- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
Mary's interview
How did all start?
It started about 2001, I already had asthma but it wasn't that bad, I had went to the dr because I got real sick and I had told him that I had sprayed my pantry for some sugar ants the day before. He said I basically poisoned myself because I was in an enclosed space. Ever since then it has just gotten worse and worse. In 2009 I was selling Scentsy and I used the soy candles, and my only issue was the chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Then I had to get rid of everything and it has gotten worse from there. I am wearing a mask when I go to public places.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I don't have an official diagnosis, my asthma dr says I have non-allergic asthma and the chemicals trigger my asthma. Well yes they do that but it is so much worse than just a trigger.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
My asthma dr gave me numerous nose sprays, which he said would block the triggers, and inhalers to take daily but nothing helps except staying away from the chemicals.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Staying away from the chemicals and my carbon mask.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Working, I go to meetings with my mask on and some people look but they don't say anything. And then socializing with others is hard, going to people's houses, going to the grocery store, taking my grandbaby to play somewhere.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I don't socialize that much and if I do I wear my mask, it has really helped a lot, it doesn't help completely because if the scent is too strong it doesn't work. I take my grandbaby to taekwondo and the owner evidently scrubs the place from top to bottom because I can't even stay in there with 2 filters on. Most of my family knows and they understand but it does get in the way of family functions.
What things have you stopped doing?
I think I covered that in the previous question.
What do you think about the future?
I don't see it as great. I pray for a cure and literally dream of being able to socialize without worry.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Pre 2001, I was raising my kids and enjoying life without restrictions.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Everything....I want to walk the mall, go to events, go visit people..etc...
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is just short of living in a bubble.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
I don't have any advice except try the mask. It is I Can Breathe mask and it has helped some.
