Anyone have multiple chemical insensitivity (MCS)?

@lisalucier Hi Lisa, I was wondering if it’s okay to mention specific brands on this sight. For quite a while I didn’t realize that perfumes and scents and preservatives were triggers for me and I’ve recently discovered that my scent free detergent was still a trigger. I’ve found brands of detergent, soaps and shampoo that I find safe for me and would be happy to share the names if it’s ok. I also make my own body creams and cleaners. If anyone else has suggestions I’d like to hear them if it’s allowed. I realize we’re all different in out sensitivity but it might be helpful

@lisalucier I will be asking my respirologist if he knows but the approach so far has been awareness of chemicals as the cause of my irritant asthma, avoidance of the chemicals and treatment of symptoms. My dermatologist referred me to a specialist to eliminate allergy as a cause but I don’t think they know how to broadly test irritation from chemical reactions. If I find anything out I will pass it on.

@drsharon - that is a worthwhile question about whether people with MCS should avoid certain medications or have hospital procedures modified. Would the doctor who had the theory on the origin of your sensitivity be able to advise on this?

Does anyone know if people with MCS should avoid certain medications or have hospital procedures modified? I need to take osteoporosis meds and have no idea if the risk is higher

Yes! I try very hard to be Extremely careful with everything. Environment foods personal care products etc. I wear a mask many places. Fortunately I live alone now as my Ex was not helpful.

Never knew there was a Topamax connection! I have MCS and have been on it forever! Thx so much for this. I just started a slow taper so am going in right direction!

You’re absolutely right. Very few people realize how toxic these products are. The billion dollar fragrance industry is self regulated and we’re paying for it with our health and our ability to live normally. I was exposed to a lot of chemicals in my work and I believe that was a factor as well.

I have severe MCS, but I do not have asthma. I’m not sure why people are advising inhalers for something you don’t have. Now some with MCS do have asthma, but not everyone does. There’s no allergist that can cure MCS. It is a disease of avoiding/controlling chemical exposures. Taking the right supplements can make life easier. 16 years into this and by trial and error, I can control exposures and symptoms.

I actually take all of those things, I am seeing a functional medicine doctor as well. I will have to up the C and see what happens.
Thank you

This is true, but more often than not, it’s from exposure to chemicals and the body lacking the gene for successful methylation. My entire family has MCS, and I know another family where all 6 kids have it at various stages. MCS is the fastest growing illness now all over the world. People need to stop buying scented toxic laundry/cleaning products and calling the house “clean”. It’s crazy what advertising has done to the public in convincing people their homes are dirty unless using these fragrance chemicals! Ugh 😑