my daughter is 28 she is an embalmer she has severe pain in feet and hips fingers etc.had flu signs about 6 weeks ago pain of joints did not stop. would formaldehyde have anything to do with it. she has tried three inflamation medicines pain medicine muscle relaxers nothing is helping
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Dear pagejean
Thanks for your question and welcome!
Embalmers take care to be very well protected from the formaldehyde that they use for embalming purposes but exposure can happen, of course. Embalmers come into contact with body fluids and hazardous chemicals and signs of exposure (to formaldehyde) include skin rashes, trouble breathing, dizziness and swelling as well as sore throat and sinus infections, but the symptoms tend to be of a respiratory nature, as well as affecting the skin. However, the central nervous system can also be affected and her symptoms could be indicative of some kind of chemical exposure.
But your daughter's symptoms could be attributed to any number of things from chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis or influenza or an underlying condition she's unaware of. Hopefully it can be treated easily but if she has had these symptoms for 6 weeks now without respite, she needs to see a health care provider for further testing. The sooner one gets a diagnosis, the better treatment will work.
Please encourage her to make and appointment and thank you for looking out for your daughter! Will you keep us updated?
November 9, 2009 - 2:14pmThis Comment