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I am 56 and was diagnosed with "chemical sensitivity to environmental pollution" in September of 2004.
In 1993 I experienced, what was then called, "sick building syndrome."
I was experiencing mental confusion, and at times appeared to be intoxicated. The office was tested, but nothing out of the ordinary was found. I had my blood tested, and again noting was found. No one in the medical profession in the area I live had any idea what sick building syndrome was or what was the cause of my problem. I even saw a therapist, but he was unable to find any problem.
After about two months I found a job in landscape maintenance and everything was fine. I even had my own landscape maintenance business for about 7 years and had no symptoms of MCS.
In 2003 while at the local Wal-Mart, I began coughing and sneezing.
This was not unexpected, as I had been diagnosed in the early 70's with an allergy to mold and fungi that grows in ventilation systems. What was new was the light headed feeling I had. About 15 minutes after I left the store all my symptoms disappeared. Unfortunately, every time I went shopping, and every store I went in the symptoms worsened along with the length of recovery time. By October of 2003, my energy level had plummeted and I had to give up my business.
My symptoms from exposure include a dizzy feeling, mental confusion, irritability, eye irritation, blurred vision, a rash when I sweat. and lingering headaches.
The first doctor I saw decided I was claustrophobic, prescribed a anti-depressant and rushed me out of her office.
The second doctor I saw diagnosed me with chemical sensitivity and we reconstructed my "chemical exposure history"
I have always gotten a headache and nausea from pesticides and herbicides.
In 1973, I was living in Michigan and ingested PBB (a flame retardant) that had been mixed in with cattle feed. Shortly afterwards I developed an under-active thyroid and an allergy to molds. The thyroid condition is an on again off again condition and I am not currently in need of medication for it. I also am extremely sensitive to prescription medications. I was given Tylenol 3 for pain after the birth of my son in 1976. After taking 2 of them my blood pressure went off the charts. Then the "sick building syndrome" incident in 1993. After years of contamination to chemicals, my body reached its limit and I developed MCS.
No testing had yet been done. The doctor recommended I see an allergist and an acupuncturist.
I do consider myself fortunate because my home is my escape.
I live in the country and do not suffer the daily exposures of city dwellers. I also have a close relative who is an organic farmer, so when the other farmers are applying their chemicals I do have a place to escape to.
I am still "discovering" new substance that I react to.
Two weeks ago I became ill from the smell of soap while my son was showering. I decided to do a little "house cleaning" to see what other surprises were in my home. Unfortunately the first storage container I opened contained perfume bottles. Instant foggy head. I decided to wait for warmer weather so I can open all my windows and let the fresh air flow.
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