Chemical Exposure & Pregnancy Complications: A Patient's Story

Question
Dear Dr. Saleeby,

I will try to keep my question as brief as possible. In 2000 I was exposed to solvents over a period of 3 months. These solvents contained benzene, xylene and other harmful chemicals. The last exposure I left my place of employment with headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and sore throat. I was pregnant at the time with our fifth child and he was born prematurely due to the exposure and passed away 14 hours after birth. I was diagnosed with chemical rhinitus, reactive airway disease, hashimotos disease, severe migraine headaches along with nosebleeds. I have numerous neuropathies in my exremeties and muscle damage as well. I am on permanent disability and have been treated by numerous specialists. It seems my conditions are progressive and treatments are for my symptoms as I am told there is no one cure. I suffer daily with pain and my family has had to endure this with me as well. I recently heard of chelation and am looking for information on the subject of dedoxification. These chemicals I am told have a lasting effect on the body, almost as lead does, a leeching out effect and the body is stressed again and again. I was wondering if chelation would be a viable treatment and should I look into it for the future. If you could e-mail me any pertinant information so I may speak with my physician with some type of knowledge on the matter. I would appreciate your input and if you could e-mail me with any information that might be helpful. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Maureen Hayes  

Answer
Maureen,

Chelation therapy by the nature of the chelating agents used will only detoxify heavy metals.  Chelation agents such as EDTA, DMPS, DMSA and D-pen. are chemical structures that bind and excrete heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, As, etc.  For volatile solvents such as benzene, xylene etc. there are other ways to increase the antioxidants in your system and detoxify.  Most are dietary and supplement changes.  Adaptogen herbs are helpful with symptom relief.  I wrote a book that you may find helpful on the subject.  Wonder Herbs: A guide to Three Adaptogens is available at www.xlibris.com/wonderherbs.  Also if you wish for a telephone consultation with me visit www.saleeby.net for more information.

Regard,

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net