July 1, 2010

2 Year Update: MCS Still Improving!

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.
:-)

13 comments:

  1. It is wonderful to hear how far your healing journey has taken you Libby. Thankyou for describing your experiences as you have gone along - it is a great encouragement to know that possibility is there. Also,your site gives insight into the frame of mind you developed which undoubtedly is helping you to heal. I think it is time to read your site from beginning to end again to imbibe some of that attitude !
    Thanks again Libby.
    Brenda

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  2. Helo, Lady! Pretty impressive! I haven' t had cognitive ability much to comprehend all that you have written...but this is great! I hope it keeps up...your documentation si priceless...thanks for sharing.

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  3. Dear Brenda and Wild Canary,

    thank you so much for letting me know that my words truly do reach others and offer some encouragement or hope.
    I believe that the more people with MCS who share about their healing, at whatever rate it occurs, the more hope others will have. And I believe that hope can have physical benefits and then help us heal faster!

    I still do have ups and downs, especially because I am a person with moderate to severe depression (pre-existing before MCS). One of the things I'm finding most helpful is having positive focus in my life - which for me is gardening and creating art.

    Wild Canary, I know some of your passions from following your blog. Brenda, if you feel like sharing any of the things you love, I would love to read them! I mean that sincerely. I enjoy so much reading about others sharing things they are passionate about.

    blessings to you both,
    Libby

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    Replies
    1. I am encouraged to read about your more slow recovery..b/c that has been how mine is going too - and I get angry yet that it isn't just instant-usually every time I get sick again-grr-I don't know why I always thought it would be instant..I also don't know how I would handle that!-so many details to getting back into life..as well as trusting that the healing is permanent!..since there is definitely warbling-nothing is permanent til it's permanent!-lol, I don't have a say about that I've found. I didn't realize others were taking some time to 'get anywhere' so.your words are a salve. Thank you so so much. <3 C

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    2. Hello C.
      I'm sorry for the terribly long delay approving your comment. I somehow missed a bunch of comments awaiting approval!
      I'm really glad to hear that you have been improving. It doesn't matter what speed it happens at still wonderful that its happening! I can relate to that it might take a while to trust the improvements and trust that recovery is happening. I hope that it gets easier over time. It certainly has for me. I'm glad that you keep persisting and that you are holding onto your hope and belief in the possibility of healing.
      Wishing you all the best

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  4. Libby, This is all just so incredibly fantastic! Congratulations. And you deserve success tremendous success given your positive attitude and dedicated determination. I applaud you!

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  5. Thank you Sandra!!!
    I hadn't thought of myself as determined but I guess I have been. Thanks for helping me see that.
    :-)

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  6. Congratulations. There are no words to reflect how strongly I mean that. I am so happy that you are getting your life back...it sounds like for all practical purposes, it IS back.

    I am getting better too, and it feels so unreal. I hit a certain point where everything started improving so rapidly I almost couldn't process it.

    I'll never be more grateful for anything else in my entire life, and I'm willing to bet you feel the same.

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  7. I know exactly what you mean Ames. I am still adjusting/processing.
    It is so liberating and amazing and awesome!

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  8. I'm doing a happy dance for you. Yipee! I admire your patience. Our culture insists on fast results. I know I feel better when I'm grateful for healing at my own pace instead of frustrated with myself from not healing faster.
    By the way, I've ditched my mask too :D

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  9. yay! thanks for the happy dance Shayla!
    I'm doing one for you too!
    I'm so glad to hear you are able to go maskfree too (sometimes? all the time?)
    is there anything in particular that you feel is helping you on your healing journey?

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  10. Liberty it's great to see you celebrating the wins, the progress and positives

    I admire your determination to keep focused on the good stuff - and putting your creativity into the mix - it's a recipe for health all round :)

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  11. thanks Kel!
    focusing on the good stuff has definitely made a huge difference for me healthwise.
    :-)

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