A SUCCESSFUL EMF/MCS CLAIMANT SHARES INFORMATION

As far as I know, there are still no commonly accepted tests for EMF sensitivity, but I had a seven-year history of EMF complaints documented in doctors' reports (I also had objective testing for, among other things, chemical sensitivity). Also, I had to request accommodation in the hearing room. This was done via a letter that I prepared (based on one from an MCS group in, I think, Arizona) and my doctor signed. I use it in many other situations too. Here it is:

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DOCTOR INSTRUCTIONS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS

Doctor’s Letterhead

TO: All service providers RE: Patient’s Name

The above named patient has a condition known as environmental illness (EI). Kindly read this letter carefully and do your best to comply as fully as possible. You may already know that hospitals and service providers are required to accommodate special needs under the American with Disabilities Act.

Please note that chemical and electromagnetic exposures can be very harmful to an EI patient even though the usual signs of a medical crisis aren't always apparent until extensive damage has already been done.

BASIC STEPS TO ENSURE THIS PATIENT'S SAFETY DURING TREATMENT:

The following steps apply to all EI patients.

Please expedite treatment. EI patients are seriously compromised in public buildings. Approach the patient in a calm and supportive manner. Chemical and electromagnetic exposures can cause EI patients to become anxious, depressed, confused, or even panicky and disruptive. Pay attention to what the patient tells you about immediate needs. Repeat back the main points of what you heard and explain what is being done to accommodate the situation.

Please flag the patient's chart as an EI reactor. If the patient is to be hospitalized or is to undergo surgery, assign a patient advocate or social worker to coordinate the extremely daunting preparations for ensuring optimal safety from chemical and electromagnetic assaults.

The following steps apply to this patient, if checked.

_____ Reduce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Provide a place where patient can be at least the following number of feet from the listed operating (turned on) electrical equipment. This distance must be maintained even if there are intervening walls, because EMFs from this equipment go through walls, even lead walls. Thus, your neighbors' offices may need to be checked for equipment close to the walls shared with your office. Only the monitor needs to be turned off, not the computer. Patient can be closer to the listed equipment momentarily, such as while walking to a safe area, but a pathway should be cleared to facilitate quick passage.

____ 13-inch and smaller cathode ray tubes (CRTs, which are standard computer and television monitors, as opposed to liquid crystal displays or laptops)

____ 13-21-inch CRTs

____ 21-inch and larger CRTs

____ Microwave ovens

____ Cellular telephones in use

____ Cellular telephones in standby mode

____ Most other electrical equipment, such as microphones, copy machines,

liquid crystal displays, laptop computers, refrigerators, etc.

_____ Promote pure air. Assign patient to a secluded room or small enclosed area as quickly as possible, isolated from other people, and, when possible, with a window that opens to fresh air. Avoid new furnishings, paint, freshly shampooed carpet, air fresheners, new plastics, pesticides, and latex. Avoid alcohol (zephiran is the preferred alternative to alcohol for skin antisepsis; hydrogen peroxide is sometimes adequate). Assign staff to this patient who are not wearing cologne or after-shave and who use fragrance-free toiletries. Most shaving creams contain fragrance. Two fragrance-free brands are AVEENO Fragrance-Free and HERS Fragrance-Free (HERS is exactly the same as the men's shaving cream). Anything with fumes or odor will most likely be problematic for this patient. Make oxygen available as soon as possible. Patient may have brought tubing; if not, older tubing is preferable to newer.

_____ Write down any instructions you want the patient to remember. Chemicals impair brain function and memory in EI patients. Don't expect the patient to remember, no matter how clearly you give the instructions.

Signed: ___________________________________

(Doctor's name)

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR REPORT

I also consulted with a vocational rehabilitation counselor and filed

with SSA his report that he was unable to identify a job I could do.

It was the California State Department of Rehabilitation and their services are free.

My husband testified at my hearing about my illness from his perspective.

I would think any friend or family member who is close to the claimant

Could testify as to what they have seen the claimant suffer.

AFTER YOU WIN--KEEPING YOUR BENEFITS

SSDI is not permanent. You will be asked periodically to re-prove your

case in what is known as a continuing disability review (CDR). To be prepared for this, keep going to your doctor and keep the same records as before. If there is a psychological component to your case, also continue to treat with a counselor, by phone if necessary.