Quick synopsis of my situation...
I have had what I found to be MCS since a head injury in Sept '05. I donated blood, passed out and hit my head, waking up on the floor. A week to the day after, I started to experience symptoms and through much trial, error, and turmoil, my husband and I partially converted our house away from natural gas use, I had to quit my job after 7 months of enduring feeling terrible there post injury. I have found some relief to my digestive issues by avoiding most foods I have tested sensitive to, taking a probiotic every other day, and drinking lots of water.
We are currently about to undertake IVF with a reproductive endocrinologist, we had just started trying to concieve for about 2 months when I hit my head. I am hoping for success as I am 35 and more than ready to be a mother.
After seeing many doctors to try to figure out what was going on (early on) I now take several supplements, which seem to help overall...these include Pantothenic Acid (B5), Riboflavin (B2), CoQ10, Methylcobalamin (B12), MegaFolinic (folic acid), also some for fertility.
I was curious if other MCS sufferers found employment and if so, in what industries? Also, how do you deal with the feelings of isolation and feelings of inadequecy? I always prided myself with my independence and since having to depend so heavily on my husband to financially support us for awhile now, it wears on me greatly.
Thanks to all who took the time to read this, I hope my information helps someone and I welcome all input. Take care.
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written by lucinda yackeschi, April 14, 2010
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Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing with us
It sounds like you are doing many of the right things regarding removing sources of chemical exposure from your house, your diet and the supplements you are taking. If you feel it's helping that's great!
I developed MCS following a general anaesthetic in 2001 and it quickly became so severe I was only free of symptoms in my own home - and even then not the kitchen and bathroom. I had to wear a carbon filter masks in those rooms and whenever I went outside or had company. Thankfully I have been MCS-free since 2004-2005 after strict avoidance of chemicals and various supplements including those you are taking plus adrenal support (licorice, DHEA etc).
However, I have was diagnosed with ME/CFS aged 12 (I'm now almost 31) and was living on state benefits through most of my 20s. Like you I consider myself extremely independent and having to live off the state was not great for my self-esteem!
My way out came partly by accident. I am the founder and owner of this website. It was originally a personal site simply telling my story. I had no plans to make a living from it but I soon saw that there was the potential to do so. After years of slowly adding content I began earning enough to wean myself off benefits and have now been living as self-employed for 2 years
I guess my advise would be to think about what you enjoy doing and are good at and then see if there is a way you can make money online from doing it. I have always enjoyed science, writing and sharing knowledge and been pretty good with computers so running this site suits me well.
In terms of feelings of inadequacy finding a purpose and/or being able to make money go a long way to repairing your damaged self-esteem and self-image. I personally went through years of suicidal depression and deep soul searching and in the end found strength through meditation and associated practices. Although I would recommend these to anyone I think each EI sufferer has to find their own path and what works for them.
The internet is a great tool to avoid feeling isolated. There are so many people with MCS out there that interact on this site and many others that you never need to feel alone. I can't imagine what it must have been like suffering from MCS before the internet age! Also if masks work for you and you can learn to live with wearing one in public there is nowehere you can't go. Yes, you get stared at but in the end it builds character....something I needed and am actually grateful for. After all, does it matter what strangers think?!
I seem to be going on so I'll leave it there for now. Remember you are not alone and also you CAN recover from MCS so always have hope