... I have now totally sealed the tarp using duct tape, and I spent a nice peaceful uneventful night. I am still a little drawn after two miserable days, but feeling much better.
I'm going to make three cuts in the top portion of the tarp, which is over the lid and then fold the new flap back so that my wife can open the lid and do the laundry, without my presence in our home. I'm going to duct tape a larger piece of tarp over the flap, so my wife, without my help, can lower the lid and then lower the enlarged flap down on top of the washer, where it should be much easier to seal. She would then open the windows in our place and air it out before I come back in.
I haven't worked out how best to seal the enlarged flap, but it should be a lot easier than having to use numerous binder clips on larger, harder to reach portions of the tarp.
It worked. I cut the tarp, and made a flap over the lid to the washing machine. I used two flattened down tarps, somewhat larger than the cover flap, that we use to place on top of the washing machine after the washing is done. It's easy to use. My wife can now do the wash, seal the top, air out our place, all without having to worry about causing me health problems. Problem Solved!
I am now convinced that I do not have Environmental Illness. What I have are allergies and Asthma, period! The synthetic steroids do wonders at keeping Asthmatic and Allergic Rhinitis symptoms under control and somewhat milder. But, unfortunately, the Neuro-Hormonal and Immune Systems still pour out excess chemicals into one's body. It's these extra Hormones and Cytokines that make allergy sufferers, aka: Chemically Sensitive People, so deathly ill.
If you click on the small picture, or right click and select "a new window or tab", then you can see a full screen picture.
I have since cut a flap in the top so that my wife can open the lid, wash the clothes, and then reseal the flap. We also have to air out the place after doing the wash for several hours, depending upon the outside breeze.
I would love to replace the washing machine with a different model, but there is no guarantee that the new one would not come with the same types of toxic problems.
Think about it though, if I get so deathly ill from exposure to the new plastics, rubbers, microfibers, etc, what about others who are suffering with unexplained immune system problems, such a fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, etc.? I can't be the only one in this world like this, can I?!
I would love to replace the washing machine with a different model, but there is no guarantee that the new one would not come with the same types of toxic problems.
Ho Haaaaaa! After two years of having to schedule our laundry washing days, and having to air out our place for about an hour each time my wife did the laundry, I finally found a solution!
I had the washing machine placed out in the Florida Room, on the opposite wall to the laundry room. I created a hole through the wall and connected the water input hose and the water drain exhaust through the wall. I then made sure that there would be absolutely no chance that the gases from the washing machine would seep through the opening in the wall.
It worked, it worked, it worked, it worked, IT WORKED!!!
She can do the laundry any time she wants. It is such a pleasure not to have to worry about getting deathly ill from a tiny leak in the washing machine outgasing, or of having a bad reaction! What a relief!
I am pleased as punch that you are able to use the machine without it making you ill and inconvenienced! What a relief that must be!
Washing machines have become an important part of our modern lives. I could wash a few light-weight items in the sink if I had to, but I hate the thought of washing my jeans and bed linens by hand. (And I'm sure your wife has similar thoughts. )
So now you have this wonderful modern appliance back again, AND you can relax while it's in use! Yayyyy!!!
I am pleased as punch that you are able to use the machine without it making you ill and inconvenienced! What a relief that must be!
Tis wonderful! Sherry did a couple of loads today without having to plan around my stupid, insidious health problems. It not only makes life easier for her, it takes a load of guilt off me.
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So now you have this wonderful modern appliance back again, AND you can relax while it's in use! Yayyyy!!!
Relax? Have you ever noticed that, after one problem is solved, another stupid problem raises itself up and into your lives?
All of a sudden, while we were watching TV in the living room of our Mobile Home, we started getting an onslaught of FLIES! Flies!!! Why?
Something must have crawled under our floor and died. We traced the entry points to our air conditioner, sealed the holes with steel wool, and are now waiting to see if we get any more flies buzzing around inside our peaceful home.
So far.............. so good!
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Thanks for the good news -- it made my day!
--Rheanna
I appreciate your thoughtful and kind comments. Your comments, plus the absence of flies and problems with the Washing Machine, has made my day!
My health and Heart Failure have improved dramatically over the past year or two. The improvements to my health are due to diet, exercise, avoiding things that are unhealthy and taking the most effective medications.
That said, I have also noticed that I am much less reactive and sensitive to things in my environment that used to make me very ill. For instance, I have taken off the tarp and all coverings to the washing machine without any health problems!? I feel that a longer exposure could cause me to suffer, so I won't push it, but it sure is nice not having to be as careful as I had been over the past several years. I can now come into contact with many things that used to bother me! Tis so nice!
I had experimented with my own at-home SLIT treatments. So...... I am wondering if the SLIT treatments helped in reducing my sensitivities? Hmmmmm!?
Problem Solved! 
)
Have you ever noticed that, after one problem is solved, another stupid problem raises itself up and into your lives? 
