Ever love copper so much, to the point that it makes you sick?

Well apparently i do.

For the last 12 days i've been suffering from "copper toxicity". I was unwrapping those degaussing cables from tv's for about 4 days straight, maybe 8 hours a day, never wearing gloves.

This is byfar the sickest i have EVER been in my life. I've had a headache for 12 days straight, not once going away. Extreme vertigo, horrible stomach cramps, shaking, constant sweating.

Went to the ER today, because i was feeling so horrible. After the blood tests came back, they said, and i quote "The amount of copper in your blood right now...i'm surprised you havent had brain damage or major organ failure"

Brain damage or major organ failure, all from just unwrapping copper wire.

Moral of the story, ALWAYS wear gloves when working with alot of copper. I rarely wear gloves. Just how i was raised. Never once did i think that i could get sick from copper like this.

The doctors gave me a prescription for some HUGE pill. Supposed to "grab" all the copper out of my system. We'll see. All i know is id much rather take baths in compressor oil for a year than to suffer from this crap for another week.

Just thought id give yall a heads up. Be smart, happy scrappin'.

never considered that. thanks for the insight! get better soon. i hope those pills work out

Thanks bud, me too!

Hope your feeling better Hoss, never even thought that would be problem so now we know, sorry you had to be the test subject. On a lighter note...What is your scrap value?

I've handled a bit of copper since I started scrapping. Never knew this was an issue. I'll be more careful from now on. Get well soon bud.


Had a chance to try out the wire stripper?

I looked up those vend mizer cords. A few are selling on ebay but I think there's more to it than what you have.

Sorry to hear that you got sick from the copper!! Hope you feel better soon.

Hoss, that is amazing. Sorry you had to be the guinnea pig, but it sure is good for us to know. Were you working in an unventilated area. I'm sure sorry you got sick, but I sure wish I had that much copper!! I'm sure the pills will clear it out. Take care.

Uhh…does that come out #1 or #2? and is it #1 or #2 copper when you are done processing it?

Smile laugh and get well!

Wow, I hope the pills work. Get better soon.

This is total news to me...never would think you can get sick off of it...

I will say this tho...if you handle ALOT of motherboards...wear gloves..it will cut your hand up one...and two..there is lead in/on them boards so over time you CAN OD on lead with them computers boards.

Get well soon !!!

i hope ya get/feel better hoss... can i have someof your blood to refine though ;)

lol Mrmetal !!!

Wow never known this! Will do from now on! Get well soon!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheHoss

Well apparently i do.

For the last 12 days i've been suffering from "copper toxicity". I was unwrapping those degaussing cables from tv's for about 4 days straight, maybe 8 hours a day, never wearing gloves.

This is byfar the sickest i have EVER been in my life. I've had a headache for 12 days straight, not once going away. Extreme vertigo, horrible stomach cramps, shaking, constant sweating.

Went to the ER today, because i was feeling so horrible. After the blood tests came back, they said, and i quote "The amount of copper in your blood right now...i'm surprised you havent had brain damage or major organ failure"

Brain damage or major organ failure, all from just unwrapping copper wire.

Moral of the story, ALWAYS wear gloves when working with alot of copper. I rarely wear gloves. Just how i was raised. Never once did i think that i could get sick from copper like this.

The doctors gave me a prescription for some HUGE pill. Supposed to "grab" all the copper out of my system. We'll see. All i know is id much rather take baths in compressor oil for a year than to suffer from this crap for another week.

Just thought id give yall a heads up. Be smart, happy scrappin'.

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As you just tuened 21 I would of thought it was alcohol induced:p Sorry to here your sick. Get well and get scrappin

"tuened" Sorry too many Miller lites for me!

I did some reading up on this. Seems unlined copper pots used in cooking can cause problems. I wonder if copper pipes are lined? You figure some has to be leeching out if you run hot water.

Haven't seen Hoss today. Hope all is well.

^^ I did too after seeing this thread! I did read where the pipes for water can leach if the water is acidic.

TheHoss, I never knew one could get sick from handling copper like you have, I hope you get to feeling better soon. {{Hugs}}

Well i was supposed to go in today for a follow up. But my dad had 3 more seizures today. Spent all day at the emergency room at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. He's stable, but they have no idea what caused this. After this happening only 3 weeks ago, then happening again, they're worried.

I still feel like hell. Was all i could do to keep from not passing out at the hospital today.

Thanks for all yer well wishes yall. Oh and Idaho, i tried it out a bit. Love it! Thanks, and if you ever want to use it or anything dont be afraid to come on over an pick er back up. I appreciate you lending it too me to use.

Sorry to hear about your Dad, Hoss. Maybe they'll find the cause this time and fix it. Back on the prayer list....both of you.