Did you know that some 45 million people in the U.S. report sensitivities to different chemicals? And that 3 million have been diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Although I am thankful to have learned what I now know about chemicals and toxins, I personally know that living with MCS can definitely be challenging.
Defining Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
MCS America gives a great definition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. They define it as:
“a diagnostic label for people who suffer multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances. (Environmental Protection Agency). Sometimes referred to as a neuroendocrineimmune disorder, MCS causes dysfunction in many body systems as a result of exposure to low levels of environmental chemicals. The effect is similar to that of a large dose of poison on a healthy person.”
The symptoms that come from MCS vary as they can affect the nervous, immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems.
As you can see from the various symptoms, it can be frustrating trying to figure out that the ultimate problem is MCS. Before I had even heard of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I was given many different medical tests – from EKG’s, CAT scans, MRI’s, Stress Tests, etc. All of the tests came back negative. Medical doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. In the meantime, I was getting worse and worse. Looking back, I now know that the tests they performed actually made me worse when you consider the EMFs, radiation and chemicals used in the dye contrasts. It’s no wonder my heart would race out of control when undergoing a test as heart palpitations is a symptom of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
The Internet Assisted in Diagnosis
I turned to the Internet to see if I could find an explanation for my symptoms. Although there wasn’t a ton of information, I came across Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. That’s why I’m thankful the month of May is MCS Awareness Month and that more organizations are trying to bring awareness to this horrible disease. Hopefully, with the awareness, people can make changes and remove the chemicals and toxins that they’re living with before they start to experience the symptoms that myself and those with MCS have. Also, I hope that with awareness companies will stop adding harmful chemicals to many of the products that we use on a daily basis.
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MsJan says
I also have MCS. It took many years before I became this ill from chemicals. No one ever told me like when I went to the allergist for help that if I did not avoid these toxins I would than become where I could not be near most chemicals ever again. He just said I cannot help you. There is no test for perfumes or fragrances. Now I have to live a very lonely life and have not been in anyones home in three years and have only had a handful in mine. Mostly due to repairs. Even family do not understand the illness and must wear hair spray which makes me want to run and get away as fast as I can. My BIGGEST WORRY and which keeps me from sleeping many nights is what am I to do if I cannot care for myself or need someone to care for me? I have no one. Lost most friends when this happened. People do not want to break the routine or bad habits to just see one person that cannot handle perfumes or fragrances, or hair spray or etc… I am so scared and have no idea as what to do. I am also on a very fixed income so do not have the money to hire someone that would be able to do without the use of these chemicals and move into my home. Wish doctors and others would be more concern about this and find more help for us even if it is in housing or places for people with our illness to go when down with this terrible MCS
Teresa says
Hi Jan – Thank you for stopping by. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re suffering from this awful disease. I can totally relate and sympathize. I still have MCS, but I’m better today than I used to be. My recovery time is now much shorter after exposure. Like you, I’ve been to many doctors who couldn’t help me. As you mention, traditional doctors don’t even suggest avoiding toxins. I ultimately found a doctor who had MCS himself, so he knows what we go through. He got himself better and helped get me on the road to better health. You might want to read through his website: http://www.drpompa.com/conditions/mcs. Also, here is a website regarding MCS housing: http://www.greenhomesforsale.com/.