Fatigue - Caused by my home environment?

Posted by bobbiekc @bobbiekc, Feb 18, 2023

Dealing with fatigue, lack of energy for the past 2-3months. All testing ( blood, heart, stress, etc) are all negative. No answers for my condition. What did surprise me is that I went to some ones home for 10 days and felt 85% better. Now I believe my symptoms are related to my home. Within 24 hours of returning home all symptoms returned. I had the house checked for natural gas leak and CO2-. My house is only 12 years old and I have lived here for 9 years. Any advise, suggestions would be helpful as do not know what to do.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 18, 2023

Hello @bobbiekc, That must be troubling coming home and having your symptoms return after feeling better for 10 days when you were away. I've read about mold and other toxins that can cause health problems but haven't heard about fatigue symptoms. I did find this article that may provide some ideas to see if they help.

--- Sick House Syndrome: 11 Ways Your Home May Be Making You Ill:
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/sick-house-syndrome-11-ways-your-home-may-be-making-you-ill-48584.
One thing that amazed me was when we had the ducting in the house cleaned after 20 years. I couldn't believe how much dirt came out of the furnace and air ducts. Have you had the ducts cleaned?

bobbiekc | @bobbiekc | Feb 19, 2023

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @bobbiekc, That must be troubling coming home and having your symptoms return after feeling better..." + (show)

thank you - will read the article. Had the ducts cleaned a few years ago.

aimsez86 | @aimsez86 | Nov 5 7:53am

I too have experienced the same symptoms. No gas appliances, windows are drafty. Seems to be more noticeable when windows are closed. My boyfriend notices change too. Can't pinpoint the root cause.

single46mom | @single46mom | Nov 6 8:55am

If it was me, I would have my home tested for black mold. Praying you get to the root of the cause sooner than later.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 6 10:37am

In reply to @aimsez86 "I too have experienced the same symptoms. No gas appliances, windows are drafty. Seems to be..." + (show)

@aimsez86 First, I would look around for other culprits before I would jump to mold testing. The symptoms suggest it could be allergies (not all allergic reactions include runny nose and itchy eyes.)
There are many things in the home that can be irritants, and when you stop mixing fresh air with household air, these increase in concentration very quickly. Here are some obvious culprits - scented ANYTHING - detergents, household cleaners, personal care products, air fresheners, odors emanating from clothing after work, outdoor air pollution/smoke/pollen sneaking in, dust, emissions from an unvented dryer, bathroom or range hood (all should be vented out of the house), or ...

Try switching to unscented products, using a damp mop and cloth to dust frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with a (frequently changed or washed) HEPA filter to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, radiators and heat or cooling vents. Here are more suggestions from an allergist years ago - wash bedding and towels frequently in hot water and dry in a machine, remove as many "dust catchers" as possible - curtains, blinds, stuffed animals, decorative pillows. Wash or vacuum the remaining ones often.

Have you tried running a HEPA air purifier? We find it helps a great deal.

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