Today I’d like to share with an article I wrote for AESSRA magazine, Sensitivity Matters. I’m eternally grateful to AESSRA for continuing to publish my work as it honestly keeps my potty mouth in check… while also helping prevent my mind forming cobwebs from lack of use. And it’s always helpful to be of help to others when we are able.
But first, some personal news though: When I first underwent treatment for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome aka Biotoxin Illness) and chemical sensitivity related to CIRS, my main goal was to get better and get back to Uni. To my greatest frustration this is not happening. Not only can I not get any assistance from our Australia Government through NDIS for a portable oxygen machine so that I am able to attend Uni one day a week, or go to doctors, the dentist or anywhere without dragging an oxygen bottle too heavy to drag when sick; but I cannot get any assistance whatsoever for the cost of the treatment for CIRS and it seems I must remain in this state of chronic illness for how long? Some days I’d be happy if only to recover enough to travel to the city and visit those who matter (without getting sick for a week after) let alone be daring enough to think about going to the shops by myself or even back to Uni to upskill, therefore contributing back to society.
Surely it’s in their interest to help those with symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity join in life too? Maybe my readers think I’m stupid to think that?
Am I supposed to stay home for the rest of my life? (I know it’s not the worst thing that could happen to me. Blessings and prayers to those lost to homelessness and suicide or both: people I know or have known personally, gone forever because of Government inaction on this issue of chemical safety and exactly where the Burden of Proof lie: with the manufacturer or the consumer? The consumer of course; hence why we are all sick and cannot get help.) Or do I go out into water damaged buildings, on freeways and into rooms full of fragrance and aerosols, then suffering the 5-10 day headaches while I wait for the miracle that helps me recover?
I’d say, with a safe house, almost finished, one that I do feel most grateful for, my best contingency plan would be to stay here, push through memory and word finding problems, plod along with my writing in the hope that with enough mould and chemical avoidance–as much as is possible–I can recover my health back enough to enrol in Uni, probably online at this point). I have so much to share with you but have had little health or energy to edit and finish the jobs that I started so long ago. And for that I am sorry. To myself, guest bloggers and our readers.
But here I am, back at Labyrinth Press, ready to publish the latest news, personal stories, reviews on books, products and services helpful to us, and sharing resources relating to chemical sensitivity.
And I need to shout out a huge thank you to the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) for setting up the GoFundMe campaign so Dan and I can hopefully afford treatment. Staying home and avoiding chemical irritants and mould exposures might be temporary answers but it’s not addressing the root cause of the matter.
(If my readers could please assist the AMWU to protect their workers, one of which is my dear partner and Eco-Friendly, Allergy-Free house builder, Dan: “We need your help to fight these changes and make sure that you are not exposed to toxic chemicals. Sign our petition below and don’t let the Liberal’s get away with making your workplace more dangerous.” See, although disappointing to see, it’s not just us canaries, dear readers!)
As of today, Friday, which has always been the day for publishing here at Labyrinth Press, and, in the name of use-it-or-lose-it, I’m committing to publishing weekly, once again. Enjoy!
SM June 17 Going to University with MCS
Stop the Liberals Toxic Disaster: AMWU petition
Your thoughts?