ANOTHER: Florida physician refers patient to toxicologist, who concluded “symptoms are due to the elevated, abnormal levels of chemicals present in my system from the Gulf oil spill”

Local doctor links spill to symptoms, Walton Sun, November 02, 2010:

Okaloosa Island resident Joseph Yerkes says he recently tested positive for high levels of volatile solvents in his blood and is being treated for toxic exposure.

His longtime attending physician at the Immediate Care Center in Fort Walton Beach performed the test at Yerkes’ request, after he experienced multiple symptoms related to exposure of this type, such as tiredness, lethargy, headaches, blisters, non-healing sores on his elbows and head, as well as an aggravating cough and chronic body aches.

Yerkes was referred to a toxicologist following testing. The doctor gave him the sobering news.

“He was very clear about his diagnosis, explaining how dangerous and damaging these chemicals can be to our bodies, and concluded all of my symptoms are due to the elevated, abnormal levels of chemicals present in my system from the Gulf oil spill,” the former Vessels of Opportunity operator, who was employed by BP, told The Sun in a recent e-mail. ...

Yerkes’ physician’s suggested treatment includes diet and his temporary relocation. “It’s very hard to accept the fact that I have to leave the Gulf of Mexico,” Yerkes said.

Read the report here.