Hello to all. I've been reading posts on this for quite some time -
but only became a member today. I wanted to thank those who have
taken the time to share their story...as it provides insight to me
(and how to apply to my personal case). While everyone's story and
perspective is unique, it's good to know that there are others who
provide support.

As for me, my symptoms began in 5/2008. I'd been diagnosed in
February with RSV and told to wait it out. In early May I
experienced such terrible congestion - I could barely function. I
had used Flonase (combined with Allegra-D) in the past for allergies,
so my physician suggested to try Flonase again.

Admittedly, it's difficult to determine the exact cause of the
onset...whether it was due to the URI, or the Flonase. There was one
time where I used it and experienced a radiating pain on the left
side of my head and face. Within days, I noticed that I could barely
smell anything.

As of now, there are still odors/vapors that I cannot smell - while I
can distinguish that the odor of the air changes...I cannot
distiguish a specific scent associated with it. For quite some time,
this was the same with all odors, but some have improved over time.

In the summer of 08, the absence of smell changed for many odors for
me. Detergents and shampoos smelled of asphalt (if the detergent or
shampoo was non-floral, berry scented). Coffee, urine, body odor,
diesel fuel, extreme skunk were also categorized as my "bad smell",
which smells of chemicals, rotting flesh, playdough and burnt
coffee. In truth, this was (and continues to be) the most
disconcerting for me.

In September, I visited my Neurologist who referred me to an
ENT...which was a miserable experience. He had me sniff upwards of
85 scratch and sniff cards and put salt and sugar on my tongue. He
said that since I only missed 5 - that I should get over it.

Initially, I felt deflated, as I consider myself to be the opposite
of a hypochondriac - and I felt rather insulted. More recently, I've
seen a different ENT who seems open to entertaining my symptoms and
has scheduled a sinus CT scan this week.

Admittedly, there are times when it feels like I'm living life with
the lights half on - however I have experienced some relief. The
asphalt smell has diminished quite a bit. I can smell things now
that I couldn't six months ago. Sometimes it depends on the day.
There are things that I still cannot smell at all (garbage), and
there are times when the bad smell becomes overwhelming.

Nonetheless, I feel happy to have stumbled upon this group - as it's
provided ideas and clinics to visit - and most of all a glimmer of
hope.

Thanks,
Jeannie