Concerns Regarding Toxic Exposure and Potential Brainstem Impact
I am a 48-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 198 pounds. I have a history of lithium toxicity at therapeutic levels, which has contributed to mitochondrial dysfunction, issues at the neuromuscular junction, cerebellar ataxia, and diabetes insipidus. As a result of my proximal myopathy stemming from mitochondrial and neuromuscular deficiencies, I experience weakness in my respiratory muscles. In addition, I encountered significant exposure to chlorine gas last October, leading to the development of reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS). Following my exposure to chlorine, I have experienced several unusual symptoms. I no longer sense ambient cold air; while I do feel cold when touched, I can step outside in 15°F weather wearing only light pajamas and feel comfortable. I also exhibit patchy pain insensitivity; for instance, after being bitten by a dog, I only felt a mild pressure. Furthermore, I have noticed some bulbar symptoms, including a tremor of the tongue and uncoordinated movements in my palate. My gag reflex and swallowing ability seem to be impaired, and I encounter irregularities in carbon dioxide levels, particularly during the night—my CO2 can rise to 55 before plummeting to 20 and then climbing back to 55, all within a 30-minute span. Additionally, I’ve experienced incontinence, while my lifelong, severe constipation has unexpectedly resolved, transforming my bowel movements from perhaps twice a month to daily, and stool tests have shown normal results. Research indicates that exposure to chlorine may harm mitochondria, leading me to believe that my existing mitochondrial dysfunction could be exacerbated. I suspect these symptoms may be linked to brainstem dysfunction, reflecting both neurological and autonomic issues. Despite numerous evaluations across various specialties, I am concerned that the overarching picture of my condition might be overlooked. Edit: Please note corrections made by autocorrect.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 9:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your symptoms following chlorine exposure, alongside your history of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular issues, are concerning and imply complex interactions involving neurological and autonomic dysfunction. Prioritizing symptom management and monitoring changes will be essential.
Explanation: Chlorine gas exposure can indeed lead to respiratory issues and may exacerbate underlying conditions like mitochondrial dysfunction. Symptoms such as altered sensitivity to temperature, pain insensitivity, bulbar symptoms (like tongue tremors), and respiratory irregularities underscore the potential effects on the central nervous system, including the brainstem, which regulates many automatic functions, including breathing and swallowing.
Your unique combination of symptoms, particularly the irregularities in CO2 levels and respiratory muscle weakness, require careful monitoring. Symptoms like incontinence and changes in bowel habits may also suggest neurological involvement, potentially linked to autonomic nervous system discrepancies. Since you have undergone various evaluations and still have concerns, continuous tracking of your symptoms is vital.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start maintaining a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency, intensity, and any triggers or changes over time. This will help in identifying patterns and discussing them with your healthcare providers more effectively.
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Respiratory Management: Given your history of reactive airway dysfunction, focus on avoiding known irritants and consider using a rescue inhaler or other supportive respiratory therapies as recommended by your healthcare provider. Regularly monitor your breathing patterns at different times of day.
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Neurological Review: Follow up with a neurologist specializing in autonomic dysfunction or mitochondrial diseases to ensure a thorough evaluation, particularly focusing on your bulbar symptoms and the potential impact on your autonomous systems.
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Pulmonary Function Tests: If not recently done, consider asking for comprehensive lung function tests to evaluate any decline or changes in lung capacity and function, especially if symptoms worsen.
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Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about research on chlorine exposure impacts and mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding this may help contextualize your symptoms and facilitate conversations with your medical team.
Please feel reassured that your concerns are valid, and continuously advocating for your health will be critical in navigating these complexities.
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