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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 - althou