When I was pregnant I seemed to be very
sensitive to any chemical smell and even some natural smells. Although
I am still sensitive to many chemicals I don't get terribly ill in a building
unless it is cigarette
smoke or very heavy perfume or cleaning
chemicals in a poorly ventilated room.
I sympathize with those who have MCS/EI,
because when I was pregnant and it was bad. I asked my husband and another
friend whom we gave rides to the meeting to not wear perfume when around
me, because it made me feel miserable. I had to ask them about 3 times
before they would lighten up on the perfumes. I had to almost hide my husband's
colognes to avoid being affected.
I remember feeling hurt that ones so close
to me could not sacrifice wearing cologne just while I was pregnant. It
doesn't seem like a great sacrifice to me.
When we changed congregations, there was
a young sister who got severely ill from chemicals and perfumes. I also
met a sister at a convention who was also affected that way. At that time
I decided to not wear perfume again, because I never knew if such sensitive
persons are in our midst. I don't even miss wearing perfume. I don't care
to smell anyone else's perfume either. I feel it is unloving to force everyone
around you to smell a fragrance that you like, when in fact, some around
you may not like it at all.
Don't be discouraged. People are so imperfect.
Continue to pray and put faith in the true God, Jehovah. Jehovah will hear
and strengthen you. Jehovah will help you to find solutions and to endure.
Warm Christian Love,
Linda
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