Personal stories from members of the United Church of God who are "allergic" to colognes

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Arlene Betty Biggs Diane Hendee Susan and Brenda Herrmann George and Sheila Hubbell Maria Jones Pat Jones Cathy Joyner John LaBissoniere Lou Morris  Jennifer Orban Lorelei Nettles(April 11, 2004) Ronda Larry and Vicki Scher Edwina Thomas Vega Wensley Vy Young

These are personal accounts from people who are highly sensitive to exposure to colognes, perfumes, aftershave lotions, and sometimes other scented products, and the difficulties they experience being out in public and going to public meetings.  Just click on a name to read about that person’s or that couple’s experience. 

They talk about their answers to the following questions:

• What scented products affect you noticeably?

•  How do they affect you? What are your symptoms?

•  How do these sensitivities restrict your life?

• What has your doctor said about your reactions and sensitivity?

• What medical tests have you had, if any, to better understand this?

•  Do you also have allergies that may compound the problem? If so, allergies to what substances?

• What do you think is the physiological explanation of what happens to you and inside you when exposed to colognes, etc.?

• What do you do to cope with your sensitivities and avoid overexposure?

• Do you see a hereditary link? Have relatives had similar sensitivities?

• Did you get a big exposure to chemicals earlier in life that may have permanently increased your sensitivity?

• What Web sites and literature have been especially helpful in your education about these sensitivities?

If you have a serious sensitivity to colognes, etc., we especially would like to hear from you.  If you would like to send us  your story, it will be considered for posting on this Web site.  Please send your messages by e-mail to Don Hooser at don_hooser@ucg.org.