Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (Anyone have this?)

Hi everyone,

I haven't been around in a while but I'm doing generally okay.

I've started going to a Multiple chemical sensitivity support group in the DC/Maryland area (U.S.). They invite doctors and specialists to speak who are very experienced with patients diagnosed with many hard to treat ailments and conditions including many with FM and CFS. Its been very informative. Last month they had a very knowledgeable doctor (a regular practicing doctor who also uses alternative medicine) who spoke about how many people with multiple chemical sensitivities have a break down and dysfunction in the detoxification process, among many other topics. Given that my pain increases after eating the wrong thing or taking most medications and that and my headaches increase after exposure to certain stimuli and smells, I found it very interesting. I plan to keep going and also plan to see some of the docs recommended by other patients. Patients vary in issues, but many have seen significant improvement with certain docs. The doctor who spoke at the last meeting has a year waiting list to see him, but I see that as as sign that he is thorough with each patient and must be at least halfway decent to have such a long list of people waiting to see him. I've made an appointment for October of 2014, can you believe?

Just wondering how many people consider themselves sensitive to chemicals or as having MCS.

Interesting.

Months ago, when discussions came about on this board regarding those who are affected by diet changes and those who are not, I began to realize that perhaps a portion of my FM issues are really influenced or aggravated by a trigger I might be able to avoid or manage. Chemical sensitivity is one of my most prominent FM issues. For instance, I noticed that taking one cold eeze lozenge caused me immediate widespread pain and amplified my FM achiness by 5 times. The intensified FM like pain lasted for 5 days after I took the lozenge. Another example is that a box of hair dye left me with a crippling three day headache so bad I could not stand up. When dying my hair before having this FM/CFS illness, I did not have any issue. That being said, perhaps my "brand" of FM differs from other here. I do know that I experience a lot of CFIDS or CFS issues. Sensitivities to foods and meds are a huge issue for me and something I must be constantly vigilant about.

I'm figuring out (from listening to these docs' theories) that part of my problem seems to be that my body may lack an appropriate detoxification system, for whatever reason, and that this is something that could be causing/influencing/triggering my FM type of pain. It may not be the same for others, but for me, it seems to be one of the factors.

Before FM/Chronic Fatigue, I could have coffee and no problems, but now my body cannot process it correctly and the negative side effects are amplified by 10 it feels like! The doctor who spoke recently spoke on why some people lack the ability to detoxify certain chemicals, like caffeine, and why some others have no negative side effects and can even sleep like a baby after consumption=detoxification process.

Whatever the case, its been somewhat encouraging to see that some people with FM and chronic fatigue syndrome diagnoses have found significant help from this specific doctor and a few others in my area. (The people at the group had rave reviews, and online review sites gave lots of positive feedback) Don't know how likely I'll find improvement, but it can't help to learn more or give it a try.

Post Edited (CharmCityLady) : 10/25/2013 8:04:03 PM (GMT-6)