Cool.

So, would that mean that all perfumes have some standard chemicals in them, and that's what they test for? For me, I seem very sensitive to some perfumes/smells, but not others . . . so maybe there is a common thread (chemical) that only appears in some?



I ran across quite a few resources, but I had to put the whole name in google, "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, forum". I don't know how good they are, but you might find better one's when you google:

http://www.curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=469

http://www.ei-resource.org/index.php...board&Itemid=6

http://www.amazon.com/tag/multiple%2...A1115ST6F5CWYP

Cherie

I'm not sure on the perfume thing, I just know they all seam to bother me.
Thanks for the links, all the boards I found are SO SLOW, I posted to one 5/22 and only 3 post have been made on there sent than and none were to my post.

Hang around right here, Julie.

Here's a thought. Ask for a MCS forum on NT. You never know unless you ask.


Or start a topic under Rare disorders.

Hi Julie! Sorry you have to go through all of this. I apologize in advance for making this so long.

First - Have you had a complete allergy test both skin and blood? Mold can create some serious problems to those of us allergic to it and/or sensitive to it's toxins. This can also create many chemical sensitivities as well as neurological problems. I am highly allergic to mold and can get really sick.

As an example, I have a fruit bowl out on the counter. If an orange starts to mold and that mold releases its nasty stuff in the air, I become very ill. This includes some symptoms that mimic other disease.

I did a search on mold toxins real quick before I posted. Here is just a sample of what you may find:

Effects from exposure to toxic mold can result in any of the following symptoms:
Headaches - memory loss - problems focusing or concentrating - chronic fatigue - nose and throat irritation - persistent cold-like symptoms - burning, itching or watering eyes - dizziness - nausea - tremors - heart palpitations - shortness of breath (during mild exertion) - exhaustion- after routine activity - serious swelling in legs, ankles, feet - serious swelling in torso or stomach - prolonged muscle cramps and joint pain - sensitivity to- odors - cancer - women who are pregnant could experience multiple problems, even miscarriages.

I lived in a townhome that had bad pipes, some that actually burst at the manifold. My sister who is an architect told me - move, get out, etc. I was going to buy the place! She was the one that told me all these horror stories about what mold does to a home and many times the toxins can be so bad the home is condemned.

Secondly - I did not this route but, have you been or would you consider going to a homeopathic doctor and/or a kinesiologist. My nephew was horrible ill and they couldn't figure out what was going on. There was no solid diagnosis that the dr could pinpoint.

My SIL brought him to a homeopathic who began some treatment and then referred him to a kinesiologist. This lady was a life saver for them. She was able to identify things that were putting my nephews system out of balance. She did a home visit in addition to the office visit to see how my nephew was in his home environment. I really don't know how it all works but she saw a noticeable difference when he was at home.

As a result, my brother and SIL had some environmental company come out and do tests. Sure enough, there was a huge mold issue in the house. They renovated according to the company's recommendation and my nephew has been fine since. He still goes to the homeopathic dr and the kinesiologist but he has improved tremendously.

I have talked to quite a few people who have gone to this kinesiologist and she has done wonders for their "issues" as well.

Stress can also cause flare ups for MCS as well as many other diseases. I know you have been under a lot of stress lately. Is there someone that you can talk to about things that are going on in your life? A friend? A family member? Heck, even the pharmacist. LOL. (My pharmacist and I have become good friends now. She's great). Managing stress may help with the MCS.

I only did the blood allergy test so far, did the skin one years ago. I'm still waiting to hear back from it tho.

I am really good about watching my stress, after all I was in limbo for a LOONNNGGGGG time.

Oh good! I have terrible, terrible allergies. My "allergy season" runs from February through November! I have 2 good months depending on the allergens. When my allergies aren't in control, I am more sensitive to chemicals.

I have only had the skin test and that was enough. Within seconds of the test I was miserable as the welts started forming on my back and arms. Man, those suckers itch! Since I reacted so much to the skin test the allergist didn't need to do the blood tests. I did do the shots (6 shots - 3 days a week) for a while but it was hard as I was working and only had 1/2 hour for lunch and you need to stay there for 1/2 after the shot. So, 3 days a week I had to take a 1 hour lunch and the boss didn't like it much. I stopped going.

It would be interesting to see what your results are and if controlling your allergies helps with the chemical sensitivities. I know it helps me.

Oh I forgot (memory is still real bad), Dr did put me on Allegra for my allergies and Topamax to make sure I'm not having any real migraines (non MCS related ones) because I have headaches 24/7 right now.
I can't wait to see what the allergy test shows.