Help me pleeeease... the odors are killin me

[patkin]

I started smoking at 11 so hadn't done much awareness living before that. I always thought I inherited my crazy sense of smell from my grandfather who had none and thought I had some variation of that. I could smell the tiniest things others could not (like gas fumes) but couldn't smell the big ones like other people did. It was sometimes a blessing and other times a curse. I mean when you don't know if you have perspiration odor it makes for some discomfort. Now, since I started vaping, I'm living in a world of never-ending odors assaulting my nose and my peace. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but it is to me. Maybe I'm a sensitive type but I'm finding there are very few pleasant smells in the world and a whole lot of bad ones. I never smelled housitosis even when I used to smoke in the house but I sure do now (not smoking) and am using air freshener several times a day. Visitors say they don't smell anything bad but I sure do. Does anyone else have this problem and is there anything I can do... like maybe a menthol nasal inhaler? Since visitors don't smell anything bad, does this mean my sense of smell will become less acute as time goes on? I think I'm at the 5/6 month mark now but this has been going on since the first month and its not getting any better... if anything worse.

 

[IntelligentDesigner]

I'd consult a doctor, but in the meantime maybe find something discreet and pleasant smelling that won't irritate the skin or sinuses to rub just above the upper lip. That's my best idea off the top of my head. Hope you find something that helps.

 

[patkin]

Thanks.. hadn't thought of that and I do have some light, clean smelling, colognes I could use on neck maybe. But I usually get used to them and can't smell them after a bit. I didn't think of it as I don't usually wear cologne in the house. As for a doc... nah... I know this is related to vaping and getting a normal (I guess) sense of smell for the first time I can remember in my life. Most docs, so far, aren't going to know much about vaping or that situation. I don't like them looking at me like I'm crazy or just a "hysterical" woman. ;-)

 

[vsummer1]

Same thing here my friend. I never realized how much things can smell, which is both bad and good.

I suppose had I not smoked all my life I would know what is "normal" but not having smelled for over 30 years, I am being attacked! The non-smokers aren't as sensitive because they are used to the assault. It's war around here, I am constantly using lysol, and febreeze, and candles to get rid of the new smells and replace them with ones I prefer. It's crazy!

 

[IntelligentDesigner]

Yeah, colognes and perfumes are alcohol based and therefore evaporate quickly. I might recommend something gel or oil based as long as it's not all shiny and silly looking. That way, once the surface stuff has dried, you might be able to refresh it with a quick swipe. Scratch-n-sniff sort of. And yeah, definitely something mild.

I was just thinking a doctor might have some experience with the issue of hyper nasal sensitivity and be more familiar with solutions to your issue, not going to him as in saying, "something's wrong with my nose, doc." Pharmacists are also available at any drug store to maybe help with finding some kind of rub or OTC inhaler and asking them doesn't require and appointment or any money out of pocket.

 

[Susaz]

I started smoking at 11 so hadn't done much awareness living before that. I always thought I inherited my crazy sense of smell from my grandfather who had none and thought I had some variation of that. I could smell the tiniest things others could not (like gas fumes) but couldn't smell the big ones like other people did. It was sometimes a blessing and other times a curse. I mean when you don't know if you have perspiration odor it makes for some discomfort. Now, since I started vaping, I'm living in a world of never-ending odors assaulting my nose and my peace. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but it is to me. Maybe I'm a sensitive type but I'm finding there are very few pleasant smells in the world and a whole lot of bad ones. I never smelled housitosis even when I used to smoke in the house but I sure do now (not smoking) and am using air freshener several times a day. Visitors say they don't smell anything bad but I sure do. Does anyone else have this problem and is there anything I can do... like maybe a menthol nasal inhaler? Since visitors don't smell anything bad, does this mean my sense of smell will become less acute as time goes on? I think I'm at the 5/6 month mark now but this has been going on since the first month and its not getting any better... if anything worse.

I'm also sensitive to odors just like you due to Fibromyalgy. Smell of unclean clothes, humidity, certain kinds of sweat give me a great headache. Sometimes I'm just too sensitive to them. This and the headaches were the first symptoms

Check this... If you have at least 40 of these symptoms, print that and see a reumathologyst.

http://www.fms-help.com/signs.htm

 

[kico166]

I started smoking at 11 so hadn't done much awareness living before that. I always thought I inherited my crazy sense of smell from my grandfather who had none and thought I had some variation of that. I could smell the tiniest things others could not (like gas fumes) but couldn't smell the big ones like other people did. It was sometimes a blessing and other times a curse. I mean when you don't know if you have perspiration odor it makes for some discomfort. Now, since I started vaping, I'm living in a world of never-ending odors assaulting my nose and my peace. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but it is to me. Maybe I'm a sensitive type but I'm finding there are very few pleasant smells in the world and a whole lot of bad ones. I never smelled housitosis even when I used to smoke in the house but I sure do now (not smoking) and am using air freshener several times a day. Visitors say they don't smell anything bad but I sure do. Does anyone else have this problem and is there anything I can do... like maybe a menthol nasal inhaler? Since visitors don't smell anything bad, does this mean my sense of smell will become less acute as time goes on? I think I'm at the 5/6 month mark now but this has been going on since the first month and its not getting any better... if anything worse.

Just a thot (I started @12) do all you can to build up your immune system. Thats the root cause. I'd read a lot on multiple chemical sensitivity 10-15 years ago. Saw an allergist - dust mites pets, etc. But petroleum based products were the worst - like the laundry aisle, bed & bath, fragrances ugh!

In the meantime - you can try some Vicks vapor rub under your nose. Dr recommended tho it didn't help in all areas. The "I can breath" mask is my best friend - especially in summer & heavy cleaning jobs. It has a replaceable charcoal filter - very comfy to wear once you get over the "feels stupid" phase. Also, to start go to drugstore - get the surgical mask. Around here its the darker blue color. Check w/ pharmacist fir the one that has been air filtration to be sure.

The more I focus on cleaning up the diet - the less problematic it becomes. Also helpful was www.thecleanteam.com line of products.
Mainly the Red & Blue juice - nose friendly & it will save you can $. The products work very well unlike health food store stuff .... unkike many chemical based cleaners (even stinky unscented) I don't smell anything sniffing the bottle top of undiluted Red juice. No dryer sheets - vinegar in rinse .... PM me if you like ....

Hope this helps ...

ETA: not neccesarily smoke / vape related rheumatology / fibromyalgia ... evidence points to nutritition ... starting w/ digestion and food sensitivity. Check out the archives of Brightside Ben on gcn radio. Or youtube pharmacist ben .... eye opening ...

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Plumes.91]

Oh man I'm having the same problem. Life stinks, literally.
I can't eat anything in my room and leave the dish around. starts to smell in an hour.
I can literally smell bathrooms by walking by, even with the door completely closed.
I can smell my desk and a small e-juice puddle on it if I don't frequently wipe it off.
I cant spray lysol or anything because they bother my allergies so much.

 

[Susaz]

Oh man I'm having the same problem. Life stinks, literally.
I can't eat anything in my room and leave the dish around. starts to smell in an hour.
I can literally smell bathrooms by walking by, even with the door completely closed.
I can smell my desk and a small e-juice puddle on it if I don't frequently wipe it off.
I cant spray lysol or anything because they bother my allergies so much.

I can smell eliquid the day after, when I go out and come back. For a short while it made me sick, but switching ejuice made the odors a little less intrusive

 

[Plumes.91]

i don't even use my desk. I can smell a puddle of e-juice on it across the room. horrible. lol

 

[speedjason86]

find a deodorizer and use that maybe?

 

[Thompson]

My buddies were driving around the other day & caught wind of a hippie walking down the street. Most smells are horrible! Haha

Along with vicks vapor rub, you may want to look into essential oils. I believe people have used them in lotions & gels under their nose for homeopathic reasons but I'm sure that potent scent of lavender & the likes could mask just about anything.

Essential oils require respect though, as you can overdo it with them & cause negative side effects. As with anything proper research at the least, guidance from an experienced person recommended.

Faxed in on the Mojo Wire

 

[middleborn]

Oh yes.
The newly discovered sense of smell.
I wish some things in life were scratch and sniff and not just automatic.
Like my dog. I'm slowly switching his food brand and the noxious odors coming from his little hiney are killin me!
lol
The biggest thing I'm going through right now is taste.
For example...
I used to get up and make my bagel with cream cheese before even opening my eyes in the morning and now cream cheese doesn't taste the same.
And it doesn't stop there. Its everything I eat. I can't finish it because it tastes 'off'
I'll be nice and slim for summer, I guess, but what an unhealthy way to do it, huh?
Weird.
(yes I am)

 

[patkin]

Oh, yes, taste too! I guess it follows as they say a lot of our taste starts with smell. I remember that demonstration in school where you hold your nose and bite onion and apple and can't tell the difference. One plus for me is that I've never liked fish but cooked it for others and now one of my favorite dishes is baked cod... go figure. But, I make my own spaghetti sauce and everyone still likes it but I don't. I don't know if its the same as it used to be though because I cooked by taste instead of measure. Between taste and smell, its a whole new world and am hoping I learn to live comfortably in it.

 

[JudeD]

I never lost my extreme sense of smell, even as a heavy smoker. I could smell things four or five minutes before anyone else in the room did. It's even worse now that I don't smoke. It's helpful when it's something like smoke that signals burning food, but not as much fun when it's dog poombahs. The assault on my nose when I have to walk through the potpourri or perfume sections of a store is sickening. I'm also the only who notices that the guy singing behind me in church has really bad breath or the lady who joins us in the elevator forgot her deodorant that morning. I often put vanilla scented hand lotion on so that when I smell something bad, I can discreetly put my hand by my face and smell that instead.

 

[Chimney34]

OMG when I first started getting my sense of smell back it was insane! How did I not smell that smoky couch!! Those dang doggy pee pee pads in the trash before now! And like you...no one else smelled anything! I already love burning wax tart melts because I like for things to smell good but that wasn't cutting it. I eventually found some odor neutralizer for the soft surfaces around the house. Helped a lot & I now do pee per pad disposal on our nightly walk!

Good luck! Hope it's nothing serious!

 

[Robino1]

As smokers, our sense of smell was deadened. While Most non smokers have gotten used to all the smells around them, we have been blissfully ignorant of them. In a scents(see what I did there? our evolution of smells was halted. We essentially are starting over again. It is all new to us again. Eventually we will be used to all the smells but it will take time.

Hubby is a super smeller. He smells things very keenly and now I finally get it! I never really 'lost' my sense of smell, it was just muted. I was still able to get a whiff of freshly mowed grass when I was smoking but I would have to be closer to it to get that scent. Now.....I don't have to be near to get that wonderful perfume of spring. Yes I do smell the bad smells more but being able to smell the good ones more keenly are well worth the trade off.

 

[Tiffani]

Smells were extremely intense for me for a few weeks after I stopped smoking, but I seem to be getting more used to them now. I kept an air-freshener by my register at work to combat the two smells that offended me the most: body odor and the exhaust from our propane-fueled forklift. It seemed to help a little bit.

 

[kdwycha]

You could try rubbing peanut butter above your upper lip.

 

[Horselady154]

Try washing out your sinuses with a neti pot. I use one most every day.