Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - A Workplace Injury

---

I work at a Swedish home furnishing store, that everyone loves. I like working there too until I started getting red sore burning eyes during and following my shift. Then, I started getting a rash on my wrists and the rash became hives and spread over my entire body, with the exception of my face, palms of hands, and bottom of feet. It began in April and progressed until June when I could no longer work or sleep due to the never-ending itchiness of the hives.
I went to a local dermatology clinic where I was given topical itch and steroid ointments which didn't do a thing. I took a round of prednisone which also did nothing. Had to stop working.

At the peak of the reaction, my symptoms increased. They were:
• Very sensitive sense of smell
• Raise areas of skin as hives blended together
• Developed a dry cough
• Sore nasal passages and throat
• Tightness in lungs and could not breath
• Tingling of mouth, tongue and throat
• Allergic reaction to mangoes and almonds (went to emergency)

I was told by a very bright Dermatology Nures to:
• Eliminate all chemical contact at home. Changed to safe laundry and cleaning supplies
• Avoid environments that I could react to
• Stopped colouring my hair and using make-up
• Stopped wearing any synthetic clothing and bedding
• Only let natural fibres touch my skin
• Eat low on the food chain and fresh unprocessed foods
• Take regular Epson Salt baths with baking powder ( to detox)
• Exercise to break a sweat (stationary bicycle)

The rash lasted for 2+ months.
Now my "new normal" after 8 months since, my workplace, chemical injury, I still have symptoms when I am exposed to irritants. They are (they are often delayed by 4 to12 hours:
• Red, sore, burning eyes
• Very sensitive sense of smell
• Develop a dry cough
• Sore nasal passages and throat
• Tightness in lungs and flehm develops in lung over the next few days
• Itchiness on back and around hairline and scalp

I am hoping, with time, and detoxing I can have less severe reactions and tolerate going outside my home without fear of reacting.

I recommend seeking out a doctor who knows about MCS, most doctors are not familiar. I hope this helps others, and wish all who read this the best in health and recovery.

ECS is recognised in Canada and there are clinics in larger cities. I am going to the Environmental Clinic at the Women's College Hospital in Toronto Ontario. There are support groups online and research. Here's a good place to start.
https://lindasepp.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/canadian-recognition-of-mcses-multiple-chemical-sensitivitiesenvironmental-sensitivities/

Tracy