Like everyone else here I'm also looking for a cure. I've had MCS or environmental illness for five years. I think mine started after years of working around chemicals. The common thread I see is most people also have regular allergies (such as pollen, cats, mold). I read some interesting articles on "leaky gut syndrome" that seem to make sense. It's too much to write here but I think it's worth researching. I think the gist is that most environmental illness is caused by low level food allergies. It is recommended that people with MCS get tested for food allergies, or at least avoid the most common allergens, like dairy, wheat, corn, tomatoes, peanuts. Unfortunately most articles state that it can take two years of strict dietary changes to reverse the cycle. I think the answer is out there, we just have to keep learning and try to improve where we can.

Sorry, No food allergies - no allergies what so every! My problems came from an overload of a volatile organic chemical antagonist and it caused a change in my imune system. I have spent over a $1000. on doctors and allergists and I have no allergies. For almost nine months I suffered a severe allergic type reaction when in my living room before I found the "Smells of Christmas" potpouri ( from Aromatique in Heber Spring Arkansas- awful stuff) that my wife had placed under a skirted table Christmas a year ago and forgot. Since then I have found I am sensative to perfumes, newspapers (I think the press alcohol based fountain solution is is absorbed by the paper and gasses for hours). I have had the carpets cleaned, AC/heat ducts cleaned, upholstery cleaned, quit the paper and am on a 500mg Vitamin C regimine with every meal. I think things are getting better, but have ocassional relapses.

Oh, I forgot to mention, another severe antagonist was SNUGGLES fabric softener sheets for the clothes dryer. I spent several nights sleeping outdoors or in my van before we discovered what the were doing to the bed linen.
Larry Hacker

Wow, you have a pretty bad case. It's a tough condition to have. The worst for me is dealing with perfume at work. You're definitely on the right track with the Vitamin C. I'm taking the same dose 3x daily and it really helps. I've tried a lot of things over the years. I think most of them have helped, as I am about 70% better than I was two years ago. If you haven't already done so, you need to make your home a totally fragrance free and chemical free space. It's especially hard for the lady of the house, as everything they use contains fragrance. My wife found fragrance free shampoo, hairspray, and makeup called Clinique. I had reached a point where I couldn't sleep in the same bed when she used her old scented beauty products. We then went on to purchase fragrance free laundry soap (Tide free, Cheer free and clear), bleach free dishwasher soap, unscented dish soap, etc. For surface and glass cleaner we use a vinegar/soap/water mix that works well. Avoid 409 and Windex (ammonia). If your wife gets any magazine subscriptions they can send fragrance free magazines (no perfumed inserts). Try to avoid any particle board/pressed wood items in the house (they emit formaldehyde). The longer you can go with no exposures of any kind, the faster you will heal. I mentioned food allergies because they can be present without your knowing it, other than the MCS symptoms. Almost everyone with MCS that gets tested has food allergies. If you continue eating the allergen your system cannot heal. The only way to know is to be tested by an allergist.

UH-60,

You mentioned you are 70% better. Is this from the vitamin C? If so which kind and how much? Do you find yourself able to be around scents? I am miserable with MCS and am not currently doing anything. I was thinking about a yeast-free diet. What has helped you specifically and what were your symptoms. I look forward to yoru reply and appreciate any help you can give.

Cheers.