- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Interviews
's interview
How did all start?
Uneventful day at work, followed by shopping and afternoon tea with my daughter at the local shops. Turned in first anaphylactic event. Allergy tests came up negative, Drs suggested RPAH elimination diet, which helped initially. Over time I became sensitive to fragrances, chemicals, as well as foods. I have now discovered that it not just inhaling the 'smells' but these chemicals are also absorbed through the skin and eyes, making avoiding exposures tricky.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Severe chemical sensitivity, 2 years.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Allergist - xolair injections, cyclosporine and a host of h1 and h2 blockers
Bioresonance - hard to explain but definitely gives me a boost in energy
Chiropractor - helps with aches and pains
Natropath - trying to heal the gut
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Connection with other people who also suffer from these conditions. It is easy to feel like you are going crazy when you don't know anyone else who suffers from these conditions.
Support from family and friends.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Working, leaving the house, change in diet, no longer being able to bake for my family and friends, no longer being able to host/attend dinner parties, bbqs and the like. Not being able to go to the shops to touch and feel/ try on those purchases that you really need to see before you buy. Buying a new car and and 2 1/2 years later still not being able to drive it because of chemicals.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Immediate family and close friends have travelled my journey with me thus far, we are still learning and I am grateful that they are open to learning with me, to enable me to keep some form of normalcy where possible.
What things have you stopped doing?
Working, socialising, shopping, going to places where there are crowds or even just some people.
What do you think about the future?
Right now I am scared... as I face the possibility of losing my job as I am now unfit to carry out my duties.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Early 30s... Enjoyed life with family and good friends.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel more.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Right now I am trying to stabilise these conditions so that I may find my new normal. I feel isolated, as I am currently unable to leave my home.
