anyone else suffer from MCS Multiple Chemical Sensitivities?

[ellenrr]

want to commiserate.

[janlyn]

1. Yes, and also a sensitivity

to synthetic painkillers, found that out when I suffered multiple broken vertebrae in a horse riding accident. As a side note, I am a high functioning autistic, and have found that a lot of autistics have chemical sensitivities.
Would be great to see researchers explore that particular fact.

[Warpy]

2. Probably lack of environmental filters more than anything

When I meet somebody doused in strong perfume I have a moment of "Christ! Did you put that crap on with a firehose?" and then I shove it off to the side so I can function, sometimes having to breathe through my mouth if it's bad enough.

Aspie friends can't seem to do that. Everything is front and center at all times.

But yes, it's an interesting idea for research.

[Chemisse]

8. I have a friend who gets migraines from perfumes.

There should be more awareness about the overuse of scents.

[Warpy]

9. At least they don't use spray ladies out west

Running the gauntlet of perfume sprayers in any big store in Boston (and yes, they plunked them down at the entrances) was really a pain in the ass, and I don't get migraines from perfumes, only cigarette smoke, lucky me.

[lunasun]

3. New plastics and synthetics are an issue with me . Also petro sensitive if it is petro based I may

Have an issue also. Possibly Belen's like paint
Lots of new things give me problems. Never ever will I own a new car
One child has inherited this from me, unfortunately . I do not think it is a copy syndrome as I never discussed my own problems before it started manifesting.

[lunasun]

4. I do not know if you are looking for help due to health problems

http://txppr.org/newsletter.cfm?NewsletterID=29&CategoryID=0


I never went to the one listed below. . I called many years ago and after speaking with them, they gave me the name and number of someone to call who was retired but specialized in a particular reaction i had .
i thought that was nice. The person I contacted had info and suggestions and didn't ask for a fee but would take a donation for time spent whatever you had
that was this one but other clinics and doctors are mentioned in the link . Avoidance is my prescription

http://www.ehcd.com/

[ellenrr]

5. I'll look at the links, but as far as I know, there is no help. Except

avoidance, as you say. I just came back from a yoga class, and someone came in late with a perfume that sickened me.
I should have just left.
But I like the yoga class!
so I stayed. Then someone else walked in with a difference perfume that sickened me.

I don't know how it is with others, but with me - getting out of the place where the toxins are doesn't end the problem. Somehow the smell stays with me, the effect stays with me.

i get disoriented, like dangerous to drive. when it is real bad.

even tho I drove home with the windows open, I still feel sick. I will have to shower and wash my hair.

[womanofthehills]

6. I have had it for yrs

so I moved to the country for the clean air 12 yrs ago and I am about 90 % better. I once had it so bad I could not leave my house.

In the late 90's I was in a support group for MCS (we had to meet outdoors) and the majority of our group realized we initially became ill after a pesticide exposure.

I know to just leave if I am around perfume or chemicals. If you are still feeling bad after you get away, take 1000 mg of buffered vit c or eat a piece of fruit or a carrot and take a super long hot epson bath. These things stop a reaction for me. My allergy dr said when you react to something, your body becomes acidic so to instantly buffer it helps big time.

I also take 0 prescription drugs. When I went off all meds, I began to get better. I eat organically and raise my own chickens that I feed organic food to.

I know what you mean about brain fog. I will get it if I'm in heavy traffic from vehicle exhaust and then I will keep driving past the place I am going. Sometimes, I'll turn around and pass my destination again.

[ellenrr]

7. thanks for the bit about what to do after exposure.. I have a friend

who cannot leave her house. Even in her apt, if other residents do the laundry, she get s sick.
I have always feared getting that bad.

I moved into a senior building, my friend had warned me it'd be toxic, but I didn't have a choice. It was this or my car.
I know there are people with MCS who DO live in their care.

I feel like a prisoner bec. going down the corridors to get outside is like being sprayed with teargas. I never know what combination of toxic chemicals (perfumes) will hit me.

I try to only make one trip a day out.
If I get to my car, and realize I forgot to bring something-- too bad. I do without it, rather than go back.

I wear a paper mask, it helps a little.
My friend had sent me info on a more effective mask which I need to look into.

sometimes the fumes get into my apt whether thru the walls, the door, or the heating system.
it is miserable.

I'm happy for you that you were able to locate yourself somewhere where you have reduced your exposure.
for your info, or if you know someone there is a group online called "Planet Thrive" for people that suffer from environmental illness.

[Thirties Child]

10. A good friend with MCS has written a novel based on her experiences with the illness.

After 30 years of organic food, special diets, supplements, designing and building a chemically free house, she is finally able to live a fairly normal life.

Her name is Diane Thomas and the novel is In Wilderness. It's the story of a high-powered advertising executive who is sickened by insecticide in the mid 60s. She is dying from what was then an unexplained illness and retreats to a cabin in the Appalachians to die. She eats what she grows, lives pure and simple, and begins to recover. She meets a young Vietnam veteran, suffering from PTSD, who has also retreated to the mountains. The publication date is March 3.

Btw, she's 72 and a good, good Democrat.