The canary died.

Well, it has come. I am no longer a radiation canary. The ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) I have developed after a very bad bout with influenza has its own ups and downs, and I can no disentangle the radiation ups and downs from it… and I am not sure that I even have radiation ups and downs anymore. I’m just screwed.

canary in a coal mine

An allusion to caged canaries (birds) that mining workers would carry down into the mine tunnels with them. If dangerous gases such as methane or carbon monoxide leaked into the mine, the gases would kill the canary before killing the miners, thus providing a warning to exit the tunnels immediately.

(idiomatic) Something whose sensitivity to adverse conditions makes it a useful early indicator of such conditions; something which warns of the coming of greater danger or trouble by a deterioration in its health or welfare. (link)

I have been researching, writing, keeping a diary of my symptoms, talking about radiation-induced fungus, plant damage, other Japanese, Chinese, and American nuclear power plant meltdowns, the Bravo bomb, Fukushima, Honeywell Works, WIPP. I’ve been yelling and screaming.

That’s all behind me now, the rubber has hit the road, the shit has hit the fan. I am FRANTICALLY trying to stay one step ahead of this stupid disease, which few seem to know anything about, and especially doctors. Basically I have figure out what it is, from my own symptoms, and infer the whole damned disease process on my own, with increasing physical and cognitive impairment going on the whole time. I have to prioritize getting a handle on the symptoms so I can keep thinking, and so be able to find a more lasting solution to it.

So everything is all biochemistry now. I’m sorry… this is a radiation blog, but ME and its cousin CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) are really radiation sickness anyway. So it is somewhat on topic. Maybe I will be able to help the rapidly expanding number of people who will come down with this.

I’ve done all I can. I have to try to save my own ass now. Thanks everyone.