Replies

1. 
   BArnold | Sep 20, 2004 02:55pm | #1

   CC,

   There is a long list of woods and wood dust to which people react in varying ways.  For instance, I love working with black walnut but will experience sinus congestion if I don't wear a mask.  EVen with a mask, there is some discomfort.  I've also worked with a lot of makore at a commercial shop and it can be very toxic to some people, although my reaction was less severe.  So far, I've been able to take care of most of the congestion with over-the-counter medications, but I did require prescriptions earlier this year -- one of the joys of working with wood! <grin>

   The link below contains some good information regarding this issue:

   http://www.riparia.org/toxic_woods.htm

   Regards,

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

   ---

2. 
   Pondfish | Sep 20, 2004 04:59pm | #2

   I hope that this is too obvious, and that you've already done it...but be sure to see a physician regarding these symptoms.  Fungal infections are serious and can be deadly.  They can also be missed since they take longer to culture than bacteria.

   Hope your health returns soon,

   Paul

3. 
   forestgirl | Sep 20, 2004 06:32pm | #3

   CC, please go to the doctor.  Spalted wood, which I love by the way, is nasty nasty stuff to be getting into your lungs.  If you're having symptoms, get a medical evaluation.

   There was a good post on this topic from a physician, but I've searched and searched and can't seem to hit the right key words to find it. 

   Once you get your eval, feel better and want to work some spalted wood again, be sure and wear a respirator (and, IMO, long sleeves), have your dust collection working well, before firing up the saw(s). 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   Michmesquite | Sep 21, 2004 12:08am | #4

   Get a referral to a PULMONOLGIST and when the receptionist says it will take 6 weeks to see him/her tell her you have a fungal lung infection and describe your symptons.

   Please do not wait.

   _________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell 

1. 
   docotter | Sep 22, 2004 05:55am | #5

   Doctors shouldn't diagnose themselves. Neither should you. Explain your concerns to your primary physician. You and your primary may either elect to refer you directly, start a workup and possibly treatment and then refer you, or work you up and treat you without a referral. Even if you get a referral, hopefully your primary will start the workup -- that should get you to resolution more quickly.

   If you get a referral, get your primary's office to schedule you. They should be able to get you appropriately expedited. It would be best to bring copies of any lab results ordered by your primary with you. Failing that, at least make sure that they're sent to the pulmonologist prior to your initial appointment. If you don't you're likely to get another set ordered by the pulmonologist.

   You may *only* have pneumonia, but that can kill you too. Go see your doc ASAP.

   Good luck -- get well soon.