I am housebound and have been for almost eleven years. I have a disease known as MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) - I have Anaphylactic MCS which means my breathing cords swell with the likeliness of unconsciousness and/or death. The entire body goes into shutdown mode at the smallest contaminant, hence my staying home. If it was a rash or fatigue, I'd ignore it and go out anyway!

When I was 16, I had a chemical exposure that damaged my immune system. My body is so sensitive that it cannot tolerate fragranced products, cleaners, carbon monoxides, medical creams and treatments, paints and strippers, raw woods, formaldehyde, toothpaste, soaps and shampoos. Neither can I to go outside. There are fertilisers on surrounding gardens, car fumes, paint or rennovation materials, and pesticides.

I rather work than wait in my room for a cure. It doesn't seem right to put my life on hold for a cure that may never come. My hobbies can keep me busy while I wait. Writing books, sewing, reading, maintaining my website, cooking and playing music keep me happy. Family, laughter, love and determination keep me going. I have found emotional strength, determination, confidence and what has the most value in life.

Sewing and knitting are great hobbies to have. When I'm in front of the television I get fidgety so I knit rugs and jumpers. Two years ago I made little elephant toys, which went to some poor children in Peru. They were very grateful. I keep a photo of their smiling faces on my dresser. Making someone smile is precious. A light inside you shines. Like when I played recorder for the elderly man when I was a kid. He would sit by his wife and clap as I finished each tune. It was then I realised I liked to share with others - through music and books.

When I was young, I bought many notebooks and composed poetry, novellas, and songs. My room was covered in stationery! My writing was a comfort to me because it meant characters got what they deserved. Young men fell in love with ugly girls of good heart. All this came from the bullying I received at school for wearing glasses, being chubby, and not messing around in class.

I hated leaving school, but I had no choice. The angels nearly took me away four times. I didn't put up with years of school to die and miss out using my brain! Small bumps in the highway are to shake off the uncommitted so the strong can go on. They say God has our lives planned for us, but I believe we have to help him. There is a difference

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