- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
Nur's interview
How did all start?
Since childhood, I had hypermobility and other conditions related to it (digestive issues, anxiety, POTS) i was put on antidepressants at age 17. In 2018, I started tapering from my SSRI(antidepressant) after 13 years on it. I slowly became more and more sensitive. Then over 2 years into the taper, I was going through a rough patch emotionally. I lost a lot of weight in a short period of time, due to some digestive issues. I became underweight and weak. Then I was given some medications which interact with SSRIs and I had an adverse reaction to them. After that, I developed silent reflux, multiple chemical sensitivities, oral allergy syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I have diagnosis for the autoimmune conditions.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
I am fairly new to this journey.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Not being understood. Not having my conditions acknowledged by doctors and the people around me.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
They are finding it hard to accommodate me.
What things have you stopped doing?
Going outside, exercising, eating regular food.
What do you think about the future?
I am hopeful, I will try whatever I can. But if it is here to stay, I will have to alter my life to live with it.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Exercise, socialise, work, move home, grow my own food, help other people.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Suffering is a part of life, just like joy. Everybody suffers in some way, at some point. And this seems to be our share. I'm sorry that life appears unfair and chaotic to us. But we are here for each other.
