It's been just a few months longer than 2 years now that I have been steadily getting better from MCS.
I know that to a newcomer with MCS, the idea of it taking years to get better could seem disappointing... but I'm just fine with it. I'm so grateful to be healing and am trying to be patient with the rate at which it's happening. So when I look at how FAR I've come in 2 years... I say YAY!!!
My life has changed so dramatically that I am daunted by even trying to put it into words.
For those who have or have had severe MCS, perhaps this update list will capture it. A list full of things that I once would have thought to be impossible!
My mask is lonely... it almost never gets used.
When I go out, if I remember to bring it, I use it in bathrooms that have strong air freshener. If I forget, I use the bathrooms anyway! And I'm okay.
Going out for dinner is no big deal now from an MCS standpoint, though I still have aftermath due to food sensitivities.
I close my windows if my direct next door neighbour has their dryer or lawnmower going or if neighbourhood woodsmoke is very strong but otherwise they can be open often.
New clothing takes only a few washes with just laundry soap before I can wear it (as opposed to tons of 'detox' washes with special things like vinegar, baking soda, TSP, milk, borax etc etc).
Driving in a 4 year old car that still has new car smell is something I give no thought to - zero reactions. No mask needed.
Car exhaust, lawnmower fumes, air freshener, BBQ, cigarette smoke, dryer exhaust, essential oils, perfume/cologne, woodsmoke, paint, new roof smell, road tarring, carpets and much more bother me less and less. Passing exposure to any of these causes no reaction except distaste. Prolonged exposure to most of those causes only slight reactions and very fast recovery time.
I can spend time around regular people who are covered head to toe in scented products. I don't enjoy the smell at all. I do find it offensive and distracting. But my physical adverse reactions to it are far less and this has freed me up so much socially.
I can't really express just how different and wonderful it is to do something as simple as smile at a stranger in a store or doctors office! Those small bits of human interaction are amazing and were totally interfered with my wearing a mask.
I know there are so many little things I am forgetting because the changes and improvements are becoming 'normal' to me. I'm trying to relax and let myself just enjoy the ride, the journey, instead of feeling the need to catalogue or keep track of all of the improvements.
:-)
