http://books.google.com/books?id=DRWi0F63t0gC&printsec=frontcover&dq=illness+as+metaphor+sontag&source=bl&ots=c5gofhtq6t&sig=e4jtVpmomooUajdzphLke3eHkEI&hl=en&ei=GymOS4aHMoGiswP6pZ3LCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CDIQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=&f=false

She then wrote Aids and Its Metaphors.

I use the metaphor of illness as teacher and guide. I’ve learned so much about myself and grown so much through having this illness!

I’m curious as to the metaphors others use in considering their illness. We’re all different and I suspect there are many more metaphors among us!

I say “My MCS.” I own it, I embrace it, I honor it as part of my being. That does not negate always striving for better health, helping and educating others about MCS, overcoming challenges, and leading a productive life. It means that MCS is a part of who I am, not the whole part, not the main part, but one part, and I honor and nurture that part of my body that has been chemically damaged.

I also don’t see it as a battle, I see it as a challenge. Everyone on the planet is struggling with some sort of disability, it’s part of the human condition. I don’t want to feel like I am constantly battling with something so personal as my own health. I just want to do everything I can to assist my body to reach balance and optimum health. I save my battle mode for things like fighting developers who jeopardize the clean air in my own community.

I also felt the exact same way when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.

Just my thoughts on this.

Aloha,
Susie

Instead, I ordered an I CAN BREATH mask online and bought a pretty lace one. It has carbon filters inside to block out most of the chemicals you come across.

THE MCS (try not to say MY as it means you own it) was worsening until I started wearing the mask. Granted, it doesn’t block out everything, but it helps.

The best suggestion I can offer is to wear a mask, and perhaps a tag on your shoulder that says MCS ‘Fragrances Make Me Sick!’ with a Canary symbol (Susie will no doubt allow you to use the logo on your lapel if you ask.

Also, keep informed, research the daylights out of ways to regain your good health (this one you can own) and join us on the chats on TCR to talk with others who share the same battles. Together we can beat this!

I’ll have a new blog up today.

To Your Good Health
Franny

Thanks Susie. Still fighting the sinuses (March 2) but I’m positive minded that I will get better no matter what the obstacles. I believe in the power of the mind.

I’m even considering going to a romance book convention (1200 people) but find it still rather intimidating. I know how ill I can get when in contact with something but my heart says I can do it!
Hugs
Franny

One tip I learned about using the I Can Breathe Mask is to use 2 filters instead of one. 2 fit in just fine. It’s still not 100% (no mask is) but it’s better.

I always feel awkward wearing the mask and tend to resist doing so. But do wear it on a plane, for example.

I wouldn’t survive that but I do find that as time goes on and I have opportunities to heal I do get better too.

Many of my symptoms were non-existant in Jamaica and after 3 days I felt almost “normal”. Granted we stay in stand alone cottages or houses for the most part or small hotels with less than 20 rooms. It was also not that busy so most restaurants were not even 1/2 full and most sea front so fresh sea air.

The housekeepers used only vinegar and water for cleaning and many days we did not ask for cleaning. I take all my own bedding, pillows & towels. Only had to wear my mask for air travel which is amazing since I can barely go outside at home without a mask or respirator.

Re your reacting to a lesser degree each time you run across chemicals: That was true for me, too, as the years passed after first getting sick. But as I’ve gotten older (into my 60s) I now react to a greater degree. I wonder if others have experienced that…???