Friday, January 04, 2008
I have questions and concerns. I'm a fine artist, and former graphic designer. Over the years I have used multiple chemicals while performing various tasks. I've used Mineral spirits, benzene, turpentine, oil based inks, and paints. When I was in college I noticed over time they seemed to effect me, so I switched to soy based products, and acrylics. after breaking a leg in 1993 I put on 60lbs., that I've never been able to get rid of, and developed, HBP, type II diabetes, and then heart disease, (I've had 4 heart attacks, congestive heart failure twice, and triple bypass surgery). When I had my first heart attack it was June 2003, 2 months after being diagnosed with diabetes. I went through 6 angioplastis, and 5 stents, prior to the triple by-pass. Could those chemicals have helped generate the problems I've had outside of the genetics involved? I was also exposed to machine shop chemicals, and magnesium for a few years while working through college also. I went to school off and on from 1977 to 1995. The oil based art products I used from 1973 until 1994. I'm now on 17 medications, 2 types of insulin, and work on acrylic paintings, (12 or so a year)., part time. When I was younger I used to paint 20 or more paintings a week. I have almost zero energy, sleep allot, but not straight through at any time, just lots of cat naps. The question is underlined. Thanks, Brian
Brian,
I'm an artist too. I did several paintings for a company where I was in a no ventilation area. I breathed mineral spirts for about a year. I developed fainting spells followed by heart failure. I have rythmic problems now and have a pace maker. I never had any heart trouble until just after this painting session. Although I'm okay, I'm trying to reverse this condition. I'm attempting some detox methods.