htm I've gathered up some helps ... some just common sense; but they will help someone harmed by chemicals more than adding chemicals (even medications should be limited for these, if possible) These are offered in the way of suggestions - not everything is a 'for sure' What did you do in the Navy? The Seabees of 1990-1991 were the hardest hit by gulf war syndrome, as a group; however, other branches of the service have the same even during other time periods. I replied today to a State Health Dept and also to CDC http://www.valdezlink.com/indiana_health.htm Also, for general info, look at some posts in this forum www.valdezlink.com/gwv/1-5.htm posted January 15, 2004:Thank you for sharing. This is very helpful. What detergents were you using to clean with? JP-4 valdezlink.com/jp4.htm as well as JP-5 are registered as pesticides with EPA I think that they may have had a stong component of the chemical I've studied, 2-butoxyethanol. I note some of the hazard warnings for it in JP-4 and JP-5 Truthfully, I feel the govt has been hoodwinked by the chemical companies who don't care about human life as long as they make a profit. You wouldn't know any of the Navy in Valdez in 1989 would you? valdezlink.com/why_was_navy.htm posted February 10, 2004:quote: Because I see on the MSDS on JP-4 the term 'defatting' and the very same disclaimer that was used on Corexit 9527 that same year - and because certain jet fuels have an EPA pesticide number, I suspect 2-butoxyethanol, but I don't know for sure. Did you notice anything different? ... any symptoms of not feeling well right after that? ... or when did you? Says a Navy man in aviation ordnance "During the gulf war with the hard conditions of the desert. The Army and Marines switched over all of there vehicles to use JP-5 because of the hi paraffin compound (WAX). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp121-c3.pdf To help fight the desert sands in the internal parts of their engines, and they did this with no real studies of the long term health effects of JP-5. (Fuel for Navy jets) Report done in 1994; retired this fuel in 1996 - and went to JP-8" (which is not listed as a pesticide) Can anyone get a copy of this report?! I would like to have it, but can't find it. Navy jet fuels JP-3, JP-4, JP-5 and JP-6 declare pesticide ingredient USEPA/OPP PC Code: 063515 (This will affect military personnel before and after the Gulf War time period.) Here are comments from another Navy man -same job- who served on the USS Independence, 1992 valdezlink.com/unsafe.htm#cisero Says Gulf War Vet Chad Pagel of Indiana: "I know we used JP-5 to burn the the human feaces (outhouse type stuff) a detail would have to pour it in and catch it on fire and stir it all up until it burned down. They said it was jet fuel." (Those detailed for this job would have been lower enlisted - mostly E-4 and below) I suspect 2-butoxyethanol - Look for effects here I asked a Product Developer, "Can 2-butoxyethanol be in a
product and not named?" It could be simply a function of the nervous system, couldn't it? Or does it just show up sometimes? If the latter, is it after taking medications or the like? Maybe your body is reacting & saying "I'm maxed out - No more chemicals!" I heard of this symptom from a lady who had just taken a chemo treatment. So in her case, it was her body's responding to too much chemicals. I believe it is also on the list of how our body might react to too much chemical of some kind - (general) If it is from a chemical you were exposed to in the ethylene glycol ether family, which is what I talk on - you want to be sure not to add more of that kind of exposure to your daily life, either. Be careful ALWAYS but especially if you suspect your have had too much of THOSE! It is very hard to diagnose, so we shouldn't be so hard on the doctors. Here are some helps Signs of too much chemical exposure Use
this as a worksheet Fax it to doctor's nurse prior to your next apt. and if you have enough symptoms ask for the 'retic ratio' and comments of the lab tech on your red blood cells. Send ahead this short list First you have to get your doctor's attention. The MDs in this nation have been led to believe that 2-butoxyethanol and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are not harmful. I think it is important to educate the general public, for they are at very serious risk for harm from these chemicals, and you guessed it, they have no idea I have a 'back up' copy of this thread, if you find it helpful - I do believe the general public is affected in the same way as some gulf war vets (those whose symptoms are from 2-butoxyethanol). I would certainly have this lady check into it, because she has so many symptoms. posted January 15, 2004:I really feel for you. Children are so precious; it isn't fair that this should harm them, too, and all the hurt to everyone in the family. valdezlink.com/sorry_about.htm There is a chemical in the ethylene glycol ether family that troops were exposed to and it causes symptoms like you share; and it has not been studied. Here are thoughts I shared today on another forum valdezlink.com/gwv/indianahealth.htmBlood is affected first and it continues to affect the blood; I wonder if any vets have had the Retic ratio checked and an in detailed look at the blood, including comments of a lab tech on the red blood cells? Do you have the info on this already in your health records? (I doubt it) valdezlink.com/pages/acute-hematology-overview.htm Check yourself out, and if there is merit to this theory, lobby CDC for a proper study. These chemicals harm many, many and they should be banned. Until CDC says so, it will be business as usual. Actually there are enough studies out now to not use them, but until there is a public outcry & the Legislature steps in to ban them, it will be a blight on our world. valdezlink.com/same.htm Welcome, Irish, Sometimes these systems take a little getting used to! Say, please share what you did in the war. Or anything you feel comfortable in sharing. The gulf war syndrome seems to have as one of its conditions Central Nervous System damage. Best thing that can be done is to stay off medications unless they are absolutely essential. Talk it over with your doctor. But if you could use some good health suggestions, see if there is some help gathered here: http://www.valdezlink.com/changes.htm January 16, 2004:According to this website http://www.dbsalliance.org/ manic depression is also known as bipolar disorder. So it appears you are right. Maybe there are fine line differences. As to the diagnosis in the Central Nervous System area, it probably doesn't matter exactly what it is called; the point is, Gulf War Syndrome vets have CNS and a lot more, too.
I have two children, both born a few yrs after I returned for the
desert, both have illnesses mentioned as side-affects. One is very
serious. My son has a very serious heart condition that has been
mentioned in a few articles of the stars and stripes as illnesses that
offsprings might have. My question is: "How do I make a connection
to the military for his treatment?" Mother Margaret: One of the best ways is to show that you are not alone, and that this is a side effect of others in your group, too. Have you kept in touch with some? Are there others that you know of that have been written about? Here is an example from among the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup workers. Her daughter has had 2 heart operations, and by the time she is 12 she will need a very serious heart operation www.valdezlink.com/evos/other_health_concerns.htm Gale: gulfwarvets.com/protocol.htm Gulf War Syndrome FMS/ CFS & ALS: By George Nadzan & one of the latest research
reports from the VA: You are getting lots of good information here. Make sure that the doctors are looking at the whole picture, for the
best help. The need for o2 may also be due to red blood cell damage. It signals its presence by an overwhelming exhaustion; the literature about 2-butoxyethanol states that it causes hemolytic anemia. (and more valdezlink.com/acute.htm) This chemical was used in abundance in the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup products: Inipol EAP 22 and Corexit, that's for sure. The Gulf War troops were exposed to 2-butoxyethanol and 2-(2-butoxyethanol) which the EVOS workers were NOT exposed to; it is documented. But was it too much exposure? That is the question. Doctors don't usually check enough to find it when it is from chemical damage, though. One top oncologist in trying to find the cause of one EVOS worker's low red blood cell anemia did a colonoscopy to check for internal bleeding (NONE), and bone marrow test, and a lymph node biopsy all to no avail. One doctor wouldn't even look at the information on the chemical when
one worker from EVOS shared she was exposed to it. In fact the blood lab
technician told this worker there was more going on in her blood than
she was at liberty to share with her ... Because the doctor didn't order
it. Maybe a hematologist would be a help here? The EVOS workers are having difficulty getting the hemolytic anemia diagnosed. Their red blood cell count often comes in borderline normal, and the doctor says that's OK With this ethylene glycol ether the blood damage is immediate, and it
does not go away. It underlies all other medical problems: whatever type
of dermatitis, whatever type of Central Nervous System damage, kidney
problems, liver problems, endocrine problems, etc (which it causes, too)
Enlarged & ulcerated spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, testes, heart
... part of what this chemical does all by itself. You can compare what happened to these workers who had no other choices as to what harmed them: 2-butoxyethanol (also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) valdezlink.com/evos/workers_etc.htm That's all I have to say. If someone gets an accurate diagnosis on this type of blood-oxygen problem, please let me know. A rough check list might help valdezlink.com/pages/ask.htm and for workers who were exposed to too much 2-butoxyethanol but afraid to get it checked out: valdezlink.com/evos/no_fear.htm For those interested in more info on 2-butoxyethanol posted January 23, 2004:It is becoming a trend, to think that gulf war vets were no more harmed than the general population. Some of my thoughts ... after similar articles and a CARTOON! How to tell if you were harmed by benzene in oil Each chemical has a slightly different 'biomarker' ... what distinguishes it from what other chemicals do. For those who were harmed by 2-butoxyethanol or ethylene glycol ethers - what you will notice Were some exposed to this chemical during THAT oil spill cleanup? Such as Navy ships that housed cleanup crews... Such as military who volunteered to clean the oiled birds? and any who got in the way of the experimental chemical by the Austin, TX company working with the Saudi University? What Navy ships were stationed there then? How did they make their water when there was oil everywhere? Even if they were stationed a ways out, could chemicals of cleanup have gotten into the water they were making? Has
the water been tested for this chemical? I've thought about how you must feel, not being a vet myself, but understanding your sentiments. I, however, believe our anger should be vented toward the chemical companies that pawn off hazardous chemicals as A-OK and as long as they are making money, they don't care who gets hurt. If the government had any idea, I have no doubt that they would ban these chemicals PRONTO and that is exactly what I believe WILL happen if enough vets & USA citizens start getting an accurate diagnosis for ethylene glycol ether poisonings ... and if the medical profession starts paying attention to the real 'culprit' Did you know that it was this current administration that had the Pentagon admit for the FIRST time ever that the 1960's military were exposed to radiation when atom bombs were tested in the Pacific. If our President knew what has happened with this chemical there would be some accountability of that I have no doubt.
valdezlink.com/pages/sperm_in_news.htm I located sources since I posted this, and it is confirmed in several places ... relating many times to pesticide effect (ethylene glycol ethers are pesticides AND poisons; researchers wouldn't think to check them in particular, either)
Lets get the rest of the diagnosis Can you get the liver and kidney function and the Retic ratio and comments on red blood cells; I believe the blood has the rest of the story: central nervous system may be only one expression of the harm to you. I must share that Staff Sgt James Alford is not an isolated case. Any his neurological diagnosis, I believe, may only be one facet of the true diagnosis. Doesn't the article say that he was having difficulty remembering, etc BEFORE he went to Afghanistan?
I really do not sleep well at all. When I do sleep well, I still feel
tired. I might even feel worse then if I did not get a good sleep. When I
wake up I usually feel like a mack truck smacked into me or like when
you drank alot and you have that hang over the next day. I have taken
pills nyqiaul anything to get me to sleep but no luck. I will lay in bed
most of the night rolling from one side to the other trying to sleep. It
is tearing me up. On top of all that I have these weird dreams that wake
me up as well cause they feel so real. I have no remedy and I am getting
tired of taking pills .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mother Margaret: That's what I thought; it was a symptom shared by one severely harmed by this chemical (no doubt) of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup. If we can pinpoint this as a primary symptom of harm to your group, too, maybe together we can get the right help. Most medications would likely do more harm than good ... if you're already maxed out on too much of a chemical. Robert: My sleep study last summer recorded 9 minutes of REM sleep. I have also been disgnosed with "Unsopecified Sleep Disturbances" in which I filed a claim under undiagnosed illness. Mother Margaret: posted January 30, 2004Eyes, do you remember a time when they felt like hot pokers were in your eyes, they were watering and burning? and after that your urine turned dark, and you were oh, so TIRED? Dry eyes? hmm ... that is a primary route of entry for the ethylene glycol ether; and it does dry skin, too; (on the skin, it makes a 'leathery' skin & dermatologists seem to have no help for it. Have you had eyes examined by an ophthalmologist? On the paranoid feelings, Go easy on yourself; what you describe is something that you can live with; and I hope your family understands (usually they don't know what you're dealing with & think you can be better) Forgive them. I hope it is OK with Mark, but I'm working on a look at the 'big' picture of what all you deal with; and some of his posts were helpful.
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