Living with Environmental Illness: A Practical Guide
to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
by Stephen Edelson, MD with Jan Statman
Taylor Publishing, 1550 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75235 USA
1998, paperback, $14.95
There has long been a need for an accessible, easy to
understand handbook for the newly chemically sensitive. Living with
Environmental Illness: A Practical Guide to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
by Stephen Edelson, MD, with Jan Statman, is just such a book.
What sets this book apart from others about environmental
illness, is that Dr. Edelson has graciously chosen to speak directly
to the person who is new to the challenges of living with chemical sensitivity,
with their needs and experiences in mind. It is evident from page one,
where he lists the ten most commonly asked questions about chemical
sensitivity and answers them succinctly, that the focus will be on the
reader's desire for health information, instead of the global issue
of the chemical problem. As an environmental physician, Dr. Edelson
is well aware of the many questions his readers may have.
The basic concepts of chemical sensitivity, such as
triggering, masking, spreading and switching, are addressed in a way
that the reader may be able to identify in their daily life. The author
also acknowledges the secondary effects of chemical sensitivity - the
stress and frustration after having been misdiagnosed by physicians
as a hypochondriac or dismissed as having "just a mental problem."
Treatments discussed include a variety of constructive changes in lifestyle
and environment, along with detoxification and utilizing the rotation
diet. There are even sample menus. The author also offers an explanation
of the treatments that will be likely, should the reader seek help from
an environmental physician. A brief history of that specialty in medicine
is also included.
Especially useful, is the description of the treatment
referred to as Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization, or EPD. This is an
immuno-therapy treatment developed by the English physician, Len McEwen
MD, in the 1960's. The therapy consists of very-low-dose allergens,
mixed with the enzyme beta glucuronidase, to stimulate the body to become
tolerant to an allergen. Since this treatment is somewhat more involved
than just arriving at a doctor's office for an allergy shot, Dr. Edelson
has provided detailed information about the procedure and the restrictions
a patient is expected to obey for the treatment to be effective. Anyone
curious about, or considering EPD treatment would be wise to read this
chapter.
Physical symptoms are only part of the story of environmental
illness. Also looming large, are the difficulties one faces when struck
with an illness that is not recognized and often not believed. In short,
the support systems that we thought would be there for us in our time
of need, have in effect - disappeared. This may include loss of family
support, loss of employment, denial of workers compensation and denial
of insurance coverage for appropriate medical care, to name just a few.
But discussing such negative possibilities can be difficult for the
physician and even other chemically sensitive individuals. The authors
have ingeniously met the challenge by using five personal profiles to
demonstrate, among other things, what some of these obstacles may be
and positive ways of coping with them. The profiles also offer the reader
an opportunity to identify with another person who is having similar
experiences - a kind of support group meeting in a book.
The discussion of medical treatment in this book will
always lead the reader to the environmental physician. But practically
speaking, access to physicians practicing this speciality are not available
to all people with environmental illness due to geography and/or lack
of funds. Even if that is the case, there is still so much helpful information
in this book that it would be worthwhile reading for anyone with chemical
sensitivity, especially someone who has never found appropriate medical
care. It would also be a good tool for educating friends and family
members.
Dr. Edelson and Jan Statman are to be commended for
this successful endeavor. As stated on the back cover, "MCS can
be a cruel condition," but this effort is a good antidote. They
have written a book that is ultimately personal, informative and most
of all - understanding. Anyone should feel comfortable recommending
this book to a patient or friend.