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The Congenital Anosmia Pages: Introduction
Welcome. Hopefully this is a useful resource for the 20-or-so people daily who type "anosmia" into a search engine and end up here. My anosmia is congenital (meaning 'since birth'), but that's a pretty rare condition so I've included some information about anosmia generally. You'll also find plenty of messages from other people with anosmia at the foot of each page.Definition
Anosmia is the absence of the sense of smell. Smell loss can be partial or complete, and can be a result of an injury, illness, or can be congenital. People with a normal sense of smell confuse the sensations given to them by their tongue (sweet, salty, etc.) with those they detect using their nose. So, people with anosmia also have a limited sense of what many people would regard as taste.What you can find in these pages
The following content is provided:Continue to the Fascinating Facts pagePlease feel free to make your own annotations to any of the pages. There is a box for comments at the foot of each page.
- Fascinating Anosmia Facts that I've picked up over the years
- Personal accounts written by people who visited this web site
- The Smell Directory, a database of interesting smells for anosmics
- A few links to other recommended web sites
- Results of a survey of visitors to this site
- A link to the Fox News Online article based on this website.
To continue to the next page and view the Fascinating Facts, please click here. (You might want to read through the comments below from other visitors first.)Reader Feedback
My 7 year-old daughter has anosmia. We found out when she was 5 years old. We were told that it was related to Kallmann's Syndrome. We have been to neurologists, endocronologists, genetic counseling and finally a dietitian. I feel like I have put my daughter through so much because of the original mention of Kallmann's. We are no further ahead today then we were two years ago.She has absolutely no sense of smell. She is a very picky eater. I believe she substitutes the texture of foods for taste. She has VERY few food choices which makes it difficult to eat out, visit people, and go on vacation.I am concerned because not one doctor brought up the suggestion of nose polyps. If the anosmia is caused because of polyps and they were removed would the sense of smell return? I know there is no cure of anosmia.If anyone has had the experience of dealing with a young child and anosmia, I would appreciate some feedback as to their eating habits. I have so much more to say, but I will end it here. Thank you...Laura
backhome@iVillage.com, USA - 15 Feb 2000
Are there any studies out there that specifically draw a link between anosmia and aging women? In the last 10 years, my mother has gradually been losing her sense of smell -- it's practically gone now -- and I would like to produce a story about this for a womens' health show I'm working on for ABC in New York. But I can't make the link between women and anosmia unless some study has made it official first. Please e-mail me if you know of any such studies. Thanks.
sommgirl@earthlink.net, usa - 15 Feb 2000
Nice to hear someone gives his attention to this subject.
I have a good tast and not or a bit smell. I can smell something direct under my nose but do not know if it is perfume, food or excrement.Question: last time I was reading about the discovery of a unknown organ in the nose. Human can smell human for sexual atraction. like a butterfly find its own flower. Feromonen??? Does this organ function normal in people without smell.And is not able to smell equal to all genders.ByeKees
des.Gambis, - 2 Jan 2000
I am anosmic as a complication of Kallmann's Syndrome; as a child I fell asleep while cooking supper and was woken by the neighbor - not the 3 ft of black smoke just a foot or two above my head, taxadermy gone awry has decomposed in my room, I've had food poisoning enumerable times in my life and I've been to the hospital more than once because of ammonia poisoning - no sense of smell when you don't know is dangerous in this western society of ours...
Jeff, Canada - 10 Mar 2000
I lost my sense of smell about twelve years ago.In 1998 I had surgery to remove palyps but the doctor did not go into my sinus cavity.After the procedure I got my sense of smell back for maybe a month and then lost it again until this year in early January I had a severe case of influenza and after I recovered I have gotten my sense of smell again and still have it but it does seem to be getting weaker.Any thoughts. Thank You,Bobby Smith
lynnrdc@aol.com, usa - 3 Apr 2000
I began to lose my sense of smell about 8 years ago, just after I began to teach in an elementary classroom. I have been in a portable classroom for 7 of those years. Portable classrooms usually have problems with mold. Over this time I have been tested for allergies (negative) had my deviated septum operated on and had 2 surgeries for chronic sinusitis. None of these things has restored my smell. However, about twice a year my ENT specialist puts me on a short term course of steroids. About 2 days after beginning the steroids my smell returns as though it has never been away. It is fine until about 2 days after I stop taking the pills, when it begins to fade again. Has anyone else experienced this? I can't understand what is blocking my smell as obviously it is not permanently gone, merely masked. Also, until this happened to me I had an extremely sensitive sense of smell. I am scheduled for yet another CAT Scan soon to see if my nasal passages are clear or not. The last time I saw my ENT I asked him about the study linking mold and chronic sinusitis that was published by the Mayo Clinic, but he shrugged it off. I would love to hear anyone else's experiences that might be similar.
susan, canada - 12 Apr 2000
Hi there, I am 23 years old and suffer from congenital anosmia as I have just learned. I never took the time to research why I am not able to smell and decided to tonight. My mother was also born without a sense of smell, however we do not think it has gone back any further than that in the "family tree." My husband is always smelling things and wishes I could enjoy the world with a sense of smell. He is always telling me I should go to a specialist and see if there is anything that could be done to correct the problem, perhaps surgically. I have been hesitant just because I think it may be overwhelming to all of a sudden have a sense of smell when you have lived your whole life without it. Someone has mentioned accupuncture as a possible cure but I don't see how that could really cure this problem. I often think I am alone, but after coming across this page I definitely do not think that anymore. I'm glad to know I am not the only one out there with this case. My friends find it amusing to ask me day after day if I can smell something as if I will one day be able to just smell it. It is hard for them to understand. Well, if there are any of you who would like to email me, please feel free. It would be cool to have a friend with this rare abnormality. I have really enjoyed this site. Congrats to whoever it is that decided to start this!
smyln1@hotmail.com, USA - 17 Apr 2000
I can't believe I have been to so many doctors and none of them have helped me. As a child I was unable to smell anything. I had the ability to get air through my nose but not enough. If you had gaged my mouth I would have suffocated. All of a sudden when I was 20 I could smell some things. It was not strong. I really had to concentrate and think about it while I was breathing in and I could sometimes pick up smells. But the most remarkable thing was that I could actually breath through my nose. Then about 3 years ago it went away for no apparent reason. Since then I have had one sinus infection after another. Every doctor I have seen has told me I have allergies. I have been tested for everything. The allergies I do have are mild. All 1's on a scale of 0-10. I tried shots and Allegra and Claratin and nasal sprays. Nothing helped. My sister developed the same problem 10 years ago as an adult. She just had surgury 2 days ago to remove polyps from her sinus cavity. Her doctor asked her if anyone else in her family has this problem because the type of polyp she had was genetic. I have my CatScan in 2 days, and I'm hoping this could be the answer. I can't believe that in the past 25 years that I have been trying to get an answer from doctors they never mentioned polyps or anosmia or anything except allergies.
adelevs@aol.com, USA - 17 Apr 2000
I have congenital anosmia. I also have ADD and think I have some other neurotransmittal problems. When I search at nih.gov on anosmia I sometimes come up with matches leading to articles on alzheimers or huntington's disease. Not a very happy thought. I was wondering if anyone else knows of other literature on this connection. Thanks.
nanbom@aol.com, USA - 24 Apr 2000
I have never been able to smell. I think it's interesting that so many people have this. I think didn't go thorugh puberty normallyy either. They say this is caused by not being able to smell
ruddjen@hotmail.com, USA - 23 May 2000
I have never been able to smell anything and my two older brothers can't either. I only noticed when I was about tweleveand I didn't mention it to anyone for ages because when people ask you to smell something it is way easier just to pretend you can smell it too. However a couple of years ago I decided to stop pretending so now if people ask me to smell somethingI just tell them "I don't have a sense of smell" and they are either really fascinated or think I'm making it up.I'm not sure if the lack of smell affects my sense of taste but I suspect it does - once I was in a dark room drinking juice and I had no idea what flavour it was. This amazed my friend, who could tell easily. Also I like things that taste very strong, like salty cheese and olives. One dayI sat down with my best friend and had a huge discussion with her about how all the different things around us smell. I found it really fascinating because I can not in any way imagine what it is like to smell something.Sally
sal_hughes@yahoo.co.uk, New Zealand - 24 May 2000
I am so happy to have found this site! Having no sense of smell never really bothered me, but the past few years I've begun to feel that I am really missing out on something and how mind-blowing it would be to suddenly have a sense of smell. Like many of you I had thought as a child that I would just learn to smell later -- but in the 4th grade I had to write an essay describing each of my senses upon walking into a bakery, the whole class was going on and on over the smell but I came up blank on that sense -- that's when I realized. Of course, my parents didn't believe me -- they thought I was just looking for attention. They finally took it seriously when at 15 I was sitting right in front of the stove while the chicken was burning to smithereens, my mother asked me why I didn't turn the stove off, "couldn't you smell it?" I remember being so insulted by that question. And, of course, there's all those people that don't believe I can taste if I can't smell. The "evolution" theory is funny...I was just similarly theorizing with my mother last week...she's actually the one who found this site for me.... Sorry to ramble.
Susan, NY, USA - 20 Aug 2000
I am 29 years old and unable to smell. Today I decided that after all these years of convincing myself that I don't care..I really do care. For instance, I wish I knew whether my case is congenital or caused by nasal surgery I had as a young child to correct an obstruction. It is so true, as others have mentioned here, that when you are a child, it's hard to diagnose yourself as not being able to smell. How do know something is missing when you never had it? As a child ,it was easy to pretend that scratch and sniff did nothing for me. I feel the loss more now that I am an adult. Many thanks go out to the creator of this web site for pointing my nose in the right direction!PS...I'm salivating for the day when scented candle sales plummet.
mckinleyy@ivillage.com, usa - 21 Aug 2000
I'm a 26-year-old congenital anosmic. I only learned that my anosmia was congenital last month, when I finally went to see Dr. Henkin at the Taste and Smell Clinic in Washington, DC--he is the top taste and smell disorders expert in the country. I always thought my anosmia was caused by the craniosynostosis with which I was born, but Dr. Henkin informed me that it is actually congenital and caused by faulty olfactory stem cells. It is essentially curable with medication, although it is a very long process, and there are no guarantees (Dr. Henkin's success rate with this medicine and congenital anosmics is high, though). Unfortunately, the diagnostic tests alone put me severely in debt, as they are not covered by insurance, so I can't afford to pay for the treatment itself, which is incredibly frustrating! However, I don't know what I'm missing when I can't smell things, so I suppose I can hang on as an anosmic for a few more years, until I can afford treatment!
Jennifer Boyer, US - 21 Aug 2000
MAX - YOU ARE A GODSEND! When I read all that has been posted here and the relief that you provide for those that felt as if they were all alone. I want to cry! I remember back when I first found your site and for the first time in my life I felt like I was not alone and it makes me laugh when I read stories that relate to me to a tee. I love it. To actually put a name with what we have, to have a place to be with others like us. You are a good man max, keep up the good work! If we could only get more awareness out there, to read that story with the person that was actually getting help and could not afford it? What a shame! If more people in the medical field knew about this problem then maybe just maybe we could do something about having insurance pay up. Is there anyone or a web page where we could all write to bring awareness? Maybe we have to do it locally in our own areas? Anyone have any suggestions?
dmars@iserv.net, USA - 22 Aug 2000
Reading through these comments, it's really nice to find that others have gone through this, like me! I have never had a good sense of smell, though I can smell strong things like onions and gasoline. It helps if the smell is contained in a small space, like a car. My brother also has this condition, though he can smell a little better than me. As far as we can tell, we've both been like this since birth.I remember the first time I realized I couldn't smell things like other people could... I had come home from school, probably 6th grade or so, and was reading a book on the couch. My Mom came home about an hour later, walked into the room, and went "Ewww! The cat pooped in here!!" We found it behind the couch, less than 3-4 feet from where I'd been sitting, and FRESH. I got in trouble for "ignoring" it so I wouldn't have to clean it up! My Mom just couldn't believe that I had no idea!Once I got married, my husband and I started comparing our perceptions of smells. It's so hard to understand what the world must be like for people who can smell things! For instance, a girl would walk by us in a store, and my husband would say "wow, could she be wearing any more perfume??" and then be amazed all over again because I hadn't smelled a thing. Eating is especially interesting. My husband will tell me he can taste different ingredients in whatever we're having... he can pick out chilis, onions, meat, etc. while all I can taste is "enchilada." I do a lot of the cooking, and often I would put in spices because they looked nice, and then he wouldn't like what I made because it had too much parsley or paprika. Whereupon I would ask, "Paprika has a TASTE?" I've learned how to tone that down, but I guess I made some pretty bad meals in the past. :) My favorite foods are
Steph Bairey, USA - 26 Aug 2000
(sorry, didn't realize my post would be cut off)..either salty or spicy (very hot), but vegetables are so boring - like styrofoam, really - that I never eat them.The only thing that bothers me about anosmia is not knowing how *I* smell! I shower once or twice a day, never wear perfume or use scented shampoo, and my husband has to smell my clothes for me before I will put them on. I keep deodorant and breathmints in my purse at all times. It's awful, thinking that you could stink to high heaven and not even know! And no one will ever say anything about it! It feels like you're being judged on a totally meaningless basis, and I guess I get a little paranoid, so I bathe as often as I can. People's reactions to finding out that I can't smell are also a little annoying - they never believe you at first! Then they want to test you.. like a performing animal or something. Sort of like waving your hand in front of a blind person and saying "c'mon, you MUST be able to see this! Quit faking!" Well, maybe not that bad, but I'm sure everyone here has been through it.I'd better quit before I run out of space again, but I just wanted to say thanks for this site! It's nice knowing I'm not alone.
Steph Bairey, USA - 26 Aug 2000
littlej67206@yahoo.com, usa - 31 Aug 2000
I am 21 years old. I have the same problem as everyone else here. People say that I am lucky that I cant smell, but they really dont know how much they take it for granted. I really have a hard time talking about this with people and would like someone to talk to that really understands what I have went through my whole life. I have so many questions for other people with anosmia, so anyone email anytime. I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Jamie
littlej67206@yahoo.com, usa - 31 Aug 2000
Oh my goodness... I am not ALONE! YEAH! Well, I have never been able to smell and it really didn't bother me until I had my children, for many reasons. I couldn't smell that newborn baby smell that everyone talked about and I never knew when they were dirty. That is only one reason. When one of my boys were little, he turned the gas stove on and just by chance I heard it has I walked by. Not knowing how long it had been on, we had to leave the house. Luckily everything was ok. Then another one of my boys caught a chair in the living room on fire. I was sitting in front of it and didn't know it. Again we got lucky and everything was ok. Now we have smoke detectors in every room and we got rid of all the gas in our house. I am so happy I found this site. I laughed so hard when I read one entry that said she tells people that they wouldn't ask a blind person to see something..I use that!!! I have always known that I couldn't smell but pretended. I didn't find out until this week that I couldn't tell the difference in chocolate and vanilla icecream. To say the least I am devastated right now. I would love to hear from anyone with this same problem. Thank you Max for this site!!! Nancy
MYFRIEND220@AOL.COM, USA - 5 Sep 2000
I never knew until today that there was even a name for this thing. I am 25 and was born without a sense of smell...atleast I think so, I don't have any memory of smell. I've been to a couple doctors and they haven't ever given me any information or a name for my lack of smell. It wasn't until my senior year in highschool that I started to really take my lack of smell seriously. All my life I thought (as some of you have) that I had to learn how to smell. I always figured that one day when I had enough time, I would put some effort into it and practice. AS a child, my family would frequently take long drives where we would pass cow pastures and everyone would plug their nose, make disgusted sounds and role up the windows...I would try soooo hard to figure it out, but to no avail! I soon learned just to play along and pretend everytime there was some extreme smell to be disgused and everytime I would try to smell it as hard as I could...but just couldn't figure it out! How frustrating. It is good to know that I am not alone. Friends try to describe smells for me, but I miss the true thing. Does anyone know if there is anything that can be done?
Stephy_jones@yahoo.com, USA - 8 Sep 2000
Hello all anosmics. My name is Lisa and I am seventeen years old. I have never been able to smell and now I am doing a research project on anosmia. I would love to hear any feedback from you anosmics about surgeries you've heard of or completed, how you got the disease, or anything else you'd like to tell me about your condition. I'm short on time so please email me as soon as possible. Thank you.
asil14@hotmail.com, USA - 20 Sep 2000
I'm a 52yr. old female who recently lost my sense of smell and some loss of taste. I had a severe cold in the spring at which time I discovered I couldn't smell anything but thought after my cold I would regain my smell but I didn't.This occured in early June and for the next two months I couldn't smell anything, but later in the summer I could smell but it was horrible,things didn't smell like they were suppose to. Colas, bread, food cooking, perfumes, hair sprays, and the list goes on, smelled sickening to me.I can't describe the smell only to say it is a sickening distortion of the way they should smell. Now the taste of colas, chocolate and many other things taste horrible. I've had a cat scan and am waiting the results. In the messages from other people I haven't read where anyone has had this distoted smell of things. I would like to hear from anyone who might experience this terrible malfunction.
cherylk@digitalexp.com, USA - 24 Sep 2000
I am 39 and have never had a sense of smell. I didn't know there was a name for it. I remember when I was 5 I prayed that God would let me smell things like everyone else. Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for God to answer my prayer. I hid it until I was 19, when I finally told my mother. She was shocked that I was able to keep it from her all those years. Only a very few people know it. Like many others of you, I feel it is easier to just pretend than try to explain it. I don't know why, but I have always felt ashamed that I couldn't smell. After reading other people's comments, I realize that I'm not alone. Thank you for this site!
USA, Carol - 28 Sep 2000
I 'm another one who can't believe I've finally found a name for this anomoly and at 54 years of age! I also confirmed it by accident. At age 16 my brother, after opening the kitchen door, began yelling at me to get out. The pilot light had gone out on stove. The real problem was having my baby brother with me in kitchen! That did convince the family! Love the humour from some of the posters - especially the skunk and the kitty! I also pretended, felt embarrased, take many showers, keep my clothes excessively clean and have a husband who helps! You just live with it but I do feel sorry for those who had it and have lost it! I did try an ear nose throat Dr. about 10 years ago, his comment being, "I was too old too worry about"!! Have made notes on all Dr's and clinics mentioned here and will be following up over the next year. Have finally made it a priority in my life - finally have more time in my life! Incidentally, I had a very successful florist shop for several years! Like many of the other, I also had illness at birth probably with fever but a chiropractor suggested it could be connected to use of forceps during birth, damaging the bones through which the nerves run. Please, please keep this site up! It is such a relief to read about others with same difficulties. Thank so much, Max!
dm, canada - 30 Sep 2000
FAR OUT!!!a website with REAL meaning for me. I am a life long anosmic. I have very few childhood memories involving any sort of aromas except: gasoline, my father's cigarette tobacco-(Prince Albert's) and freshly-ground coffee beans. I am, by profession, a Respiratory Therapist. I am, by avocation, an enjoyer of spicy and exotic foods. And, by all accounts, absolutely clueless when it comes to discerning any kind of everyday aroma. I'm not completely convinced that lacking the sense of smell automatically condemns one to a life of bland and tasteless eating. I know (believe) that I can discriminate tastes even though we're taught that taste involves only sweet/sour/salt/bitter. I wonder if some of us lifelong sufferers might in fact smell some things subtley without recognizing them. In my everyday life I CAN smell some things but only if they are potent/concentrated or in an enclosed space. And, once smelled, these aromas seem to disappear as I (try to) smell them. Sound familiar??? Anyway...a question for Max: since smell is such a primal sense, and, since smell is associated with memory and emotion, how does (can) this handicap affect us in our personal relationships and emotional health? Feel free to e-mail any responses. Thanks.
wbanks@multicare.com, USA - 1 Oct 2000
Wow, it's good to know that I'm not in this alone. I've never had anybody to relate, not being able to smell, with. I'm eighteen, and have never had the ability to smell things. My family never believed me growing up, figuring that I was just looking for attention, so they would tell me to just pretend that I could smell. I never understood why they had me do that. When I was about six they finally realized that I was serious. As a child I did like to get attention from people so I made it public that I didn't have a sense of smell. At first my friends didn't believe me so they would test me with something. It amazes them and they tell me that they've never heard of that before. The only thing that annoys me is when people try to tell me that I can't taste if I can't smell. That's far from the truth in my case. I love food!! I cook all the time and season the food and know what needs to be added. If someone else cooks I can pick out certain seasonings used to make the meal. My sister and cousins would do the blindfold test on me and have me taste different things to see if I could identify them. Not a problem. The only thing that I'm really able to smell is rubbing alcohol or a menthol smell. Only things with strong strong vapors. Growing up it didn't bother me at all, but now that I'm getting older it's becoming inconvenient. I'm not able to tell if I stink, I can't smell my boyfriends cologn that everyone always says smells good, or the roses he buys me. Of course it's nice not being able to smell when things stink but there's so much I feel like I'm missing out on. It's recently occured to me how dangerous and frusterating it can be once I move out on my own. I won't be able to just go up to my mom or dad and ask if something stinks. When in doubt wash it, that's my philosophy now. Probably the d
soft2000ball@hotmail.com, USA - 5 Oct 2000
Wow, it's good to know that I'm not in this alone. I've never had anybody to relate, not being able to smell, with. I'm eighteen, and have never had the ability to smell things. My family never believed me growing up, figuring that I was just looking for attention, so they would tell me to just pretend that I could smell. I never understood why they had me do that. When I was about six they finally realized that I was serious. As a child I did like to get attention from people so I made it public that I didn't have a sense of smell. At first my friends didn't believe me so they would test me with something. It amazes them and they tell me that they've never heard of that before. The only thing that annoys me is when people try to tell me that I can't taste if I can't smell. That's far from the truth in my case. I love food!! I cook all the time and season the food and know what needs to be added. If someone else cooks I can pick out certain seasonings used to make the meal. My sister and cousins would do the blindfold test on me and have me taste different things to see if I could identify them. Not a problem. The only thing that I'm really able to smell is rubbing alcohol or a menthol smell. Only things with strong strong vapors. Growing up it didn't bother me at all, but now that I'm getting older it's becoming inconvenient. I'm not able to tell if I stink, I can't smell my boyfriends cologn that everyone always says smells good, or the roses he buys me. Of course it's nice not being able to smell when things stink but there's so much I feel like I'm missing out on. It's recently occured to me how dangerous and frusterating it can be once I move out on my own. I won't be able to just go up to my mom or dad and ask if something stinks. When in doubt wash it, that's my philosophy now. Probably the d
soft2000ball@hotmail.com, USA - 5 Oct 2000
Wow, it's good to know that I'm not in this alone. I've never had anybody to relate, not being able to smell, with. I'm eighteen, and have never had the ability to smell things. My family never believed me growing up, figuring that I was just looking for attention, so they would tell me to just pretend that I could smell. I never understood why they had me do that. When I was about six they finally realized that I was serious. As a child I did like to get attention from people so I made it public that I didn't have a sense of smell. At first my friends didn't believe me so they would test me with something. It amazes them and they tell me that they've never heard of that before. The only thing that annoys me is when people try to tell me that I can't taste if I can't smell. That's far from the truth in my case. I love food!! I cook all the time and season the food and know what needs to be added. If someone else cooks I can pick out certain seasonings used to make the meal. My sister and cousins would do the blindfold test on me and have me taste different things to see if I could identify them. Not a problem. The only thing that I'm really able to smell is rubbing alcohol or a menthol smell. Only things with strong strong vapors. Growing up it didn't bother me at all, but now that I'm getting older it's becoming inconvenient. I'm not able to tell if I stink, I can't smell my boyfriends cologn that everyone always says smells good, or the roses he buys me. Of course it's nice not being able to smell when things stink but there's so much I feel like I'm missing out on. It's recently occured to me how dangerous and frusterating it can be once I move out on my own. I won't be able to just go up to my mom or dad and ask if something stinks. When in doubt wash it, that's my philosophy now. Probably the d
soft2000ball@hotmail.com, USA - 5 Oct 2000
[i didn't realize my paragraph got cut off] Probably the dumbest question people ask me is "so if you can't smell, does that mean you can't breath through your nose?" Yes I can, it's not a problem. I was just curious if there are any foundations that raise money for further studies on anosmia and if a cure will ever become possible. For all you others out there with anosmia, it's nothing to feel ashamed or embarassed of. Just try to find the positive things about it and it won't seem so bad. If anyone wants to talk, I love to, just e-mail me :-)~AMBER~
soft2000ball@hotmail.com, USA - 5 Oct 2000
G'day from down under,Yes, there are people here who have congenital anosmia as well. I got it at birth - the forceps that delivered me damaged the part of my brain that interprets smell and taste. I never went to a Dr until my current employment said they wouldn't accept me unless I had been examined. He said I was lucky in that the part of my brain that got damaged is where our sense of balance is - and thankfully, I have full control of that. Further, any surgery to fix it could damage other things, such as balance - so I've opted to stay anosmic for the rest of my life. It's quite funny actually - in my employment I sometimes deal with decomposing dead people and it is quite funny watching others have to leave the room. It could be worse - I could be blind or deaf - so those of us who can't smell - be grateful it is only that. If you have never had something - you can never miss it. Just laugh at the funny things that happen.
dodger@cherry.com.au, Australia - 15 Oct 2000
I had a similiar experience that SUSAN of Canada - April 12thSteriods brought my sense of smell back until I stopped taking them , CT scans showed Chronic Sinisitus...currently on my 2nd anti-biotic - no luck yet although I now have a diminished sense of smell as opposed to NONE - Susan - would like to here from you on this...
glmartin56@yahoo.com, US - 16 Oct 2000
hiim a 41 year old firefighterfrom scotland who has never had a sense of smell..ever... my life has been a series of bluffs and excuses when it came to discussing smells..i,m told my grandfather never had a sense of smell either.i,ve been to doctors etc... but they all come back with stuff like "its probably a blockage and its too dangerous to operate"..i would love to hear other peoples experiances with this and how they cope ..i find the older i get ..the more i want a sense of smell..li look forward to hearing from you thanks david
sandwick99@aol, scotland - 19 Oct 2000
I have congenital anosmia that is linked to Kallmann's Syndrome, a hereditary disease. I had no idea so many other people couldn't smell; I'm the only person I've ever met with a smelling disorder. I'm eighteen and have known since I was a small child that I couldn't smell. Not even my mother would believe me when I said I couldn't smell. After a while, I wasn't sure I couldn't smell; I thought that maybe I wasn't breathing right. I finally found out what we have is a medical condition when I saw my endocrinologist about my KS. Because of our poor excuse for an HMO, he was the fourth doctor I ahd had in two years. He was also the first endocrinologist to even ask if I could smell. He asked the question like it was no big deal, but it made a world of difference to me. I found out that anosmia and several other symptoms I have were part of Kallmann's syndrome. I was angry that after seeing doctors all my life it took sixteen years to diagnose my anosmia and my exact condition. I am happy though to have validation of my lack of smell in front of my family. I still have problems with people who believe you absolutely cannnot taste if you cannot smell because that's how it works and you must be lying or something.... I'm very self-conscience about my odor. I have to bathe everyday, even if we go camping. I have a whole shelf full of cologne that has been given to me but I refuse to wear since I don't know how it smells. Now that I'm in college and am thinking about moving out, I am gettting increasingly anxious about gas leaks, BO, etc. My shirts never last more than two months because I wash them so often. A friend of mine had a rat die in the inner walls of his house. He had to call someone to go into his attic and reach into the inner walls to retrieve it. If I live alone, how am I suppose to know if something like that ha
thomas_oneal@yahoo.com, USA - 19 Oct 2000
I wrote back in Sept. but feel like I need to write again. I am 39 and have never been able to smell. I think I finally figured out what happened. Two people have written about forcep deliveries damaging nerves. I was born face first, instead of the back of my head. My face was very red and bruised at birth. I'm sure something was damaged at that time. It makes me sad that something so small like how I was born affects my whole life. I really appreciate comments from you folks about not feeling ashamed or embarrassed about it. I always have. But I do want to focus on the positive. Changing my babies' messy diapers never bothered me. I also laugh when people wrinkle up their faces when there's a skunk around. Watch them next time when it happens. It's really funny. I can't smell roses, but I have a great imagination. When I put my nose up to them and feel their cold petals, and close my eyes, I can almost smell them. I sure can enjoy their beauty. I would be truly sad if I couldn't "see" a rose. I feel great support from all of you. Keep the entries coming!
Carol, USA - 4 Nov 2000
Hi Carol. I enjoyed reading your message, especially since I also had a difficult forceps delivery. I don't think I've mentioned that elsewhere on the site, so there must be quite a few of us who have no smell and had a forceps delivery. My mother says my head was badly squashed and out of shape. If my olifactory nerve was broken then, I can't help wondering what else was affected!
Max, UK - 4 Nov 2000
About 10 years ago at age 47 I began to lose my sense of smell. As time went on smells became distorted (a hamburger smelled like burned car oil). Presently, I have little sense of smell. Perfume smells were the last to go. A nuerologist who did a very brief examination told me I had contacted a virus which had affected the receptors in my nose. He said these were slowly degenerating as a result and I would in all likelood permantently lose my sense of smell. I still hold out hope that he was wrong.
gwa@bmts.com, Canada - 7 Nov 2000
About 10 years ago at age 47 I began to lose my sense of smell. As time went on smells became distorted (a hamburger smelled like burned car oil). Presently, I have little sense of smell. Perfume smells were the last to go. A nuerologist who did a very brief examination told me I had contacted a virus which had affected the receptors in my nose. He said these were slowly degenerating as a result and I would in all likelood permantently lose my sense of smell. I still hold out hope that he was wrong.
gwa@bmts.com, Canada - 7 Nov 2000
Wow, I'm not the only one who experiences "distorted" smells (perfumes smell like onions to me)! My loss of smell isn't complete (but darn near). I'm 48 years old and first realized something had happened one Thanksgiving 20 years ago when everyone was commenting on how good the turkey smelled as it was cooking ... what turkey?? I also experience what I call "phantom" smells, which usually remind me of a wet dog. They can last for days and "follow" me everywhere! I tell people it's like having a bad taste in your mouth, only it's a bad smell in your nose. Like most of you, I didn't even realize there was a name for any of these conditions until last year when I finally mentioned my very diminished sense of smell to my physician. She sent me to an eye, ear, nose, throat specialist who did all the tests, found nothing (good news, I guess--no brain tumors), and told me there was nothing he could do for me. His only advice? Make sure you have smoke detectors. Glad I found this site. I'm not the only one!
Jane, USA - 10 Nov 2000
This site is SOOOO amazing. There is very little to find on this subject on any of the medical sites I've been to. I was born without a sense of smell. Kallmann's syndrome was suggested to me by a family member who had taken her child to specialists to find out why he was so small. The subject of smell came up and when she mentioned my lack of smell the doctor seemed more interested in me than her son. He asked if I had any children. When she told him that I had been trying to get pregnant for years to no avail, he informed my cousin that I could not get pregnant if it was indeed Kallmann's Syndrome. I have since been tested for this will negative results. The Endocrynologist told me that if I had KS I would not have ever had a mentrual period.Finally when I was 29 I smelled something for the first time! We conceived our first child that very day! I had a second daughter 4 years later. I had a cold at the time and did not know that my sense of smell was working. Since then it has been off and on.But an uneducated nose is as good as no no at all. I do not know what I am smelling when it does work. Sometimes the smells are too intense and I cannot stand it. And I'm sure you can imagine my shock at finding out I was not really enjoying that "new baby smell" that all my friends were going on about. I was enjoying the smell of baby poop!My most recent experience with smelling was accompanied by severe mood swing which I assumed to be due to Menopause. I tested negative for Menopause also. Now the mood swings are gone and so is my sense of smell.I'm so glad that I found this site. In my entire 45 years I have NEVER met another person with this problem. Thank you all so very much for all your comments. I don't feel so all alone now.
Misery108@aol.com, USA - 14 Nov 2000
I'm interested in hearing from anyone who knows of a connection between Anosmia and hormones. If anyony has any information I would really appreciate your Emails.Thanks!
Misery108@aol.com, USA - 20 Nov 2000
I was born with Anosmia. The only annoyance I have with the problem is that when I mention that I can not smell, the fisrt question EVERYONE asks is "How do you taste? I am sure you can all relate. I have two things that I want to say. First, I find that if certain "smells" in the air are strong enough, I can taste them on my tongue. Does anyone else have this? I think that my taste buds may have made an attempt to over-compensate for my lack of smell. Also, I am wondering if anyone knows if anosmia has any effects on the learning process. I think that it might because since I have only 4 of 5 sensory receptors, I have only 80% of the natural means to gain knowledge through my senses. It seems logical to me to say that this would effect my learning potential. Please email me if you have any thoughts or information o nthis. Te more I know, the better off I am.
cveltm18@calvin.edu, USA - 3 Dec 2000
Hi, I`m a congenital anosmia, and I`m interested in any information connecting the possible consequences this has on me.ie memory, emotions ,, and any others that I havn`t yet discoveredto me knowledge is power,,, if anyone has any information regarding this please e mail me,,and I mean any information,, I`m open to hearing far out theories as well as documented factsI want to decide the facts for myself rather than relying on the so called experts that don`t evenseem to take it seriously, let alone explore possible consequences.in the same way that a blind man needs to be taught that cloths with stains attract attention and create impressions on peoples minds about him,, a anosmia person must by definition be taught certain things also , most of which we have all had to learn the hard way.hahahaha like when I discovered that the smell of a possums intestines can clear a room of classmates in minutes ,,, heehee it was then that I took smell seriously,,always thought that stinky smells wern`t as bad as people make out, I imagined it was just thethought of where the smell had come from that realy got to those that can smell,...anyway, I'd love to hear any thoughts from anyone thats exploring the subjectyou can e mail me
thanks for your time :)and thanks to Max,,,, this site is awesome,, keep it up :)regards Greg from New Zealand
gregnz99@xtra.co.nz, New Zealand - 6 Dec 2000
Unlike some of you, I do have a sense of smell and it works well when it does. But over the past few months, i've been getting a strong smell that lasts for about a week. It smells like cigarette smoke or an ash tray and I get a burning feeling up my nasal passages. I had a Cat Scan this week that showed nothing other than congestion in one sinus. I was hoping someone could send me info or let me know if they are experiencing anything like this? Or know of a website I can check out for more info.
cyriak@cris.com, USA - 8 Dec 2000
I almost cried reading everyone's comments. I'm 17 and I guess I have congenital anosmia, I've never been able to smell. It hasn't really bothered me that much, I almost pride myself in it! I just started to let it bother me because I feel so left out when people talk about smells and how they would hate it if they couldn't smell. It's great to know that there's actually a name for what I have and that there are other people like me. I agree with alot of you that it's annoying when people don't believe that I can't smell. But I've gotten used to the countless numbers of friends that forget and ask me time and again to smell stuff. I just laugh and remind them...they're the ones who feel stupid! A great thing to do to one of your friends who forgets: if they ask you if they smell okay, make up a story and tell them they smell awful. It's great fun to see their reaction!
AndiDrea@juno.com, USA - 10 Dec 2000
I had always thought had been able to smell, just very faintly. This was mainly due in part to being told repeatedly by parents and friends that if I had no sense of smell, I could not possibly taste my food, so I must be able to smell. I've always been very picky about food texture, and the texture in some cases counts for more than the visual presentation. How 'good' something smells has never affected my food choices. Most recently in the last three years of working around fishing boats, fish, and occassionally rotting produce, it has become clear that I do not smell even strong odors. My parents, though loving and caring, had always ignored my comments that I felt I was unable to detect some odor that was evident to them or others, such as smoke or oven cleaner. I agree with many of the comments on this page. I have seen doctors every year since I moved away from home (my parents never took me to see anyone about this condition). No doctor has ever suggested I have anything more than inflamed sinusitis. Many doctors insist that if the massive amounts of Flonase (nasal steroid) they prescribe me don't work, I must be administering it incorrectly. I have been shown MANY times now how to administer Flonase and have been getting increasingly frustrated. I don't remember ever smelling anything in particular in my life, but doctors insist the same things my parents do (that I'm making this up). I was so relieved to find some information this morning--more importantly, to find that the whole experience of feeling left out of a part of society is shared by others. I don't know if I have anosmia, but at least I know now which doctors to go see and what disorder to ask to be tested for! Thank you.
lizards_r_us@hotmail.com, Canada - 28 Dec 2000
I am doing research for a health project and was wondering if my anosmia could be linked to epilepsy. I have not had much of a sense of smell since age 10, and then I could only smell the rain. I would appreciate any links or help anyone could give me. Thanx.
UnicornMalina@aol.com, NY, USA - 28 Dec 2000
Thanks so much for this site. I'm 27 years old and have never smelled a thing in my life. I can really relate to everything everyone's saying here; the worst things for me are: people thinking you're making it up, and missing out on the full sensory experience of the world. When I was a kid it took me a long time to realize I couldn't smell--when you've never had something, you don't know what you're missing. But I knew for sure after a certain incident: I was alone in our house when a plastic spatula fell onto the dishwasher coils and began to melt, sending noxious fumes into the house that my parents smelled the second they walked in the door, (they thought the house was on fire) whereas I had only gotten a bad headache and lain down on the couch and fallen asleep!It almost made me cry, realizing that so many people had had such similar experiences. Thanks for sharing. :)
scraunch@bigfoot.com, TX, USA - 3 Jan 2001
Thanks so much for this site. I'm 27 years old and have never smelled a thing in my life. I can really relate to everything everyone's saying here; the worst things for me are: people thinking you're making it up, and missing out on the full sensory experience of the world. When I was a kid it took me a long time to realize I couldn't smell--when you've never had something, you don't know what you're missing. But I knew for sure after a certain incident: I was alone in our house when a plastic spatula fell onto the dishwasher coils and began to melt, sending noxious fumes into the house that my parents smelled the second they walked in the door, (they thought the house was on fire) whereas I had only gotten a bad headache and lain down on the couch and fallen asleep!It almost made me cry, realizing that so many people had had such similar experiences. Thanks for sharing. :)
scraunch@bigfoot.com, TX, USA - 3 Jan 2001
There have been many people who have posted to this site that have mentioned Kallmann's Syndrome in association with anosmia. I would like to recommend others with questions about KS to visit these 2 web sites: www.HYPOhh.net - the most comprehensive site about Kallmann's Syndrome on the web. http://www.egroups.com/community/kallmanns-syndrome - an internet chat group for people with Kallmann's Syndrome, friendly people that also have KS and can give support about issues related to KS. I hope this helps others with KS. Elizabeth, moderator for KS egroups
ecampbel@creighton.edu, USA - 4 Jan 2001
Thanks Max for a great little part of the Net that ?Smells so sweet? Like so many others here I too have no sense of smell. I am unsure if my lack of smell if from birth or soon after, as a youngster I did a forward dive out of my high chair and landed head first. The photo shows a great red lump on my forehead in between my eyes . Either way I have no recollection of ever smelling. I started to realise that some thing was wrong when I was 5 or so, but was assured by my parents that I just had a cold , so I thought I had a cold for 5-6 years. I still remember in 1st grade being stood up in front of the class blindfolded and had to identify what was under my nose .. of which I couldn’t.Its funny reading the other stories and being able to relate to each and everyone of them in some wayQuestion : Is there some sort of operation or research going on that can restore smell ???.. I would love to chat with any one Please call me ICQ 102274322?. Thanks Max for the Site
Tim@unlimited-options.com.au, Sydney, Australia - 6 Jan 2001
Both my brother and I are congenital anosmics also. I like that there is a site for this specific situation. The real diffrence is that lack of a touchstone for ANY smell reference. Having no clue what people are experinecing is the real anguish.I have not experienced any dangerous situations because of my lack of smell (in 47 years, knock on wood..), but I have walked towards a skunk in the dark right after he had sprayed my broher's dog, not knowing what was going on until I caught a glimpse of a furry tail waggin in the air about 5 feet away...Smelling skunk is not something I would actually wish for, but I do yearn for a sense of smell when people give out orgasmic moans when they smell fine food cooking.I can go on and on, as many here probably could. Have any of you had osmic people laugh when you told them you couldn't smell? It seems to be such a low class sense to some people. Odd..Thanks for hosting this site for the unfortunate few of us who have to live with this infirmity
Don, USA - 6 Jan 2001
This page has made me feel SO much better. My fiancee has been constantlybothering me about how picky I am and how I should learn to eat more variety, butnow, I think I've figured out what has made me so picky and that is the fact that I have congenital anosmia! Thank you to everyone who has posted because you'vedefinitely put a hop in this girl's step!
mighty_mouse_to_the_rescue@hotmail.com, Canada - 6 Jan 2001
I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH ANOSMIA MY ENTIRE LIFE AND THE ONE THING THAT I HAVE TOLD ALL OF MY FRENDS IS THAT WHEN THEY SAY I AM STRANGE I TELL THEM NO, I AM UNIQUE. IF THERE IS ANYONE READING THIS WHO IS FEELING DOWN ABOUT THIS CONDITION, MY ADVICE TO YOU WOULD BE TRY TO THINK ABOUT THIS: MANY PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR SENSE OF SMELL AND THEIR SENSE OF TAST SO FIND AT LEAST ONE PERSOON AND TRY TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO TAKE THE TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AND TO ENJOY THE FOOD THEY EAT. MY FIANCE USED TO JUST PASS BY FLOWERS AND GOBBLE DOWN HIS FOOD UNTIL HE MET ME. NOW HE STOPS ON HIS OWN TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AND WHEN WE GO OUT TO EAT HE REALLY ENJOYS HIS FOOD MORE BECAUSE HE TRYS TO TASTE EVERYTHING THAT HE IS EATING. SO ANYWAYS, IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE OR EVEN JUST A LOVED ONE TRY TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT SMELLING IS AND HAVE THEM TRY TO EXPLAIN EVERY SCENT TO YOU. I HAVE FOUND ENJOYMENT IN LISTENING TO MY FIANCE ABOUT WHAT A FLOWER SMELLS LIKE THEN JUST RATHE SMELLING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER. I ALSO HAVE A QUESTIO FOR ALL OF YOU: SINCE I CANT SMELL OR TASTE I WAS WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OF YOU HAVE ONE SENSE THT IS STRINGER THEN THE REST OF THEM, IE: SIGHT, HEARING. PLEASE WRITE IN HERE SO I CAN FIND OUT IF IT IS COMMON OR IF IT IS JUST ME.
Christina Grosman, Blooeyz13@aol.com, usa - 8 Jan 2001
Like everybody else, I am amazed at this site! 46 now, I lost my sense of smell more or less 10 years ago. I don't know why, I have thought of a number of explanations, the most probable is that it could have happened as a result of a very bad cold. I was given a very powerful nose spray that completely dried up the cold giving me very clear air passage in each nostril, and satisfying me very much at the time. I was not aware of any lack of ability to smell because I had started around that time to suffer from a foul taste in my mouth. I was convinced that this gave me bad breath although friends, doctors and dentists have always assured me this is not so. The taste appeared to be located at the top of my throat and seemed to me to invade my nasal and oral cavities. It could even be quite nauseating. My sense of smell played funny tricks on me: if by chance I had sniffed some perfume (or other) first thing in the morning, then that smell could stay "up my nose" for the rest of the day. Even, now after 10 years that can still happen. However, if I put garlic, coffee, or anything else under my nose, I can't smell it. So, the memory of a smell can linger somewhere in my brain, even if I can't wilfully relay messages to that same part. Only in the last year have I realised that I can't actually taste anymore. When I lost this I don't know, but suppose it is related to the loss of smell. I cannot distinguish tastes, but I can tell if something is sweet, sour or salty, etc. and my salt intake has increased dramatically. It is a shock to discover that you can't tell the difference between coffee and tea and what a large part imagination plays in the way we enjoy food. Shall watch this site to learn more. Thanks
boadicea_regit@hotmail.com, England - 10 Jan 2001
i lost my taste and smell after sinus surgery.it was most likely due to the decadron i was taking 2 months prior to the surgery
joanne pigozzo, usa - 16 Jan 2001
I am doing a science fair project on how smoking can affect the sense of smell. It is really very hard to find any usable information. If there is anything that anyone can provide me with, that would be GREAT! There is only one problem, I need information really soon. Thanks
kateseitz@hotmail.com, USA - 16 Jan 2001
Hi. I'm 19 years old, and cannot smell. My congenital anosmia was not diagnosed until I was 13. During childhood I would play along with my friends and cousins. If they said "phew" and held ther nose, I copied too afraid or confused to question. As I got older i would try and smell my mother's perfume bottles. I'd spray it into my mouth, figuring if I gagged on it then I must be able to smell. Finally, I asked what exactly do you smell? And realized I had no clue what people were telling me. It only bothers me now, that I'm being 'left out.' I'm paranoid about odor though. Shower every single day, and only were shirts once beofre washing them. I don't mind telling people about it, especially to explain my odd eating habits. I just ahte that there immediate response is "wow, I'd hate that" or "how freaky" or my favorite "but smell is the biggest memory trigger." What am I not going to be able to remember my past, my friends, family, my tenth birthday, or ballet recital, or prom??? Of course I'll remember them.Thank you for this page. I like using the word anosmia without explaining it.
bradleas@bc.edu, USA - 18 Jan 2001
Hi. I'm 19 years old, and cannot smell. My congenital anosmia was not diagnosed until I was 13. During childhood I would play along with my friends and cousins. If they said "phew" and held ther nose, I copied too afraid or confused to question. As I got older i would try and smell my mother's perfume bottles. I'd spray it into my mouth, figuring if I gagged on it then I must be able to smell. Finally, I asked what exactly do you smell? And realized I had no clue what people were telling me. It only bothers me now, that I'm being 'left out.' I'm paranoid about odor though. Shower every single day, and only were shirts once beofre washing them. I don't mind telling people about it, especially to explain my odd eating habits. I just ahte that there immediate response is "wow, I'd hate that" or "how freaky" or my favorite "but smell is the biggest memory trigger." What am I not going to be able to remember my past, my friends, family, my tenth birthday, or ballet recital, or prom??? Of course I'll remember them.Thank you for this page. I like using the word anosmia without explaining it.
bradleas@bc.edu, USA - 18 Jan 2001
Hi. I'm 19 years old, and cannot smell. My congenital anosmia was not diagnosed until I was 13. During childhood I would play along with my friends and cousins. If they said "phew" and held ther nose, I copied too afraid or confused to question. As I got older i would try and smell my mother's perfume bottles. I'd spray it into my mouth, figuring if I gagged on it then I must be able to smell. Finally, I asked what exactly do you smell? And realized I had no clue what people were telling me. It only bothers me now, that I'm being 'left out.' I'm paranoid about odor though. Shower every single day, and only were shirts once beofre washing them. I don't mind telling people about it, especially to explain my odd eating habits. I just ahte that there immediate response is "wow, I'd hate that" or "how freaky" or my favorite "but smell is the biggest memory trigger." What am I not going to be able to remember my past, my friends, family, my tenth birthday, or ballet recital, or prom??? Of course I'll remember them.Thank you for this page. I like using the word anosmia without explaining it.
bradleas@bc.edu, USA - 18 Jan 2001
So nice to know I'm not alone. This condition is very depressing to me. I had sinus surgery one year ago to remove an obstruction, 4 months later no smell or taste. When my ENT gives me short term steriods I'm fine. 2 das after finishing the medicine, back to the same problem. Please forward any new info on anosmia that you find and I will do the same. I'm 30 years old and vry unhappy about losing my "SENSES" Thanks Friends!
DAVISLC@webtv.net, USA - 22 Jan 2001
This is a response to Christina's question about the other senses being strengthened by our lack of smell. I think you may be right, though I can't be absolutely certain. We all have better taste than normosmics, of course (no pun intended). Most people hardly notice what's actually going on in their mouth because they enjoy the smells so much. But I think I do have better hearing than the rest of my family, and I'm pretty perceptive generally.I'd also like to commend Christina for the attitude she's taking toward her anosmia: if we have this disability, we can at least use it to help others realize the beauty of the world and all the blessings they enjoy.
Joel.D.Adeney@wheaton.edu, USA - 25 Jan 2001
It is amazing to discover that in fact I am not the only person in the World born without this "Smell thing" I often wonder what on earth it is that people talk about. I am amaze at the similar experiences throughout the World of those I have discovered through the Internet, with the same problem. There seems to be little to no recognition of the problem. The medical world have no idea about it, there is and has never been any research into Congenital Anosmia. Doctors seem to think you are LYING about the condition, they assert that you must not be able to TASTE at all if this is true!! Taste is ofcourse not somethink that you can measure, but I am convinced that I had a very strong sense of Taste. I must admit however that for me Sight and Taste seem connected, food that is attractive, colourful, is what mades my mouth water with anticipation. Much as I imagine does the odour of food to those who can detect it.
cariad@ntlworld.com, Wales, U.K. - 25 Jan 2001
WOW...I just found this site and I don't know how I feel yet. I had a bad case of the flu 3 weeks ago and now I can't smell and my taste seems very off. I do seem to perceive a nasty smell and taste even though I brush my teeth and blow my nose at least 10 times a day. My doctor laughed at me when I told him this. What an idiot....Things I miss are the taste of Coca Cola, the smell of food cooking, the taste of food and Dolce and Gabbana perfume and Angel perfume. I can't believe that I may never smell again. There are some good things....I have lost 5 pounds in three weeks because nothing tastes good anymore...NOw I eat for nutrition and not enjoyment. Why don't doctors know more about this? It is a shame. I have been thinking that I have a brain tumor or something.....Now I will cope and see if I come to my senses.....
katherine, USA - 2 Feb 2001
Does anyone who was delivered by forceps and lost their sense of smell only get a headache in the right frontal lobe of their head when they get a headache (where I've been told the smell/taste part of the brain is) and never on the other side?
dodger@cherry.com.au, Australia - 5 Feb 2001
At age 55 I got walking pneumonia and sinus cold. Since then no smell except for distortions. Bad smells that really are not bad. am lucky to have wife who understands. My dr. told me it was too complicated to try to find a cure. so i live with it. has been 3 yrs. No skunks--no smells! weird.
dickthrun@aol.com, usa - 5 Feb 2001
Wow, I never knew a web page like this existed! I am 34 and have never had a sense of smell. I can taste just fine though. I thought I was the only person in the world who couldn't smell. People joke with me all the time about it. I do worry that I won't smell something that I should, like smoke. I worry too that if something could be done to fix my smelling, what if I didn't like it. What if it was so overwhelming and it made me sick or something.The funniest thing that ever happened to me was when I was watching a roommates dog. Well the dog got sprayed by a skunk and I didn't know it until the roommate came home about 1 week later. He was so mad but didn't know of my smelling problem! It's funny now but wasn't then!I'm so happy to have found this site.Debbie
debbie@traverse.com, USA - 7 Feb 2001
Hi, I'm Lisa Burkhalter and I am an anosmic. I have been anosmic all my life. I have recently completed a research paper on anosmia and now I am planning on getting a local newspaper to produce a story on anosmia, which will include my personal experiences. I would really appreciate it if any of you could email me and tell me about your stories with anosmia. How you got it, how it has effected you, or anything else. Hope I hear from you.
asil14@hotmail.com, Texas - 9 Feb 2001
*** READ THIS***I HAVE BEEN CURED!!! I wrote a message back in April of 2000 if you would like to look back and reference that. To everyone who has anosmia with congestion, post nasal drip, headaches etc., call your doctor immediately and request a sinus CAT Scan. It was my savior. My sinuses has been growing cysts and polyps my entire life and not one single doctor has detected them. A simple out patient surgery to remove them has changed my life. I CAN BREATHE, SMELL and live normally. I don't snore or sniffle or anything. My sister had the same surgery and she had one polyp regrow and cover her ofactory nerve again which blocks her sense of smell. But all of her other symptoms are gone. She can repeat the surgery to solve this. It is very common for regrowth. I guess some people need to repeat the surgery every 5-10 years. But, even if I had to do it every year, I would. The results are amazing. Three hours at the hospital and about 5 days recovery to BREATHE. Do it! Find out if this is your problem. It will change your life!!!
AdeleVS@aol.com, USA - 14 Feb 2001
THIS IS SO WEIRD. READING OVER THESE ENTRIES; SEEING PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME...I REMEMBER FAKING IT IN SCHOOL...WHEN THE OTHER KIDS WOULD SAY "EWWWW, GROSS", ID KRINKLE UP MY FACE AND AGREE. AND WHEN I WOULD TELL SOMEONE I COULDNT SMELL, THEY WOULD INSIST THAT I COULDNT TASTE, EITHER(I CAN TASTE, BY THE WAY). I BELIEVE MY LOSS OF SMELL IS A RESULT OF A SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA AT THE AGE OF 2. MY MOTHER INSISTS I COULD SMELL FOOD BEFORE THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING FOR SURE. WHILE GROWING UP MY MOTHER WOULD ASK ME TO SMELL THINGS AND I WOULD REPLY.."IM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO SMELL YET..." SHE FINALLY FIGURED OUT I WASNT KIDDING WHEN I WAS 17 OR SO. I JUST ACCEPTED MY DISABILITY NOT REALIZING THERE WERE PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT A ROSE, OR MY WIFES HAIR SMELLS LIKE, BUT...I'LL ALSO NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT "CHILI NIGHT" EITHER.:-) ITS NICE TO KNOW IM NOT ALONE YET I FEEL SYMPATHY FOR OTHERS WITH THIS CONDITION. ITS LIKE THE UNKNOWN DISABILITY. ANYWAY, IM GLAD TO HAVE FOUND THIS SIGHT...AT LEAST NOW I KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT...ANOSMIA...KINDA COOL...:-)
psyberbob69@cs.com, usa - 18 Feb 2001
I am a 39 year-old congenital anosmic and I want to thanks all of you for share your experiences. I felt so frustrated when I visited an Interactive Museum in Santiago (Chile) with my son (he has a very sensitive sense of smell); there was an "odor machine" and you have to put a kind of a mask at your nose and smell and say what it was; my son did it fine but I was not be able although I breathe, in a joking mood, very hard. Well, thanks again for this site.
Eugenio Toledo, eutoledo@indap.cl, Chile - 22 Feb 2001
Thanks Max for a great site....I recently met someone who has this as a result of Kallmann's Syndrome...your site and links reaaly helped her.
Sdhinsa, Canada - 23 Feb 2001
1) Thanks to whomever started/opened this website...2) Have been diagnosed with Anosmia just two months agoand am having a MRI on March 8th...3) Yes, I have had medical treatment, and just completed predisone Rx. Nothing yet... zilch.. I have an enormous amount of patience so put off seeing medical help, hoping to wake up and have my sense of smell returned. Almost blew up house when I failed to detect propane gas leak... really scared me into making Dr. appt. I am a retired lady living in beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills and the air really is superior, but still have trees and mountains to see! I have a strong faith in God, and think that this just might be a test of some kind. Have lost interest in food/eating, can't even smell garlic, onions, flowers, fragrances, nothing!Slightly sweet and salty just doesn't do it. I have to eat by memory.. and texture seems to play a more important part if and when I do eat. I forget to eat sometimes, kind of silly? Have restored my enthusiasm for working in my Studio. Have more time and plan on following through my artistic endeavors, the main reason for moving to this gorgeous area. Wild birds migrate overhead, Canadian Geese this time of year and you can hear their musical honking at all hours of day. Eagles nest nearby, and wild swans will be returning to bird sanctuaries. Such beauty to behold!Sight is so wonderful. Life is a picture, paint it well.Thank you for this website. Has made a difference to me.Take care, Litebird@aol.com, USA
Litebird@aol.com, USA - 26 Feb 2001
1) Thanks to whomever started/opened this website...2) Have been diagnosed with Anosmia just two months agoand am having a MRI on March 8th...3) Yes, I have had medical treatment, and just completed predisone Rx. Nothing yet... zilch.. I have an enormous amount of patience so put off seeing medical help, hoping to wake up and have my sense of smell returned. Almost blew up house when I failed to detect propane gas leak... really scared me into making Dr. appt. I am a retired lady living in beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills and the air really is superior, but still have trees and mountains to see! I have a strong faith in God, and think that this just might be a test of some kind. Have lost interest in food/eating, can't even smell garlic, onions, flowers, fragrances, nothing!Slightly sweet and salty just doesn't do it. I have to eat by memory.. and texture seems to play a more important part if and when I do eat. I forget to eat sometimes, kind of silly? Have restored my enthusiasm for working in my Studio. Have more time and plan on following through my artistic endeavors, the main reason for moving to this gorgeous area. Wild birds migrate overhead, Canadian Geese this time of year and you can hear their musical honking at all hours of day. Eagles nest nearby, and wild swans will be returning to bird sanctuaries. Such beauty to behold!Sight is so wonderful. Life is a picture, paint it well.Thank you for this website. Has made a difference to me.Take care, Litebird@aol.com, USA
Litebird@aol.com, USA - 26 Feb 2001
I have been an anosmic all of my life. At an early age I noticed that I never understood what everyone meant when they said something smelled. I thought initially that the smell would one day hopefully develop. Well, needless to say, my hopes never came to be and I am still without the ability to smell. It is not as good an advantage as others do believe. They do have a hard time believing it and often taunt. the most common response is the "I bet if I held human excrement under your nose, you would smell it." I usually ignore such foolishness but it still is hard to deal with the feeling of knowing that you do not possess the standard abilities of everyone else. Though Anosmia is not a pleasant disability to bear, I think one should always bear in mind that the situation could always be worse. I am thankful that I at least can hear, see, touch, and taste. -Billy
billym@serr.com, USA - 28 Feb 2001
I have been an anosmic all of my life. At an early age I noticed that I never understood what everyone meant when they said something smelled. I thought initially that the smell would one day hopefully develop. Well, needless to say, my hopes never came to be and I am still without the ability to smell. It is not as good an advantage as others do believe. They do have a hard time believing it and often taunt. the most common response is the "I bet if I held human excrement under your nose, you would smell it." I usually ignore such foolishness but it still is hard to deal with the feeling of knowing that you do not possess the standard abilities of everyone else. Though Anosmia is not a pleasant disability to bear, I think one should always bear in mind that the situation could always be worse. I am thankful that I at least can hear, see, touch, and taste. -Billy
billym@serr.com, USA - 28 Feb 2001
I know Anosmia can stme from different reasons. I found this awesome site in e-groups. kallmanns-syndrome@egroups.com . I had other symptoms too, a late bloomer, now diagnosed, still can't smell but this site really answered alot of my questions http://www.kallmanns-syndrome@egroups.comGood luck all.
Kallmanns, usa - 28 Feb 2001
I had no idea that there were other people like me! I'm assuming I was born without a sense of smell because I have no memory of smelling anything. My mom mentioned it to a doctor when I was young and he said some people are just born that way. That was it so I never really thought about finding out if I could get some type of treatment. I do know that it can be very frustrating as a child. No one seems to believe that you really can't smell.
suni318@aol.com, USA - 2 Mar 2001
I have congenital anosmia and my doctor is not interested in hellping me. I have had a very hard time with relationships because i am constantly worried i might smell bad and feel nervous when around people. I have been bullied about smelling either because i did or as a crule joke.
richardson_mick@hotmail.com, United Kingdom - 4 Mar 2001
I have congenital anosmia. I was tested at the Monell Center for Taste and Smell in Philadelphia. They determined that I was born without an ulfactory bulb, but I have a perfectly intact sense of taste. I never really think about not having a sense of smell unless people ask me to smell something. In fact, I like that I can't smell, especially since I am an avid horseback rider. If there were an operation available to fix my condition, I don't think I'd chose to have it. I consider myself lucky to lack this sense, because it is the least essential of the 5. I am so glad to hear there are others like me out there. I'm sure you are all just as annoyed when people don't believe that you can't smell. "Nothing, not even...(naming their favorite smell)?," they ask. "Nothing," I say.
ecjindigo@aol.com, USA - 7 Mar 2001
I have congenital anosmia. I was tested at the Monell Center for Taste and Smell in Philadelphia. They determined that I was born without an ulfactory bulb, but I have a perfectly intact sense of taste. I never really think about not having a sense of smell unless people ask me to smell something. In fact, I like that I can't smell, especially since I am an avid horseback rider. If there were an operation available to fix my condition, I don't think I'd chose to have it. I consider myself lucky to lack this sense, because it is the least essential of the 5. I am so glad to hear there are others like me out there. I'm sure you are all just as annoyed when people don't believe that you can't smell. "Nothing, not even...(naming their favorite smell)?," they ask. "Nothing," I say.
ecjindigo@aol.com, USA - 7 Mar 2001
I have congenital anosmia. I was tested at the Monell Center for Taste and Smell in Philadelphia. They determined that I was born without an ulfactory bulb, but I have a perfectly intact sense of taste. I never really think about not having a sense of smell unless people ask me to smell something. In fact, I like that I can't smell, especially since I am an avid horseback rider. If there were an operation available to fix my condition, I don't think I'd chose to have it. I consider myself lucky to lack this sense, because it is the least essential of the 5. I am so glad to hear there are others like me out there. I'm sure you are all just as annoyed when people don't believe that you can't smell. "Nothing, not even...(naming their favorite smell)?," they ask. "Nothing," I say.
ecjindigo@aol.com, USA - 7 Mar 2001
At 45, I feel accepted, for the first time. I have congenital anosmia and learning of all the others in the world that do, as well, gives me a sense of comfort. In school, I also "faked it", when someone talked about how good or bad an odor was in the classroom. I am also paranoid about my personal hygiene (body odor, bad breath, expelling gas, etc.). My dog has saved my life, as I also left "dinner" in the oven, as it burnt and the dog barked until she woke me up (a smoke detecyer won't lick your face). It is great to find all of you who knows how it feels. How many times have I said "it smells great" not knowing what a smell is...at all. I am thrilled that I found this site.Shavele@AOL.com
Shavele@AOL.com, USA - 10 Mar 2001
hello and thanks im not the only one. My anosmia started two years ago i think i was after a bad cold,i already beenat the doctor and he gave me medicine and did not help,i also had an mri and they said i have nothing in my head .or my nose.But like somebody said I Still HAVE HOPE,that some day i will have my smell and my taste back.
my name is lolita,my emael is Philipblueluna@aol.com, my country is USA, - 11 Mar 2001
I am 23 years old and have never been able to smell. I have only met one other person like this in my entire life. I did not have a clue that it even had a name. When I was younger no one really believed me. Finally at seven years old my mother took me to the doctor and he basically said, "Yep! She can't smell." It has not been a major problem in my life, essentially because I don't know what I am missing. People always say, "It smells like it tastes." That means nothing to me. I become confused even more. As for my sense of taste, I think it is stronger in some ways than other people. I don't use seasoning on food very often and people will eat things and say it is not very hot while I am gulping down water as fast as I can. Also, sour tasting things are not fun either. It is nice to know that I am not alone.
jandk0902@hotmail.com, - 12 Mar 2001
well, just to tell you all that I am in Scotland - and this happens over here too... I finally worked out at around 7 that I coudn't smell when I got fed up of agreeing with people who stuck things under my nose and expected a reaction. Since then it hasn't actually bothered me that much but I am glad I have read through this site. Also, I don't know if it is scientifically proven but a lady recently gave me lemom(&lime) aromatherapy oil to burn in the hope that it may enhance my sense of smell.
michflat61@hotmail.com, Scotland - 12 Mar 2001
This is pretty cool. So many people can't smell, yet I have never really met any. I have never been able to smell and have never spoken with a doctor about it. I have just taken it for granted. The only nasal sensations I have ever gotten are from Ammonia or Vick's vapor rub, and neither one has any effect unless I literally put it up my nose. I believe this to be a physical sensation and not an olfactory one. I, too, worry about body odor, and the odors in my house. I am constantly having to ask my husband about food and clothing smells. I actually think is kind of cool to tell people I can't smell, although they are typically incredulous. My sense of taste is also not very discerning, so I tend to way overspice things. I couldn't tell you if something contained Rosemary or Thyme.All very interesting, just thought I would share!Take care everyone!caz
czaboo, US - 19 Mar 2001
I would appreciate any replies. My 15 year old niece was diagnosed anosmic 3 years ago. Her MRI was completely normal. She had 2 very scant periods a year ago, but none since. An ob/gyn doctor seemed to think it's because she doesn't have enough body fat. She is very tall and thin. My sister in law is taking her to a neurologist who specializes in smell disorders. He has her on vitamin B1 now, in hopes it might help. My sister is concerned about possible Kallman's. The neurologist told her, that with Kallman's, the MRI ususally shows some difference in the brain, 90% of the time. At what point can Kallman's be ruled out? I see that many of you are congenital anosmics, as is my niece. Are there many congenital anosmics that do NOT have Kallman's? Are there any of you with Kallman's that have undergone homone therapy and had children? I would greatly appreciate your reply. Thank you.
Dee, USA - 19 Mar 2001
Wow...I really can't believe that there are so many people out there like me- my friends always told me how weird it was that I couldn't smell and that they had never met anyone like that before...I never even thought that there were others out there who experienced the same thing! I am a 15-year-old congenital asmotic, and have never been able to smell. When I was younger I got in trouble constantly for not putting my clothes in the hamper when they smelled, because I wasn't able to smell them. My friends and family have always teased me about this condition, and I don't think they realize how much it hurts me. I want so much to be able to smell a flower or freshly baked cookies, but I may never be able to. The thing that would irritate me the most is when people I had just met would tell me that I couldn't taste if I couldn't smell, and then argue with me when I told them I could taste, and tell me I was lying about not being able to smell. Why can't people understand? it frustrates me so much. If anyone has ever had experiences like this or encouragement please contact me at aerias99@hotmail.com because I am in need of encouragement right now. Thank you!
Jessica, USA - 20 Mar 2001
There are so many entries here I feel like I could have written. I'm not sure if my condition is congenital, but I have no memory of ever being able to smell. In high school I had surgery to remove polyps, and even though I could breathe easier, my sense of smell didn't return. It's much easier to fake smelling than it is to explain to people why I can't. And once they do know, it becomes the most fascinating thing about me. I can't count the number of times I have been introduced as 'the guy who has no sense of smell.' People are also compelled to tell me how lucky I am and then come up with some of the most perverse scenarios where not being able to smell would pay off. And countless people have told me that if they had to give up one sense, it would be smell. I hate that one, as if I have somehow had a choice in this matter. I've accepted my handicap, which is really what this comes down to, and I'm living with it. I have thrown out more food than I care to calculate for fear of it being bad. I'm sure I don't do my laundry as often as I should. And I don't wear cologne for fear of using too much. I am particularly interested in the connection of smell and memory. At one point I thought I might have ESP or something cool because one of my senses was missing, but I don't. I do have a particularly good head for random trivia and have wondered if that's because my memory synapses are wired together differently.
AKLuke@yahoo.com, USA - 20 Mar 2001
I am a 35 year old man. I have known I could not smell since I was about 8. I caught a skunk in a trap and my sister said it smelled terrible and would not come near me. A year later the house caught on fire. I was reading a book. My eyes started to bother me and water. I justed rubbed them. I started coughing and thought I must have a cold. I finally looked up after a coughing bout and saw a room full of smoke. I realized then that my sister had not been joking when she had told me to get out of the house cause the house was on fire a few minutes earlier. One time, many years later I sat in a room that had just been painted. I got a headache and did not realize it was from the fumes. Someone walked through the room and asked me how I could stand the smell. When I met my future wife, she finally asked me at the end of a four hour conversation, if I liked her french perfume. I laughed and realized why she had been trying to get my nose near her neck for the last four hours. I did finally see a doctor about it when I was 25. I had a hard time convincing the doctor that I could not smell. I finally had an MRI after he made me inhale ammonia with a blindfold on. He said it was inconclusive but he did not see the olfactory nerve. My email address is anosmia303@hotmail.com and has been for over 5 years. I also believe the lack of smell affects the memory and the way the brain organizes itself. I think my brain is less organized. I do remember random trivia well. I do very well on mulitple choice test and terrible on fill in the blank. I have a hard time remembering people's names but their personalities stay with me. I only remember directions if I set out with the intention to do so ahead of time. I have a texture centered appetite. I eat a lot because I am an endurance athlete. I am not too picky but I hate gum and whipped cream. I don't chew gum because it
anosmia303@hotmail.com, USA - 26 Mar 2001
It's been a little over a year now that I've lost my senese of smell. I had bronchitis last spring and was given Rhinocort in additiotn to an antibiotic, Zithromax. When I finally recuperated from the bronchitis, I noticed I had no sense of smell and have been this way ever since. I've seen an ENT doctor who sent me for a CAT scan of the sinuses which was normal. My sense of smell is altered to the extent that whatever I smell is 'one and the same smell', akin to a very bad odor of garbage or something equally offending. Is there any relief from this condition...Where does one go from here...
tierni@aol.com, usa - 26 Mar 2001
I just loved reading this site! Am 37 and as far as I know have never been able to smell. Born in the UK, doctors there thought it was from severe colds, allergies (which I no longer have!) and later from repeat bumps to my head above my left brow (which now is raised higher than the other side!). My sense of taste is not all that great either, not being able to tell what ingredients are in a dish. I love food though but need to follow a recipe to cook a "tasty" meal ..my apologies to friends who suffered my "whoops put too much of that in the pot" meals!Moved to New Zealand as a child, and doctors there were basically uninterested and merely told me that nothing could be done as they didnt know why I couldnt smell. Worst thing for me is not being able to smell dangerous things... had my share of fires ... and felt a right idiot standing in the middle of a road that was being used for drag racing and not being able to smell the burning rubber (I could see the smoke) and wondering why everyone else had left me standing there! I would love to be able to smell the "nice" things like perfume, flowers, and my partner! When he hugs me he tells me I smell great.... when I hug him..he is either warm or cold!. But if nothing else.. it has made my life interesting and would love to have an e-pal who also has anosmia... would be nice to share thoughts with someone who knows how it feels! Keep up the good work Max.. will definitely add this page to my favourites!
salann_63@hotmail.com, New Zealand - 27 Mar 2001
This website is so great! I'm 19 and have congenital anosmia also. It's so nice to hear from people that understand everything that goes along with the lack of a sense of smell... the fears, the frustrations, the embarrassment, the feeling you are not experiencing life fully, and the funny situations that we can get into. Once, in my preteen years, I didn't have time to take a shower one morning and so I absolutely poured on the Bath and Body lotion and body splash, thinking that the more I used, the better I would smell. I went to class, absolutely reeking of Sun Ripened Raspberry, and everyone around me was coughing and rubbing their watering eyes. One girl actually had to leave the room because she started having an severe allergic reaction to it! The teacher told me not to wear lotion to class anymore. I was so embarrassed!! It's funny now though! I was also born deaf in my left ear, which brings a whole new set of hurdles in addition to anosmia. Sometimes I wonder if the two things are related. Does anyone else have a situation with both anosmia and deafness (or partial deafness), or know anything about it? If anyone has any information about this, or just wants to talk with someone else who understands what it's like not to smell, then feel free to email me!
Ruth rr1192@messiah.edu, USA - 28 Mar 2001
This site is great! I thought I was the only one. I wonder how many of us there are out there that just don't realize this is a true condition and that they are not the only one either. I am a 26 year old female and as far as I can remember, I have never been able to smell. It hasn't bothered me too much except in the typical cases that other's have already mentioned, like no one believing you, the dangers of not smelling gas or smoke, and wondering if your clothes stink. (And of course not knowing this is something other people live with too.) There are some things that I'm really curious to smell like flowers and all those dang aromatherapy products. Personally, I think my hearing and sight are above average because of it. Both my parents have been wearing glasses for years and I haven't had to yet. Also, there are times when my office mate has her radio on barely audible for her to hear, yet from across our office, I can sing along to the songs. Mostly I feel blessed that I wasn't born with a more serious condition. Thanks for the site!
jeric0777@aol.com, USA - 28 Mar 2001
I have never been able to smell and it does not bother me at all. I would like to be able to smell flowers and my family and friends but I think we should all count our blessings that we have our eyesight and hearing.Interestingly, I think I have an excellent sense of taste. I can detect really subtle flavours in complicated wines and foods. Nobody believes me about this and I was wondering if any of you also have great senses of taste.I think that the 2 senses compliment each other but are not always reliant on each other.
Danielle, UK - 30 Mar 2001
I am 24 and have anosmia. I never knew there were so many others like me. It feels so good to find others who DO understand what it's like to not be able to smell. When I was younger and people would tell me about smells, I thought I had some sort of retardation because I couldn't teach myself to do it. No matter how hard I sniffed, I just couldn't do it. I have no idea what distinguishes smells from one another (good or bad as they call them) since my problem is from birth. It's awful not knowing what you smell like but knowing that everyone around you does. I am extremely afraid of body odors, I shower at least once a day and never wear things twice. I think sometimes I wear too much deodorant. If i hear any comment around me that has to do with a smell, I get very self conscious. I'm afraid of telling others about my problem, mostly because I don't want to be abnormal. I wish I could at least once be able to smell, that way when someone spoke about smell, then I'd know what they were talking about and not just wonder and feel so confused, frustrated and cheated. Wow...this is the first time I have actually told anyone about having anosmia, although I don't yet have the guts to tell anyone face to face, I think this is a big step for me.
C.S., U.S.A - 31 Mar 2001
holy cow. soo many other people. BUT IS THERE ANY TREATMENT?I'm likely congenital, or very young loss, is it even worth it to go to the doc's?
cammie, usa - 2 Apr 2001
I was told that I had a condition called anosmia. In February of this year I developed what I thought was just a sinus infection. I get one at least once a year. However, this time, my sense of smell and taste was taking a long time return to normal. I was sent to my ENT. He scheduled an MRI and a CAT SCAN. I was told that that everything was normal. My sinuses were clear and there were no polyps or turmors. He put me on a nasal spray, allegra and prednisone. Before this medication, I was unable to smell or taste anything. I have not fully recovered, but the medication has made just a Little difference in certain things. I still cannot smell or taste certain things and sometimes the things that I smell quickly fades. This has been very difficult for me to handle.Losing something you've always had is hard to swallow. Not ever having your taste or smell would make it easier for me I think.
USA, SPIRIT1223@AOL.COM - 4 Apr 2001
First, thanks for the website. I lost my sense of smell/taste on 01/24/01 after a severe flu. My question is, How many people, that are not congenital, and have had the flu and took ZITHROMAX, have lost there sense of smell/taste?
fxbaldino@yahoo.com, usa - 4 Apr 2001
Had a bout of viral bronchitis, plus a sinus infection several weeks ago. No taste or smell since then, although i am over the infections. After reading this site, I see I might just have to get used to it. Better than losing sight or hearing, but WOW, a lot of life is enjoyed through taste and smell. Thanks for the forum.
Joyce, USA - 9 Apr 2001
I discovered at about age 10 that I never had a sense of smell. I have talked to several doctors about it and been tested and had an MRI. They say there is no hope to smell for me. I recommend against wasting your money on a doctor unless your anosmia is not congenital. There is one specialist in Pennsylvania who wants you to give him thousands of dollars for a diagnosis and prognosis you could get from reading these pages.
anosmia303@hotmail.com, - 14 Apr 2001
The DC clinic also claims some results (see the anosmia group at yahoo.groups.com [formerly egroups.com] for more information), though I don't know if any congenitals have had complete recoveries. As I gather, some forms of congenital anosmia may be caused by the lack of a certain protein which stimulates the growth of the olfactory epithelium. Supposedly, if you reactivate the gene that cues production of this protein, some people can recover some measure of smell. I don't know how effective this treatment is in practice, but I know it's pretty expensive; and since I've never had a sense of smell, I don't miss it badly enough to go to all that trouble. But if it were a viable option, I would most likely take it. I would love to know what that "after it rains" smell is like.
Joel.D.Adeney@wheaton.edu, United States - 14 Apr 2001
I just discovered this site, and that there is a name for what I have been missing all my life (age 72). The comments I have been reading all relate to my experiences - the belief as a child that I would eventually grow old enough to smell, the worry later that if I ever did acquire the ability would it be overwhelming, the wondering if my memory is weak because so many people seem to trigger their memories with particular smells, the worry about how I smell to others, etc. I believe my loss may have occurred at approx. age 3 when I was hit in the face by a child's shovel. I remember my nose bled for hours. I am becoming more aware of what I am missing as I grow older, and really do feel left out of the mainstream. However, have always been grateful that it wasn't one of the other senses that I had to live without. Thanks for starting this web-site.
P.S. For years I gave up on trying to bake, as I burned everything - then I discovered a Timer in the 60's! It provided my family with new taste experiences - home-baked cookies.
Anon, Canada - 20 Apr 2001
Are there no answers to any of these problems?
bying001@tc.umn.edu, - 23 Apr 2001
Kallmann's Syndrome can be countered to great extent with hormone therapy. Anosmia associated with an injury involves either a problem with the nose, which can usually be corrected with surgery, a problem with the brain, which I believe is untreatable, or a problem with the olfactory nerve, which may recover, or may not. Steroid injections can do something for allergic anosmia. Viral anosmia sometimes recovers spontaneously, and the DC clinic has also had success--of course, it could always be argued that their patients would have recovered anyway. Congenital anosmia is generally recognized as untreatable, though again, the DC clinic has had some apparent success. So yes, there are some possible treatments for some of these conditions. But there are no sure-fire guarantees, and the price of Dr. Henkin in DC is far beyond the means of most congenitals (or virals, for that matter). We'll just have to live with the somewhat smaller world we've been given.
Joel Adeney, USA - 24 Apr 2001
Fellow Anosmics! I have enjoyed reading all of the stories about growing up with anosmia. I am 32 years old and have never smelled a single thing in my life. As with most of you, I thought I was the only person in the world with this condition, and I can't recall meeting anyone else who is a congenital anosmic. My stories are probably typical; not detecting a gas leak while looking after a friends' house, people saying "Oh, you'll smell this", not wearing cologne, being worried if I ever missed a shower. I can taste fruits, veggies and most food pretty well, but cannot taste herbs in food. Speaking of food, I also have some bizzare and apparently inconsistent texture problems that I have never considered being related to my lack of olfactory powers. I can't go near whipped cream, sour cream, honey, yogurt(aaarrggghh!), but have no problems with cream cheese, jello and even raw oysters. Go figure. Anyway, don't despair, I have sold wine over the phone, being able to describe the taste and aroma with some accuracy apparently. I'll end on a bitter note. Next time someone tells you that you are unable to taste, thank them profusely for keeping you up to date on the condition of your body, and tell them that they can't think because they look stupid.Good luck, and keep fartin'.
Martin, USA - 25 Apr 2001
I am 47 yrs old.. i have had a thyroid prblem for about 10 yrs . i lost my sense of just about every smell about 5 yrs ago. I assume it's from the thyroid problem. I had read somewhere that it was. Does anyone know of this as a reason for it? i can however smell certain things. I can not smell fowl oders especially.My husband says i'm lucky but i'm not so sure about that. any info on this would be helpful.feel free to e-mail me at nmb1sealover@cs.com
mnb1sealover, usa - 26 Apr 2001
Hi All I have Lupus with Central Nervous System involvement and I am on a chemo called Cytoxan and steriod prednisone. I had a respritory flu about 6 weeks ago and have lost almost all my sence of smell since then. I am trying to research it. I found this site and am hoping to find some answers. thanks
allawishesb1@aol.com, USA - 28 Apr 2001
Today, May 10, 2001, there was a segment on the Today Show about sensory healing. Specificallly, it addressed the case of a man who had an abcess removed from his throat. He lost his sense of smell, and later in the segment, it stated that he was receiving Prednisone every so often and that his sense of smell WAS returning, albeit temporarily. I would like to know more about this so I could maybe check into trying this out. Jim
jbrown@dsu.deltast.edu, USA - 10 May 2001
I had surgery with general anaesthetic. Afterwards, my sense of smell and taste which had been gone for a couple of months returned for just a few hours, then disappeared again. Has anyone had this experience?
careyj@itis.com, - 12 May 2001
NO CONSIDERO DESGRACIA HABER NACIDO ASI.SON MAS LOS MALOS OLORES, QUE LOS BUENOS.CON 78 ANOS NUNCA ESTRANE ESTO LLAMADO DESSORDER,AL CONTRARIO,UNA BENDICION!LA COFORMIDAD,ES LA SOLUCION A NUESTROS PROBLEMAS!
USA, C_VICH@YAHOO.COM - 15 May 2001
Hi everyone, my name is Lisa, I am a 22-year old law student from Canada. I was born without olfactory bulbs or olfactory nerves. Congenital anosmic, although this is the first time I have ever called myself that! I always knew I wasn't smelling anything but decided it was because of sinus problems. However, one day in high school, some guys started throwing stinkbombs, and while everyone else ran away, I just stood there, confused. That was when I decided to see a doctor. After an MRI test at the Montreal Royal Vic Neurological Institute, it was discovered that the 'smell' parts of my brain were missing. Everyone laughed and said that explained why, as a kid, I spent so much time at the riding stables. Oh well. I have been trying to think of ways to bring greater awareness of anosmia to the public and also to garner greater support from the medical community for anosmics, and also perhaps to glean benefits, such as those given to people lacking other senses (sight, hearing). I tell people that I am disabled, since I clearly have a smelling disability, and they tend to laugh at this suggestion, but I take it very seriously. I am certain that anosmia has affected my memory (which may have impacted my studies) and that it poses an enormous danger (fires, chemicals, etc.) to me. It should be taken seriously by the medical community and by everyone who is lucky enough to have a sense of smell.Please contact me if you want to share stories or have anything to contribute.-Lisa-
anosmiclisa@hotmail.com, Canada - 16 May 2001
I have not been able to smell since as far back as I can remember. I have two sisters that also cannot smell. I was told that maybe zinc might help. Does anyone have info on this.
mr.buyandsell@primus.ca, Canada - 16 May 2001
In response, I certainly don't know of any kind of congenital anosmia which could be linked to a zinc deficiency. Zinc in large doses has been put forward as a possible treatment for viral anosmia, I think, though I don't know it if does any good.
, - 16 May 2001
Sorry--that was from me. I forgot to in the blanks
Joel Adeney, USA - 16 May 2001
I too suffer from congenital anosmia, and have also never met anyone else with the same problem. The experiences I have read about on this site are exactly the same as mine. I pretended I could smell when everybody was holding their nose. And I didn't tell my parents until I was at least 12, maybe 15 years old. However, my parents never sought treatment for me, until I decided to do something when I was about 20. The first ENT dr I saw did a CT scan, saw nothing was wrong and said there was nothing he could do. A few years later, I saw a specialist in France, who declared,after getting me to smell a few bottles, that my problem was psychological! Has anyone ever had that diagnosis? But reading this web page, i have come to realise that as my anosmia is congenital, there isn't really anything that can be done, and I just have to continue living with it. the most annoying part is when my friends and family, who all know about my problem, continue to say to me "smell this" or "do you like this smell". And one final bad side about the anosmia, when my children were in nappies/diapers it was always me who had to change the pooey ones!I would love to hear about any research or new treatment that is going on. email is mtafelselman@aol.com.
Monique, mtafelselman@aol.com, USA - 16 May 2001
Hi everyone, I recently began setting up a website of my own about anosmia, so please check it out: www.angelfire.com/home/anosmia
anosmiclisa@hotmail.com, Canada - 29 May 2001
I lost my sense of smell one week ago - SO scary, especially since my career and life are based around my ability to smell. I work in the wine industry and am supposed to be tested for my "Diploma" next week, which includes an evaluation and identification of 12 "blind" wines. I am petrified and depressed. I had my two upper wisdom teeth extracted last week, was on Zrytec for allergies and recieved Nitrous oxide, local novacaine, valium and brevitol for the extraction... before and after, i took amoxycyline (antibiotics), and afterwards, Codine for pain. Ever since that day, i haven't smelled a thing! My dentist (this morning) said it was nothing he did, my allergist today just prescibed more antibiotics Augmentin (for a Sinus infection)and oral Prednizone (cortizone steriods). i'm afraid to take anymore drugs! I've already been taking antibiotics for nearly 8 days! I have a deviated septum and i've suffered from sinusitis and post-nasal drip ever since i can remember, but i've trained my nose to a very extreme and skilled point. I am usually able to smell even if i can barely get any air through my nose... or i used to be able to breath in through my mouth and sense aromas like that... now, it's all GONE and i'm truly DOOMED... what should i try - acupuncture? more drugs? surgery? Any quick (even if temporary) fixes - i need to be back on for next Wednesday or the last 4 years of studying are down the tubes and i can truly choose another career. ~ Constance (NY)
csavage@kobrand.com, NYC, USA - 29 May 2001
a fellow congenital here. just thought id comment: i too found out late there was a term for this. i was about 21 when for unrelated circumstances i mentioned i had no sense of smell. she commented casually in reply "oh, you're an anosmiac?" i almost fell off my chair! i couldnt believe there was actually a term for it. all my life people did not believe me, i would ask "why the heck would i lie?" some validation for some of you: i too can not touch whip cream, sour cream and have NEVER lit the gas grill. too chicken. on a lighter note, i have 2 siblings also congenital. my oldest brother on the other hand is the only one of us four that can smell---and he's the only one that has ever had a weight problem.
usa, kea - 29 May 2001
Well, after reading these comments I feel a little better at least. I lost my sense of smell and taste about 2 months ago after a bad cold that developed into a sinus infection. I have been trying to get pregnant so the only thing the doctor would give we was 10 days of amoxicillin. It cleared up the sinus infection just fine but my sense of smell and probably 2/3 of my sense of taste are still gone. The only thing I have smelled is some bacon cooking twice. I can't even smell alcohol or ammonia right under my nose. Most of the time I have a burning sensation in my nose and occasionally I will start to smell something but it always smells like a sour rag or something. It is very depressing and has affected my mood tremendously. Also, before this I was an excellent cook but I usually did not cook by recipes but instead by adding this and that and tasting. Now I can't cook worth a flip. My husband has been very understanding and I just stick to recipes now. What is so ironic is that I am 36 years old and this is the first sinus infection I have ever had in my entire life but my husband has chronic allergy problems (takes claritin, flonase and gets allergy shots) and he can smell and taste perfectly. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
acguy@peoplepc.com, usa - 31 May 2001
Well, after reading these comments I feel a little better at least. I lost my sense of smell and taste about 2 months ago after a bad cold that developed into a sinus infection. I have been trying to get pregnant so the only thing the doctor would give we was 10 days of amoxicillin. It cleared up the sinus infection just fine but my sense of smell and probably 2/3 of my sense of taste are still gone. The only thing I have smelled is some bacon cooking twice. I can't even smell alcohol or ammonia right under my nose. Most of the time I have a burning sensation in my nose and occasionally I will start to smell something but it always smells like a sour rag or something. It is very depressing and has affected my mood tremendously. Also, before this I was an excellent cook but I usually did not cook by recipes but instead by adding this and that and tasting. Now I can't cook worth a flip. My husband has been very understanding and I just stick to recipes now. What is so ironic is that I am 36 years old and this is the first sinus infection I have ever had in my entire life but my husband has chronic allergy problems (takes claritin, flonase and gets allergy shots) and he can smell and taste perfectly. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
acguy@peoplepc.com, usa - 31 May 2001
Hi all you anosmiacs,I have congental anosmia. It was discovered when I was about 12 and sat next to a pot of burning carots reading. My Mum smelt it when she got off the train about 500 metres away! After being examined by a Doctor I was told that I was born without any olifactory glands, so no operation could help me.I then got all the 'stinking' jobs - turning over the compost heap, throwing out the bottleds of curdled milk I was keeping to see how many layers it would seperate in etc. etc.It does have it advantages - but can also be dangerous, especially when working with anything that has fumes!Alison
whucke@xtra.co.nz, New Zealand - 31 May 2001
Hi everyone, I too am a congenital anosmiac. It's really great to read everyones comments and experiences. I have made my wife read this page and she was really suprised by what she read, hopefully she will understand more about anosmia now. I'm very keen to hear from anyone who's had success in treating this problem as I have been doing a lot of research myself. Feel free to email me for or with info!!
cmsmitha1@lineone.net, United Kingdom - 2 Jun 2001
I have read several of your accounts of not being able to enjoy the sense of smell. I realize this site is mostly for people who have never been able to smell, but I had to add my comment anyway. After 46 years of a keen sense of smell, I realized yesterday that I have suddenly, completely lost my sense of smell. It was the day my first gardenia bloom of the year came out. It has a strong, hypnotic fragrance that you can smell from just walking by a bloom. It puts you in the mood if you know what I mean. I have no idea why, it has been a shock, it has made me realize how much I took my sense of smell for granted and what a wonderful gift it is. Not realizing how common this problem is, I was hesitant to go to a doctor to have it checked out because I just did not want to go down that long humilating road, since I have always felt visits to the doctor were for "serious" problems. This is a serious problem to me. I wish you all well and good luck in finding a cure.
dbwaters@infi.net, United States - 2 Jun 2001
Wow, can't believe that there are so many people like me. I am only 14, but I've never been able to smell. I guess it doesn't bother me too much because I don't really know what its like to smell things...except when I was putting blond streaks in my hair I could smell that stuff and it was awful. That makes me feel a little lucky after getting that example of what bad things smell like, but on the other hand I can't smell good things. I don't recall ever smelling something good...do you think that if you have no sense of smell then it means that you have a better sense of taste since thats all you have? I really hope that someday I'll be able to smell because I feel like I'm missing out on a lot, so I should probably go see my doctor soon. I used to always pretend I could smell so that I would seem normal, but I'm tired of hiding it. Its nothing to be ashamed of, and I'm tired of people coming up to me and saying "smell this!" People laughed at me when I first told them about this, but at least now I know I'm not a total freak!
Ali abrydges@hotmail.com, Canada - 2 Jun 2001
Hello everyone,I dont ever remember being able to smell,like most of you.When I was young I used to "play" like I could smell and never told anyone.Now (I am 30) I dont have a problem telling people that I cant smell, Its not that big a deal.How can you miss something youve never had its just the way I am.There is one thing that does puzzle me and thats that most people talk about getting food poisoning and I dont think Ive ever had food poisoning.I check freshness dates on EVERYTHING and always have someone (my girlfriend or daughter)smell the milk... anyways...just wondering if there is anyone else who hasnt had food poisoning. Jared
felix1234@earthlink.net, Calif , USA - 11 Jun 2001
Hi, my name is Carmel and I'm a 48 year old congenital anosmic as was my mother. To my knowledge it does not go back beyond that in my family tree. Other peoples stories sound very familar, although I don't recall ever having pretended I could smell. I guess having a mother who was the same was a help in this regard. My four brothers and sisters can all smell, as can my 3 children. I was keen to discover as each of my children reached an age when they could communicate about smells that they all seemed to have a healthy sense of smell. Everyone always assumes you can't taste, and while I can definitely taste, I suspect it is diminished somewhat in comparison to those who can also smell. My daughter who is a science student found this site, after being frustrated that I didn't even know what my condition was called. I have smelt pure ammonia, when a high school friend decided it would be funny to prove I could smell by sticking a bottle of it right under my nose in the science lab - nearly blew my head off! I also get a sensation from strong eucalyptus based substances. I'd love to be able to smell flowers, food & other nice things, but count myself lucky that I have my other senses intact. In the later part of her life, my mother started to develop a faint sense of smell. The funniest thing (if you can call it that) was when my mother and I blew up our gas stove when I was a young girl. The whole family had been out all day, and my mother and I were the first home, when she decided to light the oven for dinner, not knowing the jet had been left on. We literally shook the whole street, and the poor cat was not seen for days. I laugh now, but it wasn't funny at the time. I recall also being bemused as a small child when every night my father would walk in the front door, which was at the opposite end of a long house, and state what we
CarmelSparkes@aol.com, Australia - 15 Jun 2001
, - 15 Jun 2001
Dear max, my mother left an entry here after I discovered this site, intrigued to find a name for what she had described to meas a child- the inability to smell.A passion for science has me desperate to find an explanation for this anomaly- how can you explain the ability to smell ammonia but not gas, in terms of neurological receptors and signalling pathways?
cassandra.sparkes@studentmail.newcastle.edu.au, Australia - 22 Jun 2001
I am 31 years old and I have suffered my whole life from an oversensitivity to smell. Smells make me very sick and I don't know anyone else with this problem. Can anyone help me? Is there anyone out there with my problem? I can't stand in line at the grocery store without someones perfume making me sick. Some days I can't even go into the store because the smell of food makes me sick. I read that anosmia is a lack of smell or an oversensitivity to smell, but I can't find any information on the oversinsitive anosmia. If anyone knows where to get info. on this please email me.nhahlbeck@kc.rr.com thank you!!!!
Michelle Hahlbeck, US - 22 Jun 2001
I am 31 years old and I have suffered my whole life from an oversensitivity to smell. Smells make me very sick and I don't know anyone else with this problem. Can anyone help me? Is there anyone out there with my problem? I can't stand in line at the grocery store without someones perfume making me sick. Some days I can't even go into the store because the smell of food makes me sick. I read that anosmia is a lack of smell or an oversensitivity to smell, but I can't find any information on the oversinsitive anosmia. If anyone knows where to get info. on this please email me.nhahlbeck@kc.rr.com thank you!!!!
Michelle Hahlbeck, US - 23 Jun 2001
As fxbaldino@yahoo.com I have had a severe flu and took ZITHROMAX, and since that moment I have lost senses of smell/taste, both of them.
esperanzamarco@teleline.es, Spain - 24 Jun 2001
As fxbaldino@yahoo.com I have had a severe flu and took ZITHROMAX, and since that moment I have lost senses of smell/taste, both of them.
esperanzamarco@teleline.es, Spain - 24 Jun 2001
dear doctor:my sister sufered of anosmia many eares.pleas anserwed me that are there treatment for diseas? thank you
aghaeia@hotmail.com, - 3 Jul 2001
Just thought I would add my "0 sence of smell" here. I'm a 55 year old male and until about six months ago, I had a perfect sence of smell. I have no idea what may have caused the loss. I have spoken to my physican about it, but he don't seem too excited about it. I can smell some things, but nothing like I could before. I some time have a smell of jet fuel when there is none present. I believe my loss of smell occured shortly after having a root canal. I have a yard full of roses and other flowers I used to enjoy holding close to my nose. Now, I could stuff them up my nose and smell nothing. I know I sometimes turn my co-workers off with too much cologne, but I can't smell it at all. Just thought I would offer my experience. Too bad I didn't lose my ability to sence the jerks I run into. Jim
Mrculture@aol.com, USA - 14 Jul 2001
I was just watching Hollywood Squares and they had a question on the show...What does the term asnomia mean? When i heard the answer I looked at my fiancee' and his eyes got really big!! We never knew there was a name for my problem!! I'm a mother of 3 children and after reading all of your comments on this site I am so relieved to know that I am not alone in my struggle to deal with my nonexistent sense of smell I can never remember being able to smell. I feel like I have missed out on so much. Even my kids dirty diapers and numerous other things. I didn't really think anything of it until recently my 11 yr old daughter mentioned the fact that she couldn't smell either. This freaked me out because I thought maybe this was hereditary or something so now WE are both getting the courage up to go seek out our doctor and try and get some help (if there is any). Bless you all for speaking out about your problem. It has given me confidence that I am not alone and I never will be again! Thanks!
butterfly_94553@yahoo.com, USA - 15 Jul 2001
Hello All:Well back during Memorial Day Weekend, I got the worst infection ever. Seemed to be a really bad flu -- and I did not go to the doctor to seek treatment - I just rested.I wonder if I should have -because about the 5th day into the infection, I lost my sense of smell entirely. As I got better, it slowly started to come back - but now, rasberry smells like burnt smoke, as do many lotions. However, I can smell vanilla, and other perfumes and I can taste at about 75%. The biggest improvement so far, is that at least I can detect odors - but they aren't what they are supposed to actually be.I'd love to converse with people going through the same thing. Please feel free to drop me an email - with the subject line of "Smell" (I get a TON of junk email, so I don't want to delete yours!)Thanks and have a great day!
sars7274@aol.com, USA - 16 Jul 2001
My brother and I both have congenital anosmia. I did not know that this condition had a name until my vocabulary word of the day was anosmia. When I checked the definition I thought wow that's what we have had all this time. We thought we were just freaks. Both our parents have the sense of smell (matter of fact I believe my mother could smell tea brewing in China her smell sense is that strong). I have never met anyone else who was anosmic (or at least would admit it). My brother and I have adapted to this condition and generally it has no bearing on our lives. My brother works in sewage plants doing construction so the guys that he works with say he's perfect for the job. I was just wondering if there were a lot of people who also have siblings with this condition. After reading about anosmia a little I wonder if my brother and I are affected because we were raised pretty much next door to an international airport (you know ingesting jet fuel on an hourly basis). I am glad to know now that at least we are not freaks and there are other people with this same condition.
Dawn, USA - 17 Jul 2001
Hope this gets through this time. I lost my sense of smell a few years ago and after having polyps removed on two occasions and having prednisone therapy my sense of smell returned sharp for only a few days and the disappeared again. Doctors don't seem to have any idea why. Since the sense reappears well, surely there is something blocking the flow over the sensors. Has anybody had any good results from their doctor or specialist? The lack of knowledge by the medical people baffles me. Let me know of any possible cures - only from people like me. John Liddell
johnlid@yahoo.com, USA - 21 Jul 2001
I'm a 13 year old girl, and I believe I have anosmia. I have been researching it online, to no prevail, and I just want to find out if I can do anything to repair this condition. When I was 2, I fell from about 3 feet onto my head on a cement garage floor, and I don't remember it, but I can't smell, and my mom tells me that it happened. I wonder if there is a way you could get it back from medication or surgery, because I'm very sad that I can't smell. Plese write me back, I would love some feedback.
opal938@aol.com, USA - 26 Jul 2001
I am a 15 year old male who has congenital anosmia. Not being able to smell has never been much of a big deal to me. I mean it could've been worse, I could've been blind or deaf. Since I don't know what I'm missing it really does not bother me. It seems to be a big deal to the Neurologist though as I'm scheduled for an MIR but I don't think he'll find anything in there. I've never been able to smell but I know one thing, sometimes life stinks.
Vernal, U.S.A. - 27 Jul 2001
i've spent an hour here, in the middle of the night, discovering this site and the name of my lifelong condition (like so many of you). your stories and comments are wonderful and enlightening. there's one concept i didn't see, though. as a youth, i was SURE they were pulling my leg when they said ... "it smells like a new car." i guess i understand the basis of it now, but at the time i was convinced that they were making it up just to tease me!
L.E. Kidder, USA - 7 Aug 2001
Yes, I too have not been able to smell or taste since a bad cold in Dec, Jan and also was given the antibiodic Zithromax. Idon't ever take medication for colds, and had this pres. twice in the time period, hence no smell or taste. I do wonder if it added to it. It has been a difficult several months, as cooking was my hobby, now it is not even an option for trying new things. Also am frightened if asked to look after the grandchildren, as I may not detect something in time, ie fire, smoke, fumes etc. I hope we can get some funding for some research into this disability, or perhaps we can get one going with a group would love to hear from someone who would maybe be interested in trying to set something up.
ajohnston@intesys-ncl.com, Canada. - 8 Aug 2001
I have read all the above entries with a lot of interest and amusement - I am a 35 year old congenital anosmic and SO many of these experiences strike a nerve (alas not the olfactory one!) My family, my friends AND my doctor (this was the U.K. though where you are supposed to be seriously ill or dying before consulting medical practitioners) all just laughed at me when I tried to seek treatment aged 14. Some of my symptoms:1) I have a terror of gas appliances preferring that someone else always light them.2) I throw out food and milk that is perfectly fine because I have no option but to take the 'best before' date at face value.3) I quickly try to change the subject if someone starts talking about the smell of something (if I am forced to say I'm anosmic at a dinner, for example, everyone thinks I can't taste anything either and my recent compliments to the chef were therefore bogus and ingratiating! Also the revelation that I'm anosmic means a boring half hour conversation I've had a million times before - easier to pretend I can smell come to think of it).Annoyingly, people assume I can't taste either (see above), when actually I appreciate food and wine enormously - although I miss certain complex flavours. My appreciation of textures - especially contrasting textures - is very acute as is contrast of temperatures (hot apple pie and ice cream - yum!) And my tastebuds (sweet, salt, bitter, sour) work just fine, thanks...4) I have a great sense of touch - compensation perhaps?On the subject of compensatory senses, I am pleased to see most posters on this great site appear to have a well developed sense of perspective and a wry sense of humour. Both will come in handy dealing with an often annoying but, let's face it, pretty benign condition. Incidentally, I recommend the novel PERFUME by Patrick Suskind for an insight into the power of all things olfactory. Find out what you've been missing!
jamesb@startv.com, Hong Kong - 10 Aug 2001
first of all let me start by saying this a brilliant site i just stumbbled accross it and glad i did! i am 30 and live in england and female i first noticed that i couldnt smell when i was at school about 8 years all the class were doing a smell test for gas on these little scratch cards and i couldnt smell a thing! the teacher just sent me outside thinking i was lying. i told my mum that day and she didnt seem to take much notice. when i got to 14/15 i didnt have periods and this was woorying me so i left it and left it untill i got married and wanted to start having children i went to the doctor who referred me to specialists at the hospital. after nearly five years of i dont know how many tests they finally diagnosed me with having KALLMANN'S SYNDROME! it only happens to 1 in 70,000 women and 1 in 50,000 men (lucky me)! this is a congenital disease which my mother was a carrier of, the symptoms are:no sense of smell ever,no periods ever,fatigue,dizzyness,slight colour blindness...i have now been referred to leeds university hospital for hormone injections to aid me to become pregnant they say i have a 90% chance of concieving,and that my baby may have it when born, if this has helped anyone what so ever please let me know as i am still learning about this syndrome myself plus this is the only way i have learned anything, please e-mail me i would love to talk,and for everbody else i so relate to what has been written on these pages its all true! love bxx
bjandpaul@btinternet.com, england - 12 Aug 2001
I had a bad cold/flu in March of 01. The flu initiated an abscess in one of my molars. I saw a Dentist who prescribed Zithromax prior to the tooth being pulled. After the cold was gone (along with my tooth) I found I could not smell. I initially attributed it to the tooth pulling, as that was the most traumatic event that had occurred during that time period. Now after many Dr. visits a CT scan Steroid sprays and a visit to an ENT I was told my sense of smell was not going to come back. Most probably attributed to the nerves in the sinus becoming infected during the cold and not properly regenerating (according to Mr. ENT). At this point I smell nothing as it should smell (what I do smell smells nasty.) and my sense of taste has degraded where things either have no taste outside of salty/sweet/bitter or they just taste nasty.
bill@wiz-works.com, USA - 12 Aug 2001
My daughter is 12 years old and has never been able to smell. She is going through puberty, though, and apparently does not have Kallman's Syndrome. I want to know if anyone else out there who cannot smell suffers from "mirror movement" syndrome. When one of her hands makes a movement, the other hand mimics the same movement. She has no control over this. Also, she is not very coordinated athletically. We went to a taste and smell specialist who has never heard of a correlation between the two. Please write if you have experienced this. Thanks.
USA, Liz - 17 Aug 2001
HI LIZ I HAVE READ LOADS ABOUT THIS MIRROR MOVEMENT ALONG THE WAY OF TRYING TO FIND OUT ABOUT KALLMANNS SYNDROME, IN THE TOP OF YOUR NOSE THERE ARE GLANDS CALLED THE OLFACTORY BULBS MINE ARE MISSING COMPLETELY THUS NO SENSE OF SMELL, BUT THESES MIRROR MOVEMENTS ARE BECAUSE OF THE PITURITY GLAND I THINK AND ALSO THERE IS TWO SIDES OF THE BRAIN 1 CONTROLLING ONE SIDE AND ONE CONTROLLING ANOTHER AND ONE OF THE TESTS I HAD WAS: HOLD BOTH HANDS OUT IN FRONT OF YOU FLAT,MAKE A FIST WITH ONE ONLY AND IF THE OTHER MOVES INVOLUNTARY THEN THIS IS CALLED MIRROR MOVEMENT, IF I WOULD HAVE HAD INHERITED KALLMANNS SYNDROME MY OTHER HAND WOULD HAVE MOVED AS I DIDNT GET IT FROM MY PARENTS NOTHING HAPPENED. BUT I HAVE HEARD THAT IF YOU HAVE YOUR TONSILS AND ADANOIDS OUT THIS CAN AFFECT THE SENSE OF SMELL. I HOPE THIS HELPED?
bjandpaul@btinternet.com, B-J - 18 Aug 2001
It is so nice to have found this web site. I was born with no sense of smell and like many of you, I also pretended for a long time to be able to smell. I've also laughed at reading your comments, as they do hit home with me. When I tell someone that I have no sense of smell thier first question is, can you taste? I've gotten so I laugh and say "do you think I would be overweight if I couldn't taste". It is also very interesting to see how many people suffer from this, but like most of you, I've never met anyone with this problem. I also have a fear of smelling bad and never wear the same clothes twice without washing them. It drives me crazy when someone mentions that there is a smell in the house or the office and I start to assume that it is me. I also suffer with deppression and have askedmy doctor if there could be a link between the two, his comment was, "I was the first patient that he has treated with no sense of smell". I'm very curious in finding out if there is a connection between the two. If you have no sense of smell and also suffer with depression, I would love to hear from you. Please drop me a line at val22034@aol.com. Thank you
val22034@aol.com, US - 19 Aug 2001
I am a 57 year old previously healthy male who slipped and fell on a staircase very much in disrepair. As a result of that fall, among other physical injuries, I landed on my nose and have completely lost my senses of smell/taste. My physicians and surgeons have diagnosed anosmia with a prognosis of permanent loss. The defendants in the ensuing legal action have agreed that the fall was their fault and the anosmia was a probable result. They are asking my attorneys to estimate the loss I suffered in terms of American dollars. Is there any precedent you can refer me to or can you offer any other direction for me to follow? Thanks so much for your assistance,Fred Milzofffmilzoff@aol.com
fmilzoff@aol.com, USA - 22 Aug 2001
High fellow anosmia. As of April 2, 2001 I became anosmia. Since October 2000 to Apirl 2001 I have had 3 bad colds or sinus problems. I have taken so many antibotics that I can't even think about taking another pill. I just got this letter from my family doctor that my ENT wrote her.Based on this evaluation, she is suffering from anosmia of undetermined origin. The prognosis for recovery is not very good. I was going to propose a Medrol Dosepak, but she had already taken this to no avial. I would also arrange for her to have and MRI of the head just to be sure there is no frontal lobe tumor (I had the CT and MRI no signs of problems except it cost $5000.00 for both) Anosmia is a difficult sympton and there is no effective treatment. Some patients will recover their sense of smell, but some will have permanent anosmia, which is a significant problem, but regrettably there is not much we can to.After reading this I have come to the conclusion my life will be different and it does scare me to think of the dangers of no smell or taste. What really gets me made is for the last couple of years I was getting into cooking. I have been buying all the lastest cookware. I was watching the Foodnet work as if it was the only thing on TV. I have bought all kinds of products to have a gourmet kitchen. Since April I don't want to cook, I could care less about eating and I have loss 5lbs. (I was 112lbs). I can't believe after reading this web sight how many people have this problem and how many years some have had the problem. I doesn't look like a very good out come. I wish you all well and I will be coming back to this website to see if anyone has had some luck or finds further information.
tkitts@riviana.com, USA - 23 Aug 2001
Reading all these comments, I must say I have learned a lot about something I long ago accepted as just part of my life. I did not read every entry carefully, but I don't think anyone one mentioned getting good at recognizing spoiled food by look and feel, which is something I do all the time. Of course, when in doubt, I ask my husband or children (who always complain about me asking them to smell gross things.)
rseyedoc@aol.com, USA - 25 Aug 2001
Hi everyone, My name is amber and i have recently been told that i have congenital anosmia. I am really unaware to the full meaning of this and was wondering if anyone could e-mail me some information about cures (if there is such a thing, my doctor didn't seem to think there was!) It is great to know that although this is quite a rare condition, all the sufferers stick together! look forwards to hearing from someone soonAmber xxx
amber.kett@talk21.com, England - 25 Aug 2001
What a great site! I never knew there were so many of us out there! I have never met another anosmic and it is comforting to meet so many of you here. I, too, have never smelled a thing in my life. I have been to an ENT but withut any conclusive diagnosis. "Just take Zinc," he said, and for years I took those darn pills to no avail! I gave up on seeking treatment for many years, but now, at age 24, I am really beginning to mourn the absence of my sence of smell. I had resigned myself to not being able to smell, figured it was just my lot in life. But doing some research on the subject has lit a fire under me - I want to get cured, or at least find out why this is happening. This site has provided me with a ton of great information, and a renewed vigor for getting help! Thanks!
robinmonroe@adelphia.net, USA - 27 Aug 2001
My boyfriend has congential anosmia. I never heard if anything like this before until I met him. My brother asked him if there was a name for it, but he did not know. He has never asked a doctor about it before either. In fact he went into the Marines after about 12 years ago and never mentioned it during his first physical because he did not want to be regected and he did not want any tests done. He said that during training when they had to go in the gas chamber he was the last one out because he couldn't smell anything. I am just curious if there are any treatments or medication to help. He has always had a weight problem , up and down, because he eats so much and uses so much salt on everything it concerns me. Thank You.
United States, Heidilynn1978@aol.com - 30 Aug 2001
I've never been to smell - not for all 15 years of my life. I didn't know that this condition had a name, and I didn't know that there were other people like me. I thought we were few and far between ... but I'm glad I found this site! It's extremely helpful and informative, and I'm glad to finally know that I'm not alone.
(Helen) dumbblonde@malibuhelen.com, USA - 31 Aug 2001
Marcy, USA - 31 Aug 2001
Can;t believe there are so many asnomiacs! I had the flu 1/01. Was given Zythromax after I had a relapse mid Jan.2 weeks passed, went to MD, Cat Scan of synsus,MRI of brain,camera up nose, way to much prednosone(sp)neorologist...everything is beautful - especailly my brains! Can anyone help!!!
Marcy, USA - 31 Aug 2001
Hi everyone. I'm one of those mom's that won't take a "their is nothing wrong with your son". My son was/is not eating right so I went on the internet, yes the good old internet, and I found a few thing's which I mentioned to my son's Doctor.We found that he has kallmann's syndrome and the Doctor ordered a MRI of his head. Oh ,have I mentioned that I changed Doctor's after the first never could come up with anything. Anyway the MRI found that his pituatery gland is very small so no testosterone for him other then in injections aaand he does not have the olfactory bulbs. I'm glad I know about it know that he is 2 1/2 years old so I can raise him with being aware of not smelling danger . Now I am thinking of getting a dog for him which could alert him to dangerous odors. No, not sweat or stinky feet but smoke from a fire, lp gas,chemicals. Does Anyone out their have a trained dog? And what's your expirience with it. And mom's and dad's don't give up if you think something is wrong with your child . Change Doctors, inform your self, use the good old internet , be causes not everything is true on the internet , but it can give you good idea's.
bineplumpi@hotmail.com, usa - 31 Aug 2001
Ihave been anosmic since birth discovered when I was 12 and almost gassed myself several times. I agree with others about the dangers of food poisoning, I am totally dependant on 'use by'dates.I am 54 and have never found anosmia a problem other than always being the one to empty the fridge of all the 'nasties'. Anosmia did not prevent me from becoming a nurse,nor has it prevented me from obtaining 2 university degrees and having a very successful career in healthcare management so I don't feel that it has been a handicap. Iam facinated by the frequent comments about food texture which is also really important to me. I often wonder what I taste and I am interested in the effect on memory ,although I think my memory is ok . I have just realized that I have never met or talked to anyone else with congenital anosmia and I am thrilled to have found this site and to have the opportunity to share the experience with others. I have never felt the need to conceal my anosmia but sometimes it is easier than to go through the interrogation. WHAT YOU CAN'T SMELL PERFUME? WHAT YOU CAN'T SMELL GARLIC? [and my partner is Italian]
vanessacolwell@hotmail.com, australia - 1 Sep 2001
How have you been making out with your sense of smell. Please let me know. My sense of smell left me Dec. 2000 after I have a severe case of the flu. Did you rectify the problem Please write me. Thank you. Gina
g.kalita@heritagelaw.com, Canada - 4 Sep 2001
Count me in among the anosmics who have seldom smelled anything, ever. When I say seldom, I mean almost never -- once or twice, I was able to experience a pungently sweet aroma by inhaling vigorously and directly against my soft palate (although I don't know if you'd call that "smelling," exactly). I enjoy and embrace my lack of smell -- don't miss it one bit. Though I am prone to certain paranoia, as some of you have mentioned, wondering whether or not I exude odors myself of which I am unaware. I worry not just about my person, but my abode as well -- and how helpful it would be to have an olfactory as well as visual cue to determine exactly when the catbox needs cleaning. And I suppose other experiences associated with taste have been muted for me as well -- the finer sensual pleasures of wine are lost on me (mostly, it all tastes the same), and even fruit drinks lose much of their distinction. And yet, the social advantages of anosmia seem unlimited. Trips via subway and taxi are always odor-free. And I am quick to point out to my friends and acquaintances that to me, they always smell as sweet as ever, and enjoin them to fart with impunity -- not that I would ever do such a thing. In a similar vein, I am always disappointed when I inform people that I do not smell, in that they fail to grasp this as an opportunity to make a joke . . .
Brian Fauth, USA - 4 Sep 2001
If you have anosmia from birth and have delayed or missing puberty, or fertility problems then there is a good chance you have Kallmanns Syndrome. It is hereditary, but the chances are that you may be the first in your family to have it. There is more information on www.hypohh.net and a thriving email support and information group of nearly 300 people on a yahoo egroup.
Jan, UK - 5 Sep 2001
WELL, MY STORY IS SHORT LIVED, AND I SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU ALL..I HAD A STRANGE COLD TYPE FLU/COLD VIRUS BACK BOUT 5 MONTHS AGO...IT LASTED LONGER THAN MOST, LOOSING MY SMELL AND TAST ABILITY, NOW THE DR TOOK ME OFF A MED WELBUTRIN, THINKING THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS SIDE EFFECT, AND THEN IT GOT OK, NOW IT'S GOING FAST, MADE CHILI TONITE, COULDN'T SMELL IT, NOR TASTE,,,SUCKS, BUT IT'S BETTER THAN OTHER DISEASES...NOW I'M GOING TO AN ENT DR IN A COUPLE WEEKS...ANY QUESTIONS I SHOULD ASK HIM?
kangel@excelonline.com, US - 7 Sep 2001
I've enjoyed reading your entries! I thought I was the only one who had always avoided scratch and sniff stickers! I'm 27 and have congenital anosmia as a result of Kallmann's syndrome. My parents first realized I couldn't smell when they found me playing on my grandparent's manure pile! I have the same fears/concerns about body odor, spoiled food, dirty diapers, natural gas, etc. Now that I have a baby, I feel that I have to be extra cautious. However, I am very thankful that if I had to miss a sense, it is a sense of smell. i work daily with hearing impaired people and witness their daily struggles to communicate with the people they love. The hurdles associated with the inability to smell, although sometime irritating, are relatively easily to overcome.
Dee, US - 8 Sep 2001
I`m writing on behalf of a Japanese friend. She suffers from anosmia, possibly as the result of a car accident last year. She is willing to travel abroad for treatment, but none of the homepages wehave looked at give any indication of success rates for treatment. Any information we could receive would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
sanomary@hotmail.com, Japan - 11 Sep 2001
Hi everyone , I have enjoyed reading some of the comments and this has made me feel that Iam not Alone. I have learned alot. I have had surgery 3 times already in removing my nose polyps. Iam scheduled on Sept 21 again for the 4th time in the removal of my nose polyps. What bothers me the most is not have the ability to smell nothing..For the past 20 years of my life I have not smelled anything. The only time was when I was given Predisone before surgery when i was on 12 tablets a day. I have tried accupunture and for a brief second on and off I was capable of smelling. I have also had food poisoning because I cannot taste flavour, I could only tell if it is sweet, sour,bitter,salty. Iam also epileptic so prehaps maybe a result of a head injure has caused this inability.No sense of smell effects your sex drive,memory,emotions, and life. I was home alone one winter night and we had the fire place on in the basement and I was upstairs watching tv and then my parents came home and they went in a panic because the whole house smelled like smoke. I wouldn't of sense danger until I seen it with my eyes. Having no sense of smell is like being blind in many ways. Thank you everyone . I will look into Kallmanns syndrome.
Joanne.calcagno@cibc.com, canada - 14 Sep 2001
I am a 63 year old male in good pretty good condition. I started losing my sense of smell and taste in May of this year 2001. I don't have any idea what could have caused this. I had been using a prescription medicine called Efudex a cream form of chemotherapy for Actinic Keratosis which is a precancerous skin condition. I also had been using sterling silver eating utensils the past two years, and had two molars removed by my dentist. I spoke with my doctor about what I have been experiencing and he was unable to find anything that could help me. He did prescibe 50mg zinc sulphate capsule once a day but it was of no help so far, and I stopped eating with the silver flatware and my dentist has no answer either. If anyone has any suggestions I am listening. Thanks
richard@pccofgalena.com, usa - 22 Sep 2001
Hello! I'm 66 years old and have congenital Anosmia. My story is the same as many on this web page---non belief by others, the slaps for burning food, what do I smell like to others and does my home smell nice to visitors. But I was the lucky one. I married 43 years ago a wonderful man who over the years has tried to explain smells and has always chosen my perfumes. When people comment "Oh you do smell nice" I take that as a compliment to my husband Michael and not me.Thank you Michael for taking such good care of that side of my life. Anosmia is familial, my neice Sandra who lives in Canada is also Anosmic, but up to now no other members of my family have been affected. Like many of you I have felt very alone and as I have grown older I sometimes wonder how different my life would have been with a fully operational nose. I know that there is no cure for Anosmia but that does not mean we should not keep trying to find one. My best wishes to you all. Zonya.
Zonya.michael.marsh@cwcom.net, England - 23 Sep 2001
My father has never been able to smell or taste many things. For example, he has a bed full of hybrid tea roses in front of his house, but he can barely smell the wonderful aromas that I can. In addition, he doesn't understand what people think is so great about salmon, since he can't taste the flavors. For this reason, he doesn't often go in for gourmet food, because he is unable to taste it. I just found out about anosmia over the summer at a neuroscience summer program, and I was interested in learning about it. Is it possible that it's selective?Great web site.
Anon., USA - 26 Sep 2001
Is there an herb that I can take that will help me to smell again? Or any drug that a doctor might prescribe? Please give me info . . .
jjehumphries@aol.com, USA - 2 Oct 2001
I also have congenital anosmia, but I had never known what it was called until coming to this site! It is a crazy thing-like others who have posted messages-I can smell things directly under my nose with a huge wiff, but most of the time cannot tell what it is. I can't pick a scent out of the air to save my life-and that pun is really no joke. I have written to many doctors who are supposed ear, nose and throat "specialists" yet none of them had any idea what I was talking about-the only thing they were on target about was the possibility of polyps. I was the pickiest eater as a kid-every meal had to be made separate for me or else I would go without food, and my parents could never understand why. As I've gotten older, however, my sense of smell has begun to gradually get better...I can smell a few more things (when right under my nose) than just peppermint leaves and nail polish remover. There are probably only a handful of things that I can distinguish the smell on, the rest is a mystery. My eating habits have improved, as well, I eat a great deal more of variety in my food than ever before...I think not having a sense of smell heightened my taste which is probably why my eating habits were so bad-too many bitter, bad tastes to be covered up. I seriously felt like a crack head or something but I am sooooo glad I found this site. I now know that I'm not the only one who is going through this (which I kinda figured I wouldn't be the ONLY one, but this IS extremely rare) and I don't feel so crazy. Some people seriously thought I was making it up for attention and it made me feel like complete dukey, so thank you for devoting a site with lots of helpful, CONFIRMING information-it really is appreciated when you don't know where else to turn.
foste1ar@hotmail.com, USA - 2 Oct 2001
My 12-yr old son has what seems to be congenital anosmia, diagnosed only recently. He is able to 'taste the air' somewhat (his term) and seems to detect certain odours that way, although the list is short. I have been taking him to a cranial-sacral therapist whose skill lies in re-aligning skeletal mis-alignments. I don't know much about this field, but we're hoping that something positive will come of it. If his anosmia is the result of an injury or birth trauma, she may be able to acheive some success. If the olfactory nerve has been damaged as a result of injury or trauma it may take up to a year for it to recover after the pressure is relieved. I will advise readers further if we have been able to report any improvement.
debsudul@home.com, Canada - 4 Oct 2001
My 12-yr old son has what seems to be congenital anosmia, diagnosed only recently. He is able to 'taste the air' somewhat (his term) and seems to detect certain odours that way, although the list is short. I have been taking him to a cranial-sacral therapist whose skill lies in re-aligning skeletal mis-alignments. I don't know much about this field, but we're hoping that something positive will come of it. If his anosmia is the result of an injury or birth trauma, she may be able to acheive some success. If the olfactory nerve has been damaged as a result of injury or trauma it may take up to a year for it to recover after the pressure is relieved. I will advise readers further if we have been able to report any improvement.
debsudul@home.com, Canada - 4 Oct 2001
I am a 29 year-old male with congenital anosmia. I've been reading all of those who reported the possiblity of head trauma and I too remember landing on my head on concrete at the age of 5 or 6. However, I am pretty sure that my condition is genetic as my father and his 4 brothers/sisters cannot smell. Unfortunately, I am the only cousin (out of 18) that cannot smell. Incidentally, both of my grandparents could smell. While this web-site has been comforting in that I can identify with so many of the stories that have been shared, I must admit that I am a little bit frustrated with the apparent lack of understanding, causes, and treatment possibilities within the medical community. I would think that something that affects 1-2% of the population would have some history of clinical study. Finally, I am unclear on one thing. While I cannot smell ANYTHING I do get a burning sensation when confronted with concentrated (or anhydrous) ammonia. I have always assumed that this is a pain response and not a sense of smell. Anyone with an explanation please reply?Also, do most health care plans cover MRI's and treatment for anosmia?
mmulholland@hotmail.com, U.S.A. - 7 Oct 2001
, - 11 Oct 2001
Hello family! I say that because I've never met anyone with my problem - or even knew it had a name. I feel like I know you all! I've done all the things you have. I believe I lost my sense of smell after an operation to remove my tonsils when I was five. The last thing I REALLY remember smelling strongly was the ether (or whatever) in the mask they put over my face to put me to sleep before the operation. I went to a doctor but he never even said it had a name - just that I was probably born that way and there's nothing I could do. Doctors that stick up for each other like that probably have a hard time sleeping at night! What worries me is that my kids could be put in danger because of my lack of smell. I don't dare tell them though because my preteen might think she can start smoking and I won't be able to tell! lol Any comments or things that may have worked for anyone would be appreciated.
fuzzy@ot.com, USA - 12 Oct 2001
This is wierd. I was looking up something else and found this site. Growing up, I never could smell things. I just always thought it was a blessing. I have a strong sense of taste but texture is very, very important to me. Things like fruit, because of the texture, are just things I cannot eat. In reading some comments, I see a definate link. I'm 35 now and have been able to smell really strong things for about 5 years now. I don't know why but I just started being able to smell one day. Much of the time I can tell I'm smelling something but can't really tell you what it is. My sons all smell fine and think it's really wierd that I can't smell...or as I say, "I don't smell too good!" ha! Thanks for this site. I just always thought I was a wierdo...didn't know I was just one of many! ha!
, - 15 Oct 2001
Hi my name is Jenn and I am doing a reasearch project on anosmia.Through talking to many people eith this disorder, I believe I have discovered a common link between anosmia and the use of Zithromax/Rhinocort. If anyone has ANY information or past experience, please contact me ASAP.
mrsbocelli!, usa - 16 Oct 2001
Hi my name is Mike, I am 22 years old and I have never been able to smell. I have also never met anyone who like myself could not smell. Most people do not believe me when I tell them. My friends and family always forget but I do not care because it is not normal. I remember when I first realized in Kindergarden when the other kids used to love the scratch and smell stickers and scented markers and I had no idea what they were talking about when they said that it smells good. But if you had to be without one sense I am sure that most people would choose the sense of smell. Who knows maybe we all have a greater purose in life not being able to smell. Everyone thinks that I am weird but I am glad that there are many others out there like me.
michew27@hotmail, USA - 18 Oct 2001
I am 18 years old, and in my psychology class we are learning the different funtctions of your senses. Of i get the one that does me no good,the nose. I told my teacher i had anosmia, and he was just in awww. This happend to me when i was 10 and i had a operation to fix the cartliage in my nose, while up there they damaged something. So least i know i am not alone, in this situation.
sweetma18@hotmail.com, usa - 19 Oct 2001
My hart goes out to all of you and your loved ones.Today my son picked up a flower and put it up to his nose to smell. He must have seen this on tv somewhere. He is 2 1/2 years old and will never be able to smell. We know because he had a MRI , where they found that he does not have olfactory bulbs. It was almost braking my hart,but as I read all off your comments it does not seem to bother anyone to bad.
bineplumpi@hotmail.com, US - 20 Oct 2001
This is to Jenn (mrsbocellil) I wanted to reply back to you but you did not put your emial. I started having colds or sinus problems in Oct 2000 and lasted till 04 2001. I was given Zithromax 250mg tabs at least 3 times during that time. I was wondering while doing your paper if you learned anything about this drug. I was going to email you but like I said there is not one.
tkitts@riviana.com, usa - 29 Oct 2001
i am 35 years of age i am asphmatic i had a bad chest infection 8 months ago i had steriods and antibiotics but since then i got no smell only now and then i get like an amonia smell and taste which makes me very paranoid.i been to E.N.T today and they examined me said it was all ok but i got to go for a scan i just hope it is not to long because now i am afraid of what it can be any advise wpould be appriciated thank you my name is lisa my e mail,is lisa63@btinternet.com bye for now cant wait to hear from you xxx
united kingdom, lisa63@btinternet.com - 1 Nov 2001
Hello ... I am not a Congenital Anosmic, but would like to drop a few lines. Max, this is such a wonderful site - well done! This site allows a possibility for NON-anosmics to learn a little and hopefully could understand more of this disorder. I suffer from hyposmia (reduced sense of smell) after a severe cold in July 1999. I am now set to go to the Taste and Smell Clinic in Washington DC. The clinic has had many successes in treating patients that have been told having irreversible conditions. I'm not sure whether the clinic has treated any congenital anosmia, but in case anyone is interested the site is www.tasteandsmell.com
anthy@pub.sz.jsinfo.net, China - 4 Nov 2001
Some postings suggest that they became anosmics after a HEAD INJURY. I know that the clinic has treated such conditions with success. For VIRAL anosmics such as myself, spontaneous recovery is also POSSIBLE! Last year everything smelled and tasted badly distorted and I am now regaining the senses back, although still not 100%. This what I hope can be corrected further more at the clinic. All the best to you all.
- anthy, again -, - 4 Nov 2001
I have twenty years old and this year I find out that I have Kalmman's Syndrome. I know that this means, but I want to know if there are other treatement tehniques, except the clasic one whit testosterone. What is hereditary rate of this syndrome? Am I fertile or infertile? Please send me some answers to my e-mail: martiang1ro@yahoo.com
martiang1ro@yahoo.com, Romania - 9 Nov 2001
I lost my sense of smell and taste In May 2000, when I had bronchitis and pneumonia. I was given Zithromax. I have been told by two doctors that this was probably caused by the medication. Please contact me if anyone has had the same thing happen to them. They should have told us that this was a possible side effect so we could have made our own decision if we wanted to take such a risk. I would appreciate any help in finding others like me. Thank you.
aboulger@aol.com, USA - 10 Nov 2001
This message is for Jenn (mrsbocelli). How is your research project coming along? I was given Zithromax and lost my snese of smell & taste. I am very interested in finding out what you have discovered in your research project. Please communicate asap to my e-mail address. Thank you. I would appreciate any info you can provide. Anita
aboulger@aol.com, USA - 11 Nov 2001
Hi, im 18 years old and havent had a sense of smell for as long as i can rememeber. I dont seem to have any problems with taste but the doctor told me that i probably wouldnt have as good a taste as others that could smell. Ive never really cared too much about not being able to smell until recently when ive been talking alot more about it with my friends and family. Its quite hard to imagine what smelling is like. I can smell really strong things like nail polish remover if it is right under my nose but the doctor explained to me that that was actually pain not smell. Its kind of relieving to see that other people have this too as it would be good to talk to others that have it because i have never met anyone that has. I would appreciate any emails from people wanting to talk about it. Thanks
kelscoops@hotmail.com, New Zealand - 11 Nov 2001
Here's a great story : I am 17, anosmic, and spend my summers working at the local zoo. One day, my boss took a croup of my coworkers and I outside to the "Break Area". We were all sitting on this old picnic table, when suddenly, someone asked, "Eew, What's that smell?" I, of course didn't answer. My boss replied, "Hey Kate, pick up that plastic bag." I did as I was told, because I was the closest one to it. I gave it to him, and out of about six layers of plastic bags he pulls out...SKUNK URINE!!! Skunks spray people with their pee, that's why it smells so bad. But what kills me is that I untied the bag it was in and stuck my nose right over it and still got nothing. AM I JUST LUCKY OR TERRIBLY UNFORTUNATE?!?!? My boss said that he wouldn't even put the pee in his harley saddlebag because it smelled so bad. But what's even weirder is that I can smell only certain things - but I have to be really concentrating hard. Hope Y'all get a kick out of my story...Feel free to email me. This is way too cool to pass up.
UnicornMalina@aol.com, USA - 12 Nov 2001
At age 60, and evidently not having as much to worry about as I have in my earlier years, not ever having the sense of smell or taste is now important to me. I too thought if you couldn't smell, you couldn't taste. I recognize salty, bitter, sweet but rely on texture as whether I like a food or not. I love to cook, but do it only by a receipe. I've done the usual burning foods while in the same room, etc. My other quirky thing is that I have always fainted easily. I did not see this in any other letters. Thanks for this website. If there is a cure, I would love to try it or at least know this was something I would have to live with. Thanks sb
sbyrd@terragon.com, USA - 15 Nov 2001
I am nearly 20 years old and all my life I have not been able to smell (and hardly taste) anything. As you all know, there's nothing more frustrating than having your friends, parents and significant others not only inquire about your lack of senses but just flat out to not believe you. (Wouldn't I know if I could or could not smell??) Up until a friend stumbled upon this website, I didn't know what it was called or if I was alone. I know most of you would like to know what things smell and taste like, but not me. I like being unique in this way (it's not like it's a fad everyone can copy) and let's face it, there's a LOT of things in this world I'm sure we're all glad we don't have to smell!! In any case, I'm glad that my friend found this site for me and it will definately help explain to all those other "5-sense" people that having 3 and 1/2 senses isn't such a bad thing!! If anyone wants to share any stories, please feel free to email me!!
hyk@purdue.edu, USA - 16 Nov 2001
Hi My name is Anthony I,am 32 years old. I was in a accident two years ago. And lost my sence of smell. The doctor said I would never smell again. Because I severd a nerve in my brain. What I wouldnt give to smell again. Im allways hoping that maybe the nerve will grow back by it self. For all you pepole out there who suffer Anosmia hang in there maybe some doctor will find a cure. If any one out there is going threw the same thing send me a email. ANTHONY
CHERIMCCULLOUGH@home.com, USA - 23 Nov 2001
Hi My name is Anthony I,am 32 years old. I was in a accident two years ago. And lost my sence of smell. The doctor said I would never smell again. Because I severd a nerve in my brain. What I wouldnt give to smell again. Im allways hoping that maybe the nerve will grow back by it self. For all you pepole out there who suffer Anosmia hang in there maybe some doctor will find a cure. If any one out there is going threw the same thing send me a email. ANTHONY
CHERIMCCULLOUGH@home.com, USA - 23 Nov 2001
Good to see there's a internet devoted to people with no sense of smell - I'm a congenital anosmic - I've never been able to smell anything. Does anyone know what causes this? No-one else in my family is anosmic, in fact I don't know anyone else who is. Is it common? Having never had a sense of smell I've never really missed it, and it can have its advantages - I love hot spicy food, and I think not being able to smell enables me to happily munch through a phaal with no problems! I don't know if it actually effects my taste - it probably does as I never seem able to really savour a nice meal, but then again I've never known any different. One thing I have noticed is that food doesn't taste any different when I've got a cold, and apparently it should do.It does have its disadvantages - not being able to detect smoke until it's in my eyes is potentially dangerous combined with my forgetfulness - I tend to put something under the grill and not remember about it until the smoke alarm starts going off!If I could smell just one thing, It'd be pot smoke - Everyone says its a lovely smell.
Lucky Jim, UK - 24 Nov 2001
I am doing some research. I was hoping that a person who had the sense of smell and who unfortunately lost this sense would email me and possibly describe some of the emotions around this loss. I understand this may be difficult. Thank you anosmia community. R Day, Ph.D.
US, rday116055@cs.com - 30 Nov 2001
I'm 49 years of age and have never been able to smell. My younger brother, age 48 has the same condition. Of the six siblings we are the only two with anosmia. There are three older and one younger. Mom had a miscarraige just before my conception. She told me it was due to the house be painted during her pregnancy. We cannot find anyone else in our family, past or present that has this condition.I have never received rude comments when telling about the lack of smell. Most of the time people want to know more. It is an opportunity to educate people. I am, by the way an elementary teacher. Health and Science classes are energized with discussions and the elimination of incorrect information about the five, not four senses.If I had to lose one of the five senses this would be the one. My brother alerted me to this site. We are both excited to learn so much. Thank you for your hard work.
Paul, USA - 6 Dec 2001
I've already posted my experiences above.. they are just like everyone else's. I just thought I'd share a funny thing: I was at work sharing a raspberry danish with co-workers, and I told them there was coconut in it. I could feel it as I chewed. They insisted they would be able to taste it, and there was no way I could detect something they couldn't. Well, we checked the ingredients, and sure enough, coconut! Just a little reminder that we can compensate for our "disability" and the nosmic don't have all the answers!
Steph, USA - 9 Dec 2001
I have not been able to smell or breath. I though I had allergies, but one of my problems were blisters in my nose, for years. That turned out to be the herpes viris. I am using Nystatin ointment in my nose. 2 Times a day, and it is helping so far. Most sinus problems is from a fungus (bad germs)and the Nystatin put good germs in your nose. Try it, only about 13.00 dollars a 30g tube.
USA, bettysister@aol.com - 12 Dec 2001
I am 31 and my wife finaly looked this up on the web. It is so funny to read the experiences of others - faking smelling, thinking you'll learn to smell, paranoid you or your home smells, eating bad foods(especially fearful of milk), meeting new people and having the same discusion you have had 1 million times (Yes I can taste!). I actuall found out I had anosmia in 91. There was an article in a magazine (I think OMNI), that had the cover. It was on Anosmia, people who couldn't smell but could taste. They even explained why typicaly you can only smell gas or oranges. Hey that was me! Anyway I have never had the sense of smell so I don't miss it. Heck if you have to loose a sense I pick smell. Merry Christmas to all the Anomiacs
dmarkham@jl-pb.com, Portland, OR - 18 Dec 2001
I love my sense of smell!! =]
fakeaddress@aol.com, USA - 18 Dec 2001
I'm 16 and I've never been able to smell and neither has my father. It never really bothered me until a few years ago. I used to pretend I could smell things but I finnally got sick of pretending. Now I get so frustrated when people ask me to smell things, and i have to explain that i can't smell ANYTHING. People at school who know think I'm lying to get attention, it's so unfair! I love to hear people explain what things smell like, even though I have no idea what they are talking about. My mom tries to explain smells through what food tastes like, but it doesn't help. And just recently i was amazed to find out that coconut has a taste! I never ate it because it tasted like shreded paper, but my mom told me it tasted sweet. I was mad. I guess that means that all this time I though I had a full sense of taste that it was really limited the whole time. I am also very self-conscience about my odor, I'm always washing my clothes, take my deodorant everywhere, and always carry breath ments. The funny things are when I make my mom sniff all the shampoos and conditioners to find the best one. And when people ask me what something smells like, I say "peaches".:-)
blueangel833@aol.com, usa - 20 Dec 2001
I came upon your site last night but didn’t dare write coz I felt shy that I’m not a congenital anosmic. I used to have a very keen sense of smell. I’m not even sure if I’m losing it, I just know that roughly two years ago I started noticing a scent which seemed to follow me wherever I went, it was the smell of powder (I guess like cyriak@cris.com or boadicea_regit@hotmail.com). After a few months I told some friends who found it amusing. No one took me seriously, neither did I at the beginning. Then I discovered that other strong scents/odors would follow me like a cloud for days. For example, I could for weeks “hold?the smell of smoked barbecue chips or cat piss (I have 8 cats). When this happens, I would generally not smell anything, but when asked to sniff something (like perfume) I will only remember the strong scent of either the powder or chips or cat piss. It seemed like I had locked away in my memory the certain scent and when called upon to smell something else, I have no other memory of anything else but that scent. It freaked me out but since it didn’t really bother my day-to-day life, except occasionally being the butt of jokes, I paid no real attention. The other day, a friend gave me a bouquet of scented artifical flowers which was so strong, all my other friends complained it was getting them dizzy. I plunged my head into the bouquet but smelled nothing. They couldn’t believe it. It was only an hour after when I detected a soft floral perfume, very light, somewhat muted. Over dinner that evening, everyone noticed how I was putting too much salt on my food. Is there a connection? I am a heavy smoker and for a time I reasoned to myself that maybe the powder scent was that of smoke which my brain somehow processed incorrectly. Am I losing my sense of smell or is it the other way around? I’m 37 and ha
gisellemaceremo@hotmail.com, Philippines - 23 Dec 2001
What a great site! I can see why you didn't call it "Anosmic's anonymous" though - bit of a mouthfull. When I was a boy I thought I couldn't smell because my constant allergies had just kept my nose blocked. Then in my teens when I finally found something to sort out my allergies, I figured I just hadn't learnt to smell and it would come with time. I used to do the "pretending to smell" thing, and if I heard someone dropping a fart I would do everything in my power to embarrass the fartee by moaning about the stench (typical kid comment - "What crawled up THERE and died?"). I even remember fibbing on my chemistry O'Level exam, saying I had identified hydrogen sulphide by its rotten eggy smell. As an adult, my only real problem has been the time I nearly gassed myself (with a gas cooker, not a flatulence problem) in a student house I lived in at Uni. My sense of taste doesn't seem too bad though. I seem to like the same stuff other people like, and have good taste in wines and ales, although I can't seem to taste garlic, olive oil, or subtle herbs in food, but am generall pretty unpicky. As a 32 year old congenital-anosmic, the most annoying comment I keep hearing is "You MUST be able to smell THIS", and I am campaigning for the right to flatten the nose of anyone else who says this to me.
karl.anderson@bigfoot.com, England - 27 Dec 2001
I am 22 and have never been able to smell and I think I finally admitted this to myself when I was in my late teens. I was also delivered with forceps. I pretended that I could smell I guess so I would fit in, but finally decided to just deal with it. My friends and family are always forgetting and ask me to smell something, but I just glare at them and they finally remember. My parents even forget at times! It comes in handy though because I work at a vet's office and I am always given the nasty smelling jobs and it doesn't bother me at all. It also affects my sense of taste. I can taste bitter, sour, salty, sweet and spicy things, but I can't detect other differences in flavors like vanilla vs. chocolate or strawberry jello vs. lemon jello. I am very picky and rely more on texture than anything else. Most people cannot believe it and feel sorry for me, but I don't really know what I'm missing. I do worry about burning the house down with my cooking and eating spoiled food someday and I do wish I had a better sense of taste. People are always asking if I am going to have it fixed, but I don't really see a reason to even try really because I think it would be very overwhelming to be bombarded with an abundance of unfamiliar stimuli. It's something I've just learned to live with.
acdelano@hotmail.com, US - 4 Jan 2002
I have been taking Tavergil Tablets (containing clamestine 1mg each) for a sinus condition since early teen years and I have next to no sense of smell, a side effect un-heard of by the company producing the tablet. But after reading the coments on this site I think it's entirely possible it isn't a side effect and it is infact congenial. Reading others stories has made me think about many new angles to the whole subject and made me feel much better about talking about it. Thanks guys!
TheTalon@Hotmail.com, England - 4 Jan 2002
I was involved in an automobile accident 11 months ago. My airbag deployed and I was hit in the face by it. The injury wasn't severe and I didn't think I had been injured. A couple of weeks after the accident I lost my sense of smell. I have been to doctors and was told that it may have been the airbag. I am seeking the advice of a lawyer on this matter. Has anyone else had something similar happen to them. I would appreciate any information.
gvsingleton@mindspring.com, USA - 4 Jan 2002
Funny, like everyone else my sister and I thought we were just strange. I can smell very little, she can not smell at all. We both love spicey food, the hotter the better. I can smell sometimes a little and then I loose it. There are five others in my family and my sister and I are the only ones with this condition. Tomorrow I am going for septoplasty to fix my deviated septum. I told the doctor about not being able to smell and he was not very interested and said the surgery probably would not fix that. I only found out about anosmia by searching about septoplasty. I do have to laugh at people who ask me to smell things I know I will nto be able to. I dont get offended tho since it is a pretty strange thing. It can be scary not to be able to smell gas or fire. I did once wake up New Years day to a small fire in my house that I had no idea about and my sister once was in a house that had a gas leak and had no idea until someone else entered the house. Well anyway its nice to know it has a name--Nice to meet you all....Laurel
laurel, usa - 8 Jan 2002
What a great site! I am just in the learning stages of Anosmia. I have not been able to smell very well all my life. As another submitter pointed out, it was just so much easier to pretend I could smell the skunk on the road then have everyone comment on my weird lack of a normal ability. I didn't really think about not being able to smell until about 4 years ago, now I want to learn all I can. I can't smell excrement, body oder, smoke or many other things. I will be able to dully smell flowers and some perfumes only if it is right under my nose. So perplexing to me since I have not had any sort of accident or surgery, although I am usually a mouth breather since I feel I can't get a deep breath just through my nose. Thanks for this web site! It's great.
sarah, USA - 13 Jan 2002
i am stupid and paranoid. i think i cant smell anymore. how stupid am i? i need help. please email me, or post ur message. thanks
alyson, usa - 14 Jan 2002
i am stupid and paranoid. i think i cant smell anymore. how stupid am i? i need help. please email me, or post ur message. thanks
alyson, usa - 14 Jan 2002
Alyson - what is your email address? In any case, no, you are not stupid for thinking you can't smell anymore. Even if you are mistaken, there is nothing wrong with wondering, as long as you don't get too worried about it. But many people do lose their sense of smell, and it is usually a difficult and frightening experience. If you go to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist), he can do a diagnostic test to find out how well you can smell. There are also a couple of web-based discussion forums for people with anosmia, where you may find more help and advice:the group at , and the one at .
joel@adeney.co.uk, USA - 16 Jan 2002
I am 31 years old and have not been able to smell for (atleast) the last three years. I say "atleast" because after reading these other posts, I'm thinking back to many instances where I've been unable to smell.It's only been since the birth of my son that I've been motivated to do anything about it. My lack of smell has never bothered me before but when a close friend of mine was holding my baby, she made the comment, "I love the way babies smell." And...well, as you can imagine, that breaks my heart.I finally went to an ENT this morning. I am scheduled for a C-SCAN tomorrow morning. My doctor (Dr. Zukerman in Irvine, CA) told me that he was unable to see any polyps in my nasal cavity. Typically, he said, polyps are visible but that there may be a chance that there is one that is deep inside of my nasal cavity.He also mentioned that it may be a tumor.Granted, he did say it was a very extreme possibility. I more or less tuned out at this point thinking of that slim possibility.If there is any sign of a mass, I will be scheduled for a MRI next.I've been doing some research on this subject and there really isn't too much out there.Also, important to note, I've been experiencing some tremmers in my hands and tingling sensation in my jaw and neck area. I've discounted all of these feelings as fatigue of my arm muscles due to holding my 20 lb. baby. And I just started taking new vitamins and thought that the tingling might be from a sensativity to a particular vitamin.I will post in a few days once I know more. If any one has similar experiences or would just like to share, please feel free to send me an email.Thanks for listening.Mia
brasil_71@yahoo.com, United States - 29 Jan 2002
I am a 50 year old woman who has always prided herself on having a great sense of smell. Four and a half months ago I fell against a wall and hit the back of my head. I did see stars for a short time and ended up with a bump on the back of my head. A couple of weeks after this incident, I noticed that I couldn't smell many things and other things smelled bad, like sour dish rags, or burnt coffee. I can smell a few things accurately like lemon and some spices but I cannot smell garlic, gasoline, onions, smoke ect. Hoping that my sense of smell will come back, I haven't gone to a doctor yet but am getting increasingly annoyed by this problem. I also have phantom smells like hairspray or natural gas, which come and go. I found this site very interesting as I was very puzzled by my symptoms. I would welcome any suggestions or comments. Thanks, Laurie
lauriekdohrn@avenew.com, USA - 13 Feb 2002
hi i dont really understand this page bc i dont think it makes sense so all in all i think it sucks sorry for a bad comment
reddevil967@hotmail.com, Sweden - 14 Feb 2002
i am on drugs so i cant smell bc i sniffed to much.....
, afganistan - 14 Feb 2002
Hi. I’m 40 and have congenital anosmia. Like many of you, I had trouble convincing people (parents included) that I couldn’t smell. When I was in elementary school I thought “Who cut the cheese??was some kind of inside joke. In a way I guess it was. Here’s a question for all of you: Have you ever found yourself slow to bond romantically possibly due to being unresponsive to the scent of another person? I imagine pheromones are an important part of physical attraction. Also I have nasal polyps. Someone told me that nasal polyps and congenital anosmia could indicate a ‘foreshortened prefrontal lobe?(not sure if that’s the right term) which would mean the part of the brain that processes smells simply isn’t there. That’s quite a provocative possibility because it could indicate an evolutionary step as one reader suggested. In terms of brain function and intelligence I’m above average and also have savant-like moments that are like temporary peaks in intelligence and insight. I’m curious if any one else has similar experiences.
John mindware01@aol.com, USA - 19 Feb 2002
Hi, I'm 25 years old and have never been able to smell, nor has my father. My story sounds a lot like everyone else's on here with the fear of having a gas stove, body odor, the scent in my apartment, etc. I wanted to response to John who asked if the inability to smell interfered with romantic possiblities. I have wondered the same thing. Sometimes I think it inhibits my ability to get truly intimate with someone. My last boyfriend loved the smell of vanilla. I used to use this particular vanilla-scented perfume for him, but I never knew if I was using enough. Finally, one day, my friends confronted me and told me I smelled horrible as I had been putting on way too much perfume. Since then, I'm even more paranoid. Although I do wish I had the ability to smell, a friend once told me how when people smell somethign good, the scent stays with them only for a moment, but bad smells stick with you for a lot longer, especially if they are terribly bad. That thought somehow comforted me that perhaps not having a sense of smell wasn't that bad. I also think it's sad that more research hasn't been done on this.
kafunder@hotmail.com, USA - 28 Feb 2002
Hi, I'm 25 years old and have never been able to smell, nor has my father. My story sounds a lot like everyone else's on here with the fear of having a gas stove, body odor, the scent in my apartment, etc. I wanted to response to John who asked if the inability to smell interfered with romantic possiblities. I have wondered the same thing. Sometimes I think it inhibits my ability to get truly intimate with someone. My last boyfriend loved the smell of vanilla. I used to use this particular vanilla-scented perfume for him, but I never knew if I was using enough. Finally, one day, my friends confronted me and told me I smelled horrible as I had been putting on way too much perfume. Since then, I'm even more paranoid. Although I do wish I had the ability to smell, a friend once told me how when people smell somethign good, the scent stays with them only for a moment, but bad smells stick with you for a lot longer, especially if they are terribly bad. That thought somehow comforted me that perhaps not having a sense of smell wasn't that bad. I also think it's sad that more research hasn't been done on this.
kafunder@hotmail.com, USA - 28 Feb 2002
Hi, I'm 25 years old and have never been able to smell, nor has my father. My story sounds a lot like everyone else's on here with the fear of having a gas stove, body odor, the scent in my apartment, etc. I wanted to response to John who asked if the inability to smell interfered with romantic possiblities. I have wondered the same thing. Sometimes I think it inhibits my ability to get truly intimate with someone. My last boyfriend loved the smell of vanilla. I used to use this particular vanilla-scented perfume for him, but I never knew if I was using enough. Finally, one day, my friends confronted me and told me I smelled horrible as I had been putting on way too much perfume. Since then, I'm even more paranoid. Although I do wish I had the ability to smell, a friend once told me how when people smell somethign good, the scent stays with them only for a moment, but bad smells stick with you for a lot longer, especially if they are terribly bad. That thought somehow comforted me that perhaps not having a sense of smell wasn't that bad. I also think it's sad that more research hasn't been done on this.
kafunder@hotmail.com, USA - 28 Feb 2002
I'm a 39 year old male who lost my sense of smell about a year ago. I remember having a head cold and never regaining my sense of smell or taste afterwards. My taste for foods is undesireable such as cola, chocolate, bread, peanut butter, sweets etc. Every so often I get a sense of smell that I can only describe as breast fed baby diapers. I have had a CT scan and a MRI, both showing nothing. My ENT specialist refered me to a Neurologist who gave me a word for this problem..Anosmia. He is going to review the xrays from the CT scan and MRI to see if there is any clear picture of any injury to the cranial nerve. In the meantime, he is asking for a blood test of B12 and suggesting that I begin the use of a Multi containing Zinc. I am looking for more info from someone with like symptoms. Thanks, Randy
lbengtson@kcnet.com, usa - 3 Mar 2002
My husband lost his sense of smell after repeated exposure to various chemicals at his workplace. He is 64 and was exposed to paints, etc. before exposure to certain chemicals was closely regulated. Great site!
danenproud@yahoo.com, USA - 9 Mar 2002
Wow! I had no idea that there were so many people with this condition!
Android 13912256@aol.com, US - 10 Mar 2002
in may 2001 i had a serious sinus infection, was given a number of different perscriptions,and after 6 weeks or so found that i had lostmost of my smell and taste.then march of 2002 i came down with another sinus infection, diegnosed as sinusidus. was given sulfa drugs for 10 days, during taking them began to expirence almost unbearable nausea, and have much less smell and taste than i had last year. it's quite frustrating and am looking for amswers, as are many other people.i was encouraged by this sight to find that there many more people like me out there.
streets@tds.net, usa - 15 Mar 2002
Mi nombre es Yeny, Yo tengo anosmia desde mi nacimineto y no le he dicho a nadie sobre esta enfermedad por que siento que no me van a creer. Siempre que me dicen que huela algo me hago la desentendida o invento que tengo gripa o algo as?para evitar hablar de eso. Aunque muchas veces he sentido envidia de saber como es el olor de las cosas, tambien he pensado que es un privilegio tener anosmia puesto que muchas veces uno no discrimina a las personas o a los animales por su olor en cambio si puede valorarlas.
jeinnny@latinmail.com, Colombia - 15 Mar 2002
Mi nombre es Yeny, Yo tengo anosmia desde mi nacimineto y no le he dicho a nadie sobre esta enfermedad por que siento que no me van a creer. Siempre que me dicen que huela algo me hago la desentendida o invento que tengo gripa o algo as?para evitar hablar de eso. Aunque muchas veces he sentido envidia de saber como es el olor de las cosas, tambien he pensado que es un privilegio tener anosmia puesto que muchas veces uno no discrimina a las personas o a los animales por su olor en cambio si puede valorarlas.
jeinnny@latinmail.com, Colombia - 15 Mar 2002
Hi All,As far as i know i have never actually been able to smell. I had a sinus operation when i was younger and feel that that might be the cause of it, otherwise i must have had it since i was born. It is a pain not being able to smell but the most annoying thing i find is when people don't understand. I love this site as i don't feel so alone. I would love to have e-mail contact with some of you as it will be someone to talk toon those depressing days.Bye 4 now XxX
amber.kett@talk21.com aged 17, Uk - 15 Mar 2002
I have always had an extremely sensitive nose(smell), my friends would be amazed at the smells i could detect. However in November of 2001 things started to smell very strange. Everything smelled bad, I also had a bad taste in my mouth. Then in December I got a really bad cold, it lasted several weeks. Since I have not been able to smell anything. Well maybe a slight scent if put directly under my nose, like perfume but not things like garlic or onions. Needless to say I can only taste salt, sweet, and sour. I'll be seeing an ENT next week. I guess I'll find out then.
mmchenry@optonline.net, usa - 19 Mar 2002
Hello: I'm a 40 year old male who has Congenital Anosmia. Although there is little hop of every restoring a sense of smell, I will be undergoing a septoplasty procedure in about a week. The surgeon does not expect it to make any difference but I am still hopeful. Will keep this board posted.Cheers T.I.
tiw@earthlink.net, USA - 21 Mar 2002
After several years of sinus infections, my sense of smell decreased about a year ago. In February of this year I had a bad cold on top of another sinus infection and have not been able to smell or taste normally sense. I use Flonase, Clarinex and decongestants daily and have been very distressed about my keen sense of smell and taste. Certain smells come through, like coffee brewing, but the smell is altered and strange. I have had breakthrough tastes of different things. I have an allergist and an ENT doctor who seem unconcerned that my smell and taste have been gone for almost 6 weeks. It is very depressing to think it may never return, but reading some of the entries makes me wonder if the mold in my work place is affecting me and another woman who is experiencing the exact same thing. Anyone know of such? I am on allergy shots and every medicine possible for allergy and it doesn't seem to help. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
kayletkgb@yahoo.com, USA - 26 Mar 2002
I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments. My twin sister and I both were born with anosima. We went through life thinking our nose wasn't as sensitive as everyone elses. We missed alot of school between 5th-8th grade, taking care of our mother. I always thought we missed the class on "how to smell". We didn't suspect anything until we were 18 years old. Refinishing furniture in an unventilated room and then a month later my sister and I painted our bedroom walls(with the door and windows shut) and not reacting to the fumes bothered my mom. That's when our family took a more active interest. I was finally tested when I was 23. It was a simple test done by an ENT--"smelling" 6 different scents and tasting 5 items on various parts of my tongue. I failed all but one test. Through deduction, I figured the brown liquid was vanilla extract since it reminded me of ice cream and I used to made ice cream from scratch. The Dr. said that 10% of our taste buds are working at 100% capacity which is why we can detect salt, sweet, bitter and spicy. My sister and I are both picky eaters. Most of my food is cooked bland since I'm always afraid of adding too much seasonings/spices. We both have children who CAN smell. As soon as they were able to talk, we did our own smell/taste tests. Our kids never had diaper rash since we were always checking them every 10 minutes or so. I do, however, take sadistic pleasure in watching my son and husband gag when the cats take a "wicked dump" in the litter box. Then I calmly walk in, take a deep breath and clean up the mess while calling them wimps. Everything is electric in our house except for the dryer. We have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and I always user a timer when cooking. Leftovers are always labeled with a date and when in doubt, the food is tossed. Like almost everyone els
dnolan@uillinois.edu, USA (Illinois) - 26 Mar 2002
I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments. My twin sister and I both were born with anosima. We went through life thinking our nose wasn't as sensitive as everyone elses. We missed alot of school between 5th-8th grade, taking care of our mother. I always thought we missed the class on "how to smell". We didn't suspect anything until we were 18 years old. Refinishing furniture in an unventilated room and then a month later my sister and I painted our bedroom walls(with the door and windows shut) and not reacting to the fumes bothered my mom. That's when our family took a more active interest. I was finally tested when I was 23. It was a simple test done by an ENT--"smelling" 6 different scents and tasting 5 items on various parts of my tongue. I failed all but one test. Through deduction, I figured the brown liquid was vanilla extract since it reminded me of ice cream and I used to made ice cream from scratch. The Dr. said that 10% of our taste buds are working at 100% capacity which is why we can detect salt, sweet, bitter and spicy. My sister and I are both picky eaters. Most of my food is cooked bland since I'm always afraid of adding too much seasonings/spices. We both have children who CAN smell. As soon as they were able to talk, we did our own smell/taste tests. Our kids never had diaper rash since we were always checking them every 10 minutes or so. I do, however, take sadistic pleasure in watching my son and husband gag when the cats take a "wicked dump" in the litter box. Then I calmly walk in, take a deep breath and clean up the mess while calling them wimps. Everything is electric in our house except for the dryer. We have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and I always user a timer when cooking. Leftovers are always labeled with a date and when in doubt, the food is tossed. Like almost everyone els
dnolan@uillinois.edu, USA (Illinois) - 27 Mar 2002
I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments. My twin sister and I both were born with anosima. We went through life thinking our nose wasn't as sensitive as everyone elses. We missed alot of school between 5th-8th grade, taking care of our mother. I always thought we missed the class on "how to smell". We didn't suspect anything until we were 18 years old. Refinishing furniture in an unventilated room and then a month later my sister and I painted our bedroom walls(with the door and windows shut) and not reacting to the fumes bothered my mom. That's when our family took a more active interest. I was finally tested when I was 23. It was a simple test done by an ENT--"smelling" 6 different scents and tasting 5 items on various parts of my tongue. I failed all but one test. Through deduction, I figured the brown liquid was vanilla extract since it reminded me of ice cream and I used to made ice cream from scratch. The Dr. said that 10% of our taste buds are working at 100% capacity which is why we can detect salt, sweet, bitter and spicy. My sister and I are both picky eaters. Most of my food is cooked bland since I'm always afraid of adding too much seasonings/spices. We both have children who CAN smell. As soon as they were able to talk, we did our own smell/taste tests. Our kids never had diaper rash since we were always checking them every 10 minutes or so. I do, however, take sadistic pleasure in watching my son and husband gag when the cats take a "wicked dump" in the litter box. Then I calmly walk in, take a deep breath and clean up the mess while calling them wimps. Everything is electric in our house except for the dryer. We have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and I always user a timer when cooking. Leftovers are always labeled with a date and when in doubt, the food is tossed. Like almost everyone els
dnolan@uillinois.edu, USA (Illinois) - 27 Mar 2002
after a series of tests (CAT, MRI's, etc) it's been discovered that i have anosmia - having always had an extremely good sense of smell - (friends would ask me to smell their milk cartons to see if it was spoiled)i find this quite depressing, not to mention dangerous, as i am quite a gourmet cook (or at least i used to be.... the first doctor i went to wanted to put me on anti-biotics for 4 weeks (didn't like that route), next one wanted to put me on decongestants for 6 weeks (no thanx, they make me wired)i am now going to look into acupuncture as an alternative method for treatment - if anyone has had any type of experience (good or bad)please feel to contact me... i'm about at the end of my rope !
paintedtoes115@yahoo.com, USA - 27 Mar 2002
My name is John and I was born Anosmic. I was able to determine this at about the age of twelve. No one in my family believed me until I was eighteen, and even then they were somewhat skeptical. I have also been a very picky eater which annoyed my parents greatly when I was young since they had no idea of my condition. I've become very open to speaking about my condition and really don't consider it a disability. I've also always been very conscious of my odor and shower quite often. I've never been interested in cooking since my sense of taste is so poor. I am no longer a picky eater and will eat just about anything creamy or juicy. Dry meat will just about kill me though. I am interested in finding a local facility that will conduct research but I'm not sure that I want the condition fixed if that's even possible yet. Anybody found any other great anomia sites?????? Thx.
yingling@tampabay.rr.com, USA - 4 Apr 2002
I'm 24 and have congenital anosmia. I've never met anyone like me so if there are is anyone in Ottawa, ON (Canada) or Toronto, ON (Canada) that have never had a sense of smell before, let me know and we'll meet up. I'm sure we'll have interesting stories to tell and exchange tips on how to get along without this sense.
luce (lucy_chung@hotmail.com), Canada - 6 Apr 2002
I'm 24 and have congenital anosmia. I've never met anyone like me so if there are is anyone in Ottawa, ON (Canada) or Toronto, ON (Canada) that have never had a sense of smell before, let me know and we'll meet up. I'm sure we'll have interesting stories to tell and exchange tips on how to get along without this sense.
luce (lucy_chung@hotmail.com), Canada - 6 Apr 2002
Is there anyone out there who suffers temporary anosmia after drinking alcohol?
jmark.jones@virgin.net, uk - 8 Apr 2002
Is there anyone out there who suffers temporary anosmia after drinking alcohol?
jmark.jones@virgin.net, uk - 8 Apr 2002
Hi everyone. I have never been able to smell as long as I can remember. My sister and friends would blindfold me as a child and were amazed that the only thing I could detect was ammonia. I can detect peppermint essential oil and sometimes gasoline. I never knew there were so many people that couldn't smell or that there was a name for it.I had a lot of strep throat as a child and practically lived on Penicillin, maybe a cause if I wasn't born with it, I don't know. I am 31 now, and am always asking my daughter if she can smell things, just to be sure. I'd love to hear from anyone else and how they deal with everyday life.
sunval28@aol.com, - 11 Apr 2002
I love this site. I've always felt kind of foolish or ashamed because I never said anything to anyone about not being able to smell until I was at least 10 or 11. I just went with the flow - people say 'Doesn't that smell good? or Bad? and I"d say sure does. Now it seems to me that it's kind of a natural reaction for a kid who doesn't know what everyone else is experiencing and doesn't want to look stupid or get in trouble. As an adult (I'm 51), I don't think about it much - but I do tell people every single time - I don't have a sense of smell when they ask me to smell something and I don't have much toleration for people who then proceed to tell me I can't taste or I must be kidding. In our household division of tasks I tend to get the "smelly" ones, but for me it isn't a problem so everybody's happy. I don't want to go to Dr's and have MRI's, but I do wonder why I've never had a sense of smell and I would like to be able to smell a rose - just once.
Bogy2mom@aol.com, USA - 12 Apr 2002
I love this site. I've always felt kind of foolish or ashamed because I never said anything to anyone about not being able to smell until I was at least 10 or 11. I just went with the flow - people say 'Doesn't that smell good? or Bad? and I"d say sure does. Now it seems to me that it's kind of a natural reaction for a kid who doesn't know what everyone else is experiencing and doesn't want to look stupid or get in trouble. As an adult (I'm 51), I don't think about it much - but I do tell people every single time - I don't have a sense of smell when they ask me to smell something and I don't have much toleration for people who then proceed to tell me I can't taste or I must be kidding. In our household division of tasks I tend to get the "smelly" ones, but for me it isn't a problem so everybody's happy. I don't want to go to Dr's and have MRI's, but I do wonder why I've never had a sense of smell and I would like to be able to smell a rose - just once.
Bogy2mom@aol.com, USA - 12 Apr 2002
I've never been able to smell. The funny thing is, we didn't find out until I was in 4th grade or so (I'm 16 right now). I guess nobody really believed me. But I got it from my grandmother, and her mother had it as well. Nobody at school knows, because I don't want to seem wierd. I am a teenager after all, I'm obssesed with fitting in!! :-) Smelling is a very easy thing to fake, and if someone asks me directly to smell something, I can always say I have a cold. I hate it when people think I can't taste, because i can. The most stupid question anyone asked when I told them I couldn't smell was "can you breathe out of your nose." Ha ha!!I was suprised to find that some people who can't smell are picky eaters, while I am not. I love many foods, I can taste almost everything you could name, garlic, olive oil, and I can tell the difference between Sprite and Coke. I always get the smelly chores too, like picking up dog doo in the yard or taking out the garbage.Sometimes I wish I could smell, but more to be normal than anything else.I usually just think, well it could be worse, I could be blind instead!! At least anosmia is an easily hidden disorder. And when you think about it, if you had to loose a sense, smell would be the one to pick. All the other ones are too important.
brittawaldbauer@hotmail.com, USA - 13 Apr 2002
no comment
einex 85@hotmail.com, mexico - 14 Apr 2002
hi
brandie, - 16 Apr 2002
I LOST MY SENSE OF SMELL ONE YEAR AGO. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY TASTE BUT I CAN SENSE SWEET SOUR SALT AND BITTER. ENT SAID IT WAS MY OLFACTORY NERVES THAT PROBLABLY GOT INFECTED. I AM GOING BACK TO SEE HIM APRIL 22 WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF HIM FINDING ME A CURE? I AM 51 YEARS OLD
toux3@cox.com, usa - 18 Apr 2002
I lost my taste and smell about 3 years ago after a very bad cold. At first I had no taste and smell at all, except the tongue senses. Then, after about 2 months I could taste and smell things but they were always 'off' from the taste/smell that I knew them to be from previously. It was very odd; I couldn't recognize any smell I was receiving. I went to at least 4 ENTs and the Mayo Clinic and, after numerous scans, all they could say is that there is a kind of bacteria that can eat up the nerve and the damage was permenant. I was very distressed, as you know. I continued to take antibiotics and decongestants for over a year, to try to stop the post nasal drip I still had. While I could breathe through my nose fairly well, it just felt like there might be deep sinus cavities that weren't getting air to them. Even after the cold symptoms virtually went away, the taste/smell was 'wrong'. None of the scans showed problems. I want to tell you all that after about 2 years, my taste/smell did return to its correct state! So, while medical science was virtually no help or hope for me, there is still hope. In retrospect, I think that I had might have had some sort of deep sinus infection and it took that long to clear. Different bacteria and fungus are vulnerable to different antibiotics and under some infections, they can't reach the correct area. Anyway, I wanted to relay this to you all - there may be hope for some of you.
Gayle, USA - 22 Apr 2002
Thanks for the great website! One of my best friends has been an anosmiac for all of her life. Like some other comments posted here, her lack of smell has increased an appreciation of smells in me. Whenever we're together, I usually tell her at least once that I envy her lack of a sense of smell (in response to noxious fumes) and once that I'm sorry for her lack of a sense of smell (while walking by a bakery). One time she said she could smell something, but because she had no frame of reference, she didn't know what it was. She seems to have a great sense of taste (compensation?) and enjoys her meals as much as any of her "smelling" friends. Once in college, we went into the house mother's apartment when there was a batch of gingerbread baking, filling the place with that wonderful smell. After about twenty minutes, she said that she was all of a sudden hungry for gingerbread. We all laughed, but then remembered she couldn't smell. We figure she was actually tasting what we were smelling!
btelfer@lyle.wednet.edu, USA - 22 Apr 2002
I'm 12 years old and I haven't been able to smell all my life (as far as I can remember).I haven't been diagnosed with anosmia so I don't know for sure.I can smell things like mint and smoke in my dads car sometime's but thats all.I always thought that I was the only person in the world who couldn't smell so I was glad to find this site.When I tell my friends that I can't smell any thing they don't belive me but now I have proof that there are people that can't smell either.I find it really annoying that I can't smell things but I feel lucky for when people do farts and things.
Michaela , uk - 22 Apr 2002
My mother lost her ability to smell as an adult, and was told she had polyps. She used a prescription cortizone nasal spray, which apparently helped her somewhat. In my 30's I lost my smell sense, so also began using a cortizone nasal spray. It helped for a while. When I lost it for the second time, I went to an ENT specialist. I learned I also have some nasal polyps. I was given a short-term dose of prednisone, which completely cleared up the problem of not being able to smell. I believe I had had a chronic sinus infection, because people used to always ask me if I had a cold (which I didn't) and I couldn't breathe through my nose. After the prednisone treatment I can smell again, no longer sound "nasal", and can breathe easily through my nose. It has been a few years since this happened and I am stillhappily smelling just fine. When I couldn't smell I found I ate more because I was always trying to get the taste that I knew it should have but didn't. I remember my mother not eating certain foods, even though she couldn't taste them, because she remembered what they were like when she could smell and she knew she didn't like them. We used to laugh at her for this, but now I understand a little better. I really appreciate my sense of smell now, especially the scent of flowers in the Spring.
sharyld@attbi.com, U.S.A. - 22 Apr 2002
I have always thought that there was something wrong with me - that I was alone in not being able to smell much. My sister thinks this is the most fascinating thing in the entire world and is always asking me if I can smell this or that.I've always been amazed when people could know what someone was baking in the oven even if they didn't see it. The concept was foreign to me and almost seemed magical. I always had to rely on my sight to know what was cooking. For someone to not have to use their sight was just amazing to me. Anyone have a similar view of it? Email me please.I've never noticed an absence of being able to taste though. As far as I know I can taste fine but sometimes I wonder if I'm just unaware of how much MORE I should be able to taste.My mother always worried that I wouldn't be able to smell smoke if the house was on fire. It's been a concern of mine as well.My sister is always baffled when we pass a field where she knows a skunk has sprayed and I don't say anything or even seem to notice. She says, "UGH! Can't you smell that?" I just look at her, completely unaware of the stench until she tells me.I'm thrilled & relieved to find that so many other people are afflicted with a similar condition to my own. I often wonder if there is something that can be done.I would love to correspond via email with other people who are affected by this condition. I was sure I was the only one like this but I am really glad to find more people like myself. Please email, I would love to hear from you!Chris
erisabeth@aol.com, USA - 22 Apr 2002
For those of you who mentioned that you often get a bad smell that lingers (like gasoline fumes / brunt coffee / etc), or just phantom smells, you may want to look up the condition Cacosmia. Unfortunately however, researchers know even less about this than Anosmia. Just thought you might like to know there's a name for that as well.
makucha@hotmail.com, Australia - 22 Apr 2002
I wonder if this is what my son, now 20, has; at least in part. He can only smell freshly popped popcorn and baking banana bread. He says he can vaguely sense just a few other scents. He cannot smell a new jar of horseradish even when right under his nose much less himself, his room, the cat litter, etc. ENT assured us he would have full sense of smell after adnoidectomy. But he didn't. He also has ADD (no H) and clinical depression. I'm looking forward to visiting the other sites for more research and info. Thanks!
cagbuck@execpc.com, USA - 22 Apr 2002
I wonder if this is what my son, now 20, has; at least in part. He can only smell freshly popped popcorn and baking banana bread. He says he can vaguely sense just a few other scents. He cannot smell a new jar of horseradish even when right under his nose much less himself, his room, the cat litter, etc. ENT assured us he would have full sense of smell after adnoidectomy. But he didn't. He also has ADD (no H) and clinical depression. I'm looking forward to visiting the other sites for more research and info. Thanks!
cagbuck@execpc.com, USA - 22 Apr 2002
Realized early on in life that I did not have a sense of smell. Think I told my parents when I was ~10 years old. I didn't find the medical term of the condition until I was in college and decided to do a term paper on it for an English class.Are there any listservs around that cater specifically to congenitals? I've been on the egroups one and several others in the past but the conversations are dominated by those who lost their sense of smell later in life. While that is fine, it would be nice if there was a list out there for those born without! If so, please let me know!
FFQFIPNJIUQZ@spammotel.com, USA - 23 Apr 2002
I cannot ever remember smelling anything my entire life, and I'm 53 years old. My 5 other siblings can all smell, as well as my 3 kids and their 3 kids. My dad had a sense of smell, but eventually lost it later in life. It never bothered my while I was married (except for the dangers it imposed such as gas and smoke), but when I became single and started living alone, I'd hoped to acquire the sense of smell for a few reasons. First, of course, for the safety aspect, since I now lived alone. But also for a more personal reason, that being to want to be able to smell a women's perfume, or flowers, or all the other things people talked about. I went to a chiropractor who thought some neck and facial massaging and manipulation, along with holistic medicines (herbs & other various pills) would help. No luck. Then I tried acupuncture, again without luck. So I am now resigned to the fact I'll probably never have a sense of smell and after reading some of the comments here about surgery and other hopeful methods, it appears it will never happen. But at least I know I tried.
scootr99@aol.com, il/usa - 24 Apr 2002
WOW! This is the first time I can actually say, I now know what it wrong with me. I never even heard of Congenital Anosmia until today. I am 24 years old, and I lost my sense of smell about 6 years ago. Like someone else who left a comment here that I just read, I am only able to smell when a doctor puts me on steroids for about 2 weeks. (I also have Asthma and allergies, which also may contribute to my absence of smell.) Then about 3 to 5 days after I have finished the steroids, my sense of smell is gone again. As a matter of fact, I am currently taking steroids once again, so therefore I can smell at this present moment, but I'm scared about what will happen when I stop taking them. I don't won't to abuse steroids, but I am saddened at the fact that pretty soon, my food won't taste the same again. I won't be able to taste or smell at all. I'm not being negative, I'm just being realistic. I treasure the fact that I have my other senses, but I feel incomplete when I can't smell anything. I love perfumes, and flowers, and food aromas! I would love to go to school and find a cure for this devastating disease! I am just that serious about The sense of smell. I am gonna personally do some research and see if I can not only help my self, but also help everyone with Congenital Anosmia. I just don't understand what is in steroids that ables me to smell?! What is it that is missing inside of me? Is there not a cure, or surgery, or drug that can help me? What can I do to make a difference. I am so serious about finding a cure. I realize that if it had never happened to me, personally, I wouldn't even think twice about it. But now that I know what I have, I'm gonna try to get some answers.
karamelcandied@yahoo.com, USA - 25 Apr 2002
It is not that I have lost my sense of smell....mine is the opposite. I have developed in the past two months the smell of cherry pipe tobacco, cigars, and the musky/mildew odor of a warehouse. These odors come at any time of day. I wash dishes with lemon scent..while doing dishes I all-of-a-sudden smell cherry. The cherry odor burns the inside of my nose, the cigars just stink, and the warehouse odor is awful. I have been to the nose specialist...he had not heard of this before. I have had a CAT scan and am waiting for the results. The inside of my nose is loaded with scabs and bleed quite often. The specialist could not find any signs of infection but carterized the raw spots in the nose. Ouch!! Has anyone else had this happen to them?
BRIDGES228, USA - 27 Apr 2002
I have never been able to smell, as with many other people on this page, and was wondering if anyone who has never smelt AT ALL has ever had a nasal polyp operation that has given them a sense of smell?
kal_gb@yahoo.co.uk, England - 30 Apr 2002
I really learned a lot from this site. Thank you. I do not have complete anosmia but do havea much weaker than average sense of smell. Like another poster here, I spent most of my childhood on one form of penicillin or another due to strep throat. I never made the connection before.On the other hand, I could have inherited something causing it since my mother never could smell well, and her sense of smell has diminished ever more with age (though she's not that old yet). I never haveseemed to have the strong emotional attactments to memories that some people seem to have, and I havewondered if that was related to my poor sense of smell, since they say they are connected in the brain.Thanks again for all the great information and experiences.
, Indiana, USA - 2 May 2002
Hi Everyone. This is a request for (short!) e-mails from anyone who feels that their anosmia has interfered with their love life in any way. I am currently researching the way that smell may relate to mate choice.Thanks.
ellielandy@hotmail.com, England - 4 May 2002
Hi, I'm 29 years old and I've never been able to smell anything since I can remember. Up until a couple of years ago I couln't even admit this to anyone mainly because when I did people would start asking questions and it seemed like they couln't understand how this can happen. I would just pretend that I could smell so people would leave me alone (and look at me like I was a freak or like I was making this up) and not think I was strange . During the last couple of years I've been to some doctors but none of them have been able to explain what this condition is and if it can affect me in other ways later in life. Everyone in my family has the ability to smell but me so I don't think my condition is congenital and I do have a sense of taste but sometimes when I'm around other people I get the feeling my taste is not as developed as "normal" people or people without anosmia. I always try to eat the same foods, sometimes the same thing throughout the day. I can drink different kinds of juice and to me they all taste the same. About two years ago I was diagnosed would some type of epilepsy (not convulsive) and I'm not sure if this condition is related to my anosmia. If everyone has any information about this I would appreciate any help.
luecuz@hotmail.com, Puerto Rico - 7 May 2002
Why didn't I ever look this up before? I think it's because I've just accepted my anosmia for so long (didn't even know it had a name til about half an hour ago!). It's made me an oddity amongst friends and family and provides hours of conversation about all the things I can't experience. Lately, I've started to long for it (I'm 29) and as an avid cook, I wish to God some days that I knew why people talk so powerfully about garlic, about spices, about rich, exotic aromas. I wish I could choose fruit at the markets based on something more than how they feel or look. I also worry about the safety aspects. There have been times over the years when, like others here, I've nearly burned the house down or burned a dish. We have laughed over the stories of my near disasters but really it's not funny.And how will I know that my baby's nappy needs changing without sticking it's bottom in someone else's face or taking the whole nappy off? I'm going to have it investigated. I don't like the chances of it being fixed since no one else seems to have had much luck. No one in my family has this condition.Helenps would love to write to others who want to talk more about what our lives are like.
Helengladman@yahoo.com.au, Australia - 17 May 2002
I have had Congenital Anosmia my whole life. Though, until today I did not know what it was called. I love this site! I know mine is genetic because my brother, aunt and grandfather have it too. I can taste everything, I really love food. I am picky about texture. I was so happy to know that I am not the only one that has heard "Well, then you can't taste." My parents took my brother and me to a few specialists when we were young but they couldn't do anything. I had one that thought I was faking to "copy" my brother because I can smell REALLY strong smells and my brother can't. I guess I am lucky my parents understood what we were going through was real. I can not imagine if they though I was making it up. I too have to ask my husband to do the "smell check." Thank you for this site. I never imagined there were so many people with this.
mick2113@hotmail.com, Georgia, USA - 25 May 2002
Hi, I'm 14, and I'm not anosmic but I'm becoming really interested in the topic as I have started researching it for a science project on a sense loss. It's really interesting and this site has been really helpful as well as making me appreciate my sense of smell more. Since I've read this I will suddenly think 'What can I smell right now?' I cook a lot as well so I think how horrible it would be not to smell it. I like science so, you never know, I hope to find a cure someday! :o)
Isobel, New Zealand - 25 May 2002
Does anyone suffer from "mirror movements", too -- one hand does what the other hand does involuntarily? Does anyone know anything about this?
USA, Elizabeth - 5 Jun 2002
Hi everyone, great website! I'm congenital anosmic, figured it out when I was about 10, had CTs, MRIs, adenoids removed, you name it. My story is like so many I've read here- I don't usually bring it up, but I'm comfortable talking about it. Like someone else here said, if you're going to be without a sense, this is the one I'd pick. I found this site by accident- I never KNEW so many people would share this affliction. An annoying coworker just wouldn't let the matter drop when I said I don't know what causes it, and I had "ask Jeeves" up on my PC so kind of sarcastically I said, "I don't know. I'll ask Jeeves!" I typed in "why can't I smell", and found you guys! To be honest, I don't think I'd take it now if I had the choice. I have a hard enough time concentrating and not getting distracted without a whole new array of stimulants to process.
gordon317@email.uophx.edu, USA - 12 Jun 2002
Most of my reactions to growing up without being able to smell seem to be the same as everyone elses, but i thought that i would share something with those with a slightly dark sense of humour. I won't touch most milk products, i suspect a couple o' incidents when i was wee, but as an adult who had serious University bills to pay, i did take a couple of jobs where anosmia is somewhat beneficial. The first was as a Garbage man ... the old slops from restaurants in soggy bags are disgusting whether you can smell or not, both visually and tactily (SP?) the second job, which my wife at the time,REALLY hated was as a Body Snatcher (on call 24/7) ... we used to carry around cans of a special spray to deaden the scent ... since i couldn't smell even a three week old corpse, my partner would send me in first so that he could follow after i had thoroughly sprayed the place. I do have one question and i have seen it mentioned here, and that is the relationship between anosmia and Pheromones. I'm sure that there is one, since my social relations take some odd twists, particularly on first contact (i am often unaware that someone likes me and have to be told ... kinda silly sounding but there it is ...)Wayne
ecg-vic@shaw.ca, Canada - 13 Jun 2002
Most of my reactions to growing up without being able to smell seem to be the same as everyone elses, but i thought that i would share something with those with a slightly dark sense of humour. I won't touch most milk products, i suspect a couple o' incidents when i was wee, but as an adult who had serious University bills to pay, i did take a couple of jobs where anosmia is somewhat beneficial. The first was as a Garbage man ... the old slops from restaurants in soggy bags are disgusting whether you can smell or not, both visually and tactily (SP?) the second job, which my wife at the time,REALLY hated was as a Body Snatcher (on call 24/7) ... we used to carry around cans of a special spray to deaden the scent ... since i couldn't smell even a three week old corpse, my partner would send me in first so that he could follow after i had thoroughly sprayed the place. I do have one question and i have seen it mentioned here, and that is the relationship between anosmia and Pheromones. I'm sure that there is one, since my social relations take some odd twists, particularly on first contact (i am often unaware that someone likes me and have to be told ... kinda silly sounding but there it is ...)Wayne
ecg-vic@shaw.ca, Canada - 13 Jun 2002
This is a very interesting website. My son has always had the most acute sense of smell (it was hard for me to comprehend how the child could enter the kitchen and identify what I was cooking and what the ingredients were). I think his sense of smell is not quite as sharp as it used to be. I don't know that anyone of my acquaintance is anosmic.
Mary, USA - 14 Jun 2002
I am 46 and until hearing a BBC radio programme 2 weeks ago did not know there was a name for my condition, anosmia. Neither of my parents ever had a sense of smell(!) which caused a few giggles over the years over how they got together etc. Pure coincidence. My two older brothers were blessed with a sense of smell, although the older brother lost his when my mum died almost 3 years ago. He said he thought Mum had taken it with her in which case he didn't mind. However, he has since had one operation but it has not yet returned. His consultant's name is Mr Smelt can you believe. No it's not a joke. Like many of you I avoid getting into conversations about it and often pretend that I can smell for an easy life. However, it does not stop me enjoying my food and wine, although perhaps not appreciating it as much as someone with a sense of smell. I think about what my favourite smell might be and like the idea of freshly mown grass. I only once mentioned it to my doctor who dismissed it with 'it's something missing in your brain'. Oh, ok then.
hilary.hampson@ntlworld.com, England, UK - 20 Jun 2002
I found this site years ago and love coming back to read stuff occasionally. It amazes me that so many people have had the same experiences. I was talking this over with my aunt, who is a heavy smoker, and now we're starting to think that she is anosmic too! She always figured it was because of the cigarettes, but when I described some of the experiences here, she said, like everyone else here, "me too! me too!" And the times she's quit smoking, she said she always wondered when her sense of smell was coming back, which it never did. She likes the same spicy or well textured foods, and has no memory of smelling anything REALLY. My brother has this too, though he insists he can smell some things, so there's three people in my family who possibly have this. One thing, I was reading others' thoughts on other senses compensating and was sorts going "yeah, right" until I thought a bit.. I have excellent eyesight (better than 20:20) and a nice volume to me is considered "subliminal" to others. So, maybe there's something to it!
Steph, USA - 21 Jun 2002
My mother lost her sense of smell gradually starting at age 45 or so untill it was gone all together, we used to tease her when we would all be holding our breath as we passed a dead skunk on the road and she smelled nothing...well I no longer laughed at her when I found myself in the same boat at 4, I was cuttung garlic one day and suddenly realized that I could not smell it, I raced around the house pulling out every thing I could think of that had a strong odor..I could not smell anything I had been in possession of a very keen and sharpe sense of smell and now here i was not able to smell anything...I called my mother and quized her about how it began with her..and then I found out that her mother lost her sense of smell also..so it is hereditary......Now of course I have good days and bad days some days I can smell the flowers wafting in my window when the wind blows and I feel like great I must have just had a virus or something and I feel greatful because the thought of not being able to smell lilacs in the spring or steak cooking on the barbaque for the rest of my life makes me feel very depressed...I hope the is a cure but I doubt it mabey all senses fail eventually like eyesight by the way i also now wear glasses and I had perfect eyesight pre 40 Lynn Dewilde
Mary.evans@sympatico,ca, canada - 22 Jun 2002
I'm a 22 year-old who has never been able to smell anything. It's wonderful to know that I'm not alone.
Rich Boylan, Canada - 28 Jun 2002
I am a 20 year old college student with congenital anosmia. I've known about this for quite some time and it was at times frustrating not to be able to smell however, never has it been more of a problem as it is now. About 3 months ago I moved out on my own and live by myself. In those 3 months I've almost burned down my apartment at least 4 times. One time I was cooking and forgot about the food and fell asleep. I woke up bc my cell phone rang and realized my apt was full of smoke. Besides the fact that I cannot "enjoy" certain smell, I've also found it dangerous. I don't understand how this sense could be considered "almost useless" if it can prevent us from getting food poisoning or getting caught in a fire. I definately consider this to be a necessary sense maybe even more important then some of the others. I really hope more and more "normal people" lol become aware of this rare disease and maybe someone could find the cure if we raise enough awareness of this issue. I don't think it's fair that other handicapped (i guess that's the word) like the deaf blind etc. have at least hope to restore their senses but we are left behind. It is a disease that could cost you your life. That has been one of my worst fears while growing up and even now is to die in a fire. I've had a lot of experiences where I've woken up with a house full of smoke. The article from Fox news is probably the only attempt that I've seen from the media to address this issue. Maybe someone should write a national network to cover this issue and I believe a lot of people would be interested. At least when I tell people they are amazed by this. Good luck to all and be careful when you cook! lol ;)
pinkprincess101@yahoo.com, USA - 2 Jul 2002
Hi, I've just discovered congenital anosmia today, having lived with it all my life. This is great! Like everyone else that has posted on this webpage, I have the same worries re smoke, bad food, etc. I am very interested in knowing how people cope or adjust to the lack of smell. Blind people can often hear. What about us that can't smell? Anyway, I would love to hear from anyone else with the condition as well, especially to compare notes - or just to chat. Tes
wordcatcher@hotmail.com, Australia - 6 Jul 2002
I can go for weeks without thinking about the fact that I have no sense of smell, but then someone will put something under my nose and demand I smell it. I usually react by backing away quickly, as I have no idea what it is they want me to smell! You don't walk up to a deaf person and shout in their ears, do you? Yet it's perfectly all right to do this "here, smell this NOW" thing. This site is lovely: for once, I'm not the only one without a sense of smell.
Tea, Sweden - 7 Jul 2002
I am a journalist working on a feature about anosmia. I plan on pitching the article to SELF magazine. I too agree that anosmia deserves more media attention and that is partly why I want to write this article. If any of you are interested in telling me your story about anosmia--when you got it, how it's affected your life,etc...I would really appreciate it. You can contact me by e-mail at: a-klein@northwestern.com Thanks.
a-klein@northwestern.edu, USA - 14 Jul 2002
I've never been able to smell but has anyone else found that one's other senses start compensating in a really big way? I've been tasting laundry for years to see if it needs washing (give underwear the benefit of the doubt though) and find perfume counters in department stores unpleasant because of the way they lower the temperature inside my nose. And then there's the way I really dislike cannabis smokers because they make my nasal hair stand in a specific way...What I thought I'd contribute to this site is my ideas about food. Like the rest of you, texture is an important one for me too - but I really, really, really like my food. This only started when I got to university and started cooking for myself. For me, the trick about being an anosmiac foodie is about food quality. Ready made meals or budget produce simply doesn't *taste* as subtle as it could do. Find a quality butchers; buy organic veg and systematically go through all the things you eat and work out where they hit your tongue, what they do when you crush them on the roof of your mouth, guage the 'umami' (fifth taste) effect - and decide what you like best.Another project I've been working on recently is mixed juice from a good juicer. They taste incredibly fresh, are very good for you and, if you work really hard, you can start telling the difference between all the constituent parts through texture and taste.This is hurriedly written but I hope it helps someone. Feel free to drop me an email anyone!
phantasmion@hotmail.com, UK - 14 Jul 2002
Hey wazzupI am also affected by congenital anosmia. However, I was lucky enough to only have a partial loss! I understand fully how everyone feels about that " Since you lost your smell, you lost your taste" conclusion. What i really want to know is whether their are any chatrooms for anosmia victims. If there is, could someone please drop me an email? If not, email me if you want to start one on AOL Instant Messenger (If you have it). Thank you. We anosmic people need to stick together and help combat this problem(although it is not serious for me, or so the doc says:)) Ciao!
darkmagus2006@yahoo.com, USA - 16 Jul 2002
Having just discovered this site, I am (like the rest of you)amazed at how many out there have this same problem. I guess I am luckier than most as I contracted this anosmia about 3 years ago in my sixties after an infection, It has proved to be dangerous as my Husband often smells gas that has gone out when I am cooking so I have to remember to keep looking at the jets,and generally using my sight more. I have dealt with it in a way that has helped me to enjoy food,(somewhat) I so seldom use cookbook recipes having always relied on taste, and because I did have a sense of smell for all that time in my life I now use my memory to relate to different foods, for example I can vividly remember the flavour of eggs and bacon, chocolate cake, fruit etc.and I tend to spice up foods more now so my taste buds kick in. Good to see a fellow Aussie on these pages as well.
Val, Australia - 17 Jul 2002
holy cow i cant believe how many people cant smell! this is so amazing. so is there a cure or anything you can do to help? i really would like to know. i realized when i was about 10 that i couldnt smell. im 16 now and no one ever believes me that i cant smell, i wonder how i came to realize that i couldnt, anyways, some of my friends that ive known for years still ask me to smell something and i look at them for a second and then their like "ooohhhh!! i forgot!" does that ever happen to anyone, well if anyone reads this i would sure appreciate an anser to my question or somewhere that i cant find them, thanks!steph153@yahoo.com
stephanie, usa - 17 Jul 2002
holy cow i cant believe how many people cant smell! this is so amazing. so is there a cure or anything you can do to help? i really would like to know. i realized when i was about 10 that i couldnt smell. im 16 now and no one ever believes me that i cant smell, i wonder how i came to realize that i couldnt, anyways, some of my friends that ive known for years still ask me to smell something and i look at them for a second and then their like "ooohhhh!! i forgot!" does that ever happen to anyone, well if anyone reads this i would sure appreciate an anser to my question or somewhere that i cant find them, thanks!steph153@yahoo.com
stephanie, usa - 17 Jul 2002
This site is amazing! I had no idea that there were so many people out there who are sharing similar experiences to mine!! I've never had a sense of smell, but always just figured that I wasn't trying hard enough or was doing something wrong and that's why I couldn't smell anything. I can taste just fine, but I love really spicy food and am a picky eater because texture matters more to me then flavor. Many of your experiences reflect mine...I once almost burned my boyfriend's house down because I couldn't smell the gas from the stove. I also have friends forget constantly and then apologize profusely after asking me if I can smell certain things. Honestly, though, I don't really care much. I've never smelled anything so I don't know what I'm missing. I'd much rather be missing this then the ability to see or hear. I think if I woke up one day and COULD smell, I'd be overwhelmed. The only thing that would be nice is knowing how much perfume to put on!!! I have my sister apply it for me so she can gauge the amount.
Katie, USA - 18 Jul 2002
Many of you have expressed concerns about gas-cookers/stoves. The fact is that there are now a large number of gas-cookers on the market which have automatic shut-off valves which turn the gas off if it is not lit. Explosive gas detectors are also available - you should ask your gas company for details.But, statistically, there simply are not very many deaths resulting from domestic gas appliance explosions. I think I'm right in saying that the number in 2001 was 21 in the UK. Typically, these were caused by the carelessness of males in the 20-25 year old range, living in rented accommodation. It's hard to believe that all of these were anosmiacs.What I'm trying to say is please don't worry needlessly about explosive gas and, if you are concerned, find solutions for it rather than despair about it.All best,Dennis
phantasmion@hotmail.com, uk - 18 Jul 2002
Hi! I have never been able to smell anything! When i was little my mum and dad didnt believe me and still now only few people believe me, they always ask me "why don`t you have one?"No body in my family has anosmia and i dont know any body who has nore do any of my friends and family!Also because of my none - sense - of - smell! i have plenty of times left the gas on and because i cant smell it i dont know its on! It`s just good to know really that im not the only one in the world who doesnt have a sense of smell (im not different after all) lolBut anosmia has its up sides as well! we cant smell all the bad smells like poo, people`s farts, stink bombs, dampness, etc.... so that is a good thing i suppose!
kitten_in_heaven@hotmail.com, England - 19 Jul 2002
I have read this page in order to try to find any anwser to my mother's problem. I tried to search for ANOSMIA in almost all Brazil web pages but I did not get. Unfortunately my mother do not know speak english and also do not have an e-mail but mine. She started having this problem after a strong cold two years ago, after that she can not taste or smell anything. Please if somebody is sure that this ilness is not forever please send an e-mail to me and try to explain what should we supposed to do.
rndiogo@hotmail.com, Brazil - 22 Jul 2002
I commented once, and want to say more. I'm 39, and people do look at you weird when you tell them you can't smell and never remember smelling anything. Even my doctor thought I was joking. I also get the comments about taste, but I can taste and love to eat. Only I can't always identify certain flavors like, for example, lifesaver flavors. I can tell a difference between the different colors but am confused about which flavor it is. Mainly I enjoy the sweeter lifesavers.
tabbanie@yahoo.com, USA - 28 Jul 2002
I am 25 years old and I cant smell. I guess I have anosmia. I have never been to the doctor. I realized it for sure in high school, but I think back to situations when I was small like riding in the car with my sisters and brother and them yelling at my parents to let the windows up when we were passing by hog pins and I was puzzled wondering what they were talking about. I am now married with small children and my wife says Im the perfect father because when the kids diapers need changing she just calls me. When it comes to drinking milk no matter what the date says I always ask someone to smell it first. Well I could go on and on but you get the point. Im just happy to see Im not the only one.
kmfoskey@yahoo.com, USA - 30 Jul 2002
I am 25 years old and I cant smell. I guess I have anosmia. I have never been to the doctor. I realized it for sure in high school, but I think back to situations when I was small like riding in the car with my sisters and brother and them yelling at my parents to let the windows up when we were passing by hog pins and I was puzzled wondering what they were talking about. I am now married with small children and my wife says Im the perfect father because when the kids diapers need changing she just calls me. When it comes to drinking milk no matter what the date says I always ask someone to smell it first. Well I could go on and on but you get the point. Im just happy to see Im not the only one.
kmfoskey@yahoo.com, USA - 30 Jul 2002
I'm 25 years old and realized at a young age that I didn't have a sense of smell. I've always tried to "hide it" because it seemed that I was the only one in the world with this so called "handicap". I'm still learning to accept this fact because friends and even family don't seem to understand. They find it funny...esp. when my baby "poops" or when someone passes gas and I can't smell it. I'm just glad to know that I'm not alone....
sfkjoie@yahoo.com, USA - 30 Jul 2002
I'm a 52 yr old woman who 6 weeks ago had a bad cold. I just took over the counter medicine. We were out of town at the time and had to fly home and landing nearly killed my eardrums. Ever since I don't smell or taste anything. I can tell if it's salty, sweet, tart, or spicy hot but no taste associated with it. I burn things on the stove, can't smell baby poopy diapers or the fireworks smoke on the 4th of July. My doctor says "Oh give it a month or two and it will come back." Now I'm not so sure and think I'd better call for an ENT appointment. I really miss the taste and smell of food especially but also flowers. I had never heard of anyone experiencing this before - this site is wonderful to know that I'm not alone. Thank you!
jcjohns1@earthlink.net, USA - 1 Aug 2002
Hi everyone - I stumbled on this website by accident, but I'm sure glad I did! I'm 44 and don't ever remember having a sense of smell. I don't seem to have any problems with taste and can differentiate between sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, but I do seem to notice I prefer foods with strong flavors, i.e. chocolate, Mexican, Italian, etc. I am SO glad to see I'm not the only non smeller in a smelling world!
grizzlygal@earthlink.net, USA - 2 Aug 2002
ANOSMIA.NOW I KNOW WHAT I HAVE. I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT IT WAS CALLED.I STILL BELIEVE TASTE IS STILL WITH ME.SOME OF MY COWORKERS BELIEVE OTHERWISE.IM GLAD I FOUND OTHERS LIKE ME.I LOST THE SENSE OF SMELL AT AGE 41.ILL KEEP IN TOUCH.
tone57@aol.com, USA - 11 Aug 2002
, - 12 Aug 2002
I can relate to so many of you!!! I recently set out on a search to find out why my sense of smell and taste are sooooo... faint and I found...you guessed it...I have Anosmia. I was happy to find a name to what I have (or dont have lol) and other people who had this. Ive always been a picky eater and crave foods by texture and temperature not taste or smell, though i find that the little sense of taste i have contorts the flavor of things. So many people cant believe me when I tell them I cant really smell or taste and my friends at school crack up when they ask me if they smell fine or something similar. I stare at them and smile until they get hit on the head and get back to earth. Its hilarious. I also always tell my family to taste foods for me cuz on more than one ocasion Ive eaten just plain wrotten food. It helps to have help because you never know (and read expiration dates!). Wow! Anosmia! Its been a blessing and a torture to see the world in a different light. But putting a name to the occurance helps! Thanks for bringing anosmiacs together and hopefully helping another confused person find out that they ARE NOT alone!
naturalmelody@hotmail.com, U.S.A. - 12 Aug 2002
My almost complete anosmia (hyposmia)is a congenital condition. I am able to smell a limited number of smalles such as fresh-baked bread, hot apple pie, and vinegar if I squeeze the bottle with my nose right over the opening. Realization that I had such a poor sense of smell has been slow as my sense of taste is very well developed. I recently diagnosed myself with Kallmann's Syndrome. Other major complications of this inherited disorder are lack of facial hair (male) and small and/or undescended testes. There are also many other lesser symptoms that vary from person to person. If you suspect you may be undiagnosed like I was, make an appointment with your physician, who will refer you to the appropriate specialists for diagnosis and treatment. This will involve blood tests to check TSH, prolactin, testosterone, FSH and LH. Testosterone therapy is successful in inducing secondary sex characteristics, but HcG administration will be required to stimulate fertility (and there are no guarantees).
R. Tillman, Canada - 16 Aug 2002
My almost complete anosmia (hyposmia)is a congenital condition. I am able to smell a limited number of smalles such as fresh-baked bread, hot apple pie, and vinegar if I squeeze the bottle with my nose right over the opening. Realization that I had such a poor sense of smell has been slow as my sense of taste is very well developed. I recently diagnosed myself with Kallmann's Syndrome. Other major complications of this inherited disorder are lack of facial hair (male) and small and/or undescended testes. There are also many other lesser symptoms that vary from person to person. If you suspect you may be undiagnosed like I was, make an appointment with your physician, who will refer you to the appropriate specialists for diagnosis and treatment. This will involve blood tests to check TSH, prolactin, testosterone, FSH and LH. Testosterone therapy is successful in inducing secondary sex characteristics, but HcG administration will be required to stimulate fertility (and there are no guarantees).
R. Tillman, Canada - 16 Aug 2002
Hi all! I am so glad I found this site. All your words are fascinating and scary. On July 4th I got sick(I thought it was the flu), by the next day I could not smell or taste. A few days later I saw a nurse practitioner who said I had bronchitis and a bad sinus infection (I'm never had these in my life, I'm 43). So she gives me antibiotics and my bronchitis clears up... but still no smell or taste. I go and see my regular Dr and he says I actually have a virus called Adenovirus and my smell/taste would come back in about 3 months. I went for a 2nd opinion and saw an ENT, a catscan showed my sinuses were clear, he agreed with my Dr, and said I have Adenovirus and it could take a year to get my smell back. He said the virus killed all the nerves in my nose and they had to regenerate. He also said my chance of getting my smell back is 70-80%. Okay, so I realize it's only been about a month and a half... but this is driving me crazy!! I miss smelling and drinking coffee, I am paranoid about hygiene (I'm a clean person, but now I have to wonder), sometimes it just bums me out. And the thing that really bugs me is that most people don't really understand. I feel kinda stupid whining about not smelling or tasting for a month and half - when most of you have been born without it... I really feel for all of you. Has anyone heard of this virus? Does anyone know how long it takes nerves to grow back? I have searched the web and can't find anything. Has anyone gotten their smell/taste back after having a virus? Thx all for listening and for sharing. Good luck to all.
USA, vermillionangel@aol.com - 16 Aug 2002
Hello All,I was so happy that my mom found this site, I have been wondering if there was a reson why I couldn't smell. I thought I was the only person out there. I was nice to read all the other comments and totally understand how everyone else feels. My anosmia must be the worst kind out there...because I have never smelt anything in my life ever. It bugs me when people hear that I can't smell, they then immediatley think that I can't taste. I can taste. I'm not too sure how well compared to others but I can taste I know that!! Anyways this site is great, I'll keep in touch. I'm going to the doctor soon with the new information that I've learned from this site! Thanks for listening....
Stephanie - stephstephers@hotmail.com, Victoria, B.C. - 26 Aug 2002
I believe I was born with congenital anosmia. Unfortunately, in my country of birth, Chile, there is scarce information available regarding this matter, if any at all. This lack of information does not only keep the problem hidden to the naked eye, but also makes it hard to understand what anosmia really is.I am very grateful for this site and I am convinced that many individuals such as myself will not only benefit from it, but will have the opportunity to share and understand similar experiences of those with the same condition.
Claudio - e_ccaliaga@entel.cl, Santiago, Chile - 28 Aug 2002
I have been suffering from the Anosmia from the past 12 years I guess. I never knew that it was a disease until my friends starting making fun of me. Well I never took it seriously but it made me think what's wrong in me that I am unable to smell. Not that I could never smell a thing in 12 years its been on and off. Mostly off. I have noticed very interesting facts when I get the ability to smell back, hope it can be helpful to some more poeple. First among all is when I get sick and take antibiotics like ciprofloxacin my smelling capacity is at the very best but mostly lasts for a month or so and then its gone.So I personally feel as the antibiotic looses its effect so does my smelling capabilities. Next is when I work out a lot I do get my smell back for a hour or so ( very partial ) but not always. Third is when I take real good nutritious food mostly dry foods for may be 3 4 days in a row I feel I can smell a little. Well I am trying to find out cures about it in Allopathy looks like steriods may be a solution for this, but taking steriods wouldn't be the best option so may be I will look for a Homeopathic treatment for this cure and will surely tell the results to all my friends here. Who knows it may work. Thanks. Reggi635@hotmail.com
reggi635@hotmail.com, USA - 31 Aug 2002
Iam a 41yo female and have had absolutely no sense of smell.I have had anosmia for 11 years.It is very validating to hear from others who understand.Those who have the gift of sense of smell really do need to stop and smell the roses-literally.There are so many wonderful aromas-freshly cut grass;watermelon;precious babies;puppy's breath;sugar cookies in the oven ,etc...I am thankful that at least I can reflect on those memories of how things smell.God bless those of you with congenital anosmia.I do agree that other senses are more keen to compensate for this loss.From the comments I have read from fellow anosmiacs;It sounds as though there is heightened intuition and sensitivity with anosmia.Thank you for the opportunity to vent.I do hope that some day research will provide more answers.
sugarplumgroove@yahoo.com, usa - 5 Sep 2002
It is amazing that so many of us have this problem. Finally some of my friends are beleiving me. Its hard to prove you have anosmia... I want to fix it, i lived 18 years without really cathing on that i could smell anything. I had the idea, but never came to grips with it till i was 18... Now I am 21 and i am 100% fine... but my girlfriend loves cologne... and Ive never worn it (Why would i?) and sometimes it great, sometimes it sucks.....well feel free to email me or check me on AOL IM...AIM: wawaislifeJonathan, 21
wawaislife@yahoo.com, United States - 15 Sep 2002
I have never had s sense of smell. As a nurse, this has come in handy. I also, like many of you, have a limited sense of taste. I don't know what fish tastes like or garlic. It's great to hear the same stories of similar experiences. Of course, when I baked cupcakes for eight hours one time, it's a little scary. Well, I wouldn't want to have a sense of smell even if I could. The "smelling" peoples don't make some smells sound great. I also like the idea that I don't have to judge people by how they smell.
SANDY, USA - 15 Sep 2002
My mother has never had the 'smell' we all use without even thinking. She asked me in passing to see what I could find online. She will be thrilled to know there is a name for such a thing. She has been laughed at and dismissed by certain docters and told that it was all in head. Her one dream is to smell a newborn baby and roses. It makes me sad that she had never had the opportunity to make memmories through smell, be it flowers or the smell of her new gradchildren. Looking back at my childhood, I never understood until recently why she used to freeze possibly rotten meat. She was afraid she would serve it by accident because she couldn't smell it. Again, thank you all for sharing and letting me tell my mom that there is more that just her out there. Cheers to a possible fix it all cure!
Nancy, Canada - 16 Sep 2002
Finally!! I always thought something was very wrong with me when I couldn't smell stuff or even comment on the taste of a meal. I didn't even realize this thing had a name. Thank you Max! Like some of the others who have commented, I have turned on the gas and almost burned myself to death, burn food, and shower incessantly,walk with breath mints hoping I don't smell bad. As a child (and even now) no one believes me when I say I can't smell. I guess mine is congenital as I have no memory of ever being able to smell anything (except mint). Now I don't feel so alone and stupid anymore and I will now say "I'm anosmic" without shame.
Tracy, Jamaica - 19 Sep 2002
My younger brother has never been able to smell, but we didn't figure it out until he was about 13. I think he was confused as to what "smell" was. If you ever held something up to him for him to smell, or asked him what it smelled like, he said peppermint. Everything smelled like peppermint. He eventually came up with a story for it- that he had gotten a peppermint lodged in his nose when he was very young, and that it never came out, so (logically) everything smelled like peppermint. He now admits that he must have fabricated the story (he's now 15). Though perhaps we should take it seriously, its more of a family joke than anything else. I do feel bad sometimes, when I say something like "wow, doesn't that smell good?" and he replies "I wouldn't know." It's like pointing out an attractive girl to a blind brother.
stuart, US - 22 Sep 2002
I love this site!!! I was born without a sense of smell and it never bothered me until just a couple of months ago. I am 25 years old and have to laugh when my friends innocently come up to me and ask "Does this smell good?" And no one ever remembers that I can't smell because they can't imagine NOT being able to smell. Some of my friends try to describe what a smell smells like, but I just nod my head and say ok. Do any of you ever find yourself not buying a lotion or perfume as a gift because you don't like the way it tastes? I do all the time. The only thing I don't like is missing the good smells. But I can't miss something that I never had to begin with, right? Please feel free to email me anytime. Thanks for the website Max!!
neese419@yahoo.com, usa - 25 Sep 2002
I have never had a sense of smell either. My father and his father didn't either so it must be hereditary to the men in my family. I don't have a son so I guess the trait stops with me! I learned today what this is called and can't wait to call my dad and tell him we aren't alone. I've had the same experiences many of you have had with milk and gas and things. I've read from the top posting in 2000 to now and have seen several references to how strong smells leave your nose feeling the same as stepping outside on a frigid day and taking inhaling through your nose or that sickening sweet taste from strong perfume or fresh skunk spray. I think I have a very good sense of taste however because I can tell the difference between all foods and flavors. I can taste very subtle differences between different fishes and if something needs more salt or not. I even am able to tell if instant mashed potatoes have the 1/4 tsp. in the batch or not. I get tired of explaining no sense of smell to people and have even had a long classtime discussion with my biology teacher in high school when he made the comment that smell is a part of taste--that is why when you have a stuffy head or nose you can't taste anything. I disagreed and he told me I didn't know what I was talking about...I passed anyway when we agreed to disagree. I'll end by asking the question if anyone else was ever told to hold your nose and swallow bad tasting medicine and did it ever work for you? It was never of any help to me and my taste buds!
Evan, USA - 28 Sep 2002
I didn't know I was annosmic, till one day a student came to lecture in our class, and accidently mentioned the word "anosmic". I asked her for it's meaning. after a short while I realized that I am one.I was never able to smell- anything! I never thought about it, I don't think it infected my sense of taste. But in my situation it's different, because I think I have it from birth, I can't recall a time when I was smelled, I don't remember any situation from my life which in it Im smelling.I went to the doctor, and he didn't say anything about it, no one takes it too seriously.I wonder: Is there any treatment for it? How can I know if it's from birth? maybe I have an infected sinus and I don't know about it? How does it infect my health if it's from birth (there are no articles about anosmia from birth)?well, anyway. if anyone has got answers- please write.smell ya later!
Efrat Levy, Israel - 6 Oct 2002
I HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SITE FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND I AM SO THANKFUL TO HEAR THAT ALL OF YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY I DO. PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE ME EVEN IF I GO INTO A ROOM WHERE EVERYONE SAYS IT STINKS AND I GO IN AND NOTHING AFFECTS ME. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I AM NEGLECTED FROM THIS DISORDER BUT YET IF FEEL SPECIAL AND UNIQUE. EVERYONE HAS HEARD OF PEOPLE BEING BLIND OR DEAF, BUT NOT NOT HAVING A SENCE OF SMELL. ALL I KNOW IS THAT I HAQVE NOT MISSED OUT ON ANYTHING BECAUSE OF MY SMELL OR LACK THERE OF IT OR THE LACK OF TASTE. FOOD IS NOT SPECIAL TO ME AND I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. I'D BE THE BEST DATE BECAUSE I WOULDN'T HAVE TO EAT A GOURMET MEAL:). ANYWAYS ALL OF YOU WHO FEEL DEPRESSED, DON'T, YOU ARE ALL SPECIAL AND ALL HAVE A GIVE TO GIVE SOMEONE.
POOPIEBUTT13@AOL.COM, USA - 7 Oct 2002
Mak - Nice to see that your site is still up and going. I posted back in 2000 under the address dmars@iserv.net.. I was quoted in your article for the news page.. I just wanted to once again thank you for this site.. It must make you feel good to bring these people together, give them some knowledge of what they are experiencing as you did to me so long ago..Thumbs up for Mak.. from a greatful woman in the Thumb. (Michigan) lol
coolgoil@yahoo.com, USA - 9 Oct 2002
Please know this, being anosmic is not a hindrance to our daily lives. Fortunately, anytime anyone asks me for an opinion of an odor or smell, I truthly reply, "I can't, I'm anosmic." Usually, I explain the definition. I've traveled throughout Latin America and this has never posed a problem either personally or professionally. My best friend in the wholewide world still asks me to "smell this" and as a joke, I do. Sure enough, a few seconds later (sometimes even hours), she'll come up and hit me for fooling her. I love my friend and I know she feels likewise, but I'm neither defined or prohibited by this. I don't like condiments, can definitely taste the difference between organic vegetables and non-organic. (Organic is usually sweeter with a much more pungent flavor.) Like to cook steaks and have only come close to burning down my apartment once. Ha! (Lesson: Don't make hummus while sleeping.) Honestly, life's too short to dwell on what is not. Look at it this way, setting & meeting goals are that much easier to accomplish due to the lack of smelly distractions! Aaaaaah! From the Congenital Anosmic Texan.
hgonzalez@admworld.com, USA-15Oct2002 - 15 Oct 2002
I am 41 years old and have been almost completely anosmic since birth. I detect a smell on the average of only a couple of times a week, and extremely faintly, and it is always a very strong smell such as gasoline, barbecue smoke, or really, really bad breath. I have only very recently become interested in researching the condition, and purely out of curiosity because it has not been a hinderance in my life. In fact, while I'm known by friends and family for my curious tastes in foods, I also possess an extremely discerning palate. In my case, my sense of taste is undiminished despite my condition, and in fact appears to be as sensitive as those I know to have normal senses of smell. I can often detect flavors when others can't, despite that I can't even smell what I'm eating or drinking. I have even won wine-tasting competitions and yet I've never known the aroma of wine. Without having read much yet about anosmia, I have to assume that for some people the sense of taste is affected negatively, while for others a form of compensation may occur whereby the sense of taste is heightened. Perhaps this is analagous to a blind person having highly developed hearing and touch. As a child I was encouraged by a doctor who told me that I would be able to taste things even as I didn't smell them. Maybe that belief was a psychological factor that became a physiological influence. I don't know.
Andy, U.S.A. - 26 Oct 2002
I am 41 years old and have been almost completely anosmic since birth. I detect a smell on the average of only a couple of times a week, and extremely faintly, and it is always a very strong smell such as gasoline, barbecue smoke, or really, really bad breath. I have only very recently become interested in researching the condition, and purely out of curiosity because it has not been a hinderance in my life. In fact, while I'm known by friends and family for my curious tastes in foods, I also possess an extremely discerning palate. In my case, my sense of taste is undiminished despite my condition, and in fact appears to be as sensitive as those I know to have normal senses of smell. I can often detect flavors when others can't, despite that I can't even smell what I'm eating or drinking. I have even won wine-tasting competitions and yet I've never known the aroma of wine. Without having read much yet about anosmia, I have to assume that for some people the sense of taste is affected negatively, while for others a form of compensation may occur whereby the sense of taste is heightened. Perhaps this is analagous to a blind person having highly developed hearing and touch. As a child I was encouraged by a doctor who told me that I would be able to taste things even as I didn't smell them. Maybe that belief was a psychological factor that became a physiological influence. I don't know.
Andy, U.S.A. - 26 Oct 2002
I've also considered just living with it, but after regaining my smell the first time, I realized how precious a thing it was to me. The first thing I remember smelling after the first episode was my daughter's hair when I picked her up to hold her. Though obviously not as dramatic as site or hearing, it is an integral part of sensing the world and is very depressing to me to be deprived of it. It's more of an emotional sense, I think than anything, more sublime and somehow deeper in it's ability to connect with the world than the other senses. Anyway, I have noticed during the periods when I can't smell that vigorous excercise sometimes brings a hint of the sense back as I read in another post. I can only believe that the small number of cases (does anyone know how many?) is the reason for lack of research or a cure, it seems not a very difficult thing in my case (I know there are also neurological causes which are far more complicated) compared to other diseases. Anyway, thanks for this site, it's hard for anyone to relate who has never experienced this!
jeff@inet-pub.com, USA - 2 Nov 2002
I've also considered just living with it, but after regaining my smell the first time, I realized how precious a thing it was to me. The first thing I remember smelling after the first episode was my daughter's hair when I picked her up to hold her. Though obviously not as dramatic as site or hearing, it is an integral part of sensing the world and is very depressing to me to be deprived of it. It's more of an emotional sense, I think than anything, more sublime and somehow deeper in it's ability to connect with the world than the other senses. Anyway, I have noticed during the periods when I can't smell that vigorous excercise sometimes brings a hint of the sense back as I read in another post. I can only believe that the small number of cases (does anyone know how many?) is the reason for lack of research or a cure, it seems not a very difficult thing in my case (I know there are also neurological causes which are far more complicated) compared to other diseases. Anyway, thanks for this site, it's hard for anyone to relate who has never experienced this!
jeff@inet-pub.com, USA - 2 Nov 2002
I am 37. I have known that I have no sense of smell since I was about 9 or 10. Several childhood incidents; a skunk, a house fire, and one time I heard a girl tell another, "He is cute but he stinks!". I started wearing deoderant after that. I would like to smell. I have read alot of the other people's opinions about anosmia. I am fascinated that anyone would be afraid to smell just because they have never smelled. One person with anosmia said she was worried she would be overwhelmed. Give me a break! I cannot imagine anything more exciting than feeling a sense I had never experienced. I am angry that science has not found a way to cure my anosmia yet. 6 billion people, technology that doubles in quantity every 2 years and still I have to walk around with only 4 senses. If you are a doctor who can cure me, please send me an email! I would like to smell.
anosmia303@yahoo.com, USA - 4 Nov 2002
hello my name is bas,I cant smell anything, and never put any attension to it i never talked to a docter about it. that was till i went 21. i went to a docter because i was 21 and looked 15. the doctor send me to an endocrinologist. one of the first things he asked was if i was able to smell. i cant i said.after a whole lot of test, i was diagnosed with Kallmanns syndrome, a very rare disorder. only one in 10000 men and 1 in 60000 woman. I very much want to get in contact with people who have the same problem and maybe Kallmann's syndrome. mail me at - essing17@zonnet.nl or bessi@dr.com hope to hear from you soon
essing17@zonnet.nl, the Netherlands (HOLLAND) - 6 Nov 2002
I've heard about a cookbook for anosmics called 'For tastebuds only' - anyone know where I can find it? If so, please email me, Thanks.
spofca@aol.com, usa - 14 Nov 2002
I've been anosmic since infancy. During high school, my parents had a barrage of doctors poke and prod me for a cause, and they concluded that I had lost my sense of smell due to numerous bronchitis infections in my first two years. Apparently, these infections disrupt tissue development, and resulted in my nose never being connected to my brain, hence, I cannot smell. My running joke with everyone that I have to explain this to is that I don't believe in smelling and I think it's all just a crazy sounding conspiracy, especially since people always seem wrong when they guess what a particular smell is.
llewys@hotmail.com, USA - 22 Nov 2002
hoy descubri que la falta de olfato es una enfermedad y me alegra de encontrar a gente de todo el mundo que sufre esto, yo no tengo noci? de alg? olor nunca he olido y tambien como comentan otros fingia oler ya que es algo muy extra? y para mucha gnete es como imposible que alguen no huela a si que me evitaba las explicaciones.Siempre he estado intrigada por oler pero nunca pesse que seria una enfermedad y nunca me trate. tengo 23 a?s y soy chilena, tengo una hija de 5 meses que no se si tiene la misma enfermedad.
yleyton@udec.cl, - 16 Jan 2003
I am so amazed to find an entire website related to this condition. I have never been able to smell, and did not realize that until I was about 8 years old. I "played along" all those years feeling stupid if someone asked me to smell something, thinking I just was not "catching on" like most people did. I always wondered why I could pinch my nose shut (when eating "yucky" foods) and it did not seem to make any difference in the taste of the food!I do not know if my condition is congenital or related to a traumatic head injury. I did have a pretty serious fall when I was a toddler. No one else in my family suffers from anosmia.When someone approaches me asking me to smell something and I say, "I cannot smell anything..." I always get some reply like, "Oh, is your nose stuffed up...do you have a cold" or some such thing. It takes me a couple of back and forth comments to explain, "No, I have NEVER been able to smell. I don't have a sense of smell." The next "logical" question I always get is "Well can you taste anything then?" My example is sugar and salt - I can taste the difference, but I don't have anything else to compare it to!I have never seen a doctor about this, partly I think, because my family did not believe me once I did tell them I cannot smell. They continued to put things under my nose and ask me if I could differentiate between smells. Let me just say that if I decide to bake cookies, and leave the kitchen - watch out! I have made more than one batch of "charcoal cookies"!
ncmanatee@hotmail.com, USA - 16 Jan 2003
I am 16 and have congenital anosmia. When I was young I pretended I could smell what everyone else did, which made it hard for people to believe me when I finally came forward and told them I had no idea what they were talking about when they said they could smell. I ahve not had any treatments simply because my doctors haven't told me anything culd be done, they overlooked it and said oh well. I'm so happy I found this website because now I know there are others out there. I just want to thank the person of this site. Teen age years are hard enough, and knowing there are other people comforts me. So thanks
megan1815@aol.com, USA - 16 Jan 2003
I'm 30 year old female and can't remember having a sense of smell so I assume since birth. I wish i knew if I was born with anosmia, or a head injury I had when i was 2 or 3. I didn't start developing untill I was 14. Other than that, I don't have the characteristics of Kallman's syndrome. I'm a hairstylist and when i take the bag off a clients head i think I'm smelling the stinky perm or is it just burning my nose. I can also smell onions when i'm cutting it. I feel like a lot of people who have wrote their experiences. A lot of times I just pretend I can smell so I don't have to explain or hear "I've never met anyone that can't smell". I'm also afraid to wear perfume. Afraid I'll get to much on. Please feel free to email me back. It's nice to hear about so many people with this problem.
, rwsprinter@aol.com - 16 Jan 2003
I am exactly the same, no sense of smell and it really annoys me. Someone please write to me and have a chat cos i feel no one understands because i dont know anyone who cannot smell Thank you Sarah
sarah.middow@lycos.co.uk, England - 14 Apr 2003
I can't believe that I found a site about this! I never knew it had a name and I've never met anyone else who couldn't smell. I have never been able to in my life. Like some people I've read on here, I used to pretend that I could smell because it was easier. I also hate being asked "can you breath through your nose." I am only 15, and when I was younger the loss of smell never bothered me. Now I'm starting to see what I'm missing. A friend of mine and myself were wondering if it had a name and started looking it up. That's how i found this site. I'm so glad I did! It makes me feel better to know I'm not alone, and many of your experiences sound just like mine! I'd love to chat with others that have anosmia, so feel free to email me!
USA, JasmineLWM1123@aol.com - 27 Apr 2003
It's so good to know that there are others out there that are going through the same things I am. I've been anosmic since birth. I'm curious, does anyone else base what they eat on texture? And, if so, what do you like to eat and what don't you like to eat. I've never met another person with anosmia so I'd like to hear from people with the same experiences. Also, are there any other sites out there like this one? Garret
gmulder@comcast.net, USA - 26 May 2003
I am amazed to hear all of the comments on this site. I am 29 and have been trying to find out my problem for a few years now. I have not been able to smell ANYTHING... EVER... since I was born. Of course a LOT of people have not and do not beleive me. My whole life I have never been able to smell a flower or food cooking. I never even smelled my childrens dirty diapers. I always had to just check. The majority of people dont seem to believe that I am telling the truth. this of course bothers me. One of my kids in particular is very emotional about my anosmic state. He has cried for me, and is very worried about a fire occuring in my home and me not knowing it. The doctors also have made me feel as if I were lying. They dont believe that I could wait 29 years to look into it.
Kathy, USA - 3 Jun 2003
It's so good to know that there are others out there that are going through the same things I am. I've been anosmic since birth. I'm curious, does anyone else base what they eat on texture? And, if so, what do you like to eat and what don't you like to eat. I've never met another person with anosmia so I'd like to hear from people with the same experiences. Also, are there any other sites out there like this one? Garret
gmulder@comcast.net, USA - 3 Jun 2003
I'm a 17 year old and have never been able to smell. It diden't bother me until my house nearly cought on fire and I diden't notice. Lately I've been worried about when I move out of the house. If there's a gas leak I won't be able to notice and I'm kinda afrade about getting blown up. Is there some kind of alarm like a smoke detecter for gas? Becouse if there's not, I'll be stuck liveing with my mom forver!
Brock, U.S.A. - 3 Jun 2003
Wow! I just found out tonight by chance that not being able to smell is called anosmia. I've NEVER been able to smell. It's fantastic to read about how much I have in common with you guys! I TOTALLY taste by texture, pretended to be able to smell for years, etc. Glad to know I'm not alone.
Glitterbucket@hotmail.com, USA - 3 Jun 2003
Hi all! I'm another anosmic. I'm 25 and maybe I cannot smell since my birth or very little after, bat anyway I cannot remember any smell. I knew that there were other anosmic people, but I never knew one. I'm very happy that now I can share my problem with other people like me, and I thank you Max a lot since you gave to all of us this opportunity. I think it's very important to speak about this problem, because each one of us can help the others letting know how we solved important problems such as gas, fire, babies, and so on... I thought it could be of aid also a chat, and so I registered one right now. The server is "skacore.musichat.net" and I named the channel "#anosmiChat". All of you are invited!
lally22@tiscali.it, Italy - 3 Jun 2003
Hi All. I found this site a year or so ago and it is great to read all the experiences. I was born without the sense of smell but I have always felt I have a fairly acute sense of taste. Its nice to know I wasn't weird pretending to smell. Or thining I would eventually learn how. Great website.
dmarkham@jl-pb.com, USA - 3 Jun 2003
In response to Brock: Yes, I think I have read about natural gas detectors, though I've never gone to the trouble of trying to buy one. I know that you put them near the floor, since gas is heavier than air, but that's about it. Several people also wrote about other websites. There is a very active anosmia discussion group on Yahoo - just go to and look it up. Most of the activity is from non-congenitals, though - the experience tends to be much more traumatic for them, since they know what they're missing.
Joel Adeney, USA - 11 Jun 2003
In response to Brock: Yes, I think I have read about natural gas detectors, though I've never gone to the trouble of trying to buy one. I know that you put them near the floor, since gas is heavier than air, but that's about it. Several people also wrote about other websites. There is a very active anosmia discussion group on Yahoo - just go to and look it up. Most of the activity is from non-congenitals, though - the experience tends to be much more traumatic for them, since they know what they're missing.
Joel Adeney, USA - 11 Jun 2003
I just stumbled onto this site by accident and have just spent over an hour in awe reading everyones comments. I never knew my not being able to smell had a real name and I never knew there were so many like me out there. I always thought my lack of being able to smell was just a handicap, just like not being able to see or hear. I have congenital anosmia and after 41 years I am so happy to finally have a name for it.
Janet > jansgossip@hotmail.com, Canada - 24 Jun 2003
I'm 37 years old and have congenital anosmia, and like the poster before me, I never knew there was a name for it until now. I'm still trying to figure out whether it's worth pursuing a possible medical solution - it doesn't sound like there are many success stories out there. It would be cool to have a whole new world to explore.
sandra at seattlesolutions dot com, USA - 14 Jul 2003
I am a 30 year old, completely healthy, normal bloke but discovered tonight that I also have congenital anosmia! I have absolutely no sense of smell and never have had! I've always told people I got it when I broke my nose playing rugby. However I first became aware of it as a boy when people would say, for example 'did you smell that fart?'...I just joined in the mickey taking, not being able to smell a thing! I've become more aware of it as i've got older, mainly becuase I was worried there might be something wrong with me or something! However apparently not. I do know I have amazing vision and hearing and some people say, a sixth sense...so perhaps I have been compensated in some way!
sharmangiles@hotmail.com, England - 21 Jul 2003
I'm 56, and at age 22 was diagnosed as gaving "Congenital Sensory Polyneuropathy", a very useful phrase which can mean anything you want it to mean, basically ! In my case, it means I was born with no sense of smell, taste, ot touch on any part of my body. This means I cannot feel soft touch, pinprick, or heat or cold. This creates great social difficulties, as you can imagine.Some of you have remarked that not smelling food reduces your enjoyment of eating....for me, not being able to smell it, taste it, get any sense of texture of food, and finding the mechanics of eating very difficult because I can't feel where the food is, makes eating a necessary chore, and a chore I'm reluctant to undertake in public. Any comments ?
bevsutherland@callsouth.net.nz, New Zealand - 27 Jul 2003
Like most of you, I came clean about the age of 25 that I had never been able to smell (I wonder why that is?). I guess I was in denial about it my whole life. My roommate in college made me admit that I could not smell anything. We were fishing one cloudy afternoon when he asked me if I thought we should head back to the car. I asked him why because we were catching fish! He looked at me and said "Can you not smell the rain coming?" I replied "No" He did not believe me and the discussion went on for about a half hour. I finially told him that I didn't really understand what "SMELL" was. I've been explaing it to everyone ever since. I am now 30 and am curious to know if I can be treated. I don't even know where to start. Reading other people's stories has absolutely blown me away.
bott@hot-shot.com, USA - 1 Aug 2003
Estoy en shock!! Nunca pense que hubiera tantas personas con la misma enfermedad que yo, siempre pense que era la unica (que envidiosa ¿verdad?) Me llamo Alejandra tengo 19 a?s y no se lo he platicado a nadie excepto a mi mama asi que fingo que puedo oler. Me encantaria platicar con alguien con la misma enfermedad. Por favor escribanme.
ale_curly@hotmail.com, Mexico - 3 Aug 2003
Wow, this site is amazing, a friend whos known i cant smell for awhile just heard today about the name for it, so i typed it in and here i am, im 33 and also have never been able to smell, and ive been going to a specialist for awhile now who said with steriods it may come back, sadly it didnt and im likely to go in for a sinus operation in the next 2 mths..so hopefully with luck some smells might come out of it :)
galdakot@hotmail.com, Australia - 3 Aug 2003
I have never been able to smell, I have never really felt that I am missing out on anything, I can see and hear and to me they are far more important. However, recently I am have become very aware that the little ability I did have to taste is disapearing, I was wondering if anyone else has experience similar.
allyson@chorlton71.freeserve.co.uk, England - 14 Sep 2003
Hello I am 16 years old and i have never been able to smell. I do not remember when, but i told my parents a bunch of years after i learned to talk, probably when i was about 8 or 9. Even so, they were not sure if i was lying or not. I do not care, however, that i cannot smell. I do no know what kind of thing i have, but i have been able to taste everything perfectly since forever. It would be interesting to talk to someone else with this about it, so email me! im male and live in DC. But also, until i read this stuff online, i thought only a few 1000 people had this same thing, as that was what my doctor told me! I commend the domain owner on this site! lol... bye! :)
cobayoloco@verizon.net, USA - 18 Sep 2003
I thought I was a strange person until I realised there were this many people without a sense of smell! I'm 13 years old and I was either born without one or I lost it when I had a bad bash to the head when I was three I think. I'm trying to go to the doctor's about it but no one's that bothered about it. Everyone thinks people like us are lucky but I'm kind of depressed about all this business. I also tried to find out if they took any X rays of my head back then (I was rushed to hospital) but I've found out none were taken. I really want to know if it can be treated in any way so please email me if you know anything (preferably anything or anywhere I could go in England). Bye!
anne.watson@myself.com, England - 21 Sep 2003
I thought I was a strange person until I realised there were this many people without a sense of smell! I'm 13 years old and I was either born without one or I lost it when I had a bad bash to the head when I was three I think. I'm trying to go to the doctor's about it but no one's that bothered about it. Everyone thinks people like us are lucky but I'm kind of depressed about all this business. I also tried to find out if they took any X rays of my head back then (I was rushed to hospital) but I've found out none were taken. I really want to know if it can be treated in any way so please email me if you know anything (preferably anything or anywhere I could go in England). Bye!
anne.watson@myself.com, England - 21 Sep 2003
this my second entry, the first one that i wrote about 2 months go was never added, but anyway........i'm a 21 year old female and as far as i can remember i have never been able to smell, and i never knew that it was a condition until i found this page. i want to know how to smell so desperately although i have never really gave it much thought, i just thought it was normal or i had to learn how to smell, i've become so self-conscious about my body odor(more like obsessed)...... i wash my clothes every week, even the clean ones............ i desperatelty need answers..........so feel free to email me
ka_el32, U.S.A. - 29 Sep 2003
I will soon be 40, I can't remember the last I could smell anything. Family and friends find it aggravating. I could be standing at the stove, something burning in the oven and I'll not know it. Try to get me to smell a scented candle or perfume, or a rose, depressing. 10 yrs. ago I had sinuse surgery ( to remove polyps), the Doctor said there might be a slim chance that I could regain some sense of smell, no luck. I'm due back in surgery this November (2003). I am a little scared and a little hopeful. It would be like being born again. Since I was a child I have had chronic sinusitis, A few yrs. ago, with no money I didn't go to the Doctor for antibiotics.It was a severe case of sinus inffection. Made me very sick. I sometimes wonder if that was the cause.It was stupid not to find a way to go. A Warning to all. Don't put it off, and don't think it will go away or get better.
persnickety2@msn.com, USA - 5 Oct 2003
I too have had a problem not being able to smell, since birth. I experienced brachial plexus (a birth injury, born breech, which created injury on the nerves in my right arm to where I have very little use or feeling in it)I recently began to experience pain in my neck, which has been associated with a herniated disc that has since been discovered. I have had excruciating pain all over different areas of my body, so I had an MRI done, and revealed I have Pseudomeningocele,which is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid in the base of the neck which originated from the traumatic rupture at the level of a lower cervical or upper thoratic neuroforamen, caused by an elongation injury of the brachial plexus!! In other words, my nerves going to my right arm which were attached to my spinal cord were ripped apart during my traumatic birth experience. Has anyone every heard of anything like this! please e-mail me with your findings!
sewdivine62@aol.com, us - 11 Oct 2003
I'm 16 and have congenital anosmia. I had no idea what it was even called for the longest time. It's nothing like deaf, mute, or blind because it is so uncommon. I'm writing an essay on my experience and that is the only reason I had taken the time to do some research about my condition. I have never had even a hint of a sense of smell. I can breath, and from what I know, taste just fine. The number of questions I have endured from people is ridiculous! I wondered if any of you have gotten the oh-so-famous "Why do you have a nose" or " You should work at a zoo!" comments. I had no idea my condition was so rare. My dad has a very limited sense of smell. I see that many of you say you have a relative who has anosmia as well. But my sister has an extremely acute sense of smell so I can't say I think its a dominant trait. Well I'm sorry for rambling but this is a great site!
kkmommy626@yahoo.com, USA - 13 Oct 2003
Oh my gosh I'm so excited. I had always thought that there was something wrong with me because I had never been able to smell. People would ask me to smell something and so I would just pretend to but I never smelled anything it was just like the air. My mom thought it was really strange and then I found out that two of my great-grandmothers also couldn't smell. Yesterday however I saw my doctor for some follow up x-rays and I asked him about me not being able to smell. He was completely baffled because he had never had a case in which the patient could taste but not smell. He told me that my condition was called Anosmia. He told me to look it up on the internet and he would also look it up for any possible furture cases. So I looked it up and found this. I was just really excited to know that there wasn't anything wrong with me and that other people had the same condition also.
misslissy_2005@hotmail.com, USA - 25 Oct 2003
I was also born without the sense of smell. As a child I found myself pretending to be able to smell. I did not want to be the outcast. If the boys were playing the fart game, then I would make the shrewd faces and crinkle up my nose too. "Man that was a good one!" Knowing full well that I had never even smell anything in my life. I guess if since I was born without the sense of smell it doesn't bother me as much as if I had just lost it. If you have sight and then lose it, you still have the memory of what it was like. I have never had that problem. Funny, one day a buddy of mine came over to my house drunk. We were about 15 or 16 and he did not want to go home with alcohol on his breath. I gave him some tooth paste (per his request) and then he asked me to smell his breath…… I did? "eemmmhh emmmhh? nope can't smell a thing" He was later grounded:) It nice to talk to people about this problem. Thanks, Todd
Tk0022@aol.com, USA - 30 Oct 2003
hi friends.I'm 36 years old.I'm very happy to find all you.I have been suffering anosmia since 1990.I don't know How I have anosmia.Perhaps I had hit my head somewhere,as I say exactly I don't know.I had surgery three times because of anosmia but I could get nothing.I have been to five doctors at least.I have used alot of medicine.I sometimes took smell and taste.But short term as you live. But There is something that I wonder.When I sometimes squeeze my lower nose and I give air from my nose with pressure and than If I eat bananas or something so a bit smell comes at that time.But normally I don't smell and taste.I think that It is very interesting. Anosmia is very important.I think We must search about it.When I get new info,I'll write again.bye friends.
ozzyozcan@hotmail.com, TURKEY - 31 Oct 2003
I am a 20 year old male with congenital anosmia. These inserts from all of these people make me feel not so alone. It's funny to me how I have never met someone with this symptom, and here are hundreds of people with it. I just left a site where a doctor was refering to this as a problem and stressing very adimently on how to fix it. If the case is congenital, then you were born with it. Why would it be such a problem that it would need to be fixed? The way I look at it is that this is the way I was born and this is who I am. NO, it is not a problem, it's me! I like to look at it as a very special trait in which only few humans are blessed to have. We are unique. Will-Chattanooga TN.
Will, USA - 4 Nov 2003
I am a 30 year old female with congenital anosmia and I realized I could not smell at about age 6. My older brother put together a test of coffee grounds, a rose, perfume and ammonia - couldn't smell anything but felt the burn of the ammonia vapor. It was easier for most of my life to pretend I could smell, by imitating other people's reactions. For a while I thought I would learn to smell. Then I realized that I could be the "perfect girlfriend" if I couldn't smell stinky feet and farts. And he could save money on cologne! Another advantage is not being tempted to eat something because of the smell. Instead I usually eat things that are healthy because of how I feel after I eat it (except I do have huge sweet tooth!) But I do wonder if I am missing out on pheromones (an individual's hormonal smell that attracts people subconsciously, supposedly indicating a good mate for you genetically). Or if smell is linked to memories which are linked to emotions, is my learning or emotional capacity hindered? Then there is the prevalent paranoia about cleanliness, i.e. clothes, body, kitty litter box. No obstructions in the nose so the doctor says it is probably neurological and nothing can be done. I remember that as a child my nose was always stuffy or I would get nose bleeds, could have been a viral infection or maybe irritation from second hand cigarette smoke. Anyway, I have never met anyone that has congenital anosmia, good to know I am not alone!
lala_90803@yahoo.com, USA - 7 Nov 2003
My daughter is 17 yrs. old and was just diagnosed with Kallman's Syndrome. It was a shock to find out she couldn't smell. We had no idea! She is having a tough time now coping with all this information regarding KS. If there are any females out there with this same syndrome, we would appreciate it very much if you would contact me and hopefully you could answer questions that my daughter and I have. Thank you. dsin992000@yahoo.com
Debbie, USA - 10 Nov 2003
Okay, first of all I'm amazed to find this site exits; then I'm even more amazed at how many congenital anosmics besides me are actually out there, just from the responses logged so far! I'm 50 years old, and have been anosmic all my life, though didn't realize it until the age of ~6 when my siblings began thinking it was strange I couldn't share their appreciation of the smells of Christmas dinner, cookies baking, etc. In my 50 years of living I've _never_ met anyone with the same condition and so thought it was rare indeed. In my teens I used to joke about it, with the line "I don't smell so good...", but later as recounted by others, there were downsides, safety being a prime concern. There was an incident when I nearly lit a cigarette while the apartment was reeking of stove gas from a pilot light gone out (my girlfriend saved me by walking in); and many pounds of meats thrown out simply because I couldn't tell if they'd gone bad or not. Also there were many tests I couldn't perform in school/college involving identification of chemical smells, etc. One thing later in life for those of us who live alone -- it is difficult to tell if others might be offended by our body odor if we can't tell ourselves! I can't even tell if my dog has rolled in something rank, unless it's a visible substance... Ah well, sometimes we simply have to "bow to the absurd," as Captain Picard of Star Trek once put it. Life is wonderful nevertheless. Cheers.
ihtysrof@telus.net, Canada - 13 Nov 2003
I wish I could smell my husband. I wish I could identify Jelly Belly flavors. Heck, I wouldn't even mind smelling stinky feet just once. I hate when people don't believe me because I can tell spicy foods apart from sweet foods! I hate that I can't be a firefighter (I don't really want to, but I don't like not being able to...) I hate that spinach tastes like wet paper. It looks so good.
Si, US - 21 Nov 2003
After 11 years of wondering if id ever get my sense of smell back, from a very bad headtrauma i had, im wondering,is there anything that can be done about this problem,,say,, surgiclly?if anyone has any info about any surgical procedures id be glad to listen. i lost my sense of smell when i was 18-and been depressed about it ever since, of,and on,,i feel like a freak.i can taste sweet and salty foods alright i suppose, but would love to smell candles, flowers, etc. iv never really talked about my problem for very long because i end up crying like a little baby.i cant tell when im burning something,or if i still have strong household cleaners on my clothes or hands.i guess i should be thankful for my family and to still be alive, but its hard cause it really still upsets me sometimes. can anyone tell me where i should look for help?
msbrina9261@aol.com, U.S. - 9 Dec 2003
En un tratamiento para bajar de medidas, hace tres meses, me pusieron unas vendas en la barriga con bastante mentol y alcanfor, eran bastante frias, y me resfri? Desde entonces he perdido el sentido del Olfato. Ahora ya pas?mas de tres meses y ya no estoy resfriada, y me preocupa que no tengo el sentido del olfato, y cuando tomo alimentos, ya no los siento tan agradables como antes. Quisiera sabe si es malo? o que va a pasar conmigo?
rvalera@hotmail.com, rosa elvira - 23 Dec 2003
I have tried all kinds of treatment for my anosmia. The only one that worked for a month was "electroforeza" (that is how it sounds in Bulgarian). They were putting some gel in the nose (clarinase/tin ??) and then letting electric current go thorugh my nose. That treatment for 10 days 45min each day semed to excite my nerves and I felt a considerable improvement (or I would say appearance) of smell. After about a month the smelling dissapeared gradually. Hope this helps. lubomm@yahoo.com
Lubo, USA - 27 Dec 2003
Isn't life interesting? I turned 60 this year. My sister was visiting and we talked about how neither of us had ever been able to smell and we'd never heard of anyone else who couldn't. Today she sent me an article she'd read, and it has a name -- Anosmia! And then I found this website and all of you. I, too, have drank spoiled milk, burned most of my cookies, twice been in a house full of gas and not known it, and had a sister- and my husband - tell me I smelled bad. Oops! On the upside, I was the one at work who could volunteer to clean the blocked up toilet, and empty the outside trash barrel that had a huge catfish skeleton in it! The best of luck to all of you, and oh yes, check those stove knobs before going to bed. They might have been bumped into the "on" position...
Marcia in W.V., USA - 31 Dec 2003
I never knew this condition had a name! That always seemed strange to me, I mean if you can't see, you're blind, if you can't hear, you're deaf, but if you can't smell, what are you? It's good to know that this is a condition that actually exists, and that I'm not just some freak of nature. I'm pretty sure I have never been able to smell. I don't think I would know if I suddenly was able to smell. People describe it to me as tasting in your nose. That's disgusting. Unlike many people here, I have never had any desire to smell. I regret not being able to tell if I have body odor, or if an article of clothing stinks, but that's about it. The reason I can't smell is believed to be that when I was born, I broke my mother's tail bone with my head. Head trauma can do that to ya.
chantez1617@hotmail.com, USA - 3 Jan 2004
Hello everyone. I never knew not being able to smell even had a "technical" name! I do think that some people here are blowing it abit out of all proportions though, its not exactly anywhere near as bad as being blind or deaf is it?! I cant ever remember being able to smell for as long as I've lived (I'm 22). I must admit from time to time I do think "I wish I could smell that"-apparently, according to my mates, your own shits are supposed to smell devine! (Is that true anyone??!) There is a possibilty that I may have had a sense of smell up until when I had my adenoids out at 4yrs, but I really cant remember ever having one. I've never really been particularly bothered by it to be quite honest, always raises some interest when people find out though- infact they're usually seem more concerned about it than I've ever been! I must admit that after stumbling across this sight quite by accident,it has got me thinking. Perhaps I should talk to my Doc and see if theres anything that could be done.(are there?) So long you stinkers!! (I probabily am-HaHaHa!!) Peace & Love - Steve da Brit!
www.shaunysheep3@hotmail.com, ENGLAND! - 7 Jan 2004
Hello there all! Until I found this site I didn't know this condition had a name, and I didn't know of anyone else who couldn't smell either. Here's a story to make you smile. One evening I was very tired and went to bed in the dark. I stood brushing my teeth thinking......this toothpaste isn't very foamy.....and it's greasy too!......I turned on the light to find that I had picked up the tube of Savlon !! Yuk. buffyheath@aol.com
buffyheath@aol.com, uk - 10 Jan 2004
Hi Everybody. Most of the comments seem to be from the USA, so I thought I'd add mine from England. I'm 42 and have never had a sense of smell. None, not even right under my nose, so it made me laugh to see so many of you have exactly the same problem. So many of these stories are familiar to me. As a child, until I realised what was going on I actually pretended to be able to smell just to avoid the questions - the questions being, 'Really? Can you taste? Can you smell burning? and on and on in what the rest of you will recognise as being the usual reaction. And then once you start to tell people within an hour they've forgotten and they are asking you to smell things. I absolutely forget about it most of the time, but every so often I find myself yearning for this thing I'm missing that I can't even describe. My one comfort has always been that if you've got to be missing one of your senses then smell is the one to take. Good luck to each and everyone of you.
Stewart, York, England - 12 Jan 2004
Hi. I have not had a sense of smell since my mid teens due to Chronic Rhinitis and nasal polyps. I am now 26 and I have had polyp surgery on several occasions and although these procedures provide temporary relief to my symptoms I have never managed to regain my sense of smell. I have recently discovered that I am allergic to many foods I and I have managed to reduce the severity of my symptoms significantly, and stop the polyps from returning by eliminating the offending substances. I still have no sense of smell, although I have been encouraged by its return on a few very brief (but sweet!) occasions since starting the diets. I stumbled across this site while trying to find out more about a magazine article I read of a clinic in London that apparently provides a Herbal cure for anosmia. Its heartening to know that there are more people out there who are sharing the same experiences that I am with this condition. I am not all that concerned with regaining my sense of smell but it is something that I have been thinking about more since reducing my other symptoms and it would be nice for once not to feel like a freak when someone asks 'what? that smell?' or 'can you smell this?' or 'is that your house burning down?'.
paul.carroll@prsprinters.co.uk, England - 16 Jan 2004
Like a lot of you all I have to say that it is a huge relief to know that there are other people like me - there are actually other people who cannot smell! I am 26 and have never been able to smell - not that I remember anyway. I don't seem to have the side effects that are normal of those with cogenital anosmia, so it may have been something that happened in early childhood. I read all of your stories and smiled at each one - I saw myself in a lot of them and feel relief that there are people who really understand the experience - the humor,the annoyance, and sometimes the sadness - of not being able to smell.
ekay_64@hotmail.com, USA - 28 Jan 2004
Ever since I was little, my friends always thought it was weird when they would put a flower under my nose and I wouldn't be able to say, "It smells wonderful!" I want to be able to smell. Today, I had my friend and my twin sister to explain what a smell is like. They told me it was like explaining a color to a blind person. In my 8th grade science class, we have to pick a topic to do a report on. I picked the 5 scences. I was looking up information on the sence of smell when I came upon this site. I was amazed with all the people with congenital anosmia who have found cures. Of course I am excited to find out if that is what I have, so i start researching and found all the symptoms that are part of anosmia. I recognized all of those symptoms. One of them seems really familiar to me; it is late or little breast growth. My twin sister started her period I think. I am not into her business enough to know, but she grew breast ALOT more than me and I am older than her.My mother started "growing" when she was 2 years younger than I am right now. Another symptom I realized I had was the sence of taste got weaker. I read some of the solutions today while I was researching and I was so glad to find out some of the ways to cure anosmia. I was so happy that I almost started to cry. If anyone has anything that has worked for them, I need more help. It is really dangerous for me while cooking or sleeping because if my house caught on fire, I wouldn't be able to tell. Also I don't wake up using alarms or if a detector goes off. I was at a hotel once and the fire alarm went off at 2:00 in the morning and I didn't wake up. That kind of scares me to think I could be put in danger just because I can't smell. Please help me. I am only 14 and there isn't alot of help or specialists who can help me since I live in the
karen_jesusluvs@yahoo.com, USA - 28 Jan 2004
Hi there: I am a fifty year old male who can never remember having a sense of smell. Everything, and I do mean everything, is like fresh air to me. You cannot understand how knocked out I was to discover that I am not unique! Thank you for the website. I first realised I was not entirely all there at a friend's birthday party when I was about five. One of the games was to blindfold the attendees and to have them identify various smells. My friend's mother, a nurse, alerted my parents to this apparent abnormality and I was even taken to a doctor but, true to the times we lived in, he and my father decided that I was "merely seeking attention" and no further action was taken. Interestingly, my father still raves about smells to me at every possible opportunity, but that's just the kind of guy he is. I have spent my entire life nodding and smiling when people enthuse about smells, and continually faking it in the kitchen, restaurants, etc. My wife is about the only person who knows this about me and until recently it was an oddity rather than a real handicap - after all, you can usually tell by looking when food is too furry to eat, right?. When I recently started suffering from deteriorating vision due, apparently, to a palsied nerve in one eye it dawned on me that a blind person with no sense of smell would be badly placed. Hence my research and discovery of your website. I don't intend to start looking for a miracle cure as it appears that there aren't any out there but I am very chuffed, and of course sympathetic, to discover that I am not alone. Thanks again for all the postings - some very interesting reading.
Jonathan, England - 28 Jan 2004
I have congenital anosmia. I remember when I was six someone asked me to smell something. I never really thought about it so I just said I couldn't. Everyone was shocked. I told my mam and she was shocked. I can't remember much before that, but I assume I always knew I couldn't smell. Everyone is amazed that you can't smell when you have anosmia. It's always "Do you have a cold?" "Have you ever smelled?" "Why can't you smell?" "Is your nose blocked?" "Are you telling the truth?". No one believes you.
Lisa, Ireland - 28 Jan 2004
Ever since I was little, my friends always thought it was weird when they would put a flower under my nose and I wouldn't be able to say, "It smells wonderful!" I want to be able to smell. Today, I had my friend and my twin sister to explain what a smell is like. They told me it was like explaining a color to a blind person. In my 8th grade science class, we have to pick a topic to do a report on. I picked the 5 scences. I was looking up information on the sence of smell when I came upon this site. I was amazed with all the people with congenital anosmia who have found cures. Of course I am excited to find out if that is what I have, so i start researching and found all the symptoms that are part of anosmia. I recognized all of those symptoms. One of them seems really familiar to me; it is late or little breast growth. My twin sister started her period I think. I am not into her business enough to know, but she grew breast ALOT more than me and I am older than her.My mother started "growing" when she was 2 years younger than I am right now. Another symptom I realized I had was the sence of taste got weaker. I read some of the solutions today while I was researching and I was so glad to find out some of the ways to cure anosmia. I was so happy that I almost started to cry. If anyone has anything that has worked for them, I need more help. It is really dangerous for me while cooking or sleeping because if my house caught on fire, I wouldn't be able to tell. Also I don't wake up using alarms or if a detector goes off. I was at a hotel once and the fire alarm went off at 2:00 in the morning and I didn't wake up. That kind of scares me to think I could be put in danger just because I can't smell. Please help me. I am only 14 and there isn't alot of help or specialists who can help me since I live in the
karen_jesusluvs@yahoo.com, USA - 28 Jan 2004
I didn't know it would cut me off! sorry ....................................small town of milo. I would appreciate it if anyone would be willing to help me. thanks
karen_jesusluvs@yahoo.com, United states - 29 Jan 2004
Like many I lost my sense of smell approx 15 years ago. Surgery for chronic sinsusitis and nasal polyips eased the symptoms for a few months but i am no lomger able to smell anything. Apparently I have to live with it. Medically i feel it is seen as an inconvience and so not worth wasting appiontment time on.
julie peacock, England - 30 Jan 2004
Like many others here i am another congenital anosmic, or at least i assmue i am since i have never known what it is to smell an odour good or bad. My name is Marie and i assume my condition is congenital since i've never smelled though i do not know whether i just lost it early on in life or not. It is true that many people do not believe you when you tell them you are anosmic, it was hard for me since i was 5 i thought i was a later learner in the smelling department and had an idea that i was anosmic but 7 was the age i really knew i couldn't smell. I discovered this site two years ago and it was hard to read and find out that many others have the same condition. I feel at home here and now i'm not so sad. It is really hard for me to eat sometimes and i am really picky so it's easier for me to lose weight then to gain. A few days ago i lost two kG's and have kept it off since. Well thisis me signing off ta ta
quake118@hotmail.com, Australia - 30 Jan 2004
Please help me.
karen_jesusluvs@yahoo.com, United states - 30 Jan 2004
I (a possible hyperosmiac) met an anosmiac in high school and seemed to be the only person who believed her (I was also stunned!. As a point of interest to anosmiacs, most 'smell-normal people' have a really hard time smelling anything if it is cold enough outside. I mean really cold! I don't know if this is because there are less smell particles in the air or what, but if you want somebody to understand what you are talkin about, send 'em to antarctica!
Daniel P, Canada - 4 Feb 2004
Hello.I am 21 years old.I have congenital anosmia.I have never been able to smell.I'm a medical faculity student.I want to study for anosmia and anatomy of smelling ways with a partner who is a medical faculity student and have congenital anosmia.I don't know english very well.But I believe to find treatment of anosmia.My telephone number is +90 0536 4578594
bayramurgan@hotmail.com, TURKEY - 12 Feb 2004
This is a message for Stewart in York, England and anyone else who would like to get in touch. I am in the early stages of researching people who have congenital anosmia. I am very keen to here peoples stories relating to the disorder and how it may have effected them. Anthony
simulation74@yahoo.co.uk, Leeds, England - 8 Mar 2004
I once smelled a plate of hot chinese food. That was a few days after a nose doctor opened up a passage that had been blocked when I was a baby, after a fall down a flight of stairs. I grew up beathing through my mouth since nose breathing was so very difficutl for me. I never ever told anyone that i had no sense of smell and when smells were brought uo during conversations I would block out the subject. That chinese dish was the only thing that I ever was able to smell in my life to date. It left as quickly as it had come. I tried everything. Lining up bottles of different substances and trying to 'smell' them and any differences between them. Holding up supposidly smelly food items and perfumes to my nose. Nothing worked. My wife read that zinc might help. It did not. I have often wondered. Have I been compensated for this loss by a greater awareness in my other senses. I think not. She worries. If the gas is left on will I know?.. What if the boiler in the basement develops a leak, or something is burning on the stove? I suppose that I have by now decided that this is a condition that I will have for the rest of my life.
elfdom@earthlink.net, USA - 8 Mar 2004
I also have congenital ansomia , iwas told when i was about 13 yrs old when i went in for a severe sinus infection, then when i was 20 i had a severe infection in my nasal cavaity as a result from a cold and had tissue expelled from my nose , the doctors examened the tissue and told me it was the body rejecting the olfactory cells from my body I had to have the blood vessels cauterized. not a fun experince ... thanks fot eh wnderful site , I hope you guys dont mind if i placea link on my bio page ... Zziks...
zziks@zziks.com, usa - 8 Mar 2004
Hey there, Max. This site is very well done. I'm 31 and have never been able to smell. In my case, the problem is genetic. I got the gene from my grandfather on my mother's side who was also born with the inability to smell. Much like the X-Men, non-smellers have been harassed and tormented for generations. It's time that we rise up, unify, and go to war. Either that, or just take the following suggestion to heart: I'm here to warn you non-smellers about Sushi. Stay away from friggin' Sushi! You have no way to tell if it's good or bad since you can't taste it. I ordered some sushi yesterday and noticed that the texture was slightly different but I didn't think much of it. Well, guess what? I was food poisoned. Today has been the worst day of my life [unless you consider involuntary purging a "good time."] Severe asnosmiacs like me that have absolutely zero taste/smell should stick to safer foods. What the heck? It's not like we can taste the stuff anyway so why take the risk? You can reach me at smellNotFound AT CodeFanatic DOT com.
David, USA - 8 Mar 2004
My 28yr. old son had no or little sense of smell from as early as I can recall. It puzzled me, then, that he couldn't smell cookies or other tantalizing foods cooking. Anyway, he has to rely on someone else to do smell checks. I also want to note that he doesn't seem to have body odors. The man can't smell and doesn't smell. I do wonder if men who have congenital anosmia get married, as it seems that their bodies can't respond to female pheromones and consequently may not experience "passion".
Mom of an Anosmia, LA California - 8 Mar 2004
Dear Mom in LA, I can assure you that men with congenital anosmia can experience passion! On a good day, at least.
Max, UK - 8 Mar 2004
Well I can't believe it but on August 23, 2001 I put my story on this website. It took about a 1 1/2 years but I can SMELL and TASTE again. I feel now that the problem uas drug related. I was on so much medication. I can't remember the last pill I took but I do remember asking the pharmacist that the pills he was giving me were very strong and used for sinus and ear problems only, it was after taking those pills I lost the taste and smell except for the part where onions and eggs had a very nasty taste. I kept throwing out cartons of eggs thinking they were bad. Since then I take the flu shot and, nock on wood, I have not had a cold in the last year or so. If I do get another bad cold I won't be taking all those pills again. So even though I had this problem, I feel their's hope out there. And if anyone is on a lot of medication - check with your doctors and see if theres anything out there that is natural and see if you can get off the pills, it may take a while but theres a chance the reason one of you may have this problem is due to many mixes of medication. Good Luck and you all are still in my thoughts.
tkitts@riviana.com, USA - 8 Mar 2004
Hello. I am now 37 years old. When I was a youngster, 6 or 7 years old, I had an injury to my head which involved mostly my nose. To make a longer story short, I've never been able to smell anything whatsoever. I've had a surgery to try and correct the cause but surgery was not successful. Therefore, I will never be able to smell. The nerve (Olfactory nerve) is just severed. Is Anosmia a disability? Because it lowers the quality of life like loosing site or sound? Are there any websites that would be able to offer any additional information? Would appreciate any help. Thank you! Geoffrey
gomilton@gulftel.com, US - 8 Mar 2004
Hi i have congential anosmia like most of you, i figured out i couldn't smell when i was 6-7 at school when we were doing the 5 senses. ive never been ashamed or embarrassed to tell people i cant smell when they ask me to smell this or that because thatz who i am and i cant change that(to my knowledge) and even then im not sure i would. I do get the stupid comments and questions when i tell people like: Is ur nose blocked, u obvousily cant taste and all the other ones people come up with. Im pretty sure my sense of taste is affected but im not sure to what extent because it is pretty good (or at least i think so lol). Im 15 (almost 16 tho)years old and am a New Zealander living in Australia. It would be great 2 hear from any other congential anosmiacs as i dont actually no any1 else with the privilege! my email is irvine91@hotmail.com. Lastly i would like to thank Max for setting up this site i had no idea there were so many other people with congential anosmia.
irvine91@hotmail.com, kiwi (but living in Australia) - 10 Mar 2004
I am 40 years old, and have had anosmia all my life. I don't know if it is congenital thing or due to a accident I had as an infant. When I was about 1 year old, I fell and broke my collar bone. I know that a blow to the head can sometimes cause a person to lose their sense of smell, and as I fell I could have hit my head. I just don't know. What I do know is that I can only smell some select things like ammonia, chlorine, spicy chinese mustard, rubbing alcohol- that's about it. Except for the mustard I've never smelled anything I've ever eaten. I cannot smell perfume even when it's right under my nose and I deeply inhale. I cannot smell smoke, and when I was 18 my house caught on fire and I didn't know it until my sister made me aware of it. Like most I did not know that I had this condition at first. I don't know when it occured to me. It must have been a gradual process. What I do know is that I am sometimes embarrassed by it, and other times open and curious about it- depending on who I'm around. It made me very self conscious in social situations, and is sometimes is a challenge since I have no way of knowing if I have bad breath, if my clothes don't smell right or if I stepped in dog poop! The more I think about this I think I a blow to my head caused my condition. An MRI I once had revealed no clue. I was told I have an aunt who has this, but I've never asked her about it. It's funny because it's one of those things that we probably don't think about that often, and until now I never knew that it affects that many people.
Joe, USA - 11 Mar 2004
I have a 8 months old baby who is suffering from congenital nose I have visited all hospitals in Ghana but still my son is not healed I Please would somebody out there help me heal my son. thank you. (owurakuus@yahoo.com)
MRS. D, M WIAFE, GHANA - 12 Mar 2004
i have no sense of smell. i dont have much to say, i just have this uncontrollable need to see my name on the internet. jk :)
alex damon, usa - 14 Mar 2004
*Pickiest eater on the planet* - I can't ever remember being able to smell! My parents found it pretty hard to deal with when I was younger, the pickiness. It was kind of traumatic really, sitting at the dinner table for hours being forced to try at least a little of every food to find out what I like. Don't you think it's strange though, often having to choose the food we want to eat by how it looks, comparing it to what we've eaten before, or how someone else describes it to us? From the childhood trauma, "trying" new foods is something I'm almost scared of. Eating at restaraunts can be a bit awkward too. Living without the sense of smell isn't that difficult, I think, but from reading the other comments here and the scary experiences people have had with fires and gas, I don't ever want to live alone! :/
Karen, 17, female, Australia - 16 Mar 2004
My name is Sarah and i am 21 years old. About 4 months ago I suffered a HEAD INJURY in a mixed basketball game. I was knocked flying by a largish male player and hit the back of my head on the hard floor. My neurologist said that the impact casued a plate in my head to move and saw off the delicate fibres )that pick up smell) that were running through the plate. At first i had no sense of smell or taste but over the months it has slowly come back although everything doesn't taste or smell like it used to. some things do smell normal but others smell very unusual. E.g. chocolate, coke, tomato sauce taste funny and petrol smells funny just to name a few. I was told that by 12 months after the accident, my taste and smell wouldn't improve anymore which scares me. i guess i am luck in some ways because i was able to smell perfectly for a while and now i can smell and taste some things but i miss it so much. the taste of chocolate, god what i wouldn't give to get that taste back. the boy that hit me that day doesn't know that he has changed my life forever, he simply said to me "girls play at their own risk". i loved reading all of your stories and would love to hear from anyone who has had a similar problem. thanks for reading my story, i hope that someone can read this and not feel alone anymore! :) stay positive!
rogse004@students.unisa.edu.au, Australia - 22 Mar 2004
The most annoying thing is when u tell people u cant smell a thing at all, and then they say, " You cant smell!, what? cant u even smell curry, or chips" etc!! No, i cant smell anything!. Its almost like people dont think its possible not to have a sense of smell.my dad used to think i was after attention when i said i couldnt smell, and did tests on me and everything! It was crazy for me because i didnt even know what smell was, and i was sure i didnt have it, but when people didnt believe me i was confused, and i thought i might have it and not even realise. It was strange.I used to just go along with it if people were reacting to a smell. I cant imagine being able to smell, id be running round like a crazed person smelling everything,lol.
Andy, England - 25 Mar 2004
My name is Jesse and I'm 14 years old. I have no sense of smell at all. I found out just today that this is called anosmia. My doctor thought that it was because of a sinus infection that I had since I was a baby. I got surgery for this, with no good result. I must say that it is very comforting to see this whole untire website based on anosmia. Thankyou
jesse@wormspro.com, USA - 12 Apr 2004
PLEASE COULD YOU HELP ME ??!!!!?, I am currently producing a presentation on Anosmia as part of my degree course. I really need to know what it feels like from a personal perspective and how you feel it impacts upon gender, class and race!. I would really value any feedback; I can’t begin to imagine the impact of such impairment and could really use some help!!. I also want to say how inspiring I have found this website, your individual outlooks are so uplifting. Chantalle
Chantallelouisa@yahoo.co.uk, England - 14 Apr 2004
Thanks to god! I'm not the only one.. My sense of smell totally gone after my recurrent cold I used to suffer 2 years ago. I went to my doctor, and diagnosis was confirmed " Nasal septal deviation". I had many courses of different antibiotics, antihistamins, steroid nasal spary. Later, I had septoplasty operation with SMD (Sub-mucus Diathermy) under general anaesthetics. Such operative procedure only help me improve my breathing and stop me snoring, That's it!!! I am still with anosmia. My ENT surgeon told me my sense of smell would not longer come back. The reason for this was " due to my olfactory nerve were unactive for such a long period, they undergone atrophy....basically, my nerve that responsible for my sense of smell are dead. For me to get my sense of smell back (would be a mirracle from God).
amirbensaid@yahoo.co.uk, United Kingdom - 19 Apr 2004
Did anyone else *pretend* to smell things because you learned by watching that that's what other people did? My mother didn't believe me when I always said I couldn't smell anything -- until I was in my late teens. I had a concussion when I was about 18 months old. I can TASTE canned tomato soup when I'm cooking tomatoes, like for chili con carne or spaghetti sauce; I've got a whiff of garlic now and then; I can smell the cat litter box only when I'm cleaning it (smells the same as booze, household cleaners, and perfume). I'd hate to develop a sense of smell now, at age 47 -- what if the people I like have BO? What if the taste changes for all the foods I like. I am not a picky eater... and never have been. I don't see it as a medical problem at all -- just another quirk.
kblack_text@hotmail.com, Canada - 20 Apr 2004
Im 15 years old and i cant smell and never could! people never believe me when i tell them and if i do tell them they usually forget. Sometimes i just go along with it when people say they smell something because i dont feel like having to give an explaination.
imadork0209@aol, USA - 27 Apr 2004
I can't believe that there are son many people in the world that are suffering from congenital anosmia. My son, who is now 9 yrs old, was apparently born with congenital anosmia. He has never been able to smell, but always pretended up until about a year ago, when he admitted to me that he has never been able to smell anything. He is a terrible eater, only like salty chips, dry cereals that are crunchy, raw carrots, Granny Smith apples (because they are so sour), very sour candies, well I think you get my point. He doesn't eat like a "normal" person, because he is afraid to try new things. He thrives on the "cruch" of foods. The pediatrician has said that people don't need to eat meat to be healthy, as long as I keep him on a vitamin with iron in it. My son goes through about a gallon of milk in 2 days, but won't eat cheese, anything with sauce, no soups, pasta, rice, pizza, etc. It makes me crazy! It is very difficult to go out to dinner, or on vacation, because when we go out, he only orders well done french fies (so they are crunchy), and toast. I'm at a loss when it comes to making his lunches everyday for school. The amazing thing is that he is growing and gaining weight, at the rate he is supposed to, according to the doctor. I'm glad we are not the only family out here that has this problem. I've never heard of this before, and it is quite amazing how many people have this! Thanks to everyone that has written their stories!
Nicole, USA - 30 Apr 2004
Thanks for this wonderful site. For a while I thought I was the only one in this world who has lost her sense of smell. I lost mine when I fell off a three foot high stool three months ago. Since then I have been praying to God to restore my sense of smell and also been doing acupressure on myself.
LotusFlower01@hotmail.com, USA - 30 Apr 2004
When I found out that I had congentital anosmia I was so happy that I finally knew that I was not alone. The first thing that I thought when I found out what this was I went on to the internet and got here. I copied off all the information that I thought would help me then I just kept coming back to read other peoples stories about this among themselves. I am 15 years old and I am now informed about what this is and for that I am very greatful.
Delaya@edzone.net, usa - 7 May 2004
Hi my name is Cori and I am 9 years old.I have cogenital anosmia.I have never been able to smell.Before I found this website I thought I was the only one who couldn't smell.I am SO glad to know that there are other people out there just like me.
Cori tscamartin@peoplepc.com, - 12 May 2004
Has anyone ever got back their sense of smell. I would love to hear from you.
LotusFlower0@hotmail.com, USA - 16 May 2004
Hello everyone! My name is Edward, a 37 year sold single male, and I have congenital anosmia. I just discovered this website about an hour ago and am truly delighted to have found other people that can relate to what life is like with the condition, especially the drill that sometimes happens when we all play along with other people wanting us to smell various things :) We need to have an anosmia convention as I'll bet we'd all have a lot more stories to tell. When people ask me if I can taste anything I do tell them that I can taste things but my sense of taste is probably equivalent to the color perception that a colorblind person sees.... The closest I have ever come to smelling anything would be a freshly painted room, otherwise nothing. I also have had a high-frequency hearing loss since birth. I am also interested in understanding how we with the condition may fare in relationships with missing out on the pheromone smells and how the lack of smell function may affect memory or the depth of emotion in life. I am still single after 37 years...I have a great life but haven't connected permanently as of this writing. However, I am truly grateful for the senses I do have and am appreciative of what good fortune my senses have brought me inlife.
Edward, USA - 31 May 2004
I'm 28 and have congenital anosmia. I never thought it was that big of deal. Having the sense and losing it would be far worse than never having it at all. That would suck. I've never felt handicaped from not smelling something. My brothers would tell me if something stank. It can be good or bad. Its good when your friends let loose a good one in the car and are gasping for air. Bad when you are sitting next to a hot blonde in class and let one loose then having no idea if it stinks or not. I usually just told the girl the guy next to me farted. Never sure if this worked?? I can think of a thousand things that would be worse to have.(or I guess not have) So I'll never know what popcorn smells like. Big deal!!
Micah Comer, USA - 2 Jun 2004
I had Bronchitis and a chest infection just over a year ago and was given anti-biotics (I had the the infection for 6 weeks). When I felt better, I found that I could not smell or taste. My doctor said it would return in time, but it has not - I have at last got an appointment with the ENT doctor (after waiting for more than 6 months for an appointment). The only "smell" I have is a revolting "rotting salad onions" and this "smell" is with me all the time. The only "taste" is the usual sweet, sour, hot and salty but cannot differentiate any foods at all, only texture. Just recently I have noticed that eggs but only the whites (fried, boiled etc) taste very bitter and burnt, but utterly revolting, so I do not eat them anymore as it makes me nauseous. I am so glad that I am not the only one with these sympton as I really thought I was going mad. Also, it is nice to know what the tests will be as no-one has told me what to expect - so thanks to you all.
Mrs L Jackaman, Kent, England - 2 Jun 2004
I have remembered that I also have a strange burning sensation in my mouth from time to time. If I drink anything fizzy, it is as if I am drinking acid, I cannot tolerate spicy foods anymore either. I do miss having a curry and even trying to eat a Korma curry is like eating razor blades mixed with acid and to top it off I can't taste or smell it anyway only this horrible "rotting salad onions". Even chocolate "burns". So on that note I will finish.
Mrs L Jackaman, Kent, England - 2 Jun 2004
Hello people!! I really can't believe there is actually a name for not being able to smell. I know its sounds strange but I always thought I was just strange and the ONLY one who could not smell. I always knew I couldn't smell since I was 6, cant' remeber how I came to the conclusion. But i like many others used to fake being able to smell when people mentioned nice perfumes or people farting etc. Then when I was 12 I told my parents and like every other person, they did not believe me!!!! All of my friends find it strange and can't work out how it is physically possible. But I don't understand peoplewho say that coz some people can't see, hear or feel and that isn't strange to people!! oh well anyway i'm just glad to know that am not the only one.
jezza203@hotmail.com, UK - 7 Jun 2004
I have been to the ENT consultant and he has told me that I have cacosmia (not anosmia) and I will never get my sense of smell back - I still live in hope that it will return one day, but until that time I will just have to try to remember what things tasted like (even though my memory seems to have forgotten smells as well). I cannot even remember what honeysuckle smells like and that is one thing that I miss, and my Mum's roses, they smelled of turkish delight.
Leigh Jackaman, England - 13 Jul 2004
I have had anosmia for about 2 years since a bad cold/flu. Two months ago, I started my own business. I am taking one of the products I sell in my business and the longer I take it, the more my senses of taste and smell come back to me. This product also helps me sleep better and keeps me from being groggy during the day. It also has evened out my moods, even during my monthly "friend." If you are interested in knowing more, send me an email!
Marissa, iveralynni@aol.com, Connecticu, USA - 21 Jul 2004
It troubles me that spam messages for bogus products are being allowed onto this list of messages. The previous one mentions a product which offers to bring your sense of smell back, even out your moods, and help you sleep better. There is nothing which will do that. Please do not fall for these scams. And, I also have no sense of smell, never have had one, and in my case I don't miss what I've never had. I'm sure food would taste better if I could smell things, but given all the complaining everyone else does about things smelling bad, I'm not sure I want to have a sense of smell anyway.
starkxyzzy@yahoo.com, USA - 21 Jul 2004
I am 65.I slowly lost my sense of smell from 20-28.This was followed by a severe sinus infection following a dentist visit.This lasted 15 years.I had various visits to hospital culminating in a sinus washout and grommets being inserted. The sinus drip with its accompanying foul taste continued. I the bought a booklet entitled 'Know your own sinuses',in which it recommended using a salt spray.It got rid of the infection.I still have no sense of smell except partially with a steroid spray.
ronald.vizard@tesco.net, london england - 23 Jul 2004
I'm 27 and as I remember I have never had a sense of smell. I didn't realize it until I was about 8 or 9, and it didn't really sink in until my late teens. When I was a kid, when people said "Those cookies in the oven smell so good." I thought it was a joke that everyone was in on, and I'd say it too, even if there was a pot roast or potatoes in the oven. My sense of taste is pretty bad, I compare it to someone with a cold, although my anology could be wrong. Recently, at the theater, I drank an entire cup of tea without realizing that I was the one responsible for putting the tea in the mug, and that I had not yet done that. Uhm, so I drank a cup of water thinking it was hot tea.
snoogie_woogie@hotmail.com, USA - 3 Aug 2004
Hi! I come from lebanon and cannot smell anything it makes me sad
George Yacoub, Lebanon - 19 Aug 2004
Hello... I'm a 20 year-old Brazillian guy who, as most people here, has congenital anosmia... I just realized that when I was about 7 or 8, but it took some time so my mother would totally believe that I couldn't smell anything (she actually believed when I cleaned the kitchen where she had dropped a rotten egg). So far, no one really knows what caused my anosmia. I'm about to try a tomography to check my olfatory nerves, or maybe some other kind of factor that could be contributing to my anosmia. My sense of taste is not very good at details. I also can't identify artificial tastes - I can taste it, but most of times I can't tell what it tastes like. I mean, the name of the fruit, or simillar...
vinimaciel@yahoo.com.br, Brazil - 3 Sep 2004
Reading the commenst here, I can se that we pass through ther VERY SAME situations... With friends, when they find out about our condition, the tests they wanna do with us, the different reactions - that always end up to be the same ones... I feel good about it. Unfortunately I don't know anyone with this problem... except you here in this website, of course.
vinimaciel@yahoo.com.br, Brazil - 3 Sep 2004
MANY THANX FOR A FAB WEBSITE!!!REALISED I DID NOT HAVE SENSE OF SMELL ON HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY IN DEVON, ENGLAND WHEN MY BROTHER SAID "COR, WHATS THAT SMELL?"...MEANING THE MANURE!! AND I REPLIED.."MMM,ITS LOVELY". WE ALL REALISED SOMETHING WAS WRONG...I AM NOW MARRIED WITH 3 DAUGHTERS AND HAVE NOT HAD TO ENDURE SMELLY NAPPIES..BUT WOULD LOVE TO SMELL FLOWERS, PERFUME, DINNER COOKING AND FRESHLY MOWN GRASS!!
GEORGINA SMITH, ENGLAND - 6 Oct 2004
This website is amazing. I haven't been able to smell since birth. For 26 years up until today, I never cared to look it up or research what my problem was called. Now I know and I am reading about all these people sharing the same experiences. Congenital Anosmia. It makes me feel that I am not alone. One person said that they believed they would learn to smell later on-exactly! Everytime people question me, which does get a bit annoying, I tell them there are others like me(I have met 4 until today) and We will rule the world. Tell people that and it gets them off your case, kinda. So thanks sooo much.
jeffzappala@hotmail.com, USA - 18 Oct 2004
Hi. I'm 26 years old and not been able to smell from birth so reading this website has been really interesting. My sister is also unable to smell, however we have no other symptons. IS anyone able to provide any advice?!
jennifer.knowles@hants.gov.uk, UK - 22 Oct 2004
I'm 18 and haven't been able to smell anything for as long as I can remember. The same thing with my twin sister. We didn't realize anything was wrong until my mom told us to clean our room one time when we were about 8. She told us to put the clean clothes in the drawers and the dirty clothes in the laundry room. They all smelled the same so we put them all in the drawers, one of the shirts had cat urine on it. My mom yelled and we explained that they all smelled the same to us. I failed a lab once in fifth grade because the teacher didn't believe I didn't have a sense of smell and thought I was being sarcastic when I told him I couldn't smell. I'm not sure how my taste is affected compared to other people's. The way I taste now is all I've known. I can't really tell the difference between artificial flavoring or different soda brands. It kind of sucks. I'm looking into possible procedures to repair this problem If anyone has any information feel free to email me.
Bandersnatch18@yahoo.com, USA - 22 Oct 2004
Hi... I've submitted my comments here on 3 sep 2004... I'm back here to say that I've started one healthdiary about anosmia... If anyone wants to read it, visit http://www.healthdiaries.com/smells-like-nothing-anosmia.htm I keep reeding this page and checking the comments here, and I just find it amazing how we experience the same situations (and same feelings, most of times) because of our anosmia...
vinimaciel@yahoo.com.br, Brazil - 26 Oct 2004
I have just seen the consultant after having CAT Scan and he tells me that my sence of smell and taste will never return. I now feel very depressed and at a complete loss. He did say that if I had been given steroids after my course of anti-biotics I would not have lost my taste and smell, but obviously my own GP did not know that having two courses of strong anti-biotics would culminate in me losing my taste and smell. So it looks as if I need a miracle, but sometimes miracles do happen, so I will just have to hope one day it happens to me.
Mrs L J Jackaman, Maidstone, Kent, England - 15 Nov 2004
hey ppl......i thot that not havin a sens of smell was a rare problem.....i went to ENT at my local hospital....they suggested Kallman's syndrome.....it was only my first appoinment but they linkd my other problems (like periods) and took blood samples......i will be goin bak in a couple of months...but i jus wana ask....is this a genetically passd syndrome??cos no one in my family has it...can the syndrome b cured??? plz help.......i'm 16 and its more important now than it has eva bin........
angel, UK - 24 Dec 2004
I'm so confused!!!! From most of what I'm reading here I believe I have congenital anosmia. I don't remember ever smelling anything, EVER. I mean I've put perfumes and other such things directly under my nose and experience no smell sensation whatsoever. No matter how terrible or wonderful people say things smell, I just say "I'll have to take your word for it". But what is confusing is that a few of the comments here, and especially the article linked at the top indicate that I should not be able to taste or that I shouldn't be able to tell if I'm eating spoiled food or milk. I've had a swallow of sour milk before and believe me, I knew it!! I had no idea before it was in my mouth, but once in my mouth I was spitting it out all over the place! And not only do I taste food but I probably like it too much. ;) So I just don't get it. Do I smell things but somehow just don't know it????? How could that be??? I'm glad I found this website, but besides putting a name to the condition, I still can't tell much about what's going on.
jrp@tulsaconnect.com, USA - 3 Jan 2005
I have been reading the pages about anosmia and as a long term sufferer can offer a few - not very encouraging - comments. Certainly, as one person says, a dose of streoids will, for me, bring about an immediate recovery - so much so that the sense of smell is overpowering, something I have not experienced for over 20 yeras. However, two days after stopping the steroids it is back to normal - no smell. One does not want to take steroids for very long because of other side effects. Curiously I have the same effect when Imleave home on holiday to ANY other place, but again lose the sense as soon as I return home. Wjhat is the connection? Dust mites perhaps? We have tried to obey all advice on dust mites, to no avail so maybe this is not the problem. I have also had polyps removed, nose 'bored out' all to no avail. Any more help would be much appreciated as it is a very annoying and life disenhancing experience. Patrick. England.
beberry@aol.com, England - 18 Jan 2005
Well there ya go I AM ANOSMIAC. It is congenital, so that's what they call it asnosmia. At least with a name people might beleive me now.Many times in life I have doubted myself whether I have no sense of smell, but was till a year ago when yes super dad left the gas on the stove and didnt realise it till 4 hrs later that the dial was on. My wife noticed it too when she came home.A big thankyou and a Toast to the other ASNOSMIACS WE ARE NOT ALONE love this ite
jst36927@bigpond.net.au, Australia - 5 Feb 2005
while reading some of your stories, i was amazed to find out that i'm not ALONE. i have congenital anosmia. having it has its advantages and disadvantages. weighing both, i still want to be able to smell. i want to experience what i'm missing!:(
ar_hilario@yahoo.com, philippines - 16 Feb 2005
I have a nose, but it doesn't work as planned.
nigel@nose.com, usa - 17 Feb 2005
I am 71 years old & have asnosmia. I assume it is congenital as I have no recollection of ever smelling anything. As a small boy, I was irritated by my mother commenting on how things smelled, such as ink on a fresh newspaper, cooking cabbage, flowers, etc. I thought she was just making it up. In high school chemistry the teacher made hydrogen sulfide (as in rotten eggs.) She held the evaporating dish under my nose. I sniffed & said "I don't smell nothin'!" She thought something was wrong & took a big whiff, almost passing out. "What's the matter with you?" she shrieked. "Well, I can't smell." In college chmistry, the chem lab's open porch had several gas cocks for hydrogen sulfide. I could put my nose right under the gas jet & smell nothing. I can detect some things in the air, such as ammonia, but I think it just irritates your nasal passages. In the Army we studied poison gas. One has the odor of newly mown hay (whatever that smells like!) It is surprising how many people don't know that taste & smell are separate senses. Guess they have never studied physiology. Interestingly, animals have a large part of their brains devoted to smell. The human olfactory lobes are about the size & shape of two wooden matchheads - almost nothing! I have been married 42 years & never ever have I purchased perfume for my wife. Why should I spend money so she can smell good for other guys? Smell? Never had it, never missed it! jessbeq@yahoo.com, USA Feb. 23, 2005
jessbeq@yahoo.com, USA - 23 Feb 2005
I'm a black South African, and from as young as I can remember I've never had a sense of smell. I used to think it would come with age, I'm now about to turn 18 and I realise I'm an asnomiac. I used to pretend like all you other guys, but after a while I suspected that my siblings found out about it. Now whenever they ask me to smell something (ON PURPOSE!!) I either ignore them or change the subject. I haven't really told anyone, but since I figured they already know I thought I'd keep quiet. My friends still don't know though....I'd love to smell my girlfriend's perfume, natural body scent, ect.......and yeah, I'm very paranoid about my own body odours. I use the ltest colognes, mouthwash, mints, etc
khabazela007@yahoo.com, South Africa - 7 Mar 2005
I've got congenital anosmia, but I've got used to it. I'd quite like to be able to smell my boyfriend, but there's no point being hung up about it. I like to think of myself as highly unusual - it's a great conversation starter, and I just laugh it off when people ask me to smell things. I don't think I'd get an operation to fix if there ever were such a thing, it seems that most smells are bad ones, and I don't miss the good ones as I've never smelt them in the first place. As for my own odour, I don't use deoderant, I just wash every day. I never get singled out as smelling bad because of it. If anything, guys seem to find it attractive.
louis, UK - 10 Mar 2005
Here's my regimen: in addition to allergy shots, every day I take Allegra, 5 mg prednisone, (plus calcium tablets to counteract the effects of the pred.) frequent use of saline sprays, and 2-3 sprays of Rhinocort Aqua. My sense of smell returns when I boost the presnisone, and then gradually fades. Right now, nothing. My MD had hoped that 4 sprays daily of the Rhinocort would reduce my dependecy on the steriods, but here's the problem -- the spray, (and others I have used) severly irritates my nose. I try my best to wash out the spray (using a wet finger) and I apply nasal saline gel, but every couple of weeks the inside membranes become inflammed and I have to stop or greatly decrease the dose. Very fruststrating. Any thoughts?
ken@weberasset.com, USA - 14 Apr 2005
i am 34 year old man, when i had 28 i noticed that my nasal septum is bend and occassional i have severe running nose also. After 2 3 years my sence of smell is reducing then i approch an ENT specialist he promised me when you do the septoplasty you can able to smell correctly. Then i did the surgery in my 32nd age. Now i can't smell anything but the running nose problem uis solved. Last year one ENT surgeon given me some medicine containing Steroid i take the medicine for a month the suddently i got the sence of smell but after one monht is gone away. Now in this 2 years i take 3 course of with 1 month each of steroid medicine. Last day i checked my blood sugar it is 122. The doctor told me before that if u take steroidal medicine your blood sugar will increase. So any body can advise me to correct my problem, i can retrieve back my anosmic problem. Please advise me With Many Thanks Remeez
rimz_2005, India - 19 Apr 2005
24 year old congenital anosmiatic here. I also happen to have bipolar disorder, although I've seen no studies linking the two. I've never smelled, at all. The closest I've come is sneezing from black pepper accidently getting in my nose or from getting a whiff of some raw white vinegar up close (and that's not really smell, just the sensitive tissues on the inside of the nasal cavity shrieking out). At Berkeley I had a class on brain, mind, and behavior. One lecture the professor walked around the room with a small bottle as people walked in. People were making all sorts of faces... apparently it was a chemical that was almost overwhelmingly disgusting (someone said it smelled like a rotting corpse) yet was strong enough that a just walking around with a tiny bottle could turn the stomachs of an entire lecture hall. He mentioned that if you couldn't smell it come see him afterwards. So, I did. He asked me to waft it over and see if that helped. Nothing. He said to sniff right over it very gently. Nothing. I suppose I'm fortunate in that I'm not really bothered by it. In fact, if I could be fixed on the spot, no strings attatched, I think I would stay the same. I'm not sure what that means, but I do know that, for me, everyone ELSE is the odd one!
10tonnun@cox.net, People's Republic of California - 28 Apr 2005
Hi, I am 53. I started loosing my sense of smell about 25yrs ago. I fist put it down to the fact 2 started looking after a friends cat, and i may have been alergic. I have always been a mouth breather due to a deviated Septum. (My Dad also has nasal problems, and has lost his sence of smell) After a couple of years of suffering, I had nasal polyps removed and the septum sorted. Better for a short while. I can now breath through my nose if I concentrate, but my ability to smell has gone. I sneeze at the most awkward times, often when I am not in a dustly or Paint fummed filled environment. I have had another lot of polyps removed, and could smell for a day. They said it was probably the cortisone injection they gave me after the operation that helped, but you can't have one of those every day. Over the past few years I have developed 'mature onset Asthma'. I am a very active person, and don't let these things get me down, but, I would love to be able to smell. I forget to open windows when I am decorating and using gloss paint, and keep burning the dinner! I know my husband would be delighted if I could small again. He has planted lovely smelly shrubs around our house in the hope that one day I will be able to smell them. If there is anyone in England (I say England, because it is difficult to get stuff recommended from abroad) that has any remidies (that arn't dodgy)I would be interested to hear from you. Sincerely Pauline McKenzie
paulinemck2@ntlworld.com, Surrey, England - 13 May 2005
While I drove a Motorcycle I had an incident. I was in coma during two hours at the Hospital. Since 18 months I lost my sense of smell. That was due to I broke my head base. I just graduate and become in a Dr. in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. It`s interesting, but bad for my carreer becouse the olfato it`s important Diagnostic method.
poptimike@hotmail.com, Guatemala - 22 Jun 2005
meu,nome e adalberto.tenho anosmia.ha 10anos, essiste cora? moro na brasil.cidade de votuporanga. est de sao paulo minha filha ten 12 anos ,e tem ozena
brandao.b, @ig.com.br - 10 Jul 2005
I am a 32 year old male congenital anosmia sufferer..... i never knew i had such a large geneticly defective family online!! Those folks who can smell....'smellies' as i like to scoff just dont know what there missing..... i have had so many comedy situations with my lack of smell....lets just say we must all invest in toasters that dont stick....... there is no smell that i think i would miss...i mean ..i smoke and have gas in the house....and life in a terraced house....so fear for my neightbours more than me. But only recently a beautiful friend has started 'smell counseling' with me........and we are currently assighning 'colours' to smells..... How many of you were treated like a boilogical experiment in school....? when you learned about the senses in science. I was a butt of all the jokes.... To boot.....if anyone asks you...' what you cant smell anything..???....not even flowers?' ..I now answer ' well...can a blind man only see flowers? and not dog poo? And the age old question is why do 'smellies' ask you about your personal hygeine?....i mean if you just relied on your nose to see if you need a wash we would all be well dirty looking!! Those of us with 'no-nose' as it has been described to me....have the extra sense..TO KEEP OURSELVES CLEAN AND FRESH!!! And for those with congenital anosmia like myself.....imagine the hassle if there was a cure...asking people in the street what that smell is constantly...and being confused in resturants when the waiter walks past with 3 diff plates of food!! I love having no sense of smell.....it make me special...hey and at least i got my others so life is easy!! moog xx
moogie, england - 3 Aug 2005
I have only browsed through about half of these messages, but have not found a one that has anosmia caused by a sever head injury. That is what happened to me. I am a firefighter and was thrown back on my head during a training exercise. I was in the hospital for a week, and it took me another week to realize I couldn't smell a thing. I did some research online and found out I was anosmic, and that severe head injuries could cause it. For anyone interested in how this can happen, check out this link: http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/enlargeexhibit.php?ID=8884 Because I have had no problem smelling for 34 years, I now have what I call "phantom flavors"... sometimes I feel like I am "tasting" something, but realize it is just because I remember what it was like. Now when my wife asks what I want for dinner, I tell her "something salty", or "something sweet". As most of you congenital anosmics desire to be able to smell something... anything, I find that there are actually just as many reasons I am glad I can no longer smell. Sure, I miss the smell of my kids, my wife and of course, food. But to be honest... there seem to be more smells that I am glad I cannot smell any more. In my line of work, it comes in handy, with the exception of not being able to smell smoke or gas. I have not cried yet, but after reading the messages on this site, and knowing that I at least have smelled in my lifetime, I feel for you congenlital anosmics. I am glad to know that there are others we can confide in.
Firefighterling@Nonys.Net, USA - 18 Aug 2005
Just two and a half weeks ago i was hit by a bus in Turkey. I was very lucky in that there was no serious injuries though I did experience head trauma and had to have eleven stitches. It was not until a week later when my boyfriend stuck a bottle of pepto bismal under my nose commenting on how it stank that I realised I couldn't smell anything. It's only been a short period of time but already I am starting to realise all the aromas I can no longer detect which i took for granted such as coffee and red wine, flowers and freshly cut grass. I've done a ittle research on the net and see that damage to the occipital lobe (at the back of the head where I recieved my injury) can related to a lack of smell. I have yet to visit my doctor and was wondering if anyone can give me any advice as to any treatments or how to get the best help from the doctor. From reading many of people's stories it seems anosmia is not something often taken seriously. The thought of never smelling again is a bit gutting and also worrying as I won't be able to smell gas or burning. It is helpful and comforting to find this site. I never relised there was a diagnosis for not being able to smell or had thought much about how it can effect someone's life until now. I will definitely look up the site posted by firefighterling. Thanks.
Sazbird@yahoo.com, Scotland - 9 Oct 2005
i am 15 i cant smell but i so desperately want to. it would be a dream to smell my mums food or when i go shopping with my friends they like to buy perfume and stuff and i want to be able to smell.I too would love to find out a treatment as i also get dizzy and collapes needing hospital atention. I have been to my doctors since i was little and he is no help at all nobody seems to care or take it seriously ! i am sooooo frustrated as one doctor said as i am young i may get my sence back but times going buy and i cant find any help. Please Please Please help thank you x x
Corinne eve Nayart www.cozz_eve@aol.com 29th oct 2005, UK - 29 Oct 2005
Hello all. Does anyone have any infomation about regaining your sense of smell after losing it due to cocaine use ? I am just wondering, thank you
maddoxinsurance@yahoo.com, usa - 7 Dec 2005
My name is jess. i have Congenial Anosmia. I cant smell anything at all not one thing. It realy stink every one forgets and i have to remind them almost every day that i cant smell. when i was little i pretended i could smell so no one would think i was wered. I didient tell my parents eather (there overprotective). for a wile i even told myself that my sense of was normal and every body was just kidding that they could smell something. well now i know ind ive told other people and my parents. I havent found a doctore that beleves me yet but i hope to find one(im not shore if it will make any difrense though)im glad im not alown.
chickybaby81456@hotmail.com, US - 24 Dec 2005
I am a 46 year old woman.I haven't been able to smell for about 3 years. I had an early menopause and wondered if it could be hormonal (an aunt of mine lost her sense of smell after a hysterectomy). I have also had sinus problems, but not too seriously, and allergic rhinitis runs in the family. I miss the smell of baking bread and roasted coffee and roast chickens. I worry about my house harbouring unpleasant smells or worse, having body odour and being unaware of it. My family have to tell me if something is burning. I would really like to find a treatment or a cure. I would like to be able to discern tastes again, I am able to eat much spicier foods but I would love to be able to detect the more subtle tastes that are now lost to me. I was watching the Discovery channel and there was a programme about anosmia, I jumped straight on the net and found this site. I would love to hear fom anyone who has had positive results from treatment so I can pursue them for myself. My GP doesn't take my problem too seriously but I have now decided to go back armed with this information.It's great to have a name for this, I can now tell people that I'm 'anosmic'and that there are a lot of us around.
xinekhan@hotmail.com, New Zealand - 25 Feb 2006