- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
Shelagh's interview
How did all start?
Gradual build up of toxins since childhood, then exposure to pesticides and coal and wood burning
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took years. I had to gather my own research amd prove myself. Then I was lucky to happen upon an Environmental Medicine Practioner just once. Now I have no one to talk to as no one around me understands the condition.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
None
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Contact with other sufferers in Facebook groups and my own research using the NCBI medical internet site
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Not being believed, having no medical support because no one around where I live acknowledges or understands my condition or unerstands how life threatening my symptoms can be.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Very supportive family, many other people avoid me rather than ask about my health or help me deal with situations.
What things have you stopped doing?
Being in public places. Going swimming. Going outdoors when the air is contaminated.
What do you think about the future?
I'm determined to survive, but the medical professions need to improve their understanding dramatically to help me.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Before the symptoms worsened. When I valued everything I had, but could still enjoy getting out whenever I wanted and felt well enough to do it.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Swim, walk and cycle for miles without worrying about what triggers I could encounter.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Positive, and valuing every day.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Research all you can. Don't be undermined by the medical profession. ALWAYS avoid your triggeres. Look after your body, your diet, your health, find your best methods to detox
