NYC POSTAL WORKER'S DEATH OCT 10 MAY BE DUE TO ANTHRAX

CNN ^ | 10/27/01 | CNN

[cgk]

Anthrax cultures were discovered in four mail-sorting machines inside Manhattan's largest mail-distribution center. The worker, Laura Jones, died on October 10 of what was then deemed natural causes.

[cgk]

I did the requisite search for this topic, was surprised I didn't find it. Am not surprised about this, but wish I was. It seems there may be a lot of these stories to come, unfortunately among our postal workers.

Stay safe,

Mrs Kus

[cgk]

this portion of the article is in the middle of the website I linked to... under the heading "Latest Developments"

Mrs Kus

[pops88]

I'd love to see the numbers for pneumonia and menningitis related deaths that have occurred in the last 2 months, location, and percentage increase compared to this time other years. I would think astute epidemiologists would be looking at this. Sadly, I doubt we'll see this information anytime soon.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Excellent catch!

To find all articles tagged or indexed using

Anthrax_Scare_List

Go here:

OFFICIAL BUMP(TOPIC) LIST

and then click the Anthrax_Scare_List topic to initiate the search! !

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Anthrax by the numbers

13 total anthrax infections

  • 3 deaths from inhalation infections

  • 4 cases inhalation infections

  • 6 cases cutaneous anthrax

32 total anthrax exposures

Source: CDC/CNN

[lilsparky]

Natural causes, that's usually saved for really old, frail people, not actively employed ones. Hmmmmmm

[kingh99]

Do you realize that the absence of gun control would have prevented the attack of Sept 11.

I just wonder how many stage coaches would have been successfully hi-jacked if the stage coach passengers knew they faced a fanatic bent on suicide.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

My father (58 years old) got suddenly very ill at the end of July. He lived in Houston Texas at the time. He lost fifty or sixty pounds over several months prior to that, and all of a sudden he started badly slurring his speech, had unexplained falls, and so forth. I actually flew down to Houston in early August to bring him to the VA medical center. The doctors ruled out a stroke. The first thing they suspected was meningitis. Then my sister learned that St. Louis Encephalitis had been found in mosquitoes trapped literally only one block away from his home. Of course, he tested negative for this too. Not like I WANTED him to have it, but at least we'd know what it was.

He was discharged, then readmitted a few weeks later after getting worse. A week or so after that my sister flew him out to Houston. This was only a few days after the Sept. 11 hijackings, so I was really nervous about him flying, and possibly going off on a rant and getting my sister in trouble. Fortunately they made it, and he's now in a 'residential care' facility.

They never did come up with a definitive diagnosis. The point of my story is (1) to vent, and (2) to point out how meningitis/encephalitis can be assumed when it is not in fact present. Flu season will only make things worse. I have a bad feeling that our health care system will be severely taxed by flu sufferers who fear the worst. What if thousands of people demand Cipro or other antibiotics when they aren't warranted?

I'm not an expert on these things, just concerned. Part of the reason I spend so much time here at FR is because my sister and father are my only close family still alive. My sister, bless her heart, is very liberal. My father is too far gone to have intelligent conversations with any more. I feel for those who have to watch a loved one die slowly. I fear that my father will not recover, and is in fact declining with each day.

Sorry for the sob story. Just feeling a little down (doesn't help that the Yankees are getting pounded, either :<)

[Galtoid]

I am also distressed that the Yankees are getting beat by monumental proportions. It is sad. Hope they come back. If any team deserves to win, it's them.

[pops88]

My condolences. How very frustrating to never get a difinitive diagnosis. Our health care system is in a horrible state. It's distressing what has become of it thanks to insurance companies and HMO's- Dr.'s being dictated to about what tests can/can't be run and what treatments/meds can be prescribed. The only good thing is that they haven't socialized it...yet.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

Sorry to hear of your dad's condition. Did they only test for virals/bacterials? What about an MRI? Did they rule out any sort of brain tumor/anomoly? The unexplained falls would lead my questioning in that direction.

[darth]

I read in yesterday's Wall Street Journal that the FBI sees no need to test the hijackers' apartments for anthrax. HUH??? Why would the FBI not perform a simple test that could positively identify the hijackers as the perps in the anthrax attack? And at the same time they're off on a wild goose chase to see if "right wing radicals" did it? I would be suspicious of domestic terrorists too if there had been years of activity, e.g., lots of bombings, murders, etc. In fact, I would recommend a swab for anthrax when they search the abode, car, or person of any suspect. Anthrax spores are persistent and could positively identify the sleeper terrorists or anyone who contributed to the recent attacks.

[pops88]

I'm beginning to think the FBI is run by Larry, Curly and Moe.

[aristeides]

I read in yesterday's Wall Street Journal that the FBI sees no need to test the hijackers' apartments for anthrax.

If the FBI is under orders to find that the anthrax is from a domestic source, or if somebody in power has suggested this to them, then of course they won't test the hijackers' apartments for anthrax. If they did, they would almost certainly get the wrong result.

[StarFan]

Sorry for the sob story. Just feeling a little down (doesn't help that the Yankees are getting pounded, either :<) No need to apologize as we are all family here and as family we share you plight. Your father is quite young to be in a residential care facility. Is this a permanent placement or temporary until he heals?

BTW, you are kind when you say the Yankees are getting pounded. My husband is using other words to describe how 'well' they're hitting tonight (tehehehe).

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

They did a lumbar puncture, which they cultured, to rule out meningitis and encephalitis. I believe they did an MRI of his brain, and that revealed micro-strokes that weren't recent, but nothing big. He was revealed to be a Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic. Other comorbid conditions were high blood pressure and rapid pulse. It was very frustrating hearing about all these tests being run, and learning nothing. Not unlike watching Anthrax spread through our postal system, while the authorities still have no idea who is doing it.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

He's at a place in Thousand Oaks, CA called T.O.R.C.H. That stands for (I think) Thousand Oaks Residential Care Home. It seems to be a step below a nursing home. My sister and I dreaded it when we took him to see different places, because he's one of those stubborn people who made a big deal about 'not wanting to be a burden on us'. But we had no choice. I'm going through a divorce, and trying to sell my home, so I can't take care of him. My sister has health problems of her own, but works at home, and lives with her fiancee', who has a steady job teaching Math at UCSB. So she has the time to oversee his care.

Most of the people there are women, and much older. There are a couple of older veterans (WWII-era), though. My father saw no combat, but did serve as a Vietnam-era veteran. I believe he did his basic training on Okinawa. I'm not a military buff, and he never pushed it, so I don't know much more than that. I was hoping he could talk to the other vets as a way to keep him from spiralling too far into depression. I don't know that he's doing that, however. He used to use the Internet all the time, and would email me every day or two. Now he can't even type simple words, and doesn't seem to remember how to use a computer at all.

My grand plan is to quit my job in the spring, sell most of my stuff, put the rest in storage, and hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I will never get a better opportunity to do it. I love hiking, and I need a break from life. I'm disillusioned somewhat. My marriage fell apart, my family is almost nonexistent, and I live in arguably the most liberal part of the country (Connecticut).

Anybody out there hiked part of the PCT? For those that don't know, it runs from the Mexican border in California, to Manning Provincial Park in Canada (just north of the border with Washington State). It's over 2,600 miles, and will likely take 5-6 months to hike. I've lined up a potential hiking partner, a young woman about my age, whom I've been corresponding with over the Internet.

Sorry for interrupting the thread. I suppose it's bad form, especially one about someone dying. Someone let me know if I've stepped over the line. I just get going sometimes, and forget where I am.

[Misterioso]

The Yankees don't deserve to win unless they outscore the Diamondbacks. This sappy, maudlin sentiment is particularly misplaced when it comes to sport. Would you also suggest that Arizona just forfeit the series in the memory of those killed in New York? It's this wimpy attitude that makes Islamic terrorists think they can beat us.

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

...he's now in a 'residential care' facility.

They never did come up with a definitive diagnosis.

Your father is too young to be in a residential care facility, without knowing what the actual cause of his illness is. Please don't give up on him. Take him to see another doctor. Please.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

Thanks for your support. He is still going to a doctor, from what my sister tells me. He isn't in lockdown or anything. My sister and her fiancee' take him out practically every visit. I'm not giving up on him, but there's only so much I can do. I have taken two week-long plane trips. The first was to Houston, to get him into a hospital, and try to locate paperwork in his house (a house which was, to put it very mildly, was a horror of a mess). The other trip was the week after the Sept. 11 attack, to California. I was planning on taking my vacation in Portland, Oregon, but decided I was needed out with my sister and father more. Plus, I didn't feel much like a vacation after the horrible attack on America.

I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed by everything. That's why I'm trying to simplify -- divest myself of the house, much of my stuff, the daily grind of my job -- and just live simply. On the trail I'll only have to focus on the basics -- food and shelter.

[StarFan]

When I saw your screen name I thought you meant the liberal hell you were trapped in was NYC. I then peeked at your profile (which lead me to your vanity post). In the event you missed this on newsmax These are the same peace activist who upset you to no end. Glad to see that see justice prevailed!

Getting back to Dad -- is he undergoing rehabilitation therapy with the hope of leaving someday soon? I am concerned that depression will set in BIG TIME considering his young age.

Race -- here is someone in your neck of the woods who is sharing a similar experience with his dad in a nursing home.

[StarFan]

Darn it -- the Yankees lost!

[FITZ]

Other comorbid conditions were high blood pressure and rapid pulse.

Is your father on high blood pressure medicine? If the dosages are too high, it can have some pretty bad effects. We thought a lady at work got sudden alzheimers because she got very confused and they'd find her wandering around lost, she was checked out and it was just from the medications she was on for her blood pressure and they changed the drug and she got better. I'd make sure to get a second opinion.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

Thanks for the link. I am indeed gratified that at least some of these people were arrested. I fear, however, that they were hoping for this, to confer some sort of legitimacy on their protest. But when they got violent, they muddled their message, to put it mildly. Dumb college twits. They think that having a degree gives them moral superiority. I am filled with admiration at our men in blue who could have, but didn't, broken a few noses or bones. They would have had every moral right (but no legal right). I couldn't do the job that they do.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

If there is a larger, teaching-type hospital in the vacinity I would strongly suggest getting a second, third or fourth opinion there. The ministrokes suggest that he should be closely examined/tested by a nuerologist. Good luck.

It sounds as though you are being challenged on all fronts...take care, and I hope your plans for your hike work out. You need a break.

PaMom

[cynicom]

pops ....

Their best agents are, Stumble, Fumble and Fall..

[IVote2]

"I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed by everything. That's why I'm trying to simplify -- divest myself of the house, much of my stuff, the daily grind of my job -- and just live simply. On the trail I'll only have to focus on the basics -- food and shelter.

Do not beat yourself up over this. Do what you can for your father, but most of all do what is necessary to rehabilitate your own life. Perhaps it is meant for you to take some time for yourself so that you become strong again. If I read it correctly your sister is nearby for your dad.

Do ask for a specialist to see your father so that a diagnosis can be made so that everyone can have the facts.

My own mother has had a series of illnesses and I know how hard it is to deal with becoming the parent of a parent.

Take care and accept that at this moment you are doing what you can in your own way. God will help you through this. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Jen

[IVote2]

"• The New York Medical Examiner's office decided to re-evaluate the death of a postal worker earlier this month as a "precautionary measure," looking to see if it was anthrax-related. "

Good find. I believe in the end we will find that many more letters than we know about now will be found.

It's truly hard to believe that someone could be so evil, but believe it we must.

Jen

[LUVYA DUBYA 2000]

Hang in there! Been there, done that, and both in-laws are done now. One with Alzheimer's the other with cancer. The good news is all the great support you get here on FR! Freepers are the best and it WARMS THE HEART TO KNOW OTHERS ARE SHARING YOUR VIEWS AND FRUSTRATIONS.

[LUVYA DUBYA 2000]

oopps! DONE=down! GEEEESH TIME FOR SOME SLEEP.

[revivel]

My husband got a sore throat on Friday, 10.05. His epiglotis swelled, impairing his oxygen intake. The doctor admitted him on Sat. morning and they started a steroid drip, along with antibiotics. He was doing great. Swelling reduced, pain better, actually eating some soup. Tuesday he had terrible pain in his rib area. They took an x ray but no pneumonia. His white cell count was much better and they planned to move him out of CCU on Weds morning and into a regular room, then home in a day. But early Weds. morning his pulse went to 240 and BP dropped. They did everything they could, including flying in some experimental medicine from Vanderbilt, but he died Weds. night. They don't know what killed him. He was septic, but they have not been able to identify the bacteria. He is now a coroners case. We are in So. Calif. They did test for anthrax, but since those results are getting back quickly, I tend to think that's not what it was. This has been an incredible tragedy losing my beloved to a sore throat.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

My deepest sympathies go out to you, believe me. My father, I think, never got over my mother's death in 1993. In my estimation, he has slowly given up on life since then, having only me and my sister to live for. I do so hope you have people with you to give you comfort in what must be a nightmare time for you. If you need to talk, just send me a private message. I wish you well.

[pops88]

How shocking! My prayers are with you. As a nurse, it's seems pretty bizare for your husband to succumb to a sore throat! I hope the coroner can give you some answers.

[joyce11111]

I heard on Fox News today that the FBI is testing a car Atta sold in Florida, for anthrax.

[joyce11111]

So sorry about your Father, you must be devastated.

My Father-inLaw has lost weight, can't eat, and, now is incapable of even moving in the hospital bed that Marion got for him.

The funny thing is, that there has been nothing found wrong. He is barely understanable at this time. And, nothing the Drs can find to label his illness.

[Arabesque]

Just want to give you a word of support...you and Revivel have been through so much. We are going through the same thing with my in-laws and I know how hard it is. As an athlete I work out a lot of problems running and dancing and hiking. I recommend you carry Spenco Second SKin bandages with you on your hikes. Always hike with a buddy--we had some problems here in Virginia along the Appalachian Trail a while back.

When my father was dying 12 years ago he constantly reminded me not to feel guilty...you do your best but he wanted me to have a life.

Keep in touch about the hike...sounds interesting.

Dancer

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

we had some problems here in Virginia along the Appalachian Trail a while back.

Are you referring to the murder of a couple of girls some time back? I don't recall how long ago it was, but I believe it was near Harper's Ferry.

I had once thought to hike the Appalachian Trail, but decided the PCT was more to my liking. Fewer 'party animal' types, and further from civilization. I'm not a drinker, or a drug user, and perhaps I'm being unfair, but I've read stories of some of the shelters, and the questionable types that can frequent them. Maybe one day I'll try a section of it, to give it a fair shake.

[Arabesque]

Exactly -- the tragedy of the murder of two women but also there have been other incidents. It is a heavily traveled trail and that is probably part of the problem. It seems as though now that people are aware that there is an element of care that needs to be taken, incidents like this have decreased. But with a friend and awareness I just wouldn't worry. Today we went out 12 miles past Leesburg, Virginia and it was so beautiful and cold and reminded me of what life is about! We bought apple pies for our friends and ourselves....we will have to go for a run tomorrow :)

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

Part of doing a 'thru-hike' is adopting a trail name. Some choose their own, others allow fellow hikers to choose for them. About a month ago I chose the name Phoenix, to symbolize my starting over in life. If there are any attacks carried out in Phoenix, AZ, as has been feared, that name will carry extra meaning.

It's scary when I find myself wondering if it will be safe, or even possible, for me to hike six months from now. Irrational thoughts, perhaps, but if a smallpox attack is launched, who knows who will survive and who won't? I'm not a religious man, as some of you know, but I keep telling myself to have faith that this country will win. I believe we will win. Every day we continue to fight evil that attacks us, we win. Once we turn our backs on that fight, we will have lost.

[womanvet]

I was thinking about what happened to Nana W (not a "real" relative, but no one knew that -- she would call me her daughter and Charles her son) two years ago. Nana was a nurse a long time ago, and would never question anything the medical establishment told her. She was on meds for high BP and diabetic "tendencies" among other things.

The NP never monitored her blood levels, and the MD never monitored the NP. She was hospitalised after falling and extreme confusion. They suspected stroke, but could find no indications. She began to spiral into a deep depression, and was put on more meds, then transferred to a LTC facility where they warehouse old women like her.

Luckily, my dh was still alive and had worked at that nursing home, so he walked to the nursing station and pulled her chart. No one had ever tested her potassium levels, and she was still on diuretics. He wrote down her meds, and talked one of the nurses he knew into noting a nursing dx that some symptoms might be caused by imbalanced electrolytes.

Then he went home and called the administrator to warn her that he heard someone was planning on reporting them for improper care of the elderly, specifically on the floor Nana was on. Suddenly all the patients on that section started receiving tests and care. Nana's electrolytes were way off -- that was what originally caused her problems.

We were already visiting each day to make sure she was fed, washed, and dressed. I told her that some of her confusion was casued by the antidepressants she was on, and reminded her that she had the right to refuse medication. We went through the list, and marked the ones she needed to stay on, the ones she should taper off, and the ones she could stop.

The first time she refused meds, the nurse tried to bully her, but I was there and reminded her that not only did she have the right to refuse, but that she was a nurse and knew just what she was doing. The shift supervisor came in, and I told her that we had already engaged an attorney (untrue), so they had best behave.

Within 3 days she was improving, after 2 weeks, she was able to go home, as well as she had been before it all started. I am not suggesting that this is your Dad's problem, but the first thing that needs to be checked should be his electrolytes, and meds for side effects. Remember that meds affect the elderly differently than the younger populations they are usually tested on. They also interact.

LTC docs will prescribe psychotropics to "calm the patient" when the real purpose is to keep them from bothering the staff with demands to be cared for. I am unfamiliar with the facility in which you Dad is, so I do not mean that is the case. But check on it, by all means. Since you cannot be there, and they know it, you should be extra careful.

Charles (my dh) was one fine nurse. He was heartbroken by the poor attitudes of some medical staff who felt that the patients got in the way of their paperwork. I cherish the letters from families who wrote how he had save their loved ones' lives. I only wish he could have done the same for himself.

I will be praying for your father, and kinda envying your hiking trip.

[Arabesque]

I believe that those who died on 9-11 took a bullet for us and I am determined to live for today and not allow myself or my husband to be intimidated by mindless hate especially when it is espoused in the name of God. THat is how I feel we will win. I'm also worried about just being alive or healthy 6 months from now. It seems this talk about smallpox is increasing, but as a baby-boomer, I just keep seeing the pictures in my brain of all those Gen-xers who were so unfairly pulverized and I want to beat these terrorists at their own game -- no fear! I have a lot of faith in W's team.

So take that hike as a tribute to our fallen!

Dancer

[Arabesque]

Sorry -- I don't know what's gotten into me -- but I sound like I''m giving a speech at a pep rally!!

[dagnabit]

Sorry about you dad, that rapid pulse could be his thyroid.