- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
Cindi's interview
How did all start?
I loved the smell of gasoline as a kid. I was exposed to trichlorethylene, which had been discarded underground under where I lived. I often visited with my friends who lived across the street from a steel factory. I lived in a farming area.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed by a general practitioner who said it sounded like I was sensitive to petroleum products.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Most of my treatment has been holistic, chiropractic, supplements, moderate exercise.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
To realize that I need to avoid exposures to chemicals as much as possible.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Lack of energy for everyday tasks. Feeling like I have to push myself to get things done. Learning to pace myself.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family is understanding, but other friendships suffer due to my lack of energy to cultivate them.
What things have you stopped doing?
I limit my daily activities to what is necessay to get by, and limit my shopping activities to avoid exposures.
What do you think about the future?
I take it one day at a time.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I raised my children. I had a full career and continue to work part time.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to travel more and pursue more of my passions.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I had a full but fragmented life due to my health problems limiting my ability to function fully.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Take one day at a time. Celebrate small gains. Don’t expect too much of yourself. Be strong and keep moving forward. Gain all the knowledge you can to improve you daily circumstances.
