Sensitive to Smells?
. Comments
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Tumultuous aromas
I thought for quite some time that it was my time in the hospital. The first time, I was in for two weeks and when I was in the car on the way home I was nearly overwhelmed by the smell of tar and who knows what else from a nearby construction site. The second time, I was in for 30 days, and one of my most distinctive memories is of a nurse leaning into me and me asking what she was chewing because it smelled so wonderful.
My theory was that the basically sterile, antiseptic environment deprives one of normal daily smells.
However, it has now been more than two years since that second, longer stay, and I must agree with you, although I am not so sure that it is the odor so much as it is the particles in the air that create the odor. That is, if an air freshener is used (aerosol type) I am compelled to leave the room; if the vacuum cleaner is going, I have to hop from room to room as it follows me.
On the positive side, it seems my sense of smell is much more potent than it was (probably at least in part because I quit smoking as a result of this stuff, back in '05), and so attractive aromas are much more striking.
In any event, there are at least two of us who are 'crazy'.
And the nurse was merely chewing a common chewing gum brand.
Take care,
Joe0 -
Three of us not crazy!!soccerfreaks said:Tumultuous aromas
I thought for quite some time that it was my time in the hospital. The first time, I was in for two weeks and when I was in the car on the way home I was nearly overwhelmed by the smell of tar and who knows what else from a nearby construction site. The second time, I was in for 30 days, and one of my most distinctive memories is of a nurse leaning into me and me asking what she was chewing because it smelled so wonderful.
My theory was that the basically sterile, antiseptic environment deprives one of normal daily smells.
However, it has now been more than two years since that second, longer stay, and I must agree with you, although I am not so sure that it is the odor so much as it is the particles in the air that create the odor. That is, if an air freshener is used (aerosol type) I am compelled to leave the room; if the vacuum cleaner is going, I have to hop from room to room as it follows me.
On the positive side, it seems my sense of smell is much more potent than it was (probably at least in part because I quit smoking as a result of this stuff, back in '05), and so attractive aromas are much more striking.
In any event, there are at least two of us who are 'crazy'.
And the nurse was merely chewing a common chewing gum brand.
Take care,
Joe
Three of us not crazy!! I've definitely noticed I pick up on smells more. I can't go to my favorite used bookstore as she also sells incense and it's too overpowering for me.
I used to make soy candles and stopped because I no longer liked the smell of the fragrance and essential oils used in them.
I never used to notice if my dogs smelled doggy, but I do now. I got stuck behind the city bus one day and I had to take alternate route because the diesel smell was making me sick.
I understand what Joe meant about the change in sterile environment to the real world. I always connected the smell enhancement to my chemo though. I'd get home from chemo and could smell "chemo" on me the rest of the day (the antiseptic, drugs etc).0 -
Ha. I thought it was becausekelli1843 said:Three of us not crazy!!
Three of us not crazy!! I've definitely noticed I pick up on smells more. I can't go to my favorite used bookstore as she also sells incense and it's too overpowering for me.
I used to make soy candles and stopped because I no longer liked the smell of the fragrance and essential oils used in them.
I never used to notice if my dogs smelled doggy, but I do now. I got stuck behind the city bus one day and I had to take alternate route because the diesel smell was making me sick.
I understand what Joe meant about the change in sterile environment to the real world. I always connected the smell enhancement to my chemo though. I'd get home from chemo and could smell "chemo" on me the rest of the day (the antiseptic, drugs etc).
Ha. I thought it was because I quite smoking. LOL0 -
smellskelli1843 said:Three of us not crazy!!
Three of us not crazy!! I've definitely noticed I pick up on smells more. I can't go to my favorite used bookstore as she also sells incense and it's too overpowering for me.
I used to make soy candles and stopped because I no longer liked the smell of the fragrance and essential oils used in them.
I never used to notice if my dogs smelled doggy, but I do now. I got stuck behind the city bus one day and I had to take alternate route because the diesel smell was making me sick.
I understand what Joe meant about the change in sterile environment to the real world. I always connected the smell enhancement to my chemo though. I'd get home from chemo and could smell "chemo" on me the rest of the day (the antiseptic, drugs etc).
They say that Chemo and /or radation highens smell. At the hospital in Ann Arbor they ask and have signs up people not to wear perfumes. My husband smells every thing and he will say smell that I am like smell what? but He does notice smells more now . So you are so not alone.0 -
Sense of smellsoccerfreaks said:Tumultuous aromas
I thought for quite some time that it was my time in the hospital. The first time, I was in for two weeks and when I was in the car on the way home I was nearly overwhelmed by the smell of tar and who knows what else from a nearby construction site. The second time, I was in for 30 days, and one of my most distinctive memories is of a nurse leaning into me and me asking what she was chewing because it smelled so wonderful.
My theory was that the basically sterile, antiseptic environment deprives one of normal daily smells.
However, it has now been more than two years since that second, longer stay, and I must agree with you, although I am not so sure that it is the odor so much as it is the particles in the air that create the odor. That is, if an air freshener is used (aerosol type) I am compelled to leave the room; if the vacuum cleaner is going, I have to hop from room to room as it follows me.
On the positive side, it seems my sense of smell is much more potent than it was (probably at least in part because I quit smoking as a result of this stuff, back in '05), and so attractive aromas are much more striking.
In any event, there are at least two of us who are 'crazy'.
And the nurse was merely chewing a common chewing gum brand.
Take care,
Joe
Prior to treatment I had almost no sense of smell. It had to be a very, very strong odor for me to be able to smell it. Post treatment my sense of smell is incredible, my husband is amazed at the difference. I smell everything!!!
I have a very hard time with aerosol sprays now. If I have to use hair spray I hold my breath while I spray and quickly leave the room before inhaling. Vacuuming is not a pleasant experience but I have 2 dogs so it's a daily necessity.
I've just had to learn to adapt and do things a little differently now. LOL - couldn't convince my husband that I could no longer do the dusting or vacuuming ;-)'
Take care,
Glenna0 -
Very sensitive
I'm another one very sensitive to smells. My wife must go outside are in basement to do her nails, the polish and especially the nail polish remover makes me sick to my stomach. I also use hair spray on what little hair i have left and also have to hold my breath while doing so. I just want to say you people on this site are amazing. Best of health to all. ..... Dan0 -
The one thing that standsDan620 said:Very sensitive
I'm another one very sensitive to smells. My wife must go outside are in basement to do her nails, the polish and especially the nail polish remover makes me sick to my stomach. I also use hair spray on what little hair i have left and also have to hold my breath while doing so. I just want to say you people on this site are amazing. Best of health to all. ..... Dan
The one thing that stands out in my mind (increased smell) was stepping in my backyard in May and having the scent of lilacs hit me. Whoa!
My favorite flower and we have several trees out back but I could hardly ever smell them; I swear I walked all aroudn the yard with nose in air, taking deep breaths. My dogs were trailing after me with puzzled looks like "wth is Mom doing??"...lol.0 -
*sniff!*kelli1843 said:The one thing that stands
The one thing that stands out in my mind (increased smell) was stepping in my backyard in May and having the scent of lilacs hit me. Whoa!
My favorite flower and we have several trees out back but I could hardly ever smell them; I swear I walked all aroudn the yard with nose in air, taking deep breaths. My dogs were trailing after me with puzzled looks like "wth is Mom doing??"...lol.
I've had the exact same experiences, but mine did happen when I quit smoking, not related to chemo (a few years before my diagnosis). And I also walked all around smelling the air and all the fragrances - flowers, weeds, fresh soil, the pond...I still do this
I've actually always had a problem with fabric stores, think it's something in the dyes I'm reacting to, and candle stores, whoa! Have to give them a wide berth!
Happy smelling
stayingcalm0 -
Sensitive to smells
I quit smoking 21 years ago and made big difference in sense of smells, but since chemo i'm super sensitive to smells. My one pet peeve at cancer center and Drs. medical building ambulances and shuttle buses let motors running right outside main entrance doors fumes are terrible and they can sit there for 10 - 15 minutes are more, you would think they would have another entrance for them. well so much for venting. Stay well all ... Dan0 -
Protect Yourself
Maybe the extra sense of smell is a protection device our bodies turn on. I know that cleaning materials, especially the ones with bleach and ammonia, really bother me now. The doctors and nurses tell me to avoid things with irritating smells and that they are bad for me. I open windows more now and try to use the fan to get rid of fumes faster now. It helps. I sometimes have to practically skip through the detergent aisle at the grocery store if I go down it at all. I love Bath and Body Works, but sometimes those smells get to me too if they are too concentrated. Forget about gas fumes and paint fumes. I choke on them. Of course they aren't good for anyone, but maybe we notice them more because they are worse for us.0 -
Heighened Sense of Smell--HEARING
Within a week of my husband quitting cigarettes his sense of smell became like SUPERMAN's sight. ha. He could smell the slightest odor or food and he began to eat like a pig. During chemo treatments that lasted 6 hrs I would have to go twice to get him a fastfood meal so his weight never was affected. Now he has been off chemo for 2-3 mos and he hates odors. Can't tolerate anything cooking on stove and ESpecially Nail polish remover takes his breath away. Also wanted to know if anyones EARS have become super sensitive to noise. We had to go get earplugs for my husband because if several people are in room and talking his ears begin to HURT.0 -
Like a bloodhound1blessedamongus said:Heighened Sense of Smell--HEARING
Within a week of my husband quitting cigarettes his sense of smell became like SUPERMAN's sight. ha. He could smell the slightest odor or food and he began to eat like a pig. During chemo treatments that lasted 6 hrs I would have to go twice to get him a fastfood meal so his weight never was affected. Now he has been off chemo for 2-3 mos and he hates odors. Can't tolerate anything cooking on stove and ESpecially Nail polish remover takes his breath away. Also wanted to know if anyones EARS have become super sensitive to noise. We had to go get earplugs for my husband because if several people are in room and talking his ears begin to HURT.
My husband jokes that they should hire me at the airport instead of a sniffer dog because I can smell EVERYTHING.0 -
smellsMom@heart said:Like a bloodhound
My husband jokes that they should hire me at the airport instead of a sniffer dog because I can smell EVERYTHING.
I know I can be in the backroom with the door closed and spray windex and he yells"are you spraying that poison again."haha.0 -
Sensitive to SmellsDan620 said:Sensitive to smells
I quit smoking 21 years ago and made big difference in sense of smells, but since chemo i'm super sensitive to smells. My one pet peeve at cancer center and Drs. medical building ambulances and shuttle buses let motors running right outside main entrance doors fumes are terrible and they can sit there for 10 - 15 minutes are more, you would think they would have another entrance for them. well so much for venting. Stay well all ... Dan
I am appreciative of all of the postings regarding the smells. As a caregive, I'm challenged each and every day not to have things in the house which are offensive and nauseating. The latest was my tooth paste and mouth wash and I was asked if I had dumped whiskey down the drain and why was I hiding it (was only the listerine and crest). I am trying really hard to keep all offensive smells at bay but is difficult at times when I am not certain what is nauseating. I'll do anything to make sure the house is smell free - even down to doing my cleaning with non-smelly products, wash with very light smelling detergent, and I always do my nails outside. Any suggestions of what I might still be doing wrong will be extremely appreciated. Thank you for any suggestions you might be able to offer to make his life much more tolerable.0 -
Think about YOU occasionally!firefighter51 said:Sensitive to Smells
I am appreciative of all of the postings regarding the smells. As a caregive, I'm challenged each and every day not to have things in the house which are offensive and nauseating. The latest was my tooth paste and mouth wash and I was asked if I had dumped whiskey down the drain and why was I hiding it (was only the listerine and crest). I am trying really hard to keep all offensive smells at bay but is difficult at times when I am not certain what is nauseating. I'll do anything to make sure the house is smell free - even down to doing my cleaning with non-smelly products, wash with very light smelling detergent, and I always do my nails outside. Any suggestions of what I might still be doing wrong will be extremely appreciated. Thank you for any suggestions you might be able to offer to make his life much more tolerable.
As I, and others, have indicated, firefighter, there comes a time when we, the survivors, have to take action if we are offended by aromas/odors (leave the room during vacuuming, for example). It sounds to me like you are doing all within your power, reasonably, to make things easier for your mate. It sounds as though it is at the point where he may be the one needing to make some adjustments.
Just a thought from a survivor who knows how hard it is to be the caregiver.
Take care,
Joe0 -
Don't beat your self hardfirefighter51 said:Sensitive to Smells
I am appreciative of all of the postings regarding the smells. As a caregive, I'm challenged each and every day not to have things in the house which are offensive and nauseating. The latest was my tooth paste and mouth wash and I was asked if I had dumped whiskey down the drain and why was I hiding it (was only the listerine and crest). I am trying really hard to keep all offensive smells at bay but is difficult at times when I am not certain what is nauseating. I'll do anything to make sure the house is smell free - even down to doing my cleaning with non-smelly products, wash with very light smelling detergent, and I always do my nails outside. Any suggestions of what I might still be doing wrong will be extremely appreciated. Thank you for any suggestions you might be able to offer to make his life much more tolerable.Don't beat your self hard over it. You learn from experience and unless you've tasted the poison they pump through your veins you'd have no idea. I'm still learning things being in remission for a while but that's life I guess. Honestly id only stress a bout things you wouldn't want to leave open by a baby if its 2 sensitive for them odds are pretty good that will translate but if they are on chemo right now a chances are anything it's more of them feeling sick as it is already If my nabour cuts his grass that smell wakes me up And it's not bad by any means its just an over load to the senses so once you dial in once good and bad it shouldn't be an issue. After Thier done chemo any how Hope this helps I like to ramble got testicular cancer at 20-all I got left now. haha. how funny am I !!!!
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I personally think after hicabbott said:Protect Yourself
Maybe the extra sense of smell is a protection device our bodies turn on. I know that cleaning materials, especially the ones with bleach and ammonia, really bother me now. The doctors and nurses tell me to avoid things with irritating smells and that they are bad for me. I open windows more now and try to use the fan to get rid of fumes faster now. It helps. I sometimes have to practically skip through the detergent aisle at the grocery store if I go down it at all. I love Bath and Body Works, but sometimes those smells get to me too if they are too concentrated. Forget about gas fumes and paint fumes. I choke on them. Of course they aren't good for anyone, but maybe we notice them more because they are worse for us.I personally think after hi dose treatment it breaks your body down so when you come out of it you've kinda cleaned the filters or your body knows something is really wrong because you have cancer and your pumping poison into your self to stop it so it puts everything on over drive at a misguided attemp to alert you somethings wrong. But between me and you let's go with number one
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