Guest guest Posted May 26, 2008 Report Share Posted May 26, 2008 Hi KC, This is a common occurrence with people I know with MCS. My worst trigger is any kind of fragrance. I can just feel the anger rise. I didn't become aware of this in myself until a friend saw me disintegrate and asked me what I had been exposed to. Because I was going through stressful times, I thought it was just me. Now I know that the exposures turn me into some stranger with a very foul mouth. Scary. Wal-Mart stores use an LP gas powered floor cleaning machine that uses a potent cleaner. The odor contaminates everything in the store, including clothing, food packaging etc. I believe Target and other stores use the same cleaner, as most new clothes etc. carry the same odor to me. I once tried to find the company who makes the machines, but never was able to do that. I was hoping to convince them to go green. I have lived on both sides of MCS....having it myself and being the caregiver of someone with it. You always have to go back to the love. It can get you through anything. God bless you both. Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2008 Report Share Posted May 26, 2008 The last couple of weeks I've had Sharon out to the store with me, just to get her out and do something different. ... I know, those of you that suffer from the same illness this is how we live in seclusion most of the time and these simple trips are our big adventure, adventure could be taken several different ways. The first time was to Wal-Mart, the second time was to Lowes. I also had another adult with me that observed the same thing I had. Yes, each time she was wearing a mask. So physicians and other medical health consultants, etc. listen up, this is the way it is, whether you want to believe it or not. I've been with my wife now for 31 years and the last 11 years I have seen some drastic changes and effects not just to her phyically, but mentally as well since her exposure. Now back to the trips, within 5 minutes of walking into Wal-Mart and I know there is alot of off gasing from everything. A change in her disposition was drastic. Most " chemical hits " of any kind normally first response (for her) is a soft dry cough, which is my warning to get her out. Then the loss of voice, respitatory which will be effected for several months after. This time it was none of that. It was all neurological. Before we entered she was in a good frame of mind, acting normal, well as normal as you can be with this illness. Her disposition, attitude, temperment, even the way she carried herself changed dramatically and not for the best. Anger set in, which you can see in her face, just very nasty when she spoke with a venomous tongue. My first thought " what the heck did I just do? " But she did not realize she was doing this herself, in her mind she was still acting " normal " . We finally figured this one out what really happened the following day. I guess for a normal person, if I can call myself that, before we go into any building the radar goes up for any type of odors, chemicals or mold. I did not smell anything. Normally when she reacts it's a strong chemical smell or perfume that I can smell also. This mask I know does not filter out chemicals, but the majority of the time she is ok. Of course this day was wicked and like most of us you can just shake your head at times, what is worse, not knowing what to do. The second time was even worse. But this time we knew the cause immediately. It was like somebody throwing a light switch, night and day. The harder she tried to suppress it the worse it got, so she finally locked herself in a spare bedroom until it passed. She knew she was going to explode verbally she didn't want to hurt anyones feelings. There was a second observer through this whole process of both of these episodes. They both took 24-48 hours to pass. Most that are not aware of why human being react to certain chemicals for whatever reason I'm glad I did not take her attack personally like most would. These were uncontrollable. She knew what she was doing, she just couldn't stop it. So physicians LISTEN to your patients and learn to ask the right questions. Hopefully when you address your patients it is out of concern and not to victimize them with criticism, sarcasm or patronize, because you doubt or don't understand what is right in front of you. I hope this will help others who've had the same experience or to inform those when or if it happens to them. Take care, KC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Oh, Sharon and . I am so very very sorry. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with Tyler Florence " on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ?NCID=aolfod00030000000002) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Thanks . KC > > Oh, Sharon and . I am so very very sorry. You both are in my thoughts > and prayers. > > > > > > **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with > Tyler Florence " on AOL Food. > (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ? NCID=aolfod00030000000002) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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