- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
Bro's interview
How did all start?
As a child, I was chronically ill. GI distress, colic as a baby, chronic fevers, skin lesions, breathing issues, extreme menses, and more.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I have not been officially diagnosed, I have seen many specialists for specific symptoms but recently discovered that MCS is real and what I suffer from.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have seen neurologists, dermatologists, OBGYNs, genetic counselors. The geneticists have been the most helpful though my results were inconclusive. The other specialists push medications that I react severely to.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Avoiding triggers (as much as possible). Changing my diet and eliminating animal products, nightshades and pesticides when possible. Also having extremely pure water for bathing and consuming.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Fragrances and cleaners used by others, pollution in the air, wastewater treatments, medications.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have virtually no support system. I am blamed for making others feel like they "have leprosy" when the issues actually mine. I can't breathe around my friends and family and have to avoid them, though I want to be with them.
What things have you stopped doing?
I've stopped eating things that trigger me. I use different cleaners. I can no longer purchase or receive second hand items nor can I buy many new synthetic items.
What do you think about the future?
I am hopeful that people will start leaning toward a more natural and sustainable way of living, that these changes will reduce the toxins that are exposing people with MCS and cases of MCS will reduce significantly.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My early 20's were good to me, I was able to travel the world (with minimal exposures) and enjoyed studying at university. I did research and felt like I was accomplishing things.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel and work, I would love to do more research and spend time with friends and family.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am a lover of life and experiences.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Don't give up hope. It is hard, I know, but we can identify the triggers and reduce exposure to live a safe life.
