Question: Symptoms started in September 2015 (I’m 24). I drank heavily 2013-2014 in college. I was exposed to a significant amount of fluorinated chemicals working in a chemical facility the entire year of 2015. I was a new hire/recent grad and proper safety procedures were not being followed. I was not aware of the dangers of the specific chemical I was working with. The same chemical that is used to make fabric repel water (bead up and roll off) is what I was inhaling on a daily basis. What makes exposure to this specific chemical different from exposure to other fluorinated chemicals is the fact that it was a perfluorinated monomer that actively bonds (covalently/permanently) to hydroxyl groups which are ubiquitous in the human body. I theorize that my liver/kidneys were already damaged from drinking when I was first exposed to this chemical. Over time, the chemical coated my liver and possibly kidney cells. When I drank heavily on the weekends during this time, the damaged cells could not properly heal themselves due to the presence of the extremely hydrophobic/oleophobic perfluorinated groups and scarring/permanent damage occurred. This cycle repeated itself many times before symptoms were significant. Once I realized that something was very wrong I completely stopped drinking and limited my chemical exposure.
-     Skin rash. Initially in between chin and lips only. Now, at times, on entire face and chest though not very noticeable. Skin on chest and face is easily reddened by scratch or pressure.
-     Skin itching/sensations that is very difficult to describe. Two types of sensations, one that is somewhat similar to skin itching from dryness. The other is like tiny little pin pricks.
-     Chest pain (every day but very off and on) very similar to coronary artery disease: Pain can be all over chest, mostly centered around or on heart. At times it seems to spread across chest. Ranging from sharp to dull, not normally lasting longer than 30 s at a specific point. Does not get worse from intense cardiovascular exercise (Ex. Running 6 miles).
-     Hands and feet become numb or ‘fall asleep’ more often
-     Hair was falling out at a significantly faster rate and white hairs
-     Joint pain: Sometimes in knees and dull ache in lower back near spine/hips (Not near kidneys)
-     Pain in shine bones near ankles when pressure is applied
-     Darker and frothier urine (Not extremely dark but darker than before when my urine was always clear or slightly pale yellow)
All of my blood and urine tests come back normal. I went to the ER about two weeks ago after having an emotional breakdown when the itching came back. After explaining these symptoms to the ER doctor, he basically told me I was over reacting and recommended I see a psychiatrist. I went to see a Cardiologist about 4 months ago because of the chest pains and he said the same thing. I was upset to say the least after these experiences considering the amount the money it cost me to see them. I have very bad insurance and limited funds to see doctor/tests but after the ER visit I’ve reached my deductible and can only afford to see a doctor and do tests up until December 1st when my insurance resets. I need recommendations on how to proceed to see a liver/kidney specialist that will actually work with me and get tests done before December 1st. I also need recommendations on how to approach a doctor and get them to listen to me and order scans of my heart, liver and kidneys which I suspect is the only tests that would be informative along with specific liver/kidney tests. I know there is very little that can be done to treat the damage but I have a lot to live for and I need to know for my own mental health how bad the damage actually is which scans may be able to detect. Any help and advice is greatly appreciated.