At my wits end!!!!!!!

United States
October 20, 2009 5:09pm CST
OK I am this close to checking out! I can't do this anymore!! My poor daughter is sick yet again. Still no word from the Health Department about testing my home for formaldehyde,I have spent the last 4 hours searching online for a home to rent with nothing,I didn't pay my mortgage payment because honestly if this place is making my daughter sick why should I? We need to move before the show up and remove us! I am scared and in a panic,anxiety is at another all time high. I have been on edge since last week and things are only getting worse. I found 1 trailer(sigh yes another trailer) in a different park which doesn't charge $500 for rent as mine does. The trailer is $1000 but I have no idea what it looks like and I don't even have $1000 it is a 2 bedroom so things would be tight when the step kids come over,but I don't know what else to do. I emailed the EPA guy I spoke and I still haven't heard anything from that either. I feel like I am going to lose it. I missed my doctors appointment and because my daughter is sick couldn't make a phone call to go back in and see them. I don't know maybe I should call my social worker at the state maybe they can find me a home? I just can't think straight and the meds are helping but not enough in my mind anyway. Anyone go threw this? What happens if they show up at my door and kick me out? Foreclose on me right then and there? Should I call the park and tell them my suspicions?
4 people like this
17 responses
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
21 Oct 09
First of all, calm down. How do you know it's formaldehyde? Take her to an ER or talk to a dr. Call the Social worker and tell her your circumstances. Be calm. Pay your mortgage if you can. keep things stable --- The health dept. will call --- the EPA? why didn't you call instead of emailing? Why didn't you call your dr for your apt? If the meds are working , give them time. You are being a little bit irrational and need to settle down for your daughter's sake anyways. I guess I' m behind here but if you suspect the trailer of formaldehyde, why have you not told the park manager??? Get yourself calm . Your daughter needs you in a good frame of mind. Get yourself calm.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
1. I don't know if it is formaldehyde that is what the EPA and the health department thinks it is. 2. I have severe anxiety and bi polar as well so I can't just calm down as normal people can do. 3. I get anxious and start to gag just calling the pizza delivery place let alone speaking to a EPA person so emailing is always easier for me. 3. It is hard to focus on myself when my daughter is home sick,I have to watch her constantly to make sure she doesn't have a seizure,I even have to get online in spurts. 4.I haven't talked the to park because i don't know if they will even care and usually I just have my husband talk to them as that scares me too.
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
21 Oct 09
You need to have a serious talk with social services about your own physical condition. Your fears are not unfounded. They are real to you but to most of the world they can be handled differently and with less drama. Take time to consider your daughter and your husband and take measures to ensure they do not end up with your bo polar problem--if at all possilbe. Make life easier by breathing deep breaths and letting that little girl see that her mom is not just bonkers for no reason at all. I do understand your delimma and wish there was something I could do, but your best bet and the best thing for your family is to get help from social services. God bless.
• United States
21 Oct 09
I know that what you are saying is coming from a place of kindness and caring, but it is not as easy as what you are suggesting. First, Bi-polar disorder is not contagious, but it may be hereditary, since it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, Angie's husband and daughter will not end up with her "Bi-polar problem" just by being around her, but they do need to understand it and learn how to deal with it. That could be much more difficult for her daughter, since she has disabilities herself, but little ones seem to sense and understand things that are sometimes more difficult for adults to understand, so I think it will be fine. Obviously it is better for everyone if Angie can remain calm and not have anxiety, but sometimes that just isn't an option, and she is definitely NOT "just bonkers for no reason".
1 person likes this
@bitoffun (203)
• United States
22 Oct 09
MMmmm, I don`t know if you tell the park owners what would happen. It might make them mad. Especially since you didn`t pay your mortgage. Do you have the phone number for the EPA guy or just an email? I would keep calling until I got some answers if it was me. This is a serious problem and they need to do something about it. I hope you find a place babe. Save your mortgage money so you have something saved to move somewhere. Even if it`s a motel for a few weeks.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Oct 09
I have just the email and plan on sending another one today. I agree about the park,because they might have put some bad wood in this trailer when they were fixing it up to be livable again,who knows ya know. And if they think they might get used for now disclaimers about possibly formaldehyde they may speed up the forecloser process.
@bitoffun (203)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I think you meant sued right? That`s very true. No body wants to be sued. It just might light a fire under them to do something about it. I just don`t want to see you booted out. Be careful babe.
1 person likes this
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
They can't foreclose on you for a problem they may have caused. Keep sending him emails until he gets tired of you emailing him.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
21 Oct 09
Calm down honey. Your daughter needs you. I would keep looking for apartments. As for your daughter being sick, it may just be what is going around. There is 73 kids absent at the high school today. I am not sure I would go into another trailer, especially if it is not big enough. Hopefully they will get back to you soon. Just sit tight.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
21 Oct 09
If there was a child sick with it in her class, since she has other problems, you may want to call and see if the doctor wants to put her on the tamiflu.
2 people like this
• United States
21 Oct 09
I have 2 dogs and two cats too and no they aren't as important as my daughter but they are still family. Most apartments here are pricey or no space at all. But I am not about to give up,because really there is only one true way out and I just can't do that to my family. A kid in her glass has the swine flu so I think that is what is stressing me most about her still being sick.
@olydove (1209)
• United States
22 Oct 09
I agree with thoroughrob about the Tamiflu. Also hun any updates?
1 person likes this
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I know where I live it takes a few months to get evicted. First, You have to be a certain amount of time late on the rent(usually 30 days). Then, they have to put it in writing that you have to leave(giving you another 30 days). After that, you still have another 30 days until they can take you to court. Depending on your judge, you could still get even more time. You DON'T have to leave until the Sheriff/Magistrate puts a notice on your door. ONLY the Sheriff or Magistrate can throw you out right then and there but all the other processes have to be gone through first. If you put it in writing what your suspicions are and ask them to test the home or make whatever repairs need done, they have 30 days to fix the problem. If they don't do it, you don't have to pay the rent until they do it. I'd call an attorney for a free consultation though, to find out the laws in your state. I wish you the best of luck. I feel for you, Hon.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Oct 09
I am working on all that now,been sick for the last few days and my little one is juts now getting better. I am getting the feeling the EPA and health department are ignoring me now which is odd.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
26 Oct 09
I'm glad you re both feeling better but it sucks that they are ignoring you. Maybe hubby could step in and get some results? For some reason men usually get better results from places like that.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
AND yes, your caseworker should be able to atleast help put you in contact with someone that can help with housing or rental assistance. Try to find your local Housing Authority office and call them. At minimum, call your case worker.
1 person likes this
@olydove (1209)
• United States
21 Oct 09
Hun you're doing a great job, you've been working hard I know but you just have to give it time. There's only so much you can do in one day.. remember baby steps. I understand the situation is urgent, but please give yourself some credit you've been working you tale off trying to figure this out, and you're doing a great job. By all means you need to pay that mortgage sweety because the last thing you need is to be put out on the streets. Tomorrow call those numbers I gave you for the manufacturer, also call your local housing authority explain the situation. Maybe they can get you into some emergency housing until your mobile can be tested. You're doing a great job, and you're doing the best you can. Pay the mortgage tomorrow first thing ok because you really need that stability especially if it comes out that there is formaldehyde and you end up taking this to court. You want to keep your end of the situation clean. After paying the mortgage make those phone calls. I'll look up the number to housing authority and PM you with it. Sending you hugs and love,.. Shell
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
Thanks hun but I can't pay the mortgage I don't have it. See even if nothing is wrong with this place I cant afford both the lot rent and the mortgage payment anymore,it is not feasible. Plus I am behind almost 3 grand with them on top of it all. I will make some phone calls tomorrow and keep you updated. Thank you for always being so understandable and so kind to me and being the Queen of searching the web
1 person likes this
@olydove (1209)
• United States
22 Oct 09
LOL @ web search Queen. Hey I guess it's good to be the Queen of something right? Oh girl, what are we going to do with you. I completely understand about not having enough to cover both mortgage and lot rent, and I owe you a sincere apology I forgot to get that number for the Housing Authority. So I will do that now before I forget again
1 person likes this
@olydove (1209)
• United States
22 Oct 09
Sending a mylot PM now! Got the official website with contact information. Give them a call first thing in the AM (if you haven't already that is) and I will continue to look for other resources.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Oct 09
I am so sorry for what you are going through, sweetie! You should try calling your social worker. It might not help, but it definitely can't hurt. I do know that they can't just show up at your door and kick you out, well at least not in our state. I'm not sure whether or not it varies from state to state, but I'm sure the laws are somewhat similar across the board. We owned a two-story rental property for a while, and the people were months behind in their rent with no attempts to pay, and we still had to jump through hoops to evict them, even though they destroyed the apartment, too! I know that getting behind is frustrating and can cause a panic attack, but you are doing what you think is right for your family, and that is the best that you can do.
1 person likes this
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I agree with purple. I also suggest trying not to do everything at one time. I know it's urgent to get these things done but try doing 1 phone call every couple of hours. Don't call everyone one right after the other. If you can't get a response, try to brush it off and go on to the next step and go back to it later. I would try to get your husband to make some calls for you too, maybe he has a lunch break when he can call from work? I don't know your or his schedules but it sounds like you really need his help to make these calls. Maybe you have a friend that could call for you? I'm sending you hugs, hugs, hugs..................
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Oct 09
Yes Camomom, you make an excellent point about not trying to do everything at one time. Do one thing and then take a break. I know that time is of the essence, but pressuring yourself will only add to the anxiety. If you do not hear back, then try to schedule a follow-up call or e-mail the next day or even two. If your hubby can help out with even one or two calls, that would take some of the pressure and off of you, which should help a little with your anxiety. Every little bit helps, especially during a really bad anxiety attack.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
When you are in the middle of a major anxiety attack, everything and anything can scare you, especially things that are new and different. It is best to try to do things with other people that you trust, because that can help ease the anxiety and help you to feel safer and more secure. I don't mean a bunch of people, since I know that is one of the things that triggers your anxiety, but I mean a close friend or family member. Unfortunately, you don't really have a lot of options in that area at the moment, since hubby works and you don't have transportation and probably shouldn't be driving anyway. I know that you are worried about the little one, but try cuddling and doing things with her, especially while she is sick, and that might help both of you to feel better. If you are doing things together, then you will know if she starts to have a seizure without having to consciously check all the time to make sure she is alright. That might help to ease your anxiety, too. I know that the best thing would be to move out as quickly as possible, but until you are able to do that you need to do these small things to make life at least a little more bearable.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
21 Oct 09
Yes Sweetie I have been I lost my House due to falling ill and not being able to work any more It is awful I know but I am happy renting now it is so much easier Ok first thing, call your Social Worker so that she can help you, that is what they are there for Second calm down, you need to for your little Girls sake, yes I know it is hard to stay calm and strong but you have to Sweetie, I know what you are going through You need the help of your Social Worker now as you can not do this alone any more, also Hubby will give in to, so do not let this happen Tell your Social Worker everything, you see if she is involved now then if they foreclose on you she will have to find you somewhere specially as you have a sick Child Also have you checked if you are getting everything that you are entitled to for little one You are classed as her Carer and can't go out to work because your Baby is sick and needs you I know it gets frustrating and annoying, but do check that you are entitled to what you are suppose to get Please Sweet calm down, I know what I am talking about when I say that as many a time I have had to say to myself, Calm down, nothing will be solved if I get in a State I hope little one will be ok Call the Social Worker and get them to help Sweetheart You are in my thoughts and please let me know how you get on If you want to talk to me on the Phone send me your Number and I shall ring you as the calls for me are free for n hour Big warm Hugs to you
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
Thanks gabs hun and I hope you and Gissi are well. I will try calling the social worker bad thing about that is it is almost impossible to get a hold of them. With Michigan being hit hard as many other states alot ore people are getting help. And I live in the biggest county here so i am small potatoes when it comes to my social worker,but I wil try it is all I can do now.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
21 Oct 09
You poor lady! I think you were on the right track when you mentioned calling your social worker. If anyone could help you or at least direct you to someone who could I would think it would be her. Also, visit your City Human Services Dept. They will often help families come up with deposit money or first months rent to get into a place. You are in an emergency situation really and so I think you may qualify. As for them throwing you out, I believe there is a court procedure that they have to follow in order to do that legally. I don't think they can just surprise you and show up on your doorstep. I believe the papers have to be served by a sheriff and give you 30 days to move or fight the eviction. I hope that things turn around for you soon here. I know you have been going thru this battle for a time now and it is about time something went your way. Best of luck to you and do keep us updated.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
I am a bit more calm today and spending tons of time trying to track down more phone numbers to call in case I get the run around again.
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
21 Oct 09
I think I told you before but I'm not sure. You need to pray. Just give yourself to God and pray. Then check the classifieds for rentals. A place to live is better than no place at all. I've short paid my rent more than once. Thank God I have an understanding landlord ! This month I'm short paying the bank. Well, they won't renew my loan anyway, so why not ? Pray, sweetie, that's not fool's advice. I know what I'm talking about.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
And I do pray Bluepatch everyday and alot! Sometimes it isn't enough sad to say and I think that is because of my disease,the anxiety attacks the mind and bi polar does to in many ways.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Oct 09
Well it is night now, but like everybody said, calm down and think out a plan. Call the EPA, call the social worker, notify the trailer park, stay on the phone until you find somebody who can help. btw I used to work for a mortgage company and they have to give you notice. They can't just foreclose and kick you out. Find out what the laws in your state are, but you do have some time to think this out. Hugs...
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
Thanks Dawn I know that mnay places have to give you some kind of notice but when I get one of my panic attacks my mind goes all crazy and more than usual I mean. I will be making phone calls tomorrow and hugs back hun.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
21 Oct 09
yeah easy to panic when you have a sick child :=(
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Oct 09
I am sorry that I don't have any answers for you. I would certainly contact the social worker and see what they have to say. Keep taking your meds and breath, I mean deep breathing. You will be in my prayers. Susie.
• United States
22 Oct 09
That is on my long list of people I have to contact. You would think sine the EPA and Health Department both suspect formaldehyde they would be more on top of things.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
Since you have them saying that it's a possibility, when you get ahold of them again, have them put it in writing and send it to the landlord. Explain that your rent and back rent will be paid when you are satisfied that the problem is taken care of.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
call your local State rep or Governor and tell them how the EPA is ignoring you. If you can get them or the their "people" to look into it. Mention that you are a voter and they tend to get things moving along. If need be mention you are willing to go to the papers with how the EPA and State reps ignored you. They tend to move their butts when stuff like that is said.
• United States
21 Oct 09
I will try that and see what happens. I am at a loss at to what else to do. I even thought of skipping it all and just contacting the problem solvers on the local news to see if that would help,they work fast.
• United States
21 Oct 09
Go for it. Anything you need to do to make them do their jobs. Your little one is very important and her health is a number one on the list of concerns. Do you have headaches a lot? When we where in a trailer that was how we realized that it was making us sick. The most horrible headaches ever!
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
I would call your local housing authority and find out who there is in your area for community housing resources. They may test your home for you but they will help you find a new place to live. I would try and get out as fast as possible. Best wishes and I will say a prayer for you and your family. Keep your head up and stay focused and you will be okay.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
We need alot of prayers so thank you for all the ones you can send my way. I am getting ready to do a search online again for the housing authority as last night I came up empty. I might just have to reword my search.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Oct 09
You're caseworker or social worker should be able to give you their number.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
I commented on your situation in an earlier discussion you had. It seems things have gotten worse. I'm so sorry for that. You should contact your social worker just in case you can't find a place. Explain the situation and see if there is any temporary place they will allow you to stay in. I believe I mentioned earlier about yogic breathing exercises. At this point I think you may want to do them first. They will calm your nerves and you will be able to think clearer. Just go online and look up pranayama. You can begin by doing some deep breathing. Inhale as much as you can, hold for a couple of seconds and release. You have to maintain your clarity for your child's sake. Have you seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". It is a good movie to watch for inspiration. Even if you have seen it, then please watch it again. Also remember that there is someone watching over you, and although the situation seems bleak, in time all things work out for the best.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Oct 09
I will do a search on that right now and no I haven't seen the movie but I will look into that as well. I am trying to keep a level head about everything.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
20 Oct 09
I am so sorry that sounds like a terrible situation to be in. Do you have anyone you can stay with until they come and look at it or until you can find some place else to live? It sounds like your daughter needs to get out of there as soon as possible. They can not foreclose on you due to environmental reasons they can how ever make you evacuate the premisis until the sourse of he contaminent can be found and repaired if possible. Do you have home owners insurance? You may want to check over you home owners insurance policy to see if it covers this type of problem at all. I would also check with local churches to see if they can provide you with any assistance, they might be able to help you find temporary housing or at least provide a safe place to sleep at night free from what ever is making your daughter sick until you can figure out what is going on. I wish you all the best.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Oct 09
I already tried my insurance company you can look at my previous two discussions,and it will let you know all the background. I don't know for sure about if there is anything in my home this is just my gut feeling. Also I am behind on my mortgage on this trailer so they can come foreclose on me for that.
• United States
20 Oct 09
Hi babyangie27, my condolences with your health problems and housing. my prayers are with you. i hope things work out for you. hang in there and do your best to hold on.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Oct 09
Thank you for the prayers I need lots of them right now.
@artistry (4152)
• United States
21 Oct 09
....Hi babyangie27, At this time you should be trying to find someone you could stay with temporarily, until you find another house. Forget foreclosure, it takes some six months to foreclose on a home, after you have been delinquent for at least four months. Call a bank that mortgages trailers, if you don't want to all your own company, to find out what the timing would be on foreclosures. But you need to leave, I would not pay the mortgage, you need the money. You have a law suit here based on your health problems, paying the mortgage has not a thing to do it that. Please get out of the trailer, also, I would not, not go to another trailer! Move as soon as you can, forget about the test from the Health Department, they will be able to test whether you are living there or not. As someone else suggested, call social services, to see if they can help you with housing. I would move to a shelter. You are worried about people coming to visit you, you are going to be sick, if you don't move. Tell the park officials after you move. Why do you keep risking your family and your health? Please do not allow this situation to paralyze you into doing nothing. Take care.
• United States
21 Oct 09
I don't want to keep putting my family at risk but I have no where else to go no family or friend have room for us and I can't stay anywhere else because I lack in money.
@artistry (4152)
• United States
21 Oct 09
...Hi again, How about calling the Red Cross. This is a health problem and an emergency. See if they can assist you. May God bless you and your children with a way out of this.
1 person likes this