Your freedom extends as far as my nose

One day in 1986 a friend from North Africa gave my husband a small bottle of perfumed oil. I don't remember how many days or weeks it took for me to realize that my sinus problems and tightness in my chest started with that little bottle.

For the last twenty years, I have been struggling with my sensitivity to scents. My husband stopped applying them, but he continues to have them on his clothes. Every time he goes to the mosque, or even goes to work at the Islamic school, some brother hugs him. It's on his clothes and in his hair. I pay for that hug with worsening symptoms.

It has truly been a struggle, because most people have a hard time understanding my sensitivities. Once, several years ago, some middle school students tried to make me sick by scenting the classroom carpet. I didn't learn of the prank until the next year, but teachers who did know chose to do nothing.

Many others simply do not take my problems seriously. I must be crazy or trying to get attention. It must be "all in my head."

I haven't gone to the mosque in two months, and I don't know when I'll be able to go. There are too many scents. I've gone from post-nasal drip and stuffy nose to bleeding gums and vomiting. Now I have chronic leukemia, and I'm convinced my condition is related to my sensitivities.

No matter how hard I try, I can't get away from it. My husband has it on his clothes. Women wear heavy perfumes--at the mosque, in meetings, even in the health food store. I attended an Islamic conference last Sunday and got very sick when I came home.

I need to be able to avoid it, but unless I live in my own little cottage, and never leave, I don't know how that will be possible.

Jesus said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Prophet Muhammad said, "You must wish for your brother (and sister) what you wish for yourself."

It is unkind, but sometimes I wish everyone could have my sensitivities just for one day, so they would understand. One day only. Not the twenty years I've tried to live with it.

Some days, I feel scared. I want to be healthy. How can I get away from my unhealthy environment? Can I live, or must I hide?

Go ahead and smell good. But please respect those around you.