What Would you Do....

[Guest DeborahC]

if Jesus walked into Sacrament and said,

"There are people in the world who would like to attend their meetings, but who have something called Multiple Chemical Sensitivities which makes it impossible for them to be around scented products, such as your perfume or scented fabric softener.

Would you be willing to NOT wear those products if it meant that your sacrifice would allow just one soul to attend meetings and be faithful members of this Church?"

I feel so frustrated... today I tried, after being inactive for years, to return to Church.

I spent one hour in Relief Society.

The headache began about half way through.

During the break, I went out for fresh air.

Then I walked into the Sunday School class, did an about-face and walked out of the building.

I'm home nursing a migraine.

I feel hopeless.

I guess it's just not in the cards for me to return to Church.

[Iggy]

if Jesus walked into Sacrament and said,

"There are people in the world who would like to attend their meetings, but who have something called Multiple Chemical Sensitivities which makes it impossible for them to be around scented products, such as your perfume or scented fabric softener.

Would you be willing to NOT wear those products if it meant that your sacrifice would allow just one soul to attend meetings and be faithful members of this Church?"

I feel so frustrated... today I tried, after being inactive for years, to return to Church.

I spent one hour in Relief Society.

The headache began about half way through.

During the break, I went out for fresh air.

Then I walked into the Sunday School class, did an about-face and walked out of the building.

I'm home nursing a migraine.

I feel hopeless.

I guess it's just not in the cards for me to return to Church.

Do you wear a mask? My dermatologist has what you have and she wears a surgicial mask - well it is a bit more advanced than that- and she asks that all her patients refrain from wearing perfumes and deoderants.

BUT patients are a bit different than members of a Ward.

[Guest DeborahC]

Yes, I have masks... and I suppose I could wear them, but it's a bit embarrassing to be the center of attention. Masks are expensive and cannot be re=used. Your dermatologist can probably afford a mask. I live on less than $10,000 per year due to my inability to work outside the home.

I guess one question would be, "Why should I wear a mask? Why shouldn't it be my right to breathe clean air in Church?"

My second question might be, "Do you realize that I'm the canary in the coalmine? And that if I'm reacting to these chemicals, they could be dangerous to you and to your children?"

And then, the first question... is your perfume more important than the soul of those who would like to attend their meetings?

[Iggy]

Yes, I have masks... and I suppose I could wear them, but it's a bit embarrassing to be the center of attention. Masks are expensive and cannot be re=used. Your dermatologist can probably afford a mask. I live on less than $10,000 per year due to my inability to work outside the home.

I guess one question would be, "Why should I wear a mask? Why shouldn't it be my right to breathe clean air in Church?"

My second question might be, "Do you realize that I'm the canary in the coal mine? And that if I'm reacting to these chemicals, they could be dangerous to you and to your children?"

And then, the first question... is your perfume more important than the soul of those who would like to attend their meetings?

Why shouldn't you wear the mask? why should you inconvenience all the members of the ward because of one persons disability.

As for being embarrassed by wearing a mask- get over it. What if your disability was that you had one arm half the length as the other? Would you then not go to church? Or if your hair only grew in on half of your scalp? Vanity is something one needs to toss aside. I wear glasses and hearing aids. I can not afford the aids that hide in the ear canal, so I wear the kind that fit in the ear but are visible.

I got over being embarrassed after I heard an entire Sacrament meeting, Sunday School lesson AND RS Meting without straining or wearing the device that is provided by the church!! It only works in the chapel by the way and SS & RS are both held in the RS room.

Go to your Bishop and tell him of your problem, and that you want to come, but can't because of the aroma's. Ask if the Ward can pay for the filters for your masks.

As for "...is my perfume worth more to me than one soul." Excuse me, is your not wearing a mask worth more than your own soul?

As for being embarrassed: When the Bishop gets up at the podium and announces that from this day forward EVERY one is to discontinue wearing perfume, aftershave, cologne, using aromatic hand lotions, fabric softeners, laundry soaps, shampoos, conditioners, powders, etc. when they come to Church so that DeborahC can come to Church because she has Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, will that not make you THE CENTER of attention and embarrass you??

There are approximately 150-300 people in a Ward- you are just one. Wear a mask.

I know a woman who not only has the same condition, she also has allergies to pollens and other air borne chemicals (auto exhaust, etc.) She made her own mask, and uses store bought filters. She has quite a variety of prints, patterns and fabrics. She used large decorative diaper pins to pin the filter to her home made mask.

Her best friend is in remission from cancer- her hair never grew back from her chemo treatments and it has been nearly 5 years now. She wears the cutest hats and head coverings. Some times all she wears is a very colorful head band.

So instead of the pity party - get creative and ask for ways to get you into church and protected from the airborne chemicals that lay you flat!

I couldn't attend my meeting house for 6 months after it was built- not only did it give me migraines, but I also got rashes - blistery rashes all over my skin that was NOT covered. It was way too hot to wear tightly knit/ woven clothes. My Bishopric, RS Presidency and the SS Presidency taped all of the lessons and my VT sent them to me via email.

Finally what ever it was wore off and I could go- I certainly didn't expect the congregation to move to a different building, and I didn't want to go to another meeting house. If it had just been the smell- I would gladly have worn masks. But it effected my skin too-

To your question: "Why should I wear a mask? Why shouldn't it be my right to breathe clean air in Church?" God gave you this disability for a reason. He has a lesson for you to learn. It is up to you to find out/ discern what that lesson is.

Recap: Go to your Bishop.

Edited March 22, 2010 by Iggy

[Guest DeborahC]

Thanks for your opinion, although a kinder reply might have been more helpful in my depressed state.

It doesn't feel very good to hear you describe my plea for help as "a pity party"...

Especially when I'm trying to figure out a way to return to Church.

Did you ever watch Bambi?

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper's mom)

It's great that YOU are so strong and forward looking, and that you have all the answers.

Good for you!

For the record, I do not believe that God gave me this disability.

I was born healthy.

I developed this disability as a result of being exposed to farming chemicals, chemicals developed by GREEDY MEN, not by God.

As far as inconveniencing everyone, how would it inconvenience people for them not to put on perfume?

And as far as accusing me of VANITY, of what purpose is perfume, except VANITY?

People are told not to wear perfume in the Temple.. why not in Sacrament meeting?

It is just as harmful as smoking to many of us.

I see you skipped over my second question...

I would not expect an announcement using my name... just a request that if possible, people refrain from dumping half a bottle of cologne on before coming to church. Heck, it'll save them some time and money!

I have not been to my Bishop because today was the first day back in over 14 years, and I left the building after Relief Society.

I had no idea the church might pay for my masks, so thank you for that information. I'll look into it.

Seems like some churches don't have a problem with such an announcement:

CNS STORY: Parishioners breathe easier in Seattle church's 'fragrance-free' zone

Why Go Perfume-Free to Church? - Accessibility for the Chemically Sensitive.

Making Your Church a Fragrance Free Zone – Encore Presentation of a Guest Blog from August Thinking Out Loud

Edited March 22, 2010 by DeborahC

[Guest DeborahC]

An article you might find enlightening:

20 Most Common Chemicals in Perfume and Their Health Risks

[prisonchaplain]

Outsider butting in, here. But what of the guests and investigators who may attend your ward? The transfers who've moved in? Is the proposal really that your ward--all wards perhaps--become fragrance free? That this be mandatory? How prevelant is this disorder? Will the ban turn away more than it helps?

I'm just thinking out loud here. In a small town, tight-knit community, your request might be very reasonable. In wards with more transitory populations (I live in an airport community), such a policy would likely be untenable.

Also, nice tone is always nice. IMHO, Iggy was reacting to the implication that could be read into your posts, that anyone who wheres fragrances, or questions the insistance not to, might be accused of being willing to sacrifice souls for vain reasons. You may not have meant it quite like that, but it could sound that way--and such an accusation would be, imho, pretty heavy-handed.

[Iggy]

I'm sorry I didn't answer in the way you were hoping. I am sorry you are depressed, but you are basically demanding that every one else comply with your wishes.

In the Temple, the women are not asked to cease wearing perfume, nor are they told to not use hair spray or spray deodorants. At least not the temples I have gone to, or when I have been there. The only thing they are asked to do is to not wear a lot of jewelry- or gaudy jewelry, or to wear black, purple or green fingernail/toenail polish.

It doesn't matter really how you got ill, what does matter is that YOU take charge of your own situation and protect yourself. You can not reasonably expect a large group of people to stop using their preferred detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, etc. just for you. YOU need to protect yourself.

I purposely skipped your second question. It just reeked of the same kind of attitude that I once was plagued with from emails from friends. To Whit: If you believe in Jesus you will pass this on to 12 of your friends. If you do not pass this on, you do not believe in Jesus. Blah, blah, blah.

Saving someones soul really is not contingent on A) passing a stupid email on to even one other person to prove that I BELIEVE, or to prove that I love Jesus. b) agreeing to NOT wear perfume or strong smelling deodorant C) or anything else really.

Saving your soul is entirely up to you. NOT to me, or not the members of your Ward. Whether you go to Church is entirely up to you. You are the only one bothered by the smells. So the solution is simple and easy. Wear a mask.

What do you do when you have to go shopping??? Demand that all the clerks and other shoppers cease wearing perfume?

Get yourself to the Bishop and relate to him your situation. Because you are the only thing that is keeping yourself from attending Church. Not the perfume, deodorants, colognes, aftershaves, etc.,etc., that others are wearing.

BTW most Bishops are in the Church building on the average of 4 days a week. Sunday for sure, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays quite probably. Your best bet is to call him- check out your ward membership on lds.org his number should be listed. CALL him.

For your information I use perfume sparingly and I do not overdo the laundry detergent either. IF you can easily smell detergent on clothes from only a few inches away, then you have used way too much detergent. I also use a natural crystal rock for odor control- and do not use antiperspirants. I also don't like it when people bathe in perfume and aftershave. 90% of those who do are the elderly, and that is generally because they have lost their sense of smell so they keep adding scent.

HINT: Sit away from the elderly- I do. My husband calls it a Plasma Cloud- and we generally sit at the very last pew right close to the exit. I often have to open the door to get some fresh air.

When I was in YW I encouraged them to be sparing not only with the perfume but also with their makeup. I also showed them the proof that they & their mothers were using way too much detergent. I had them each bring a single wash cloth from home, then I had them 'rinse' it out in a container of water. The water turned soapy and smelled like detergent. When you don't get all the soap out and the wash cloth is not rinsed thoroughly, it will get a sour smell quite quickly after it has been used to cleanse the body. So will the bath towels. BUT that is for another thread.

[Elphaba]

I feel so frustrated... today I tried, after being inactive for years, to return to Church.

I spent one hour in Relief Society.

The headache began about half way through.

During the break, I went out for fresh air.

Then I walked into the Sunday School class, did an about-face and walked out of the building.

I'm home nursing a migraine.

I feel hopeless.

I guess it's just not in the cards for me to return to Church.

I responded to another thread where you had mentioned this, but in case you didn't see it, I once knew a man who had the same problem. He went to his bishop, who asked members of the ward not to wear scents. They agreed not to, and he was able to attend.

He moved to another ward, and the bishop dismissed his allergies, treating them as if they weren't real. The man's wife would walk into the chapel to see how strong the scents were that Sunday, and often they would turn around and go home.

The man tried to educate the ward, but they were not receptive, and he finally decided not to attend anymore. I wonder if Iggy's suggestion of a mask would have made it possible for him to attend. I know he did not try one.

I second Iggy's counsel to talk to your bishop. He may not feel it necessary to talk to his ward given you are so newly reactivating. But maybe he'd have some suggestions.

I am usually not one to suggest going to a bishop, as I feel some are overwhelmed as it is, but if you are serious about going back to church, I think your case merits a call.

Elphaba

[Truegrits]

We have a member in our Ward who attends every Sunday, wearing her mask.

[Gwen]

in my mind the biggest thing is to define what fragrances bother you. if someone in our branch had a problem i wouldn't mind going without perfume or extra's in my hair, etc. but i do use a shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc that contains a fragrance. i don't think it can be smelled unless you hug me (only time anyone has ever commented). i can't afford to spend extra money on "fragrance free" personal products just for sunday morning.

i understand what you are saying about ppl that bathe in it. and i understand if your life is fragrance free. but there are all the ppl in the middle as well. i think you need to sit down and really think about it. define your expectations. and own them. if your so sensitive that the ppl in the middle would bother you then you may need to consider a mask. if it's just the really strong things, see if the bishop will make an announcement. maybe it's a combination, ppl not wearing the strong stuff and your wearing a mask. iggy had a good suggestion on sitting next to a window or door. or the front row lol if your ward is anything like ours the back fills up first so you will be all alone in the front.

when you talk to the bishop make sure he understands the need, the expectation, and what you are willing to do to own the situation.

[annamaureen]

It doesn't matter really how you got ill, what does matter is that YOU take charge of your own situation and protect yourself. You can not reasonably expect a large group of people to stop using their preferred detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, etc. just for you. YOU need to protect yourself.

I agree with this. You have the ability to protect yourself - the mask - and you need to use it, instead of expecting hundreds of other people to cater to you.

I guess one question would be, "Why should I wear a mask? Why shouldn't it be my right to breathe clean air in Church?"

Shouldn't the other members have the right to use detergent, soaps, perfume, etc as they wish? I doubt that every single person in the congregation is dousing themselves in scents before leaving their homes. Why do you feel your rights are more important than theirs?

[rameumptom]

I see no problem with discussing it with your bishop and other Church leaders. They can often be accomodating. In our ward bulletin, we ask that people not bring nuts into the Church, due to a few children and people with allergies. I don't see any harm being done in that.

Perhaps other accomodations can be done: during Sacrament, allowing you to sit behind the large partitions to the gym, and leave them open only slightly for you to see. During RS, letting you sit up front with the Presidency, or in the kitchen (leave the partition open) allowing you to have distance from the allergens.

Of course, the mask works, also. If you cannot afford the masks, talk to your bishop. I'm thinking he'd rather pay for your masks and have you attend, than have you inactive.

[Guest DeborahC]

Regarding the tone of my post, I apologize. I looked back at it this morning, and see that I was very upset, depressed, and angry. This morning, I'm feeling better. Exposure to these substances not only affects me physically, it affects my mood, personality, and physically (as well as mentally) slams me into depression. Most of these substances are neuro-toxins and there are good examples of brainscans online that show before and after exposure photos. The longer and stronger the exposure, the longer and stronger the affects, both physically and mentally. Luckily, I left church after Relief Society yesterday to avoid further exposure.

I get so depressed when people don't treat this disability like any other, with compassion and undertanding. It is a legal disability. Allowances are made for wheelchairs, and deaf members. Maybe someday there will be a scent-free ward for those of us with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. It is becoming a huge problem. I used to be the only one, but I meet people every week now with this issue. I believe it is something the Authorities should address.

Thanks for the replies. The suggestion about asking to sit in another room is the best so far. It would allow me to stay for at least the first 15 minutes, until the perfume penetrated the air. That's how it works. You can sit far away from the offending people but eventually the scent disperses through the air. It's simple science. A mask might help for a bit of time, but the fact is the offensive molecules of scent enter the body not only the nose, but via the mouth, eyes, and skin.

It's also possible that I could only attend Sacrament, since the room is much larger and I might be able to sit near a door or window.

Regarding asking people not to wear anything with scent, that was not my request. I'm sorry I did not make that clear. My request was that they not wear PERFUME and COLOGNE, which are concentrated scents and extremely dangerous for someone with my condition. I can sit far enough away from someone wearing scented fabric softener or deodorant that it does not bother me. But there is literally no way to escape perfume and cologne.

Regarding the Temple, they DO ask people (or they did last time I attended) not to wear scent in the Portland, Oregon temple. Perhaps I was there on special days.. perhaps they took down the sign. It's been many years since I went to the Temple.

Regarding wearing a mask. hate to go to him with open hands ASKING when I haven't even begun to attend yet, no matter what the reason. But I guess that's the same vanity that causes people to wear the scents and I should suck up and do it. I'll consider it.

We'll see. Today I'm feeling like I just should just forget going back to the LDS Church. I feel that perhaps the best thing to do is poke around and find one of those Churches where they're willing to post an announcement to ask the larger community to sacrifice their vanity in order that the smaller community might attend.

But I should wait until tomorrow to make any decisions, when the chemicals from Sunday's adventure have left my body and I can make decisions without all of this interfering emotion.

I do hope you'll all pray about this. Not that people will change their minds or their habits (me OR you) but that Heavenly Father will provide a solution that is acceptable to all members.

I do every night and will continue to do so.

[Gwen]

try talking to the bishop before finding a new church. give him a fair chance. from what ppl have said some bishops are more than willing to make such requests of their wards.

[pam]

Deborah we had a similar situation in my last ward. A sister was extremely sensitive to many fragrances which kept her from coming to Church.

The Bishop came into Relief Society one Sunday and told us about this sister. He asked us to please come to Church without wearing any kinds of colognes, perfumes, scented lotions, etc so that this sister could attend.

He asked...wouldn't you do it for the one? Absolutely.

[havejoy]

We had the same kind of situation too. The Bishop asked and the sisters complied. No problem.

[MisterT]

Yes, I have masks... and I suppose I could wear them, but it's a bit embarrassing to be the center of attention.

Do you want to go to church, or do you not want to go to church?

Masks are expensive and cannot be re=used.... I live on less than $10,000 per year due to my inability to work outside the home.

I'm somewhat of an expert on respirators; I use one almost everyday to protect me from carcinogens, heavy metals, and radionucleides. If someone told you that the filters of a respirator are good for one use only, that person is full of crap. The filters are effective until they're so full of garbage that you can't pull air through them any longer. A standard particulate filter which will filter out the chemicals you're allergic to will filter literally tens of thousands of gallons of air, or many months worth if you're just using it for 3 hours in church. Heck, I have a few brand new respirators I'll drop in the mail to you if you can't afford to buy one. Replacement filters are about $4.00 a pair.

I guess one question would be, "Why should I wear a mask? Why shouldn't it be my right to breathe clean air in Church?"

And my response would be, why shouldn't it be my right not to have to smell the arm pits and feet of the guy sitting next to me.

Rationalization of the type you're attempting is identical to what the anti-tobacco nazi's use to try and ban people from smoking out of doors. If you don't like the smell of cigarettes, move away from who's smoking. Your intolerance is just as offensive as his smoke.

My second question might be, "Do you realize that I'm the canary in the coalmine? And that if I'm reacting to these chemicals, they could be dangerous to you and to your children?"

Sorry, you're not a canary in any kind of mine. You're hypersensitive. The vast majority of us aren't. You're the minority, get used to it. The whole world isn't going to tip-toe around you; the rest of the world doesn't need to go to extremes to accomidate you. The onus is on you to find a way to live with the majority; not the other way around.

And then, the first question... is your perfume more important than the soul of those who would like to attend their meetings?

Spoken like one who's accustomed to manipulating people with empassioned, but intellectually dishonest pleas. If you think your soul is in jeopardy and that attending church will save it, its up to YOU to find a way to attend. Its not everyone else's responsibility to do anything for you that you can do for yourself. The church stresses self-reliance in all but the most extreme of cases. Your case is not extreme; you simply don't want to do what's necessary on your end to make things happen.

Thanks for your opinion, although a kinder reply might have been more helpful in my depressed state.

Sorry, but you're the one who comes off as being unreasonable, not everyone else.

It doesn't feel very good to hear you describe my plea for help as "a pity party"...

What would you describe it as then? You know what you need to do, but you'd rather that other people go out of their way to do something rather than you.

Especially when I'm trying to figure out a way to return to Church.

Its simple. Put on a respirator and walk through the door.

Did you ever watch Bambi?

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper's mom)[/quote[

Yeah, I watched it. The next morning I went out hunting.

For someone who doesn't want criticism, you sure do a lot of it towards other people.

It's great that YOU are so strong and forward looking, and that you have all the answers.

Good for you!

Tsk tsk. Who's being the boor now?

For the record, I do not believe that God gave me this disability.

I was born healthy.

I developed this disability as a result of being exposed to farming chemicals, chemicals developed by GREEDY MEN, not by God.

Because its all the fault of someone else, right? Poor, poor, pitiful you.

As far as inconveniencing everyone, how would it inconvenience people for them not to put on perfume?

In the same way it would inconvenience you to wear a respirator.

And as far as accusing me of VANITY, of what purpose is perfume, except VANITY?

Isn't it your sense of vanity that makes you NOT want to wear the respirator??? Didn't you say you didn't want to stand out???

I would not expect an announcement using my name... just a request that if possible, people refrain from dumping half a bottle of cologne on before coming to church. Heck, it'll save them some time and money!

Or, you could just wear a respirator and nobody else has to be inconvenienced.

I'm sorry I have to be so blunt. I deal with people every day who can't or won't take responsibility for themselves and instead like to blame things on everyone else; people who want 'reasonable accomidation' for a hangnail. The onus is on you to secure your own happiness; not on the rest of the world to do it for you.

Again, I'm sorry to be so blunt, but if more people were simply told the truth, without candy coating, we wouldn't have a PC culture where everyone is afraid to say anything that could possibly offend a garden snail.

[grandmaofthree]

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--

[grandmaofthree]

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.

[grandmaofthree]

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--

[Martain]

My sister was born Autistic and also had a couple of serious food allergies. In her search for ways to help my sister my step-mother was lead to something called NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques). That she would consider such a thing surprised me.

She asked if I wanted to come for sessions too but I, the alternative/natural health advocate declined.

At least that was until she came home with a story I just couldn't ignore.

While taking my sister to a NAET session, she told me she spoke with and met a mother who was there with her young son. This mother spoke of how her son had at one time been so severely allergic to eggs that the consumption of it as an ingredient would cause anaphylactic shock. This meant his throat would constrict so severely as to cut off his ability to breath.

This mother continue to testify how through NAET her son's allergies had been completely eliminated and now he consumed eggs all the time freely and with great pleasure.

I went down into my room and closed the door and began to pray. Knowing that a thing is either inspired by God or by the Devil I sought to know who was behind the bringing forth of NAET and expressed my hope that it was of God and that I might use it in regards to my own search for better health and healing. I expressed that if it was of God I would testify of it to others as well.

I then put my hands out in front of me and said on this hand it's of God and on this hand it's of the Devil. In that manner I went back and forth between my hands. After doing so a few times I felt the spirit burn in my bosom regarding the hand which indicated it was of God.

In such a manner I gained a witness through the spirit that not only does this technique work but that the inspiration behind it was given by God for our benefit.

Hearing your woe regarding what to me appears to be allergic reactions to various chemicals, I immediately remembered my promise and felt to testify of my knowledge of it. I offer you this testimony with confidence that should you pursue such a path you will receive your desire of being able to worship with the Saints.

D&C 89

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

[grandmaofthree]

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.

[NMSaint]

I can’t attend church in the traditional manner, sitting in the chapel attending my Sunday meetings. My former Bishop was very thoughtful and came up with this suggestion. I use one of the ward hearing impaired receivers so I can listen to sacrament meeting just outside the building. We also made the arrangement for the Aaronic priesthood to meet me at a tree just outside our building so I can partake of the sacrament each Sunday. When it’s cold I sit in my car and bundle up in my mountaineering gear. I pull out my lawn chair in the summer months and sit underneath a tree. My family joins me for outside church several times a year.

I realize this may not be suitable for everyone but it works for me. If I can camp in zero degree weather and hike in 100 degree heat, why not sit outside and listen to sacrament meeting

When I was first diagnosed with MCS my doctor suggested wearing a full face mask when I went into the church building. The only problem with that, other than frightening every little kid in the building was my MCS issues were causing minor anaphylactic reactions. After consulting with my doctor I learned that continued exposure only increased the ill effects of MCS.

When I tell people I’m sensitive to perfumes/colognes most people say, I only wear a little but you get a chapel full of people wearing a little perfume/cologne and it’s overwhelming for someone with MCS. What I learned through research was most people with MCS can be sensitive to an irritant as small as one part per million or even one part per billion.

I realize there will always be someone who does not understand MCS and makes a stupid comment like, “so your allergic to church” or “maybe the Lord’s trying to tell you something.” I know I can’t go in a ward building because of the overwhelming perfume/cologne odor, so I attend church in a manner that I can. My Bishop talked with the stake leadership about making our ward building a scent free building but all three wards would have to comply and the stake did not want to pursue that request.

[applepansy]

if Jesus walked into Sacrament and said,

"There are people in the world who would like to attend their meetings, but who have something called Multiple Chemical Sensitivities which makes it impossible for them to be around scented products, such as your perfume or scented fabric softener.

Would you be willing to NOT wear those products if it meant that your sacrifice would allow just one soul to attend meetings and be faithful members of this Church?"

I feel so frustrated... today I tried, after being inactive for years, to return to Church.

I spent one hour in Relief Society.

The headache began about half way through.

During the break, I went out for fresh air.

Then I walked into the Sunday School class, did an about-face and walked out of the building.

I'm home nursing a migraine.

I feel hopeless.

I guess it's just not in the cards for me to return to Church.

I can feel your pain and I haven't read through the whole thread. If you have a solution like masks why aren't you wearing them and attending your meetings. At least it would make others aware of your health issues, which might help them make changes that would help you.

There is another side here. What if there is a member with a skin condition which requires the fabric softener? Are they suppose to suffer with their health issue because another member has a health issue that conflicts with their solution?

We all have something. Every one of us has something. Sometimes its physical and sometimes its emotional ... or something else. We are here to be tested and to learn to let our spirit be in control of the physical. Its possible but hard to learn. We are all suppose to be charitable even me when I have a migraine or my body is screaming at me.

I have some autoimmune stuff going on and have been in pain for 23 years. Noise will send me into a tailspin. We had an organist who was partially deaf and played so loud that I could FEEL it. By then of Sacrament meeting I would be in so much pain the rest of the day and sometimes the next was spent in bed. Just because I'm in pain doesn't mean she shouldn't hear herself play the hymns she loves in her effort to serve. Along with all my health issues chemical sensitivity is part of it. Not to the extent you are affected but I still have some idea how sick you get.

There are solutions. Be creative and find one that works for you. If all you can attend in Sacrament meeting then that's all you attend.

I wish you all the best.