I'm really foggy right now (having a reaction to something in the house) anyway I need to find some info on the web showing that dazed and confused is a reaction to a chemical when you have MCS. And the fact that it can come and go fast sometimes.

DH thinks I'm just not watching the kids at all, he doesn't believe me when I tell him I'm in a dazed and can't help it. When I go from fine to "out of it" than back to fine in 10 minutes he thinks that's not a reaction. And than when a reaction last almost all day I'm just lazy.

TIA

Man, it toke me 20 minutes to type this post.

I found this on Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_chemical_sensitivity


Six consensus criteria were identified by researchers for the diagnosis and definition of MCS in 1989 (later edited in 1999) :[4]

1. Symptoms are reproducible with repeated (chemical) exposures.
2. The condition has persisted for a significant period of time.
3. Low levels of exposure (lower than previously or commonly tolerated) result in manifestations of the syndrome (i.e. increased sensitivity).
4. The symptoms improve, or resolve completely, when the triggering chemicals are removed.
5. Responses often occur to multiple, chemically unrelated substances.
6. Symptoms involve multiple-organ symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, ear ache, scalp pain, mental confusion or sleepiness, palpitations of the heart, upset stomach, nausea and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, aching joints).[5]

Hope this helps...

Abbie

I just found this too...

http://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/

Hey, Julie! I don't know if you can remember, but I told you once that I have some problems with MCS, too. Last year I went to see my youngest girl graduate from a summer class for the gifted and talented. I was okay all day until it was time to go. Then on the way back to our car I walked behind another car which was smoking pretty badly out of the tailpipe. I got into our car, and within a few minutes I fell into a total daze. I wasn't asleep, because my head didn't roll forward or back into the head rest. But I was totally unsure of where I was or why I was there. The feeling lasted for about fifteen minutes, and then I was suddenly okay again. So being around the wrong chemicals can definitely cause a daze like that. I hope this helped. Good luck and best wishes!

Idealist, I understand why and how this happens I just don't know how to get DH to believe/understand this. I can see that if you didn't understand MCS than it might look odd that someone can go from fine to "out of it" and back to fine in just minutes and than other times it could take more than a day to be "fine" again.

I can't relay on my Dr to help DH understand because she came right out and told both of us that she doesn't understand MCS enough to treat me for it.

Morning Julie, sorry to hear of the troubles i wish i had an answer, just wanted you to know you have debs and my supports prayers and good thoughts, wish i had an answer like you said even your doc cant help , wouldnt hearing the doc is uncertain of how to handle it tell him its not a common illness?

Hi Julie

I'm new on here and don't know if I'm too late to answer your post?
Anyway, yes it is definitely possible to feel dazed and confused in reaction to a chemical. I have suffered this myself and it can happen in a matter of minutes and then I know I need to get away from the source of the problem. Depending on what the chemical is and how quickly I get away depends how quickly the symptoms clear. They can go immediately or it can take a whole day.

I get a really bad headache and then feel all "muggy" and not quite there!!

For me it has been trial and error discovering what triggers reactions.

But the reaction is definitely real.

Hopefully by now you will have found something to help but if not I can share what helps me.

Hi ChocolateChip and welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm glad you've joined us.

You might try a detox. I did one years ago and am ready for another one. They usually run anywhere from $60-$75 but they are worth every penny. I was having symptoms just like yours and my skin would break out with tiny blisters that felt like a bug had stung me then I'd naturally run the area and the blister would break and then the area would bleed. I'd have scabs all over my arms and legs. Then I did a cleansing and a lot of my symptom left. I also went to my doctor to have an ANA test done to see if it was autoimmune and 3 yrs later my test came out positive for Sjogren's Syndrome...I also have Fibromyalgia and both cause chronic fatigue which sounds like your "brain fog". I do that too, it's very aggrevating especially when you want to be awake. Low blood sugar can do the same thing too. You might need a glucose test performed. I hope this helps.

I have been having troubles with "chemical smells" for the past 16 years and thought thought that it was only in my head! If I go to a store that has fertilizers or candles, I first start feeling agitated then I get a horrific , pounding headache. Once I get the headache, my stomach starts to feel nauseous and I am ready to go home to lie down for the rest of the day. My family has been irritated with me for years over these headaches because they just do not understand why I am so affected by the smells. Not only do I get them in stores, but I also get them when riding in the car when there are strong exhaust fumes, or when at work and someone comes in with perfume or cologne on.

How can I tell someone that their perfume/cologne is causing me to have headaches/nausea without sounding like a spoiled brat? I don't want to offend anyone, but once I get the headache/nausea I cannot concentrate on my work and become almost confused.

Is this something that can be diagnosed by the doctor? I feel that my doctor does not take my complaints seriously, and I don't know what to do.

Any info would be much appreciated!

Amy