Heather, Im sorry that happened to you! I hate the feeling of being a canary while other people seem so unaffected. I cant get over the feeling that if WE react to things, they might be too--on a slighter unrecognized level. It also makes me a bit more fearful to go into new situations.. I gotta get over that.

I agree with you both. With me, I think the thing was---I have never reacted with throat swelling involved and I had a lot of disbelief at the time--then the fear set in and I wasnt making good decisions. I will next time
Hugs
Ramona

I have something that just states I have severe allergies to many common products, including perfume, body care products, cleaning products, building materials, pesticides, etc, that I may have a sudden reaction when exposed and need to leave the premises immediately to protect myself from the possibility of anaphylaxis.

Short and to the point is good. I don't go into more detail about what it really is, because more people understand allergies than something like MCS or mastocytosis. You can add or subtract the things you react to, but general categories are easiest. You could even say "under my doctor's orders, I must remove myself from exposure" or some such, if you think it needs back up. You could add your doctor's phone number. That would make it more official, too. Or a link to the Mastocytosis Society website. Whatever you have room for, or think is important to communicate.

People out in CA have at least heard of MCS, so don't need a lot of explanation, even when they don't believe in it, or think it is psychological.

A lot of places will print little business cards for very little money, and you can easily carry them with you.

If you are waiting for a doctor's appointment, and another patient is wearing something you react to, sometimes the staff can let you into a room to wait for the doctor. If you have the announcement already printed, it doesn't have to seem personal about the person you need to get away from.

I can't tell you how many times I have stood someplace, thinking "It is only a few minutes, then I can leave. " By then, it is too late. People at my work, or people I know personally, know what I need to do. Some will even say "Your face is turning red, you need to leave." But I work in a doctor's office where many of the patients are chemically sensitive. You would think I would never have exposures there, but unfortunately, it still happens.

I even have a sign on my front door telling people who ring the bell, that I may react to their personal care products, such as shampoo, laundry soap, perfume, cigarette smoke, etc. To not ring or knock if they could have any scent on them. Plus, NO SOLICITING.

When someone rings the bell anyway, if it isn't someone I know or expect, I just point to the sign and close the door. They have no idea that their perfume can get into my hair, into my house, and into the furnishings, and I am stuck with it for however long it takes to clear. I don't even feel I have to be polite anymore.