Ad found via The Uprising--a fun little vegan blog with a smart-ass attitude
It's official. I am never wearing perfume again. Don't get me wrong. I like to smell all good and sexy and lush, but with so much going stuff on with my health, smells aren't just offensive; they literally make me sick.
Case in point, this morning; sitting in the sauna. There I am, snug as bug, getting my pain out, reading my Goldberg, when a nice, "mature" lady comes in with her cell phone, clothes, and towel...presumably to warm up after a dip in the pool. She sits down, checks her messages, pulls off her towel, starts drying her business (a sight I could have done without), then pulls out a bottle of body lotion...fresh with jasminey goodness. EWWEEEE.
For a second, I debate. Do I a) run? b) ask her to put it away? c) hold my breath in hopes of a quick passing? Feeling optimistic, I choose "C". Not too smart for an enclosed 6'x8' space (that first breath was a doozy).
Luckily, I escape just short of barfing, but not soon enough to avoid the chest/throat pain that make me feel like I need to call 9-1-1 (bleach, scented candles, smoke, incense, deodorant, cleaning products, hairspray, air freshener all cause a similar reaction).
I assume it comes from having decreased immunity; many Lyme friends suffer the same (or worse) symptoms. Still...besides staying home, besides karate chopping some folks, besides wearing a gas mask, what's a chemically sensitive girl to do?
Altered Today: Looking for common scent solutions, reminding others...think before you stink
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