Lois D.: For a long time I thought people with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) were extremists regarding their health, but then MCS became very personal. I began to find myself becoming ill from smells while shopping, eating and even in doctor's offices progressing to the point that I have become homebound.

Exposure leaves me weak and disoriented often unable to speak, think coherently or stand on my own. Other times I suffer from violent headaches or have difficulty breathing.

Laura O.: I am only 21 and I feel like I am 40. ... My husband only knew me for a few months before I started getting symptoms. I used to… be very active, and loved to be outside. Now I can barely handle the making the bed. It's hard for me because my husband, doesn't get to see the real me. He says he sees it, deep inside of me, and he says he knows it will be out some day (when they find a cure). But it is so unfair that I can not be the wife and mom that my family deserves. Its one thing for me to suffer, but to have to always hold my family back from doing things is unfair to them. I just want to have fun and lead a normal life, instead of always worrying about the weather, how long I'll be standing, where the nearest bathroom is, what I can eat.... I can't even kiss or hug my husband for more than a few seconds, because I get very short of breath.

D. Johnson: I have completely changed my life. … I continue to learn to say no.

I miss being able to travel, shop, go for hikes, play on the floor with my grandchildren. I miss being able to quickly get up off a chair, having bounce in my step.

Angela B.: I never realized the profound effect my CFIDS and fibromyalgia would have on traveling from my home to Phoenix, Arizona last year. Three days prior to take off, I panicked and enlisted the help of my dear mother to organize me. I was now organized, packed and raring to go, plus the airlines confirmed I could bring my wheelchair.

The hotel was large and complex. My husband drew me numerous maps from all angles. I was still at a loss. This was no mean feat for a "brainfogged" person. On my bad days, I have trouble navigating myself from bedroom to bathroom. Luckily, my trusty cane assisted me all the way and neither the cane nor I buckled under the intense Phoenix heat. I have found that courage (which I don't always have a lot of), faith in myself and others to help along the way and a friend with an open ear were essential for me…

Judy L. D.: I am single and working full time. I am 58 years old and already my grown children are tired of my health problems. I hate saying, "oh, it's not a good day for me" or "I am very uncomfortable today" or " I am home from work 'just' because of fibromyalgia" or "I felt good this morning but right now I am in a lot of pain". The other day at work, all my skin hurt. It hurt to put my hands or arms on my desk to work, or walking the soles of my feet hurt so much and I could feel the little ribs in my socks.

Anonymous: I have been an RN for 30 years and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner for 20 of those years. …I knew nothing about FMS. I finally diagnosed myself with FMS two years ago and now all my doctors can see what I was complaining about! You shouldn't have to be a healthcare professional and teach a board-certified physician about your disease. Now I'll have to teach my insurance company!! ... I don't know how much longer I can safely work full time without putting my precious patients in jeopardy because of my forgetfulness.