Heather's interview
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How did all start?
I worked in an instrument repair shop as a bookkeeper and there was little ventilation there. My office was filled with toxic fumes but I was too young to figure out that it was making me sick. I got well in the 1990's but moved into an apartment that was under construction and contracted lead poisoning. My health has been deteriorating since then (fall of '99) and I contracted Lyme disease in the spring of 2017. I fought for disability for five years and finally received it in April of 2019 but only 733/month. Now I struggle to survive financially, physically, and emotionally. It is a horrible way to live.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I have been seeing multiple doctors regarding lead poisoning, MCS and Lyme disease. They only diagnosed MCS in the last five years and recently Social security disability recognized all of my health issues. It is a long and difficult process with many challenges to muddle through. It will be different for each individual.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Antibiotics for Lyme was the only simple cure. MCS and metal poisonings have been more complicated and require my own research and commitment, as most doctors don't know how to affectively help in these areas. A naturopath has helped me the most with herbs and supplements. Exercise, specifically swimming in a salt water pool has really helped my frame of mind.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Faith and commitment to helping myself. Probiotics, herbs and supplements. Positivity.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Isolation, depression anxiety, panic attacks and being sick a lot. Loneliness. Constant financial stress. Hopelessness.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My social life is almost non-existent. My family doesn't seem to understand the impact of the illnesses I live with.
What things have you stopped doing?
Working, performing, going to movies (maybe once a year) restaurants, concerts, hugging people (unless I'm pretty certain they are unscented) being out and about for long, taking taxis, flying (unless I have to), shopping for long.
What do you think about the future?
It feels pretty bleak. If I could write, speak and perform songs I've written about my current life, and could make a comfortable living doing this, I might not feel so suicidal. My two grown kids give me the incentive to stay alive.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My first through fourth grade - had peace of mind. 1983, '84, '85, '86, was young and healthy and happy. '95, '96, '97, '98 and part of'99 - my kids were born and I wasn't sick, had jobs.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Get my music published. Write books. Feel good.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is extremely lonely, tiring and fearful.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Find others who have similar health issues. Connect, support, love each other. Don't use commercial laundry or cleaning products!! Don't use commercial hair and body products!! Spend time outside, if you are able.
