I suffer from MCS which makes me housebound. I also have bad tinitus and am told this may be related to my allergy.

I have been having EPD injections to try to dessensitise me and have had around 20 of these. Although this has helped with my sinus problem, I am still extremely sensitive and can't go outside. I find that having picked up a chemical smell it seems to stay with me for days at a time causing bad headaches.

I would be interested to know whether anyone has found EPD injections to work and how successful they may have been.

Hi Lily,

I was diagnosed with M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on my 12th birthday and developed severe MCS in my early 20s. While I am now free from MCS I certainly know how it feels to be confined to your home and even certain rooms within your home because of this terrible illness.

I also have experience with EPD. Basically EPD only works for allergic conditions as it desensitises the immune system to allergens. Sinusitis is often caused by allergies which likely explains why the treatment has helped with this in your case. However, although the exact mechanisms underlying MCS are not completely understood most of the research suggests it is not primarily an allergic condition - it is thought to involve hypersensitivity of the brain and nervous system to chemicals and deficits in the detoxification and antioxidant systems of the body. For this reason I'm sorry to say that EPD treatment does not seem to be particularly helpful for MCS patients other than perhaps to lower the total burden on the body by treating hidden allergies.

I recovered from MCS by strict avoidance of trigger chemicals by making my home as chemical-free as possible and wearing a carbon filter mask when in company or going outside. I also did what I could to improve detoxification with nutritional and herbal supplements as well as addressing adrenal fatigue with licorice (to raise cortisol) and DHEA replacement under the guidance of my environmental medicine doctor. Healthy adrenal glands are important as they are responsible for the body's ability to respond to stress of any kind - including that caused by allergies and chemical exposure. Those with adrenal fatigue are much more likely to suffer from allergies and MCS.

I would suggest you discuss testing for detoxification capacity and adrenal fatigue with your doctor. It is likely a doctor who uses EPD will also be aware of such tests and treatments that might be indicated by the results.

I hope this helps!

Thanks Maff for your advice. I am also taking DHEA as well as having the EPD injections, together with a number of supplements and minerals. I did see under another subject heading reference to PhosCol DHEA. is this something different? The DHEA i am taking is manufactured by 'phenomena'. Are there different types of DHEA?

When you say you are also taking licorice, is this in tablet form or sticks?

You're welcome Lily!

I'm not sure which other thread you're referring to but PhosCol and DHEA are two entirely different things. PhosCol is a high quality supplement that contains a concentrated form of a fatty substance called phosphatidylcholine (PC) which is the major component of the membrane of every cell in the body and every organelle within the cells (e.g. mitochondria). PC keeps the membranes fluid which allows them to absorb nutrients and excrete waste products and toxins efficiently and also improves the function of neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system signalling chemicals (receptors for which are located on cell membranes). For these reasons and others PC and PhosChol are used with much reported success to improve detoxification. I have written a page about PC which will tell you a little more - Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

With regards to DHEA most supplements in my experience are much the same but it is always best to buy the higher quality brands and products that do't contain a long list of additives. You may want to consider using a form of DHEA called 7-Keto DHEA or just \"7-Keto\" since this reportedly does not convert to sex hormones in the body as DHEA can (particularly in women). I would discuss this with the doctor that you see for EPD etc.

Licorice is widely available in capsules/tablets which is good because you know you are taking the same dose every day. Pure licorice sticks are an alternative you could explore however so long as you make sure you are actually getting licorice and not the modern licorice candy/sweets that don't actually contain any of the actual herb! You'd also need to be careful to consume the same amounts every day and cut back if you feel you are becoming \"wired\", are unable to sleep etc.

I hope this helps and gives you things you can discuss with your doctor at your next visit.