I am writing this e-mail at the request of Diana Buckland who at one time reminded me that sufferers of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity have an obligation to help others with this condition regardless of where they live.

Illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Fibromyalgia / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis are legitimate illnesses that span the globe and as sufferers we must make others aware of the devastating effects of these diseases.

Prior to 2000 I was a healthy active male who exercised regularly and had a good diet. I was rarely sick and took an average of 2-3 sick days per year. In December of 2001, I had a severe respiratory infection that persisted for several months as a lingering cough and fatigue that was not alleviated by rest. In 2002 the fatigue became progressively worse and I began to experience problems with food sensitivities. By late 2002 the symptoms expanded to include intense muscle and joint pains, headaches and flu like symptoms accompanied by cognitive dysfunction, mood swings and memory problems. I also began to have problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome and developed additional food intolerances and chemical sensitivities to the point where I began to have a lot of trouble eating and found it difficult to interact with others in public. I also experienced problems with balance and motor coordination that sometimes made it difficult to walk. In 2003 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue syndrome , Environmental sensitivities accompanied by symptoms similar to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. My system was close to collapse, my body had stopped absorbing vitamins and nutrients. I had lost close to 40 lbs , I was anaemic and my hormone systems were disrupted. In June 2003 my employer requested that I stop working because I was no longer able to perform the majority of my job functions. I received sick leave for a short period but my disability claim was denied and I am presently without a source of income. Since that time I have exhausted my savings and my retirement plan. I had to sell my house and I will be moving in with family. There are social assistance programs available in Canada but unfortunately the monthly benefit is insufficient to cover the drugs , special diet, supplements and treatments necessary for people with MCS to get better. Finding safe housing is a nightmare and I know of many people with MCS who are homeless and sleep in tents all year around.

I also lost many of my friends because I could not associate with them due to contaminants and other scented products that people often use. Underarm deodorant and the breath of someone who has just used toothpaste are virtually intolerable to someone sensitive to these products. Scented laundry soap, fabric softener and residual tobacco smoke become intolerable even for short periods. Accessing community services, obtaining medical help and even performing daily activities such as shopping or laundry become a nightmare for people with MCS.

Finding Doctors who recognize and understand these emerging illnesses is very difficult. I was told recently by a Chief of Neurology at a hospital in Ottawa that many professionals actively screen out patients with these conditions because they require too much work and they do not have adequate diagnostic indicators to prove that they have the illness nor do they have the necessary treatment protocols to help them once they are diagnosed. I consider myself lucky because I was able to find a good Environmental Physician who was able to diagnose my condition and to assist me and I was opened minded enough to search for alternative heath care practitioners to assist me in my recovery. Thankfully, my condition is improving very slowly and I hope to be able to support myself again someday in the near future. It has been an unbelievable experience; one that society and the medical community do not recognize or appreciate. These diseases are legitimate illnesses and they have a devastating impact on the lives and families of those afflicted with these conditions.

Curiously enough I was an Occupational Health and Safety professional prior to getting sick.

It is ironic that I would become afflicted with an illness that would bring in to question all of my former training and cast doubt on the principles of toxicology and industrial hygiene that I believe were adequate to protect workers and the public. I hope that in some small way my story will help to further the understanding of others about these conditions.

Sincerely

Doug,

Ontario, Canada