From: Joe Christian <joe@...>
Subject: [anosmia] Ramblings and question about Alpha Lipoic Acid
To: anosmia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 10:31 AM

I joined a few weeks back and have been lurking until now.  I’ve been anosmic for about 15 years.  I went through all the standard tests (CAT scan, etc) and my ENT said his best guess was a virus.  After doing lots of reading, and especially in view of what I’ve learned from this list, I seriously doubt that my anosmia is due to a viral infection.  From what I’ve learned, a virus causes almost immediate loss of smell/taste.  Mine went away over a period of about 6 months.  I didn’t realize what was happening at first, but I knew things didn’t taste or smell right.  When I realized I couldn’t smell the stink in natural gas any longer, I finally figured out what was going on.

 

I’ve noticed over the years that occasionally my taste/smell would work a little.  Never enough to come even close to normal, but enough to smell a skunk or other strong odor.  It didn’t smell right, but at least I was smelling something.  I guess I’m lucky in that I haven’t had any depression as a result of being anosmic.  I just thank the good Lord that if I had to lose one of my senses, it was my sense of taste/smell!

 

After joining this list, I read several people talking about Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA for short).  I bought some, and started at 600 mg per day (200 mg three times per day).  I was amazed that after the very first day I was tasting things I hadn’t been able to taste in 15 years.  I started about 3 weeks ago, and I’ve been seeing a slow improvement primarily in taste.  Taste is working better than smell, but I opened a new bar of soap the other day and could smell it a little bit (hooray!!).   If pressed to put it to numbers I would say that right now my taste is about 25% and smell about 10% of normal.

I don’t recall seeing how long it has taken for others using ALA to regain their smell/taste.  I’m also curious if anyone thinks they are back to 100%?  Also, what does ALA do that affects taste/smell? 

 

I grew up in West Texas and was terribly allergic to lots of things that are common here.  I moved away for 30 years, and when I came back I very quickly developed anosmia.  Now I’m not allergic to anything!  I used to have to be careful around cats, pet one and rub my eyes and they would swell shut.  Now we have two house cats and no problems.  I’m sure that means something, just not sure what.

 

I guess I also am wondering about where I go from here? Is ALA the answer, or is there something else I should try?

 

Sorry for rambling on, but maybe something I’ve said will “ring a bell” for someone else that will have some input into my symptoms, etc.

 

Thanks,

Joe