- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
shelley's interview
How did all start?
It started working in a school full of mold, but I had no idea at the time what was happening
About 6 years later the significant health issues began
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes, I was officially diagnosed in Dec 2019. My allergist told me in 2018 she knew I had a chemical sensitivity, but it was beyond her specialty to actually diagnose it. She then forwarded me to Chronic Care clinic in Fall River NS where Dr Fox and the team diagnosed me.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I've been receiving online mental health counseling, which has helped me deal with the loss of my career and previous way of life.
Besides that, I'm just following Dr Fox's recommendations- air purifier, tri salts and avoidance.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Learning to say no, so that I can avoid the chemicals that make me sick.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
People who just cannot understand that even a bit of chemicals and fragrance is toxic.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My immediate family has been great, and I'm very fortunate as so many with mcs dont have that family support.
Although friends try to understand, and say they do,the inconvenience of required changes is just too much for most.
What things have you stopped doing?
Almost everything: working, my volunteer work, eating out, go to movies, go to the mall/ shopping, I cannot go to the dentist, I've had to change a lot of what I wear ( synthetic fabric), ect, and no more travel.
What do you think about the future?
It will be as good as it can, given all my limitations.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My best years were my 30s, watching my girls grow up, watching my career in education flourish and doing some traveling.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Continue working and do more traveling
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A life forever changed due to a little known chronic illness.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
As hard as it is, you must practice avoidance, which includes cutting out those people unwilling to make necessary changes to accommodate you.
