Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum. I have chemical intolerance, to a severe level. It came on rather quickly about 10 years ago, and has gotten worse. I have been to every doctor you can imagine to try to treat this, to no avail. I have trouble in any setting I'm in. I work with two ladies who use scented laundry detergent that makes me react. My reactions are that the left side of my face goes numb which often then leads to a migraine. I am a student and all of my classmates have to use unscented products such as unscented lotion so that I can stay in class. I was just given a recommendation to see a more holistic doctor who, of course, does not take insurance. I went yesterday and spent $1000, which I do not have. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has recovered from chemical sensitivity. I honestly do not want to live my life this way. I love my life but my chemical sensitivity gets in the way of enjoying most things. I am poor and don't have the money to not work. Recently, my only safe place (my apartment) has been compromised because my neighbor moved out and they cleaned his apartment with very toxic chemicals, which are leaking into my apartment. So now I have no where to go where I don't react. I used to live with my parents and they installed a new kitchen floor which I severely reacted to. It has been two years and I still can't be in there house for more than 10 minutes at a time. I just am looking for some support to get through this. I see no end in sight and can't imagine living like this the rest of my life.

Dear Dark Eyes,

How awful...... I just can't imagine. How in the world can one control their outside environment. Being anywhere in public must be awful. One would think you could at least control your "home" environment but even THAT has been compromised.

I have no ideas to offer but I sure hope you can find some help.

Hi dark_eyes, welcome.

I can partially sympathize; I do not have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), however there are a few things I've responded strongly to, and I'm very familiar with migraines & triggers.

Just so you know, there is a forum here for Allergies & Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

I've also been to a holistic doctor who did not take insurance. I admit I'm curious what all s/he did that came to $1000 IME, despite the initial confidence in being able to help me (different issue), it turned out to be a sales pitch and money pit. I hope your experiences are better.

If you don't mind (it's up to you) a few questions...

Are you on any medications/supplements?

Are all your triggers olfactory, or are there others (skin sensitivity, foods, medications, etc.) as well?

Are you being treated for any anxiety and/or depression disorder?

Are you a veteran?

Has anyone (doctors) investigated acephalgic migraine (sometimes called "silent migraine")?

Doc

Dark Eyes, I don't have any answers, but I wanted you to know that I'm sorry it's so awful for you with these chemicals. You aren't alone in this, I'm sure there are others out there and a doctor just right for you. I know it can get discouraging, but keep going friend. "Fall down seven times, stand up eight" is a Japanese proverb that keeps me going sometimes.

As long as we don't let "it" win and we keep fighting, there's always the chance of getting better. In the past two weeks I've been diagnosed with two new things (putting me to 8 things on the OH CRAP scale), and I keep reminding myself not to give up and that none of this is a surprise to God.

I'm not sure of your faith and I'm not trying to push anything on you - but as long as I know that God knows what's going on, I'm ok, because I know He wants what's best for me. I don't know why people go thru stuff, but it helps to know I'm not alone.

So many nice people on this board take time to answer all my goofy questions, so I like to reach out to others because I know what a difference everyone's kindness has made. Keep posting, you never know the smallest thing you say can be something that another person knows very well.