Okay, I flew out early in the AM. The flight was not too bad, I wore a Sandy
Denbraber mask and put wet paper towels on top to make the trip. I was nervous
as heck but survived. No hassles at security - my big fear as I react to the
papers they use to check for bomb materials. Course they tell me, "It's just a
paper." Yeah, treated with chemicals, but fortunately I was not victim to that
search this trip.

Dr. Ewing is 84 (no typo) years old. I believe he actually studied with Theron
Randolph. He spent an hour questioning me. He mentioned that antibiotics are
molds and that is why I cannot tolerate antibiotics. He was very knowledgeable.
He tested me for asthma (peak flow meter) and I did okay. He said my breathing
problem is bronchia spasms from chemical irritants in the air. He "pushed" for
me to do SSDI, asking me 3 times if I'd applied. He was supportive of going to
school and said he'd try to help with a letter for the school. Essentially he
told me, "You get that masters and then help counsel people like yourself. You
have a good attitude and you are doing all the right things. Avoidance is key."
I guess he has to run all this past my doctor, but he said he fully supports my
SSDI claim and will try to help with the school. No treatment per say, just
avoidance - but we all know that already. At least he "documented" my condition
and bronchia spasms.

In addition, he referred me to an endocrinologist on Oahu that he is training in
MCS disorders. He would like the endo to act as the PCP of my care. He feels I
have too many doctors that are not communicating. They warned me the Drenamin I
take (adrenal glandular) is just like a steroid and I should not stop suddenly,
but wean off over time when I am ready. It can also affect my thyroid and it
all affects my diabetes. I swear, even his nurse assistant knew more than the
doctors on Maui. I felt like I was in another world. Too bad Oahu is not MCS
friendly. It's very crowded there and the lines to even get coffee are huge.
Oh, Ewing also said that coffee is good for me. He said the caffeine acts as a
bronchiodilator and that is why I probably drink it. And my other doctor wants
me off - go figure. Caffeine's much better than those chemical inhalers.

The trip back was misery, the airport at full rush with huge lines and idiot's
dropping luggage on my and cutting me! I was in near hysteria trying to check
in, but a nice lady helped me check in and I managed to get through security
without hassle again. Once inside it was not bad and I saw a lady in a
wheelchair that was on the same flight to Oahu as me. She'd come to see her
doctor as well, said she'd prayed for me when she saw me in my mask - how nice!
We chatted and sat near each other on the flight back which was much better than
the flight there.

I'd recommend to any MCSer to board last (not first with special assistance
passengers). That way you can check the area you will be sitting with all
passengers in place. Also, you avoid everyone walking past.

Lourdes "Sal" Salvador
salvadorlourdes@..., www.mcs-awareness.org

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