Posted by: jools6 Posted on: 2/3/2010
I have had total loss of sense of smell for 12 years now. I have had a long history of hayfever, allergic rhinitis, and allergies culminating in surgery for sinus wash etc. 3 years ago , which made no difference to my sense of smell but has reduced the irritation I suffered from a constantly blocked nose. However, the total loss I experienced only came after the birth of my first child where I had an epidural. I wondered if there was a link between this and my loss of smell as I had a full sense of smell the very day before this epidural was administered but had totally gone in the days afterwards. Any ideas on this being a possible cause? Or does anyone have any hints or tips to try? The only things which have worked have been steriods or visiting countries with more humid climates than the UK!!
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Posted by: marivan2 Posted on: 1/29/2010
I lost my sense of smell and, subsequently, taste about 6 months ago. The ENT says my sinuses are totally clogged, probably, due to allergens. The only thing that helps is courses of prednisone, but, because of the other issues surrounding prednisone, the doctor says I can't use it. He did mention an operation, but my research shows only a 40-50% success rate, besides, risk of complications and pain. I lost 25 pounds in 3 months. Everything taste like cardboard. I miss chocolate, spaghetti sauce and chinese food, as well as, so much more. If anyone has any ideas that might help, I'll pretty much try anything. Nobody else understands, they don't take it seriously. It just really sucks and I'm tired of it.
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Posted by: hp_hero17 Posted on: 1/7/2010
Im 17 and as I recall, have never been able to smell... I'm confused, annoyed, scared and pissed off because when people ask me to smell this or "does this smell nice"... I cant honestly say yes or no... no one believes me either! I can taste fine... BUT NO SMELL!!!
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Posted by: Cris555 Posted on: 10/27/2009
I'm 67 and have had anosmia all my life, so therefore it is nothing new to me. It actually has helped me in my profession, as a nurse I could go into any patient's room no matter how odoriferous it was and it would not bother me. I also could attend autopsies with no "smelling" difficulties. As for eating, I go for texture, like crunchy things. I have discovered I like hot things. I can detect anything that is burning (a good thing) and skunk smells like coffee (when first open can get a slight whiff) to me so its possible I have hyposmia instead of full fledged anosmia. It is somewhat of a joke with the people I've worked with, when they say smell this or do you smell this and I just shake my head, then they acknowledge my inability (not disability) to smell. I'm considering this topic as my Phd research topic, so will continue to monitor for info.
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Posted by: joelinsandiego Posted on: 10/22/2009
I am 31 years old and also can not smell but seem to be able to taste. I had a tramatic brain injury when I was 18 and have not been able to smell since. I try not to think about it to much but it seems to happen daily that someone asks me to "smell this". It really hard to stay posotive but the one thing that makes it easier for me is the alternative was death. I am lucky to be alive and for that I am thankful but there are days where I wish I could smell rain, or the outdoors. I hope someday there is a cure for this cause I would love the live the rest of my life with the gift of smell. Hangin there anyone suffering from this cause it seems to get easier after time but I totally understand your concerns and pain. No one else can really understand how hard it is so really its a sickness I deal with on my own but its nice to know Im not a freak and there are others like me.
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Posted by: Iammichal Posted on: 10/20/2009
Lost my sense of smell five weeks ago after a head injury. Can taste the basic things like sweet, sour, bitter, salty. Can get hints of flavors but I am very sad about not being able to smell lilacs in the spring or taste raspberries. Went to neurologist, general practitioner, ENT and no one had any thing positive to say. "Maybe over time" some thing will come back, "no current treatments", "no magic pill", basically nothing can be done. Never take smell and taste for granted, it is a big part of life.
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Posted by: Renod Posted on: 10/2/2009
Reno from Melbourne, Australia. I have been on anti-depressants Zoloft & Prothiaden as well as on the tranquillizer Xanax for over 10 years. Over the years I have reduced dosages to a small maintenance dose which i will need for the rest of my life. I am 62. For over two years i have been unable to smell or taste anything. An x-ray of my sinuses indicated they are clear. Is anyone who has been taking these medications experienced loss of smell / taste? My GP thinks Prothiaden may be causing the problem but my psychiatrist disagrees. I am confused and frustrated. Any ideas?
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Posted by: HannahF4992 Posted on: 9/6/2009
I don't know if i was born without a sense of smell, but, I cannot remember ever smelling anything. I can taste fine, but I can't smell anything at all.Everyone else in my family can smell. I'm 17, and I'd like to smell something before I live on my own. I'm afraid of living alone and my house catching on fire and me not being able to smell it. So, if anyone figure out something that works, please let me know.
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Posted by: ZooaRoo Posted on: 6/21/2009
I was born without a sense of smell. I don't miss what I have never experienced but most people don't believe me. I would like to smell Australia, the Georgia night air, or cookies! I would LOVE to smell cookies just once.
My dad has no smell, my sister has no smell. We can taste. I heard people who used to be able to smell and now cannot don't taste things. Is that true?
And is the most common question you get asked, "So, if i were to fart in your face you couldn't smell it?"
...I always want to reply, "Yes, i could. But only YOUR fart. Your fart is special."
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Posted by: billc Posted on: 6/16/2009
I lost my smell about a year ago. Tried antibotics, no help. My brother told me to just use my basset hound for a "smelling nose dog".I work with paints and the likes. I can't tell when my respirator is bad. It happened to me after a cold. Not being able to smell "STINKS".
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