I lost my sense of smell four years ago. The doctors told me that it is natural and that it is not a sickness

case 0883

I do not recall ever having a sense of smell. When I was little, others would complain about some smell, and I wouldn't react at all, except with some embarrassment at not being able to perceive something that apparently everyone else could detect. This perhaps happened when I was very young and fell out of a tree, but since I do not recall having a sense of smell, it could have happened earlier, or it could be congenital. In general, the anosmia is not a problem, but people just don't know how to react when they offer me something to smell or comment on a smell, and I explain my condition. I often fake it or avoid the smell conversations, especially if I will not see the person again or am not close to them. I used to teach writing classes and I made this into an interesting assignment. I explained my condition, and then had my students explain a smell in writing.

case 0884

I have been anosmic from birth. It never bothered me and my sense of taste is normal (I hope!).

case 0885

I have been losing my sense of smell over the last five years. I have nasal polyps on both sides. Five months ago I could smell but now I can't smell any type of smell again.

case 0886

I gradually lost my sense of smell over the last six years or so. For at least three years I have had no ability to smell whatsoever.

case 0887

Three years ago I was seated at my computer when I began to smell a strange sort of burning smell. It seemed chemical in nature and at first I ignored it. Later, when the smell persisted I looked around me thinking that "something" was hot and giving off the odor. There was a little teddy bear sitting on the modem and I quickly removed it thinking that the heat from the box was causing the fabric to stink. That did nothing to stop the odor. I gave up trying to find the source and told myself that it would go away. The next day the smell was still there and it has changed character over the three years since. Sometimes it is perfumery, sometimes it is more like rotten cheese. It is not really smoky as it was briefly at first. It's usually a chemical type smell. I perceive odors which should be appetizing as very bad ones. The odor of sautéing peppers and onions is nauseating to me, where once it was delicious. All foods do not smell the same as before and do not taste the same either. Coffee is not the satisfying beverage it used to be. I still drink it but do not enjoy it. When I have cooked a dish I cannot taste if it is good or not. So I perceive odors differently now and taste them differently, too. I went to an ear nose throat doctor who told me that my sinuses were normal. I went to a neurologist who suggested I take antidepressants because I must be depressed. I left his office thoroughly disgusted. So...I just go on trying to not think about it. A couple of months ago it seemed that the "stinks," as I call them, were fading a bit. But...lately they have come back. I have nasty, crusty boogers in my nose almost all the time now and the interior of my nose is often bloody. I have read that sometimes this condition eventually goes away so am just waiting and hoping.

case 0888

Ten months ago I fell on the back of my head. It wasn't until a few days later when I was "smelling" perfume that I realized I could not smell anything. I tried smelling food, candles, laundry detergent and a variety of other household items before it really sank in that I could not smell a thing. I was always very aware of smells, and loved both pleasant and earthy smells. I quickly realized the dangers of not being able to smell. I realized the dangers of spoiled food and the embarrassment of stinky garbage. I sunk into a depression about my lack of smell. I learned online that there was a name for it. I had never heard of the name or the condition before. I just "survived" my first holiday season without enjoying the smell of Thanksgiving turkey, and the wood burning fire at Christmas. I so miss the smell of breakfast, dining out and good wine. I have no real interest in food, although my waistline has grown trying to find an answer to the insatiable craving of a food that will bring back my sense of smell and taste. I'm relieved to know I'm not alone, but I realize what an invisible handicap I've acquired. What a drag! I have since the accident acquired some sort of smell, but it is indescribable. It's not good or bad, sweet or bitter, it's not chemical or organic, it's just there. It's amplified in a restaurant or a place that would obviously emit many smells. Honestly, I wish I had no smell as opposed to this mystery scent. Things I used to love, peanut butter, coffee, chocolate, spicy food... are hardly tolerable. I avoid peanut butter and chocolate altogether. It's much more difficult to deal with than I'd have ever imagined.

case 0889

I was devastated when I lost my sense of smell at age 68. When I first apply perfume I can smell it in the air but only for seconds and I can't smell anything else. I developed an ear infection about the same time I lost my sense of smell and I now think the two are connected. It's so miserable not being able to smell and whilst there are times when I'm glad I cannot smell things, I often feel left out not being to hold a new baby and get that lovely smell, or not being able the smell grass cuttings or my favorite food being cooked.

case 0890

An outbreak of the shingles resulted in the loss of my sense of taste and smell. I got a life-changing diagnosis of anosmia. Through a neurogenesis-promoting approach including tai chi, diet, and mindfulness I can now "sense" most smells. A good example is that I can feel the smell of chlorine on my skin.

case 0891

I'm suffering from this problem since the age of four: I can't recognize any kind of perfumes, or petrol, or any other smell. I have problems with colds and cough the whole year.