Man made materials inside the body

Tim,

Surgery can cause GBS onset or flare ups and recurring GBS, the same is true for CIDP – many patients have had this happen to them. Have you heard a news ‘snippet’ recently that claimed that all the drinks and food we eat from plastic bottles and bags are causing all sorts of health problems over a period of time (specially in our children)? I wonder how true it is, and why the story almost dissapeared immediately :rolleyes:? The same with the problems teflon causes …….. If this these things cause problems just by staying in contact with our food and drink, imagine how much worse it must be once inserted or used to operate in someone’s body, specially those with autoimmune illnesses.

Hiya.

I’ve had two biopsies done in the past eighteen months, and except for having dissolvable stitches not dissolve but instead work their ways up and ulcerate the scars, I haven’t had any problems. 😮 But then I have a more progressive form of CIDP along with a couple of other autoimmune disorders, and have been on a slow downward spiral for two or three years.

Deb
London

Hey Tim,

I’m feeling WAY too lazy to retype this but here is a thread from the Adult-GBS forum regarding surgery and onset or worsening of symptoms…

[url]http://www.gbs-cidp.org/forums/showthread.php?p=63336#post63336[/url]

I know I’m not having surgery again unless I’m desperate!

Julie

Ohh yes! Right after my third child I had my tubes tied. They used metal clips instead of the old procedure they used to do. I kept telling the doctors that I felt like my body was trying to reject the clips and wanted them removed. But my insurance company refused doing a reversal and the cost back then I could not afford. I had major problems after that procedure. It later landed me to have a total hysterectomy. Kind of funny but after they got removed I noticed an improvement. So it is quite possible. My mother had cataract surgery and now has implants in both eyes. She now has to take steroid drops on a constant basis because her blood vessels get inflammed in the eye causing pain. So rejection with auto immune diseases I believe can happen!

I had Lumber Spinal Stenosis on my spine with 3 disk from a car accident. Had to have surgery on my spine and the surgery was a success. But 3 weeks after the surgery I had the massive attack on my nervous system. When it comes to that spine and the nerves around the spine. Let’s just say because of what just happened to me, I will never have spine surgery again!

Tim, certainly some interesting questions you have posed here. I had major surgery about 15 years ago and can’t recall anything unusual happening at the time. I did get another round of chronic hives, but that was about it. My residual symptoms really came to a head about 4-5 years ago, and I haven’t been able to tie them to anything in particular, although I would sure like to.

I have been really wondering what part stress in our life contributes to our symptoms. Certainly potential surgery and/or illness can cause us stress. Stress is now being connected to almost every thing including cancer. Any thoughts?

This is an excellent question! Remember, if “it” didn’t come with your “born body” then it is foreign. Usually “foreign” will cause inflammation but the medical community has learned how to deal with that ~ usually some form of steroid until the body accepts it. Sometimes the body encapsulates “it” with scar tissue (like an oyster does 😀 ) to lessen the irritation. It’s amazing what our bodies are good at adapting to. Then again, what do we really know about long-term issues??

A really good thread Tim, and it raises a new concern with me about having a port put in–with Ali’s comment, as I read it, I looked at the plastic bottle of water I am drinking, and I think yea, the ports are titanium or plastic, what I have researched so far and either way, I am concerned about the rejection factor, increased cidp symptoms(am overwhelmed with what I have), and the possibility of infection due to 8 years of being on immunosuppressants. Bring these concerns up with my doctors and they just look at me…..agree with all of you on the stress and thought about you and your traveling Tim that you have stress coming at you from every angle! Take care OK?
Emma

I’ve always been under the impression that our body does not react to certain metals, like titanium and gold. I don’t know why this should be so, must be because of the atomic structure.

I’m concerned about what you, Linda, said about your mother’s cataract surgery. I did not think about them implanting anything. I also have cataracts which continue to get worse. Eventually I will need an operation.

Norb-just called my sil and she just had cataracts removed-they were done two weeks apart. She got versed iv to relax her and then eye drops to numb the eye. An incision was made, then ultrasound to soften the cataract and it was then removed, and the lens implant was put in. She said she was awake the whole time as she had to focus on a light at different angles for whatever the surgeon was doing. Regarding the drops, there are three-a steroid, antibiotic and ? third one-takes all three 4 X d for one week, then done with the antibiotic after i week and continue the other two and decrease freq. to 3 X day for a week, then 2 X day, then 1 X day, then all done with the drops. Will only have to wear glasses for close up. And was able to drive the day after surgery. Hope this helps-you probably know some, but I thought I’d ask her all about it to give you an idea.
Emma

Thanks Emma, that was good information, never heard all the detail. My biggest concern is my immune system being compromised at this time until the B cells kick in again. I hope I can last until that happens.

I have seen several people get cataract surgery with no problems at all. My mom though had problems a month after having boths eyes done. She is now on constant steroid drops for her eyes. She does okay and see’s well but just get’s inflamed nerves. I think I would discuss this with the doctor before having it done. They may have different procedures or precautions for you.
I think many factors can trigger our immune systems. Stress, fatigue, colds, virus’s and sometimes the chemical preservatives that are in some foods we eat.
As much as I hate to say it, we live in a world of poisons. Pollution, chemicals on our foods, in our water supples. Even the air we breathe today has poisons. So many factors going on.
Did you know that one out of every 3 women will develop a certain Rheumatological disease such as Lupus, Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc. That not even mentioning those with the other diseases out there. I read that in an article a while back ago and said I wonder what the other 2 women out of 5 catch.

I had a total knee replacement in july of 2007, a titaniman metal replacemnt. In Sept 2007 i started having neurological symptoms and by Nov 2007 was dx with CIDP and in a wheelchair parttime and a walker full time.
For ten months have had various treatments with little success. Recently spent 8 days in the hospital for heart related issues, new sudden onset. Now on oxygen at home.
Will start evey other week plasmaphresis on Mon. Will get two treatments everyother week, may increase to three, will see how I respond.
Feeling fairly low at present as I am dependent on husband for all things.
CAn not drive, cook, or do anything by myslef.
I do not know if metal knee has anything to do with any of this and neitherdo the MD’s, they just say it is a possibility. I do know my life went from fully functioning, to almost bed bound in les than six weeks and have remained pretty much on that plateu.for the last ten months. So knoW IT CAN GET VERY DISCOURAGING.

Oh Beth, I am so sorry this has you on a downward cycle. I just wanted to send a huge hug and let you know I will be thinking about you and praying for some resolution to your issues. God Bless.

since being diagnosed in the spring of 2006, i have had three picc lines, a temp & perm cannon catheter for PPE, & two cardiac surgeries for tx of SVT. one picc line was only placed during my hospitalization, so it did not get infected nor did the temp PPE catheter (used for 5 tx’s).
however, two picc lines that i have had placed for my weekly ivig both became infected in a realatively short amt. of time. the first infection became systemic and i felt like death. the cannon catheter for PPE lasted for a month before it had became septic within the line and had to be pulled. so, it seems to me that my body does not like synthetic substances within it. i was very diligent about site care and keeping the site dry.
i also did not fair well either time after having cardiac ablations. i’m not sure how to explain my bodies response after both ablations, it was anything but normal.
anyhow, those are my experiences.
peace,
flower

Tim,

I have just seen the thread and can respond.

Gall Bladder removal this spring
Cervical neck fusion screws and plates 2004
Lumbar laminectomy 2002

Other mionor surgeries, nose opening, sural nerve biopsy, etc.

No problems for me. I did seem to be more numb right after surgery, but I recovered from that quickly.

I have tolerated my surgeries well.

Flower –

I don’t think your PICC lines became infected because of your body rejecting them. PICC lines are NOTORIOUS for becoming infected. You have to SUPER careful with them. Since your lines were infected in the actual tube that indicates that the infection came from outside the lines…such as when you were being hooked up to your meds or when the line was being flushed. That most often is caused when the cap isn’t cleaned thoroughly. I was told that it is not possible to have an actual in line infection come from within your body.

I was told that if your body was rejecting it then the infection would occur inside the body, most often where the line connects to the vein.

I know all of this because Emily had a Broviac catheter (tube hanging out of her chest) when she was 4. She had it for 5 months when we had a replacement nurse. 4 days after the nurse was there it became infected. They tested the germs & determined the nurse is a carrier. So infection like that can come from just about anywhere no matter how diligent you are with keeping the site clean, etc.

Also, most neurologists don’t want to put their CIDP patients under anesthesia. While your body is at rest the immune system can ramp up & start the attack all over again. That’s probably why you don’t feel well after having surgery. One of Emily’s dr’s wanted to put her under for some exploratory surgery & her neurologist refused to allow it.

I should also add that Emily has been put under anesthesia 8 times since she became ill. 3 of those times she was completely out…the others she was under “twilight”.

Hope that helps some,
Kelly

In 1984, I had my tubes tied and they used metal clips because of the new technology. I got sick right after that surgery!
1990, had a nerve biopsy and messing with my nerve in the leg caused me to be sick! Maybe the metal knife and needle they used! Possible!
1997 Total Hysterectomy. Metal Staples. Got sick!
2007 Lumbar Spinal Open Disectomy and metal was used then.
You want to hear a good one! I have to have B-12 shots using needles and they have metal. Been noticing this but never thought about it until today! Right after the needle. A few hours later, I was feeling like an ER visit! Weird wacky stuff going on! And when I go to get lab work done, I get bad off! One time I got so sick feeling that I had to pull over and just sit a while. Was fine when I went in but after that lab, I got sick!
I have seen people that can’t wear gold and they have an acid problem with the gold actually turning the gold brown and eating the gold away. Some people can’t wear cheap pierced earrings because it causes their ears to get infected.
Something that we all have in common here is getting labs and needles! Metal needles at that! Not really sure what kind of metal. It would be strange if we all had some kind of metal allergy. Children getting vaccines and some get severely sick afterwards while others don’t. So parents are blaming the vaccine. But maybe it’s the needle! The metals used for surgeries!
Ohh I could go on forever hear! But it’s logical! Very logical! That would explain the child getting GBS/CIDP, the Lupus Patient getting CIDP. Maybe it the metal used in the needles. Not the surgeries itself, but the metals being used. Allergy to metals!

Ali –

I recently read that the problem with plastic water bottles is when they are heated up. Apparently they release a compound chemical that is associated with making people sick…can’t remember the name of the chemical right now though.

The article said the problem arises when the water bottle is left in a hot car & then people drink the water.

I have friends who refuse to use plastic containers to warm their foods up in because of this concern.

Just thought I’d chime in.
Kelly

Kelly, what you read was wrong – see the following link.
[url]http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cookplastic.asp[/url]

ken

[QUOTE=Emily’s_mom]Ali –

I recently read that the problem with plastic water bottles is when they are heated up. Apparently they release a compound chemical that is associated with making people sick…can’t remember the name of the chemical right now though.

The article said the problem arises when the water bottle is left in a hot car & then people drink the water.

I have friends who refuse to use plastic containers to warm their foods up in because of this concern.

Just thought I’d chime in.
Kelly[/QUOTE]

Ken –

Hmmm that is interesting. It was all over the news here recently too. The news did an interview with a dr who said that it was a concern.

I know that Canada is taking steps to ban BPA in their baby bottles. I think they might be pushing for glass baby bottles now too.

Here’s a link if you are interested:

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/19/business/worldbusiness/19plastic.html?ref=Americas[/url]

I’m going to have to research this topic more thoroughly when I have some down time. I have a feeling that it is much debated & there’s probably a TON of interesting articles to read. In other words, it’s going to be alot of fun for me…I LOVE reading stuff like this.

Thanks for the clarification.
Kelly

Plastic bottles for babies over the years and I wonder how many mother’s have thrown the bottles in the microwave. Wonder if that too would cause problems? Interesting subjects here!

[QUOTE=Emily’s_mom]Flower –

I don’t think your PICC lines became infected because of your body rejecting them. PICC lines are NOTORIOUS for becoming infected. You have to SUPER careful with them. Since your lines were infected in the actual tube that indicates that the infection came from outside the lines…such as when you were being hooked up to your meds or when the line was being flushed. That most often is caused when the cap isn’t cleaned thoroughly. I was told that it is not possible to have an actual in line infection come from within your body.

I was told that if your body was rejecting it then the infection would occur inside the body, most often where the line connects to the vein.

I know all of this because Emily had a Broviac catheter (tube hanging out of her chest) when she was 4. She had it for 5 months when we had a replacement nurse. 4 days after the nurse was there it became infected. They tested the germs & determined the nurse is a carrier. So infection like that can come from just about anywhere no matter how diligent you are with keeping the site clean, etc.

Also, most neurologists don’t want to put their CIDP patients under anesthesia. While your body is at rest the immune system can ramp up & start the attack all over again. That’s probably why you don’t feel well after having surgery. One of Emily’s dr’s wanted to put her under for some exploratory surgery & her neurologist refused to allow it.

I should also add that Emily has been put under anesthesia 8 times since she became ill. 3 of those times she was completely out…the others she was under “twilight”.

Hope that helps some,
Kelly[/QUOTE]

All I can do is share my experience, strength, and hope. Take what you want and leave the rest, at least that is all I can do.
Hope that helps some,
Flower

I had an infusaport put in about a year after my GBS diagnoses adn havn’t had any problem. I am having it removed next week. I also had a breast biopsie done and didn’t have any problems. But remember, everyone is different.

Absolutely spot on Kelly. As a retired RN, body rejections are relatively rare. PICC lines indeed require scrupulous cleanliness–very hard to maintain that is why many doctors are reluctant to put them in. Infection risk is extremely high.
Laurel

[QUOTE=Emily’s_mom]Flower –

I don’t think your PICC lines became infected because of your body rejecting them. PICC lines are NOTORIOUS for becoming infected. You have to SUPER careful with them. Since your lines were infected in the actual tube that indicates that the infection came from outside the lines…such as when you were being hooked up to your meds or when the line was being flushed. That most often is caused when the cap isn’t cleaned thoroughly. I was told that it is not possible to have an actual in line infection come from within your body.

I was told that if your body was rejecting it then the infection would occur inside the body, most often where the line connects to the vein.

I know all of this because Emily had a Broviac catheter (tube hanging out of her chest) when she was 4. She had it for 5 months when we had a replacement nurse. 4 days after the nurse was there it became infected. They tested the germs & determined the nurse is a carrier. So infection like that can come from just about anywhere no matter how diligent you are with keeping the site clean, etc.

Also, most neurologists don’t want to put their CIDP patients under anesthesia. While your body is at rest the immune system can ramp up & start the attack all over again. That’s probably why you don’t feel well after having surgery. One of Emily’s dr’s wanted to put her under for some exploratory surgery & her neurologist refused to allow it.

I should also add that Emily has been put under anesthesia 8 times since she became ill. 3 of those times she was completely out…the others she was under “twilight”.

Hope that helps some,
Kelly[/QUOTE]

Yes we have had many newspaper articles recently in Canada about certain carcinogens being released from certain plastics. Health Canada is investigating and is soon to make a decision about whether to ban certain plastics. I know plastic baby bottles have been put on the list for parents to avoid. Recently the city of Vancouver has engaged in discussions about banning all plastic water bottles. But I believe it is one type of plastic that is of major concern. [url]http://www.ewg.org/node/25778[/url]
Laurel

[QUOTE=Emily’s_mom]Ali –

I recently read that the problem with plastic water bottles is when they are heated up. Apparently they release a compound chemical that is associated with making people sick…can’t remember the name of the chemical right now though.

The article said the problem arises when the water bottle is left in a hot car & then people drink the water.

I have friends who refuse to use plastic containers to warm their foods up in because of this concern.

Just thought I’d chime in.
Kelly[/QUOTE]

No wonder our cancer rates are so high. No telling what chemicals are being used on our stuff today. And I wonder how much stuff the FDA actually does not report too! As far as the plastic goes. Look at Tupperware products and plastic microwave dishes. Many of our frozen foods are served in plastic for microwave cooking. The list with plastic could go on and on! Interesting topic! Very interesting!