From Lorelei Nettles, Parsons, Kansas

December, 2002

            Thanks so much for your page about allergic reactions. I too have these kind of problems and have gone so far as to ask friends to go to the rest room and remove some of their colognes/perfumes. I found that after having problems with my breathing 10 years ago that I developed all these other sensitivities. I have since found out, (through testing) that I have hay fever and other allergies. They all came on together and it makes me wonder as I never have had problems like this before.
Interestingly enough my mother lived with us at the time and experienced similar problems. Unfortunately hers turned into asthma.

            I react to cleaners, strong perfumes, scented deodorants, flowery smelling candles, flowery cleaners and laundry softeners.  I have found a cologne my husband can wear that does not effect me, but other then that there are very few scents I can handle.

            I have severe headaches that I can not get rid of for hours, sinus troubles and burning in my eyes; as well as a lot of pressure. Sometimes I do get hives if exposed directly.

            I often find myself suffering through a church service so as not to hurt someone's feelings or I move to another location. In stores I rush through the cleaning isles grabbing what I need quickly and try to avoid the scented candle and perfume smelling isles altogether.

            I have not been tested for other then the usual allergies so I am not sure if there is anything I can do to overcome the problems I have with scents.

            I often wonder if working for about 3 months in a factory that produced scented oils, candles and the like did not effect me in some way. I guess I will never know for sure.

            Thanks again for your concerns in this area.

Lorelei Nettles