I need a little advice. I am having very bad asthma attacks from various things ( the worst being ) PERFUME and PERFUMED PRODUCTS. I feel I need to attend Sunday school and training union; NOT to mention Worship services.I NEED THIS FOR MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH ( THIS MAY SOUND REALLY SYUPID TO SOME, BUT I DO )

And I just cannot with all that I and my doctors do; seem to fight off the affects of all those people wearing their smell good stuff. I have tried to talk to some (a lot) of the ones I know personally. And I feel like they are my friends; and they all will say "I am not wearing just for you" And sometimes they are not; but they are wearing perfumed body lotion or something. But either way I will graciously thank them . And then they will forget next time ( It always happens) They say they understand but it is obvious they really don't. Because the minute they walk in the door or I go into a room where they have been; I am attacked by the fumes. Anyway they forget and I end up really sick and unable to breath.

And so here I sit feeling really sorry for myself and dare I say a little annoyed ,after having to get yet another steroid shot today. I am on strong antibiotics to fight the lung infection.( And sorry guys)Also bladder and yeast infections and pads all the time because I am constantly peeing in my pants from coughing so hard.( and my bottom is chaffed from wearing all this stuff) I know you could all have lived without that info. but I have said it and I feel like you can better understand if you know. ( DON'T ASK WHY ) Also four, count them 4 inhalers.

I was up until 3:30 this morning gasping for air thinking about weather we could really afford an emergency bill and how long it would take to get to hospital if I waited any longer. Meanwhile I am useing the rescue inhaler ( supposed to be used every 4-6 hours as needed) every two and 1/2 hours and not getting much relief either.

And now I am wandering about those steroid shots ( which by the way are the only things that seem to really give me any relief.) But I get them minimum every 3 months ( usually every 2 to 2 1/2 months) Supposedly they can have bad affects on your liver and pancres and blood sugars and other stuff I can't remember right now.I know this because the DR's always say this before they tell me I need one.( because they don't know what else to do for me)

I guess what I really want to know is " HOW CAN I MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND?" I know they are tired of hearing me whine and I am so tired of telling them; amongst the gasps and coughs that the reason I have to leave class is because I can't breathe. ( not that anyone, short of being clinically deaf, could help but notice) The reason I cannot attend the fellowships at church and friends houses is because I cannot breathe around their perfume and candles and popurri. Most of them know. Which brings me to the part that annoys me. They say they really do care and they hate that this happens { BUT THEY STILL OWN PERFUME AND SMELLY CANDLES AND OTHER SMELL GOOD STUFF AND USE IT REGUARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT IT IS KILLING ME!}

My pastors wife who is a really good friend called me the other day just to see if I was ok and I could barely talk for the coughing and wheezing of the lungs. She said she missed me alot and wish I could come back and really hated that I was having such a hard time. But since I couldn't breath at home either ,why don't I come to class anyway? She would rather not breathe at church than stay home. When I asked her how much others would get from the lessons or the sermon with me coughing this way she said " Maybe they would see what it does to me and take notice." NOT THAT THEY HAVE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS" But then I had to ask her what I would get out of it if I was racked with this cough and wheeze and peeing my pants the whole time. And do you think they would take notice when I puke on the floor? Even when they do notice they think I have some sort of viruse and they think I am going to give it to them.

I DON'T MEAN TO INFRINGE ON THEIR RIGHTS. BUT WHEN THEIR VANITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY ABILITY TO BREATHE. I CAN'T HELP BUT QUESTION THEIR SINCERITY IN SAYING THEY CARE. PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG I AM REALLY LOOKING FOR HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS. I KNOW I HAVE THE OPTION OF NOT GOING BUT I DON'T REALLY SEE THAT AS AN OPTION. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS GODS WILL FOR MY LIFE. I AM PRAYING (NOT SO GOOD AT WAITING)

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG ; BUT THANKS FOR READING ANYWAY. lOVE YA'LL

-- Bonnie (josabo1@juno.com), September 07, 2000

Answers

Bonnie -- firstly, talk to your pastor. If you were bedridden, I'm sure he would come to you for spiritual guidance, why not ask him to come to you now? Secondly, post a sign on your front door, asking all that come to not bother knocking unless they are sure they are free of all scent -- and give examples of what you mean by "scent".

Thirdly -- ask your pastor to outline to your congregation the seriousness of your reaction. Ask him to talk to your doctor to get a good idea of the seriousness of your condition so he can confidently relay to the rest of the congregation how very serious it is, and ask your doctor to be VERY CLEAR to your pastor on what the long term outcome of this problem will be if you are further exposed to scents.

And last of all, if your place of worship has a newsletter, write a letter for publication outlining EXACTLY what scent does to you, and make it very clear what products this includes. Most men wouldn't think that they wear scent, but they slap on a handful of shaving lotion and squirt deodorant under their arms every morning. Not to mention the shampoo they use.

Tell your congregation that you are slowly dying because of this. That you are looking at damage to your organs because of the treatment you must endure after being exposed to them, and ask them outright if their need to smell good is worth your life.

My thoughts are with you. Our son is asthmatic and I know a good deal of what you're going through. People say they understand, so long as they don't have to feel the impact of change themselves. Once they realize that you expect them to do more than pay lip service to the problem, you quickly get labelled a hypochondriac. It's amazing how selfish people can be about such a simple thing.

-- Tracy (trimmer@westzone.com), September 08, 2000.

Someone told me that they were once asked by someone suffering like you, to not wear deodorant because of how it affected them. The person said she would offend even more folks if she did that and chose to sever the relationship. I can only imagine how you are suffering. I did not realize how aromatic our lives are until I read your note ~ shampoo, soap, deodorant, dishwashing, dishwasher, clothes washing, and the list goes on. I wish you well.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Dear Bonnie----I have the same problems------have had for over 20 years now----have you tried to doctor with a doctor who believes in NATURAL medicine instead of the chemicals you are useing??? Honey, as far as anyone else careing most (pardon my lanuage) don't give a damn!!!! It doesn't bother them soooooooooo they just don't get it nor do they care! I just bought a Silta personal air source to wear around my neck when ever I leave the house & my home air purifier. It produces negative ions & is battery operated. My own Mother wears sooooo much perfume it shuts off my breathing--& I gag & I have terrible drainage/ head ake, etc., etc, ---I'm the one who takes her to her doctor appointments & I'm shut in a car with her----I'm soooo sick sometimes/ I'm sure I'm far worse than she/ who I'm takeing care of-----but she doesn't care enough about me to quit the perfume. I didn't think this negative ioner did much good-----but I found if I wear it all the time / I can see it does help. Visit your health food store & get to know the people who work there-----& then start asking questions-----& think about their answers if any of it makes sense/ of what they suggest try it-----you could not get me to use chemicals to help my problem I'm haveing with chemicals---- I ONLY USE NATURAL & VITAMINS ETC. Vit C is a great help with chemicals----like I said please go visit a Natural Doctor / ask your health food store if there is one in your area/ or search the net to find one close to you. I do totally understand------but I don't understand any longier takeing chemicals to help your body fight chemicals!!!! And as far as us ever changeing other people from wearing chemicals---I think we might as well forget that one-----as in all my many moons I have never seen that happening!!!!!!!!! It is fine to ask ----but we can't expect anything from them!!! To be really honest unless you have been there done that----most don't have a clue----nor REALLY care! My own personal opinion which doesn't amount to 2 cents is/ I'd be just as afraid of steroid shots /antibotics/ & inhalers----WHAT ARE THEY IF THEY ARE NOT MORE CHEMICALS???? I don't feel you can treat chemical poisioning with more chemicals!!!!!! I use all natural----how did I find help/ with a natural doctor they are out there find one/ I CARE ABOUT YOU!!! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie:

Can you take your own air with you in the form of a portable oxygen system so you are breathing no outside air?

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), September 08, 2000.

Maybe if you showed up at church wearing one of those disposable white filter-masks, people would take you seriously. I truly doubt that you could ever get all the people at the church to do without scented products, even just for one day. I really think you should look into alternative forms of worship, things that you can do at home or outside. You said that you don't think God means for you to stop attending this church...but I would guess just the opposite! Do you really think He wants you sitting there suffering & unable to breathe, so sick that you actually pee yourself?? I would say that this is a pretty clear message from HIM...that this may not be the right place for you. How can you even enjoy or concentrate on the message of the service if you literally cannot breathe? Completely aside from issues of faith or spirituality, simple logic dictates that you should stay away from situations or places that threaten your health or well-being. In this case, it sounds almost life-threatening. I think God expects you to use your smarts on this one!

-- Shannon (Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary) (gratacres@aol.com), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie , I feel for you my son and I get migraines from certain scent s .He also has asthma and allergys .I would try another Dr. , and do as much research as you can on the web .

They come up with new medication almost daily that isn't so hard on your body .You may want to try to go all natural , but I would not give up the medication to .Have you also looked into food triggars ?

Air cleaners at home are great .You may feel like a loon , but what about filters when you go out ? The plan white ones probally won't do , but the make very good ones for people who paint cars and stuff .

I wish I had better answers for you .As for worship is there any plain folks around ? There worships should be almost sent free .Good luck .~ Patty

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 08, 2000.

We used to have an official in our church who developed an allergy to the church building. (Sounds funny, doesn't it!) He couldn't go inside the building without getting all hacky and coughing, so for meetings in which he presided he would sit in his car with a walkie talkie and attend the meeting that way. If you just want to listen in on a church service, perhaps you could use a baby monitor.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie, welcome to the club that is growing by leaps and bounds. I don't think you're feeling sorry for yourself at all. It's hard to live in a world that people don't understand and aren't trying to. All those things that clog your lungs are also confusing your brain. It's very uncomfortable. It is also a cause of major depression. The problem tends to get worse instead of better. Eating naturally will help support your immune system, natural vitamins and herbs are helpful. Stop putting synthetic chemicals in your body. You will not believe how good it feels to feel good. I didn't. What Sonda said is good information.

Environmental illness or chemical poisoning or multiple chemical sensitivities. Mine started with childhood immunizations. Not only does this affect my breathing, thinking, weight, energy level, but my skin is extremely sensitive. And I can't get my dental work done. Some of this propblem is hereditary. I feel poisoned. There's stuff to help detoxify, but I feel so poisoned when I take it, I just can't function. I go to a nutritional chiropractor. The symptoms are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bonnie, I have thousands of healthy recipes, I'll be happy to share with you. If you need to dump or just need support e-mail me anytime. Is your husband supportive, does your family understand. If they don't, show them this whole thread. Now you know you're not alone. God Bless you. Cindy

P.S. check out the site: www.ourlittleplace.com it's all about this problem, there's a whole page on perume.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

I also wanted to say, my husband has a music ministry. Some of the people that invite him back time and again know my problem, but even the minister wears cologne. they try to be helpful, but..... People just don't see this as a eal problem. They don't realize that this same thing could be causing a lot of their illnesses. I try not to feel guilty for not going to church...but...but then again why should I.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Oh Bonnie, I am so sorry you are feeling so bad, it sounds horrible. My friend Pat had EXACTLY the same problem, she could no longer come to church. I have never worn perfume, so she could sit with me if she could manage to come. Everyone wore it anyway. At Church. We are supposed to put other peoples feeling ahead of our own, but this little 100 year old church did not. And everyone knew. She has found something to help her, and I will try to call her and find out. She was a registered nurse and had to quit her job because of it. Breathing all those chemicals in the hospital all those years probably did it to her. She was ok when she was younger. She goes on the road with her husband in the truck now and is doing much better. She very rarely go to church. I will try to get ahold of her, and will be praying for you. You are not alone, we care about you. I think maybe you should get some oxygen, my mom had asthma and she had oxygen and it really helped her allot. Do some bible studies on line, there's lots of good sites, God will speak to you no matter where you are, I find He speaks to me more when I am alone than in a big crowd anyway. We love you.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), September 08, 2000.

Hi. I'm sorry I have no advice for asthma itself, but in line with the walkie-talkie idea: I belonged to a congregation which had a phone line put in that was hooked up to the speaker system so sick people could call in and listen to the meetings. They also had a library and school room where one could sit behind a closed door and listen through the PA system. The library also had a door which led outside so you could come and go without passing through the crowd. It is not the same as fellowship, but you could at least listen to the sermons. Maybe your congregation could arrange similar circumstances in their building?

-- Epona (staceyb@myway.com), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie,

I'm sorry for you frustration. I'm afraid that expecting an entire congregation to change their lifestyle, even for one day, is unrealistic. Most people won't make that much change for a member of their family, much less someone they are with for a couple of hours. I'm not trying to be harsh, just realistic.

I agree with the others that suggested finding a doctor who can help you. Ask around. Until you get some relief, I'd suggest investing in a really good mask/filter. It may look funny, but if you can breathe, it's worth it.

A friend of my mom's had a problem similar to yours. She had such severe allergies, she couldn't go anywhere. Her husband would buy her clothes, then hang them outside for several days . They had to air out long enough to be completely free of fumes before they came near her. She finally found a doctor who could help her. She was diagnosed with systemic candida. The same thing that causes yeast infections, but it was through-out her body. She is now almost allergy-free. After so many years of being isolated, she can now go pretty much where she wants. The doctor that treated her is in Texas. I don't know where you live, but if you are near there, I can find out his name. Good luck. Mona

-- Mona (jascamp@ipa.net), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie, I am so sorry you are having such horrid problems. I just want to say that Sonda and Cindy's advice about natural foods and immunal support certainly seem the best way to go.

Perhaps you could get your studies and services on tape. I know it isn't the same, but if you could do that and then maybe have a small meeting at your house with some of your congregation WHO UNDERSTAND AND WILL NOT wear the offending chemicals, you could still be in fellowship. I know how important that is. May God touch you and lighten your burden.

-- Doreen (liberty546@hotmail.com), September 08, 2000.

I nearly DIED a couple of times ten years ago from my allergies so I know what you mean! This is a VERY SERIOUS SUBJECT!!!!

Some churches now have "scent free" services! One church I know started having an "environmentally friendly" choir because one of their members got to where she couldn't sing because of the perfumes and make up of others!

I can remember when I was a little girl, in church all of us little girls thought it was a big deal when a teenage girl would ask us to sit with her. But when I did, I wound up not being able to breath because of all their make up!!!

Talk to your pastor! If they're not sympathetic, FIND A CHURCH THAT IS!!!! This is your life and your health....and I'm sure there are lots of others who have the same problem!!!!!!!!! I know there are!

I can remember

-- Suzy in 'Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Bonnie, I think that if these people are so insensitive that they cannot give up something as insignificant as perfume to save your health and possibly your life, what does that say for their spiritual state? Maybe that sounds judgmental, but we are supposed to love our neighbor as ourself, and they clearly aren't doing that. You ahould consider trying to find another church, one such as a Mennonite church where vanity and colognes are frowned on. I do not have your particular allergy, but I do know that people are very insensitive to allergic problems in general. I have a hard time at some potlucks asking what is in the food, people get offeneded if you can't eat it! There seems to be a perception that allergies are "all in our head", that they are nothing more than a convenient excuse. Just look at the way some smokers act about smoking! I have had them get mad at me for not wanting toxic smoke blown into my newborn baby's face!! These people are selfish and you need to find a place where they at least try to practice what they preach. And sitting in a car listening to a sermon is really not fellowship, you couuld sit in your house and watch that on TV or listen to the Christian radio if that was all you were after.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), September 08, 2000.

The systemic candida is a possibility -- there is a special diet to accompany the medical treatment for it. Also, some people on low- carb diets report significant reduction in asthma and allergy symptoms. There are a couple of possible reasons for this -- one is that the diet restricts or eliminates grains, which can be responsible for leaky gut syndrome, and accompanying other problems. Another is that the diet severely restricts carbohydrate intake. All carbs turn into simple sugars in the body, so would possibly be contributing to the above-mentioned candida problem, if that is what you have. Perfumes and cigarette smoke both give me bad headaches -- thankfully nothing as severe as what some of you get -- try a new doctor, and a drastic change in diet to eliminate all sugars/starches, and see if it helps.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), September 08, 2000.

One reason people don't give up their perfumes, etc. is because they're addicted to them. If you're addicted to something that badly, you're probably allergic to it. Besides perfume, there's hairspray, deodorant, soap-body and clothes, hand lotion etc. and worst of all farbric softner and sheets. It's strange but when I use my shpoo and hand lotion, from the health food store, it doesn't bother me(they're the only ones that don't), but if someone else uses them, it bothers me, not as bad as regular ones, though.

Some of these perfume wearers must really stink to use the amount that they do. I think a good bath would be more beneficial.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Natural medicine really does have some advantages but since many of the remedies have not really been scientifically tested it becomes difficult to ascertain which ones are truely effective. Many people suffer from allergic reactions to chemicals. Some people have a very strong histamine response like yours while others barely notice the immune system response. I believe, first of all, that you need to be tested, if you have not already done so, to determine which chemicals your immune system overreacts to and if you would be a candidate for allergy shots. Second, many new pharmaceuticals (natural/processed) exist to combat and assist the body's own immune system. Nasal corticosteroids reduce the histamine response in the nasal mucosa without systemic effects- licorice root tea also has anti inflammatory/antiallergic actions; non-sedating antihistamines reduce the systemic histamine overreaction without making you feel drowsy-tylophora leaves also block histamine and other inflammatory compounds; leukotriene blockers reduce the inflammatory response of the airways without making you feel jittery-ginko biloba blocks platelet activation factor which initiates asthma and allergies;antioxidants (vit a,c e beta carotene) provide important defense mechanisms for the lungs;vegan diets and fish may also help although it may take months before a noticeable improvement;and if you have a gastrointestinal origin of allergic response candida may be the culprit- antibiotics, corticosteroids and nutrient deficiency impair candida immunity, therefore be careful and maybe increase garlic intake and caprylic acid. The human body can sometimes get carried away in the way it protects us. You should probably see an MD and/or a Naturopath and ask many questions. Good luck

-- oscar (otgonz@bellsouth.net), September 08, 2000.

Oscar, you seem to be very knowledgeable. Maybe you have an answer for me. I need lots of dental work done. Can't do laughing gas- almost died, can't to epinephrin, can't do any of the caines, can't do anaprox or anything for pain, maybe 2 aspirin over 12 hours, can't do whaever else may be in any of those shots, can't do antibiotics. I had one infected tooth-it broke off-pulled without anything. NO I WON'T, no insurance, limited financial resources. I am willing to be a guinea pig for an accupuncturist if he's the right one. Echinecea takes care of the infection, clove oil helps with the pain and of course rose hips for vitamin c. No dentist around here will even talk to me, they're afraid of mal-practice. (I do have one to call in Ky.) Thanks.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 08, 2000.

Our church has crying room for new mothers. it has a darkened mirror so they can see the service and a speaker so they can hear as well. it was suggested before if anything like that was available to you. good luck.

-- Amber (ambrosia75_@hotmail.com), September 08, 2000.

Mona said Systemic Candida is caused by the same thing as a yeast infection. Yogurt Culture (Acidophilus)pills and Vit. B will get rid of a yeast infection overnight. When we have to take antibotics (not very often) these yogurt pills will keep your stomach acids in the good range and you won't get yeast infections. If you do, it gets rid of them. They are all natural, we get them at Wallmart (apple pectin is also an ingredient on the lable) Have you taken allot of anitbotics over the years Bonnie? Just a thought.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), September 09, 2000.

Cindy: I'm Oscar's wife; he's a PA here in hillbilly country of NE TN. He's out today and tomorrow, but I'll ask him about your dental problems and one of us will respond. I felt so bad when I read your initial post that I had him read it. Glad he did; hope some of the information helps.

-- Teresa (otgonz@bellsouth.net), September 09, 2000.

Teresa, I'll be looking forward to his response. Oh, I'm also allergic to alcohol. I'm not real good about taking the supplements that I have, shame on me. Glandulars such as lymph-spleen are very good for me-no reaction. I'm not allergic to poison ivy. I've had reaction to bug bites last up to two years. Another problem with chemical poisoning is weight. The doc said I am too toxic to lose weight as quick as I should for the very healthy way I eat. (It's more important to lose inches and not worry about the pounds.) I do work out 5 days a week.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 09, 2000.

Dear Bonnie;

JR here, I was going to send private email but after reading the post I think it best to share with all.

http://www.wgbowen.com/nosecret.html http://www.menolbones.com Bible Bits

I have been busy but laid back. After Rocky Mountain Tick Fever and two heart attacks. .Click on the above link and relax awhile with me. ..JR

-- James (jr3star@earthlink.net), September 09, 2000.

If you can find one, some dentists have a system that applies an electrical current to the gums that "fills up" the nerve endings with sensations so that they can't carry the pain sensations (they can only carry so much at a time). The patient has control of the current and can up it or down it whenever they need to. Check around, try the web, ask your local dental assc. etc until you find one.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), September 10, 2000.

Hi Bonnie,

I took a computer class once and requested that the class please not wear perfume because of my allergies. One woman I could smell coming down the hall. She must have put it on heavy for spite. When I talked to her, she said she doesn't leave home without it. I couldn't concentrate and had a headache and felt sick for three days. The next class, I came in wearing a 3M charcoal mask. She gave me dirty looks but I didn't care. I was tempted to draw a smiley face on it.

I had my son's school stop using preventitive perticides and start using a green cleaner. I also had airpurifiers put in the science class. He doesn't have asthma but get migraine headaches from chemicals. None of the teachers wear perfume. He has one friend, though, that the fabric softner makes me gag, especially in the car.

What Cindy and Patty said about food and nutrition is important. I was able to bring my chemical attacks down greatly. I found the foods I was allergic to and either stay away from them or rotate it. This brought down my toxic overload. My body didn't have to work overtime to try to clean out the food allergies and then the attack of the chemicals. I found a chiropractor who was very knowledgable about nutritional healing. (Chiropractors are more open then MDs because it is alturnative med) A great book is "Is This YOur Child's World" by Dr Doris Rapp. Another is Dr. Sherry Rogers. They both also helped me. I now am going to a homeopathic who will hopefully "cure" my major problems. I can honestly say, I am 90-95% better then I was. I also had candidis(Yeast)overload from too much antibiotics. Need that good stuff in the intestines to absorb all the vitimins.

I guess what I am saying and what a few others have said is, that you should try other ways to get well instead of trying to get other people to change. I have noticed that some perfumes that are strong to me are not to others. That is the EI's reaction to get away. If you'd like to e-mail direct, that's fine. Sometimes we need a simular ear.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), September 10, 2000.

Oh, I forgot. Try to sleep as clean as possible. That means if you can, get rid of your carpet, if you have one in your bedroom. Use natural sheets that don't have wrinkle guard (that's formaldhyde) And use a good air purifier, preferably one that handles chemicals.

A good clean night's sleep helps alot for during the day

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), September 11, 2000.

Cindy, thank you so much for the ( Our little place web site) That was written about me! Well not really, but it could have been. It's unbelievable that I didn't realize all this to begin with. Some of it I knew about just from deduction but others,WOW!

I used to work at a shoe factory ( put the glue in the toe of the shoes, assembly line ) Stayed sick all the time. ( fumes were awful but never really put 2&2 together) Also worked at Wal-Mart for awhile ( health and beauty aids) and presently clean the church for a living. ( yet more chemicles!)

I went to the church today and removed all the popurri and candles and airfreshners. Put them all in the garbage where they belong. I have asked some of them that are really offensive to me to unplug those plugin air freshners before they leave and I would put them back after I clean so they can have their aromas when they get there. Out of 4 teachers 1 remembered once. Well they will not be happy Sunday morning because they no longer have it to smell or poison others with. I made copies about the air fresheners and perfumes and hung them on their doors.

And I never really knew how many chemicles were in the food we eat. It is unreal! Why?!!? I only wish I had canned more this summer than I did. I am going to be very careful about that stuff from now on. Now that I know.

Now about those natural Dr.s; Are there any that take insurance? I could not afford to go to any DR. without my insurance. It's just the way it is; I have no money.

And vitamines?I tried to take a 1 a day type and it made me sick. Gave me an awful head ache and upset stomache for days.Are there natural vitamines or something that are better? Or maybe a childs vitamine? I don't know,after taking the one I took I was scared to give my kids vitamines too.

All of you guys have been a life saver for me. Thank you so much! I still don't know what I will do about going to church in the long run, I have tried those masks for ceaning out the chicken coop and find them hard to breath through too. Maybe because I was working at the time.I know it would keep dust particles out, but will it keep out fumes?

I had a long talk with my husband last night and I think (hopefully) he finally understands. I really think he thought it was something I should just get over. LIKE I WOULDN'T IF I COULD! He would ask me all the time if I was going to this study or that class ( and I used to all the time, I loved it ) And then he would ask why? And I would tell him BECAUSE OF THE PERFUME.(Like he shouldn't have already have known the answer!) You know it's one thing for others to not understand, but it's an entirely different matter, when your other half is indifferent.

Well any way I feel like I can atleast start to do something to protect the health of myself and my family now. You all will never know how much you have helped. Thank you so much. LOve ya,

-- Bonnie (josabo1@juno.com), September 12, 2000.

Bonnie,

Hurray, you are now on the road to recovery! The two books I mentioned are a GREAT way to start. "Is This Your Child's World" by Dr. Doris Rapp and "The E.I. Syndrome" by Dr. Sherry Rogers.

I found the best way to find a doctor who understands is to ask at a health food or co-op store near you. That was how I found my homeopathic doctor. Again, my chiropractor was a big help when I first started. He had me use something called UltraClean that cleaned out my system (I know Cindy, it made you sick because you have too much in your system) One-a-day vitamins have alot of fillers, food coloring, and are hard for your body to absorb. Natural vitamins may seem to cost alot but they are better in the long run. Solgar's Multi-nutrient or Nature's Plus's Source of Life are good ones. Extra Vit C and E, CoQ10, L-Methionine, and Thistle are all good chemical fighters. Get rid of any processed foods with preservitives and food coloring. Eat more natural.

The 3M charcoal mask helped me with the perfume problem I had in that class. It wasn't totally comfortable but it wasn't like cleaning out the chicken coop uncomfortable. And it did work.

Another web site you might be interested in is Parents of Allergic Children. They have alot of information and Doctors input. Something to think of, it seems to run in families but it is a matter of who gets their chemical overload. If you have children, they are sussetable to this problem. We can usually pin point it to a particular poisoning. For me it was my new house with all the particale board, stain, carpets, etc.

Again, if you'd like to e-mail direct, I'd love to hear from you on a regular basis.

PS My husband believes but sometimes gets annoyed by it.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), September 12, 2000.

My forum friend Barbaraj sent me the book "Home Safe Home" by Debra Lynn Dadd last week. Now I thought I was well educated on this subject, Oh my, what I've learned or re-learned in just a few pages. It's taken my husband awhile to get the full "understanding" of this problem.

Today I went to a health food store in Greensburg to pick up a special order and she had a candle burning, I had to rush, I hope I made the check out right. Then I went to buy a gift at a new Christian book store, she also sells candles, got a gift certificate instead, then I went to Family dollar to buy shelf liner, ran into a couple friends, stayed too long (5 min). I did ask the people in front of me if I could go on through, they were very nice). Are you having trouble breathing yet? It took quite awhile for the headache to go away. My favorite restaurant now burns scented candle and another new one does, too.

Bonnie, don't feel badly about not being able to go to church. God knows your heart. He allows things to happen for a purpose. I stay home alot and listen to D.James Kennedy or John Hagee.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 12, 2000.

Oh Bonnie!I haven't had time to read through all the responses to your post,but I surely can relate!!!

I have extremely severe asthma.Generally,I must take treatments via machine-the inhalers don't work for me much.

I've had asthma since I was 4 or so.[In fact,I remember being rushed to the hospital at that age because I "couldn't" breathe.]My asthma did seem to be getting a little better until I caught a bad case of bronchitis while working in a nursing home in the spring of 93.Later,in the winter of 93,I was still struggling with repeated bouts of bronchitis when I caught the flu!I almost died:respiratory distress & tachycardia,o2 saturation dropping like a rock,no improvement after multiple ER treatments.I spent half a day in the ER followed by 8 days admitted(iv antibiotics,steroids,theophylline;treatments;pills)followed by 2 weeks on more antibiotics(a really expensive one called Floxin) after I was released.I often wonder if the damage to my lungs is irreversible.

I think I will try to check out that website(mentioned in an earlier response) myself;I hate feeling as though I am suffocating!

Bonnie,about your church,wouldn't your pastor mention this for you? Really,if most of the people knew how harmful their fragrances are I'm sure they'd at least try to tone it down and hopefully eliminate it altogether.[My husband manages a candle factory of all things! Sometimes he comes home so STINKY that I have to ask him to change and toss all his clothes in the wash while he's at it!]Another thought about your church:if there are some SS teacher's especially attached to potpourri for whatever reason,could you simply replace it with a natural kind(ie. dehydrated apple,orange,lemon & lime slices)?

One last thing,peppermint tea really helps when nothing else seems to- especially when your asthma is aggravated by a dry cough.Brew it nice and strong.Try it and let me know if it helps you as it does me.[The only reason I don't use it more often is that I'm afraid it will lose it's effectiveness.

God Bless,~~~Tracy~~~

ps-I forgot to mention:my brother really cut down on his inhaler usage by losing a little bit of weight and working out.That's what I'm going to work on,too.

Also forgot to mention that their were people at our church who really had a problem with the easter lilies that we always had up front around Easter time.They(wasn't me) mentioned it to someone and now we hae "silk" lilies at Easter.

So much for "One last thing..." LOL

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), September 12, 2000.

Tracy, none of the churches I know are willing to do without their perfume. Maybe one or two will, if they think I'll be there. But it's just not the perfume. The carpet, scented candles, cleaning agents, building materials, the building itself, hairspray. Few people realize they can live without these things (except maybe the building). And quite frankly, they don't believe it bothers people, and a lot of them don't care.

Working out does help. I've been working out-again-for almost a year five days a week. There's another 2 or 3 long stories. The best thing you can o is laugh at it, or with it. I'm dyslexic, that's hard enough, but when I'm "confused by the fumes" it's a whole lot harder.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 12, 2000.

Bonnie, are you feeling any better at all? I've been thinking about you every day, praying you will get better. I finially got ahold of Pat, and she said the Doctors gave her steroids 2 years ago and she has been on them ever since. Not such a good answer huh? She said they make her feel weird and dizzy headed and she dosen't like them but that's all the Doctors will do, and she was still wheezing and choked up some on the phone. She did say she could use the natural citrus cleaners around the house and they don't bother her. I told her about all the natural things I have read here, and the cleansing stuff for your body and I am hoping she will look into it. All of us here know steroids aren't any good for you. Let us know how you are feeling.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), September 13, 2000.

Cindy, As a matter of fact I am not feeling well. I can breath better right now but ever since I got that last shot, I have been sick to my stomache.Have had diareah and absolutely NO ENERGY.Infact it is worse than no energy, I actually feel week and nauseated. And I have a headache.

Dr. gave me panmist to take with the shot.They usually try to get me to take the dose packs too. ( of steriods) but they make me Real Irritable ( I mean they litterally make my skin crawl. There is no living with me if I take those.)I only took one of the pan mist when I got home and since I felt so unusually bad I didn't take any more. ( thinking maybe it was that that made me feel that way.)I am not hurting the way I did that first night but I still feel really bad. This is so weird too, usually the shot makes me feel better .

I guess it could be a virus? Funny though nobody else in this house is sick. And ususally if there is a bug going around I get it when everyone is sick and have to take care of them. NOW THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR.(nobody else is sick) I am going to call the dr. office when they open and see what they say. Thanks everyone. Love Ya

-- Bonnie (josabo1@juno.com), September 13, 2000.

Bonnie the best thing for nausea is ginger. In capsules or if you can find it, Reed's ginger brew. It's strrong, but it works. Maybe another brand at a health food store. Canada Dry just doesn't do it. Peppermint tea is very helpful too.

Maybe you're having an allergic reaction to the shot. Quite often you will show a reaction after the second or later shot. Or you could be detoxing. I feel poisoned when I detox too fast. Or maybe it is a bug.

Something to remember: when you heal naturally things usually get worse before they get better.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 13, 2000.

I wish I knew the answer to your dilemma, it sounds like you are quite literally in hell. I will back up the suggestions to get as many chemicals as possible out of your life. No synthetic fabrics, no food additives, no fumes of any type, whether you get an immediate reaction or not. I would avoid highly processed foods as well, and perhaps check out www.macrobiotics.org (many more sites available, just search the keyword 'macrobiotic') I don't have any personal experience with this regimen, but I have talked with people who do this, and they say the difference is amazing.
For the spiritual side of things, don't give up! Spiritual support is probably the most important aspect of trying to improve your health. One suggestion would be to start your own study group. Host it in your own home, to give you complete control of your environment, and prepare a handout for potential members explaining exactly what you mean when you say that you need a chemical free environment. If someone is unwilling to give up their perfume to come, that pretty much states where their priorities are anyway. If your pastor can't help you on this, find one who can. This is too important to your health to back down on. You truly do deserve a rich spiritual life, and having one will in turn nourish you physically. Blessed Be,

-- Connie (Connie@lunehaven.com), September 13, 2000.

Hi Bonnie,

Hope you are feeling better soon!Have you tried the peppermint tea yet?[I really find it immensely helpful...especially when I hav a cold.]

I'm probably going to be eliminating cow's milk products(boo-hoo- hoo:I've always enjoyed milk.)in our home as much as possible. I'm going to be working on a few other things too.I'll let you know what helps!

Cindy,Is your kind of allergy problem very rare?I haven't heard too much on environmental allergies.It must be so rough with all the synthetics abounding!!!To say the least!!![Didn't mean to sound too simplistic,Cindy.]

Bless you all,

In His Love and with prayers,

~~~Tracy~~~

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), September 14, 2000.

Dear Bonnie, my pastor lives in another state than I. My friend mails me tapes of his sermons. Maybe your pastor could do this for you.

-- Judy (allsmile@ctnet.net), September 14, 2000.

Tracy, it's not as rare as it used to be, in fact, it's increasing rapidly, not the severity, but more and more people are allergic and having asthma.

There are support groups, or at least there were when I lived in Indy. Don't know how they operate.

Another big offender is lawn care businesses.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 14, 2000.

You guys have all been so GREAT! I love you all! I do feel better today . I am hopeing that was not a reaction to the shot. The steroids are last ditch efforts when inhalers don't work. And usually they work for a few months anyway. I have been wheezing already though. NOT GOOD.

Maybe they gave me the wrong thing? I know I am grasping at straws here, but nothing went as usual this time. And its not as if I haven't been through this many times and don't know what to expect. Myabe it was a bug? I hope so.

Anyway Tracy, I did try the mint tea. It does seem to make me a little more clear if it isn't very bad to begin with. I think Cindy had told me about it before and so I tried it. I also like mint a lot anyway. Never thought I would like tea though. Don't know why? But I like it.I will try to start my day out with it from now on. I am not sure about ginger though. I never liked the smell of the ground stuff. UUGGHHH! Is there a difference.

I am so new to a healthy lifestyle. I am used to coffee with vanilla creamer. I am addicted,so it helps to have something warm in the morning. I would appreciate any good recipes from any of you. Thanks again for everything. Mostly for being there. Love Ya'll

-- Bonnie (josabo1@juno.com), September 15, 2000.

I haven't time to read all the mails on this... but have you tried Homeoepathy? I mean really tried? Make sure you find a qualified Homeoepath (RSHom in Britian or LCCH at the very least)and stick with it for at least 3/6 months. I'm not going to go into a Honeoepathic lecture here, you can do your own research on the net, but my family recieve 100% homeoepathic medical care, with the exception of when my daughter broke her arm. Her arm was set by the local hospital and the doctors told em it was a bad break and would take upto 12 weeks to heal... she was out of plaster in 7. She recieved no pain control other than Homeoepathic and was in no pain for the duration.

My Mother is an astmatic, and has been all her life. She also has emphasemia. In addition she is allergic to all animals, certain perfums etc etc. She has recently begun Homeoepathic treatment and although at 72 her Homeoepath has warned her not to expect a fully recovery she is now abble to walk to the shop whereas before she could not make it down her own garden path.

I appreciate that many are sceptial of alturnatives and perhaps rightly so, but if the advice of a QUALIFIED homeoepath is followed I am sure you would benefit.

-- Fee (fee@ernist.freeserve.co.uk), February 25, 2002.