Its time to get down, dirty and personal for a quick minute here on the blog. Few know what the last 6 months or so have REALLY been like in the HJ household. On the outside, its been full of fun photo shoots, new design clients left and right, and more new and exciting opportunities than I could have ever imagined. On the inside, its been mornings struggling to get out of bed, days filled with dizzy spells and ear aches, and nights filled with migraines so terrible that I can’t sleep. I’ve had every blood text, CT scan, and exam you can imagine. Most tests came up completely normal. After daily tracking my symptoms for 1.5 months, the doctors concluded I had Miniere’s Disease, chronic but treatable. I started on medication in early June believing in my heart that this was the only culprit. Boy, was I wrong.
Things weren’t getting better as fast as I wanted them to. I thought I’d take a magic pill and *BOOM* all would be fixed. However, after my first month checkup, the doctor said it takes time to manage and I should look into things like dietary and lifestyle changes to help speed up the process.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. While visiting my parents at their new beach house, I suddenly noticed I felt drastically better (like 60-70% better) within a matter of a few days. I finally thought the medicine was starting to work. But within 12 hours of returning home I felt as sick as I did just before I left.
AND THEN IT HIT ME. All of these symptoms started right after we moved into our new apartment. Something IN MY OWN HOME was making me sick and ladies and gentlemen, this is what is in my air:
DIRTY ROTTEN MOLD. IN THE AIR IN MY HOME. THE AIR THAT I’VE BEEN BREATHING FOR 6 MONTHS.
And more than likely, culprit #2.
Needless to say, after doctors appointments, meeting with the complex manager, and inspections from the town’s health and housing departments, we been told that its unsafe to live in our own home. Since its in the air, everything is contaminated. EVERYTHING. We’re blessed at the fact that most of it can be decontaminated and moved into a new unit that is livable, safe and healthy. The bad part is that we’re living out of bags with family, friends, or hotels for the next several weeks until this all gets sorted out.
I’m sharing this tonight with all of you for 1 main reason. Trust your gut. I’d been saying for months how the apartment felt damp. The carpet, the couches, the sheets. But I kept brushing it off to the tradeoffs of living in a first floor apartment. I should have trusted my gut from the get go.
ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT. ALWAYS.
SIDE NOTE: To all of my photography and graphic design clients, most of you already know this situation is going on but if you have yet to hear from me this week please know that I’ll be in contact as soon as we get settled into my parents home (for at least next week).
wow heather! I am SO sorry you are going through this! Saying prayers for you for lots of health as you get back into cleaner air!
I am so sorry you are going through this! I agree about trusting your gut and I am glad you discovered the culprit so you can begin to heal.
OMG, I am so sorry to hear! Your situation is like Kirk’s on the Bachelorette…I know you watch…mold is horrific! Please let us know if there is anything we can do! -The “H” Fam
WOW!! That’s terrible! I guess there is some truth to all of the reports you see on the news. I’m praying for you guys. At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs!
Oh no, first Robyn, now you
Here’s to finding a safe home and regaining your health!
So sorry to hear this but super glad that you figured out what was going on and are managing to get it resolved. Sending you many blessings and a ton of healing energy!