grandmaofthree

bless your heart, thank you-- :) I will check it out. I have tried one 'foolproof for MCS' mask, but I couldn't get enough oxygen through it, and I passed out. I tried wearing it several times and finally gave up-- My lungs have sustained some damage through the years, so I assumed this was it-- For years I did use a regular 'painting' mask, and it helped a little, and then I got to where I couldn't get enough air. So I tried the more $$ one for MCS, but it didn't work either. My daughters both have allergies to pollen and dust; those are a trial, too, aren't they?

Thank you. I'm sorry about your mother. I have had a lot of peace, to be honest. There are times, however, when I feel the need to reach out, and there are times when I sorrow. Yesterday was one of them. I saw DeborahC's post when I googled and thought I would come on here to talk about MCS-- I'm sorry about your fibro. I have a mild case of it myself; some with MCS do. Mine is mild, thank heavens-- I understand your last sentence completely-- :) prayers returned; :)

I have spent hours writing out 'papers' about MCS, with scientific validation, etc.-- for a few people . . . and received no response. These are 'leaders'--people who questioned my husband or myself.

I take the sacrament in the parking lot; my husband brings it to me. There aren't any 'safe' younger men who could help my active, priesthood-holding husband give me the sacrament-- the parking lot works for me; people will say they are 'chemical free' when they are not--and come into the home, and that is not happy. I'm sorry I gave anyone the idea that I think everyone thinks I am crazy. Perhaps a very few strong-minded and opinionated people who have stated that (one to my face, a bishopric member who is a chemist and another to my husband, a medical doctor, and several people who have, literally, argued with me about MCS when I haven't even approached them or had anything to do with them, people who 'heard' I had it and came running to point out how 'wrong' I was)-- I perhaps am a bit too sensitive. I would rather err on the side of caution and not expose myself. Most people with MCS or any kind of sensitivity (I have other health issues as well) . . . also have other challenges in their lives and aren't any more 'perfect' at dealing with their challenges as people who do not have this condition. However, I have never heard of anyone with cancer being questioned about the reality of their disease, and often in our ward people with cancer are prayed for over the pulpit. I've never asked for prayers, though I was seriously ill (non-cancer) last year, so very ill that there were times when I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Our members with cancer don't always ask for prayers, but there does seem to be more compassion. So, I probably am defensive, but I certainly go out of my way not to be offensive. As I said, people with MCS also can have: children with problems, financial issues, etc.-- *We* are trying to survive like everyone else and could use understanding and compassion, not cross-examination, of which I have received enough. I don't know what I have said that implies I haven't told my priesthood leaders anything. When I was very ill my husband went to our bishop and asked for help with the sacrament. Even though my husband is our ward's HPGL . . . our stake president said that another priesthood holder had to come to our home. I found out from many others with MCS that this was not required; it was also not required for our bishop to ask our stake president, but in my case that was what happened. I did feel a bit like a victim, but nobody in our ward knows I feel that way. When we are 'hit', we tend to try to protect ourselves from further 'hitting'-- in our case a former bishop gave permission for my husband to bring the sacrament to our car (which is safe for me); I sit in the parking lot in all kinds of weather and wait; then I go home-- it works for me, better than having someone stinky come into our home and saying, "I'm not wearing anything"-- *sigh*

sorry I post so much-- I am still trying to help those who are suffering. If anyone else is interested, I would share, if asked. I am trying to answer every aspect of what I read-- and I use too many words to do so. But, oh well-- no perfection in mortals--:)

this is only one very tiny example of what *I* mean when I say that chemicals are 'poisoning' everyone-- HORMONE IMBALANCE CAUSED BY XENOESTROGENS KNOWN AS ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS, CHEMICAL ESTROGENS, OR SYNTHETIC ESTROGENS ACT LIKE YOUR OWN ESTROGEN This isn't everything; this isn't even a thorough explanation. But chemicals are wrecking havoc with human beings-- If *your* perfume is a simple scent, without additives, then you probably are not poisoning yourself, and there's a very good chance that even some people with MCS could use that 'perfume'-- but there aren't very many 'pure' perfumes left, and they tend to be expensive. What some people think of as 'perfume' is actually perceived by many with MCS as a 'stink'-- because those of us with MCS tend to sense the chemicals that are in the 'scent'--and the scent that those without MCS do sense is simply not available to those with MCS-- Recently I heard someone at my door, and I was needing to go outside for some other reason, so I met the 'solicitor' in my front yard and said, "may I help you?"-- The person was selling something and was a little aggressive. I backed away, because I had a strong 'warning' of chemicals-- She kept following me, and I laughed and said, "I have MCS, and something you are using is causing a reaction in me"-- She was very offended (this was my front yard, near my front door) and said, "I am not WEARING ANYTHING!"-- and left. What does a person do? I am sorry to anyone who thinks I am being patronizing, who thinks that I believe that anyone who doesn't understand is 'ignorant'. I am merely making a valid point that until something (anything) touches *us* we don't generally understand it well.

Yes, I have had people tell me that I can be 'cured', and I do see an alternative physician. My diet is very strict and is attuned to my body personally. I have had much 'energy' work done; in others words, my physician follows Asian and Indian methods, plus the use of herbs. My practitioner had MCS when she was in her 20s, and diligent following of the regime that she uses on me 'cured' her of MCS-- My body is very damaged by over one decade of MCS-- and I am in an intense program-- However, I have had no easing of MCS symptoms. I am becoming stronger all the time; I am very much in a powerful healing process, and I have received numerous blessings. I, too, pray very powerfully and regularly-- I have encountered others in my age bracket (I'm a senior citizen now) who have done the same thing I am doing. While overall health is restored, MCS symptoms do not disappear. I have 'met' other older women online who have tried various 'new' techniques and are experimenting with them even now and promise to report results-- Right now I am just trying to become more healthy and am following the counsel, with Heavenly Father's affirmation, of my practitioner. I had a miracle that led me to this physician. And I continue to be told that I am doing the right thing. My practitioner hopes I will be healed of MCS; I simply want to return to health. If I have to continue to avoid chemicals, I will do so. Even many without MCS have struggled with our current church building. One former bishop believes it is 'sick', so-- who knows what my future at church will be? Thank you for sharing your experience.

Also, I have never asked a priesthood leader to intervene for me (my husband is active, but I am referring to bishops/stake presidents)-- I have, when asked, tried to help leaders to see that sometimes those of us with MCS are treated like lepers-- I can remember, before I had MCS, hearing a group of LDS sisters whom I believed to be very kind people, discussing a woman who rarely came to church anymore, even though she had been known for her faithfulness . . . and her husband was in a stake leadership position, and all of her children attended and she had a child on a mission-- "she says she can't handle perfumes, but I wonder"-- several sisters in the group 'sniffed' or 'snorted' in disbelief, and the sister was relegated to the category of 'crank', because she had left choir practice a month or so before and when asked was told, "I have a terrible headache"-- She, too, was trying to be kind, and the response was that there was something 'wrong' with her that went beyond any physical illness. I did not want to be discussed in that way, and at the time I determined that, though MCS would never happen to me, if it did I would be private about it. Did I escape judgement? No-- I am a leper. I am invisible. I am ignored. A few times when I have gone to church and sat in the back or in a place 'away' and smiled at anyone who came near . . . I was told that my problem was 'psychological'-- once by a medical doctor in the ward and once by a chemist, both members of the bishopric-- I have come to see why people with MCS who do NOT want to offend the 'normal' among *us* . . . just disappear-- let 'people' think *us* inactive, though we spend our Sunday mornings reading our scriptures and crying and praying--

Using the word 'perfume' is a problem for those of us with MCS. Chemicals make me terribly ill, but, believe it or not, some 'scents' (when they are natural and not personally allergenic) don't bother everyone with MCS. "Perfume" used to mean botanical oils and fragrances, but it ceased to mean that when the chemical industry convinced perfumers that they needed to put 'stabilizers' and 'preservatives' and 'carriers' in their products. There are still some completely 'natural' products out there. Some of them have natural compounds in them that make some very sensitive people ill, but others of them are not very offensive to anyone. "Real" perfumes are not the culprit. So, yes, generally speaking, chemicals are poisoning humanity, and LDS, who have scriptures which warn of 'pollutions' in the last days might consider the connection. I repeat, I have NEVER, ever, ever asked anyone not to wear anything. But my leaving a room, even as I make an attempt to keep all expressions from my face or behave in an apologetic manner . . . has offended people-- THAT is hard thing to get around-- My condition offends people, even if I don't open my mouth--

I don't know if the original poster is here anymore, but I was googling this topic today and found this forum and joined so I could respond. You are correct, Eowyn-- I have never asked anyone to be fragrance free (or chemical free) for me-- but then I have never believed in pushing my beliefs on others, even though I served a mission and did it 'kindly' for 18 months--LOL! The fact is that until a human being has an experience him/herself, he/she cannot usually understand others' situations-- People poison themselves with many things (contraband substances, as per the Word of Wisdom, junk food, etc.)-- and sometimes people poison others, but no human being will change until he/she has a desire to change. It is really ineffective to try to help others to change their habits. Few people have had success trying to get loved ones to stop smoking, drinking, using drugs, eating unhealthily, etc.-- The Spirit often helps-- When a person is hurt by what others do, it becomes much more tricky-- very complicated . . . I stay away, but I still miss the fellowship of other members-- I kind of lump it into the 'perplexing mortality issues' category and try to move on with my life, but it's not easy to do-- trials aren't easy--

annamaureen, You are correct, but most LDS won't agree with you. Even though I have MCS, I believe that what people put in/on their bodies is their business-- most LDS would like to control what others put in their bodies especially; most LDS get very upset about that-- if it is illegal drugs or alcohol, etc.--LDS will argue that 'morality' must be legislated. Many chemicals in personal care products are as dangerous in the long run as street drugs and alcohol-- but you are still correct. Until most people (LDS and otherwise) realize that evil and conspiring men are destroying people with chemicals there will not be a change. But if a person claims that it is the right of human beings to choose what to put on their bodies then there should be no governmental restrictions on anything-- . In a truly righteous world there would be profits made off: illegal streets drugs (nor would there be a war on drugs that only encourages profits from street drugs) chemicals that destroy, and yet huge global chemical companies are very powerful-- It's a big mess-- a 'last days' mess--

Also, though I have had kind bishops, it often doesn't work to ask people to avoid 'fragrance', because sometimes 'scary' chemicals are in things that are fragrance-free. I have not asked anyone to come to church without using chemical-laden personal care products, because they are in everything, and there are always visitors anyway-- it's not because I don't think people care; it's because it's just so difficult to reach everyone, teach everyone, etc.-- when our world is already so complicated.

DeborahC-- I don't know where you are. It seems that you are not here anymore. The responses you got are typical. *You* can know the truth, but not everyone wants to know it. Yes, many deny the truth in all aspects of life-- The problem is that *you* (and *I*) are not going to change anyone. For those who might read this who are willing to listen to another voice-- Masks do not always work. I invested a lot in expensive masks, and I couldn't get enough air (I started with the most popular mask for those with MCS)-- I kept hyperventilating and passing out--I can laugh at myself now over it, but I finally had to give up on masks. Masks do not work for everyone. Respirators are very expensive, and not all of us with MCS have insurance; others of us with MCS refuse to take government assistance, for various reasons. The fact is that often people with MCS feel desperate, and many of *us* have learned that these chemicals are hurting EVERYONE, not just those of us who respond early to the warning signs by 'having MCS'-- Chemicals are becoming pervasive in our culture, and it is a fulfillment of prophecy; *we* are warned of the pollutions in the last days. DeborahC, I WISH I could go to another church, but I have a little problem. I LIKE my church. LOL! I LOVE being a Mormon, and I have a testimony of it. But I also believe that a close reading of the Book of Mormon says that in the last days many will care more about their buildings (or their clothes) than about Jesus Christ or other people-- it's just the way it is. You/we/I/anyone can be bitter about it or . . . hang on. I am trying to hang on. Those who don't have MCS tend not to understand, but that is not unusual. Most of the time those who don't have anything someone else has may not understand it fully. Be grateful for this experience, so that *you* can develop compassion. I am grateful for it. Yes, it is SO terribly hard; it is such a spiritual trial; I have been forgotten by my ward, and my husband and children are always at church, very active-- but I am invisible. I am simply an uncomfortable person to have in the ward, because I am not there, and my reason implies that something is wrong, and others don't want to face what is wrong. Once a person begins to talk about MCS and why MCS is so prevalent in today's world, others have to face that something is 'wrong', and many are already troubled by so many other things-- Peace--

I could stop feeling sorry for myself, because I, too, have MCS. I've been ill with it for over a decade. Yes, there is more support from the scientific community for multiple chemical sensitivity now than there was even a few years ago. There are more scientists (especially toxicologists) who are acknowledging it. The medical profession (allopathy especially) will always lag behind, so sometimes medical doctors in *your* ward will be less than understanding. Also, those in a ward who work with chemicals may not be very understanding. I found a way to attend and avoid chemicals by having a calling where I sat in the very back at the front of the church (in the choir section), because I led the singing, but even then I often had to leave if someone was wearing a personal care product that was filled with chemicals. I am sensitive to petrochemicals, formaldehydes, etc., and those preservatives are found in many things; I think it is getting worse. At this time I can't attend at all, because my building got new carpets, and they aren't offgassing well. I have a heart problem (genetic, inoperable due to my sensitivity; surgery would probably kill me), and my heart responds before anything else-- I am also an older woman. I haven't been able to go to church for almost 3 years now. A former bishop who recognizes the existence of MCS believes our church is 'sick', a toxic building, because even people without MCS have had a hard time. I've tried air filters (dragging mine from home) in the tiled kitchen, etc., all to no avail. I attend 'parking lot' every week when I am well enough. I have a few other health problems (stemming from the MCS) that I am always 'battling', but most of the time I am in pretty good health--:) Every week I drive my driver and nondriver to church; one has a calling that requires her to be there a little early; the other doesn't yet have a license; my husband goes to an early meeting-- and then I wait in the car; my husband comes out and gives me the sacrament. We have to make it up ourselves, because I can't have wheat, so I make a wafer from grains I can eat-- and I also am sensitive to municipal water, so I have to take my own filtered water-- the deacons in our ward have been pretty wonderful-- but last spring/summer I was terribly ill . . . dangerously ill, and I couldn't sit in the car, and the stake president told our bishop that there had to be a priesthood holder to help my husband give me the sacrament. Well, there are none in our ward except two elderly men with health issues . . . who aren't stinky who can come to our home-- so I went for FIVE MONTHS without the sacrament. I often cried. I often felt sorry for myself. Now that I can go back to 'parking lot', which I've done since the building became toxic . . . it's better-- but today my entire family had to go very early, and I had gotten a virus, and I didn't feel strong enough to sit for hours and wait for the sacrament without a place to go to the bathroom--LOL! So I was feeling sorry for myself this morning-- I read my scriptures; I have e-pals with MCS, and we talk about it sometimes-- sometimes I cry; this morning my husband cried when he left me; we are older; we are grandparents (our married children live far away from us)-- there are no other buildings within 50 miles, and our stake president is the director of temporal affairs for our area, and he loves to put new carpets in, bless him-- I know that bitterness doesn't work, and I know Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ love me. The hardest thing for me is the loneliness, because I am isolated due to my MCS most of the time anyway-- and the ward tends to have forgotten me. Many don't believe MCS is 'real', which makes me kind of feel sorry for THEM, to be honest. I mean, people can be insensitive, due to ignorance or due to meanness, and both of those things should bring out compassion in those who are being treated badly. Ignorance is not a trait to be coveted; meanness even less so-- so I do feel sorry for those who: l) don't care, 2) don't understand, 3) look down on me somehow-- I have been very active my entire life. Returned missionary, graduated from BYU, etc., etc., etc., etc.--temple married-- but I have found that this is a good litmus test to see what kinds of hearts my fellow members have. Those who forget about me just really aren't very Christlike, I am afraid-- OR they are having their own struggles. But . . . if they forget about me, because they are overwhelmed or having ill health themselves I can sort of sense that; those who forget about me, because they think I am 'crazy' . . . --I leave to let the Lord sort them out-- Anyway, you haven't posted for a year, and I tried googling for this topic within the past year, so . . . I wonder if you will respond-- I am an 'expert'; I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I have studied this much, and there isn't much anyone can do to convince me that MCS isn't real-- I have learned to stand up for myself without being obnoxious or offensive-- I had to leave one other LDS online community, because several on there were really mean-hearted about MCS-- so I left-- I won't take nonsense, but I also don't expect to inconvenience anyone for my health-- If people want to expose themselves and their loved ones to toxic chemicals, then I am afraid they will have to eventually realize the consequences. I think this is 'bigger' than most realize. In our ward there are SO many new cancer victims-- and I wonder if it's because of the toxic building, but nobody will listen to me (one leader alone believes the building is toxic, and he and his wife are currently serving a mission elsewhere and have had no health problems connected with the building anyway)-- Anyone out there alone with this? Need to talk? I'm your MCS person! LOL! :)