Aa
Strange body odor follwing me
This gonna be a bit long, but I'm really serious and everyday is like hell so I'd appreciate if you read this and help me.
I thought it was GI problem or skin problem first time, but all the test results were healthy so every dr. sent me to psychiatrists.
I still think it's physical or neurological problem but people treat me like I'm mental so I write here. (No offense)
I've always had IBS all my life, and sometimes had body odor, but both were normal range and had nothing to do with each other. I mean when my IBS had really flared up there was no BO. and I'm hygienic person, I shower everyday for 1 hrs.
It started when I stayed in humid hot country. I'm weak to spicy foods or hot weather or stress, so I guess the place was the trigger--I developed severe underarm odor and become really gassy.
I'm usually a bit gassy and it's been odorless. But after staying that country(hot weather, severe stress, terrible diet) my body odor and gas(sorry, yuck) became really offensive.
So when I came back home I tried to eat healthy, lots of vegetables, limited proteins, no processed foods, etc...
Strange thing happens from here.
My skin odor disappeared and gas became nearly odorless, but strange smells started to follow me.
First I thought it was environment problem because it was not human BO. It was raw sewage smell or strange ammonia odor(not women's odor, pure ammonia smell), sometimes dirty clothe smell sometimes just undescribable something.
but time passes by I realized it was me. Because it followed me and when I bent down I could smell it coming from my body.
Then I thought I had rectal problem so intestinal gas leaking, but it was not.
One day I felt something more subtle than air coming out from my groin area and this air-like something was carrying the smell of my urine INSIDE my bladder. I didn't leak any urine, and my underwear, clothe were clean and my groin area skin didn't smell,
Something very subtle, air-kind something was seeping out from my body emitting odor of my inside.
Now you think I'm mental. don't you?
Sometimes I think I'm crazy too. and I WISH I were crazy.
And this smells change up to places, foods, condition, hormonal change, mood, or even weather.
I really can't pinpoint which thing trigger which smell. I just always have BO that follows me like radiation. Strange thing is my skin rarely have any BO now. (or my gas)
It's.... more like aura around me.
So people doesn't notice it was me first time, but slowly they start to notice it's me.
More bizzar thing is, this smell can travel to hundred meters in sec.
I MEAN IT.
I saw all the people walking hundred meters ahead me suddenly stare back at me, then start to look around as if they thought 'normal looking person like me' cannot emit this kind of odor spreading so vast area.
Plus, my family or friends or docs can't detect this smell. (though nurses can smell it I don't know why)
Many strangers can smell it (one day whole compartment of subway glared at me because of my smell. I remember the angry disgusted glares of people. I don't take subway after that.)
Some people mention it 'what the hell is that smell'... 'who **ted'... 'that's her'...
But my friends can't smell it. They are not lying. They usually point out my every defects, so when they say they don't smell, it's true.
Further strange thing is, the smell changes up to places.
Sometimes it start to emit in basement or bathroom, sometime in alleys, sometimes at my home, it just changes and I don't know why.
Just one more plus, some odors not emitted from me(like garbage smell or other persons smell) FOLLOWS ME.
One day there was an alcoholic in waiting room and I stayed there about one hour. After that day, for 2 days I emitted alcoholic stench from my body. I wasn't even sitting next to him but it was like my body aura absorbed the stench!
Think it was demanding reading, sorry.
But I had to vent all the strange symptoms that's killing me everyday.
How can this kind of symptom exist?
Severe BO? I can live with that. But smell of my inside gut or bladder escapes me?!! and it spreads to vast area in seconds?! and whatever I eat however I shower the smell doesn't go away?! and the BO is not normal human stench?
Sometimes the smell is so not human, more like sulphur substance in Lab, I can blame it to sewage problem.
Now I'm taking xanax to calm me down, and it helps me about sulfhuric odor, but when I take xanax too much it becomes rotten garbage odor.
Already too long to read, I'll add some more in replies.
Is anyone here have this problem?
What the hell is this? How can physically this kind of thing exist?
PLZ, somebody, help me.
My psychiatrist gave up on me and just throw me some xanax sometimes risperdal but they don't work much.
Oh, and every physical dr (GI, Hormonal, Traditional docs) gave up on me too.
I thought it was GI problem or skin problem first time, but all the test results were healthy so every dr. sent me to psychiatrists.
I still think it's physical or neurological problem but people treat me like I'm mental so I write here. (No offense)
I've always had IBS all my life, and sometimes had body odor, but both were normal range and had nothing to do with each other. I mean when my IBS had really flared up there was no BO. and I'm hygienic person, I shower everyday for 1 hrs.
It started when I stayed in humid hot country. I'm weak to spicy foods or hot weather or stress, so I guess the place was the trigger--I developed severe underarm odor and become really gassy.
I'm usually a bit gassy and it's been odorless. But after staying that country(hot weather, severe stress, terrible diet) my body odor and gas(sorry, yuck) became really offensive.
So when I came back home I tried to eat healthy, lots of vegetables, limited proteins, no processed foods, etc...
Strange thing happens from here.
My skin odor disappeared and gas became nearly odorless, but strange smells started to follow me.
First I thought it was environment problem because it was not human BO. It was raw sewage smell or strange ammonia odor(not women's odor, pure ammonia smell), sometimes dirty clothe smell sometimes just undescribable something.
but time passes by I realized it was me. Because it followed me and when I bent down I could smell it coming from my body.
Then I thought I had rectal problem so intestinal gas leaking, but it was not.
One day I felt something more subtle than air coming out from my groin area and this air-like something was carrying the smell of my urine INSIDE my bladder. I didn't leak any urine, and my underwear, clothe were clean and my groin area skin didn't smell,
Something very subtle, air-kind something was seeping out from my body emitting odor of my inside.
Now you think I'm mental. don't you?
Sometimes I think I'm crazy too. and I WISH I were crazy.
And this smells change up to places, foods, condition, hormonal change, mood, or even weather.
I really can't pinpoint which thing trigger which smell. I just always have BO that follows me like radiation. Strange thing is my skin rarely have any BO now. (or my gas)
It's.... more like aura around me.
So people doesn't notice it was me first time, but slowly they start to notice it's me.
More bizzar thing is, this smell can travel to hundred meters in sec.
I MEAN IT.
I saw all the people walking hundred meters ahead me suddenly stare back at me, then start to look around as if they thought 'normal looking person like me' cannot emit this kind of odor spreading so vast area.
Plus, my family or friends or docs can't detect this smell. (though nurses can smell it I don't know why)
Many strangers can smell it (one day whole compartment of subway glared at me because of my smell. I remember the angry disgusted glares of people. I don't take subway after that.)
Some people mention it 'what the hell is that smell'... 'who **ted'... 'that's her'...
But my friends can't smell it. They are not lying. They usually point out my every defects, so when they say they don't smell, it's true.
Further strange thing is, the smell changes up to places.
Sometimes it start to emit in basement or bathroom, sometime in alleys, sometimes at my home, it just changes and I don't know why.
Just one more plus, some odors not emitted from me(like garbage smell or other persons smell) FOLLOWS ME.
One day there was an alcoholic in waiting room and I stayed there about one hour. After that day, for 2 days I emitted alcoholic stench from my body. I wasn't even sitting next to him but it was like my body aura absorbed the stench!
Think it was demanding reading, sorry.
But I had to vent all the strange symptoms that's killing me everyday.
How can this kind of symptom exist?
Severe BO? I can live with that. But smell of my inside gut or bladder escapes me?!! and it spreads to vast area in seconds?! and whatever I eat however I shower the smell doesn't go away?! and the BO is not normal human stench?
Sometimes the smell is so not human, more like sulphur substance in Lab, I can blame it to sewage problem.
Now I'm taking xanax to calm me down, and it helps me about sulfhuric odor, but when I take xanax too much it becomes rotten garbage odor.
Already too long to read, I'll add some more in replies.
Is anyone here have this problem?
What the hell is this? How can physically this kind of thing exist?
PLZ, somebody, help me.
My psychiatrist gave up on me and just throw me some xanax sometimes risperdal but they don't work much.
Oh, and every physical dr (GI, Hormonal, Traditional docs) gave up on me too.
Best Answer
I really appreciate your thoughtful reply.
Yes I have to sort it out whether this is psychological or somehow physical problem.
But things happening around me is really confusing, I'm not sure which is real anymore.
For example, one day I went to theater with my close friend, she is brutally honest so if I smelled she would have been angry or told me directly. but she looked very comfortable with me and when I asked if I stunk, she said 'not a bit'.
But strange thing is, a guy sat next to me (other side was my friend) covered his nose with his hand during whole movie. For two hours movie, who in the world would plug his nose unless there was some smell around?
Other day also in a theater, a woman sat next to me leaned to opposite direction so desperately, she nearly became one with the theater wall avoiding me.
and one day, I was waiting subway train, then a middle aged man came to me and said bluntly 'what a young woman smell like this urine smell?'
I was so ashamed and walked away from the man,
and 30 minutes later, I met one of my friend, asked whether I smell like urine. She said 'You are crazy.'
It's becoming long post but I'll just stick one more experience.
While I was working as a clerk in a store, a couple came in store, then suddenly the girl covered her nose saying 'what is this smell' and ran out, while the boyfriend couldn't understand her and bought things and got out.
There are other tones of contradict experiences. Docs saying 'you don't smell' but nurses rolling up the window and saying 'what the hell is this smell' and patients in the waiting room glaring at me with disgust.
This kind of things going on and on everyday and I'm completely lost.
I went to couple of psychologist and had medications. Lexapro(ssri's) made the smell worse, xanax made me calm and smell less, risperdal made symptoms a bit better but didn't work much, and counselling for 6 mounths didn't fix anything. (Oh, all the psychologists couldn't smell anything either.)
I'm still in this mess, not sure whether I really stink or imagining or am I dreaming or already dead. (I tried near suicide attempt but woke up without any damage.)
Anyway thank you for reading this long post and analyzing this with concern, your concerned reply gave me a bit strength.
I wish all these were hallucinations. I do.
Yes I have to sort it out whether this is psychological or somehow physical problem.
But things happening around me is really confusing, I'm not sure which is real anymore.
For example, one day I went to theater with my close friend, she is brutally honest so if I smelled she would have been angry or told me directly. but she looked very comfortable with me and when I asked if I stunk, she said 'not a bit'.
But strange thing is, a guy sat next to me (other side was my friend) covered his nose with his hand during whole movie. For two hours movie, who in the world would plug his nose unless there was some smell around?
Other day also in a theater, a woman sat next to me leaned to opposite direction so desperately, she nearly became one with the theater wall avoiding me.
and one day, I was waiting subway train, then a middle aged man came to me and said bluntly 'what a young woman smell like this urine smell?'
I was so ashamed and walked away from the man,
and 30 minutes later, I met one of my friend, asked whether I smell like urine. She said 'You are crazy.'
It's becoming long post but I'll just stick one more experience.
While I was working as a clerk in a store, a couple came in store, then suddenly the girl covered her nose saying 'what is this smell' and ran out, while the boyfriend couldn't understand her and bought things and got out.
There are other tones of contradict experiences. Docs saying 'you don't smell' but nurses rolling up the window and saying 'what the hell is this smell' and patients in the waiting room glaring at me with disgust.
This kind of things going on and on everyday and I'm completely lost.
I went to couple of psychologist and had medications. Lexapro(ssri's) made the smell worse, xanax made me calm and smell less, risperdal made symptoms a bit better but didn't work much, and counselling for 6 mounths didn't fix anything. (Oh, all the psychologists couldn't smell anything either.)
I'm still in this mess, not sure whether I really stink or imagining or am I dreaming or already dead. (I tried near suicide attempt but woke up without any damage.)
Anyway thank you for reading this long post and analyzing this with concern, your concerned reply gave me a bit strength.
I wish all these were hallucinations. I do.
1 Comments
One suggestion is chlorophyll (and mint) tablets. They are inexpensive and tasty (works for dog b.o. too). Also I have mentioned in a post around 2010 progesterone cream. I too had a terrible B.O. mostly onion scented, some friends couldn't smell, but they had allergy problems and were always "stuffY". Maybe that's why your friends couldn't smell it.
OCD can definitely make you see, hear, and feel things that aren't there. I'm wondering how many of these occurences are perceived and actually truly happened. The reason I say that is because I 'feel' or 'perceive' things happening that aren't real a lot. The reason I know they aren't real is because my boyfriend and family members who witness things as well tell me it didn't happen. For instance, yesterday, I truly thought a guy in the car next to me spit on my car. Why would he do that? I don't know and it didn't really happen but my brain said it did. I think you can trust your friends who tell you that you don't smell and continue to experiment with medications until you find one that helps.
I can only imagine how frustrating and upsetting this would be. TreTre's reply above is interesting. It sheds some light on the fact that similar occurences have happened to her (not smell related), and her loved ones validated for her that the things didn't happen. That's reassuring.
You know what...I think maybe a good "test" for you to do will be, next time you are with your friends or family, and think someone is acting a certain way towards you (or holding their nose, or trying to put distance between you and them), ask your loved one what they see. You know your loved ones will be honest with you.
I still think the fact that none of your freinds and family can smell it is very telling to me. It's just hard to ignore that. You know they would tell you. It really sounds like more of an exacerbated self conscious issue based on your past experiences. I suggest continuing to work with both your mental health team, and your doctors.
I sincerely hope you find some answers and some peace soon.
You know what...I think maybe a good "test" for you to do will be, next time you are with your friends or family, and think someone is acting a certain way towards you (or holding their nose, or trying to put distance between you and them), ask your loved one what they see. You know your loved ones will be honest with you.
I still think the fact that none of your freinds and family can smell it is very telling to me. It's just hard to ignore that. You know they would tell you. It really sounds like more of an exacerbated self conscious issue based on your past experiences. I suggest continuing to work with both your mental health team, and your doctors.
I sincerely hope you find some answers and some peace soon.
I know OCD can make me delusional to some point, but I don't THINK or FEEL things. I SEE and HEAR and SMELL actually.
Before this, I usually didn't care about what people talk about me. I kinda had thick face before this symptom.
Of course after this symptom broke out, i started to suspect whether people are talking about me.
What I'm experiencing is, people say to my face 'you smell like urine' or stare at me saying 'what the hell is that smell..' or actually glare at my eyes straight(too straight i can't even turn my eyes away) with scowling face. I can't ignore these reactions. It's not what i think or feeling, I see and hear them.
if these are delusions, I'm not OCD but schizophrenia.
But i appreciate your reply, it's natural that you reasoned my problem as delusion, my symptom looks really like some hallucinations.
I hope your ocd get better too and be healthy, thx tretre.
Before this, I usually didn't care about what people talk about me. I kinda had thick face before this symptom.
Of course after this symptom broke out, i started to suspect whether people are talking about me.
What I'm experiencing is, people say to my face 'you smell like urine' or stare at me saying 'what the hell is that smell..' or actually glare at my eyes straight(too straight i can't even turn my eyes away) with scowling face. I can't ignore these reactions. It's not what i think or feeling, I see and hear them.
if these are delusions, I'm not OCD but schizophrenia.
But i appreciate your reply, it's natural that you reasoned my problem as delusion, my symptom looks really like some hallucinations.
I hope your ocd get better too and be healthy, thx tretre.
2 Comments
URINE,GARBAGE,POO,(ANOTHER FOUL SMELL WHICH I DONT KNOW THE NAME BUT ITS LIKE DIRTY TOILET) GUTTER SMELL KEEPS FOLLOWING ME EVERY WHERE, THE PROBLEM IS, IT COMES AND GO, SO THERE AINT NO OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DOC TO ACTUALLY PERCIEVE THE SMELL BUT PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY TOLD ME I SMELL LIKE THE ABOVE BUT THE DOC AND ALL SEEMS TO THINK ITS A MENTAL ILLNESS (SCHIZOPHRENIA), ANY ADVISE
URINE,GARBAGE,POO,(ANOTHER FOUL SMELL WHICH I DONT KNOW THE NAME BUT ITS LIKE DIRTY TOILET) GUTTER SMELL KEEPS FOLLOWING ME EVERY WHERE, THE PROBLEM IS, IT COMES AND GO, SO THERE AINT NO OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DOC TO ACTUALLY PERCIEVE THE SMELL BUT PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY TOLD ME I SMELL LIKE THE ABOVE BUT THE DOC AND ALL SEEMS TO THINK ITS A MENTAL ILLNESS (SCHIZOPHRENIA), ANY ADVISE
You and TreTre have some point. Yes, close people can't smell and they are not lying.
So based on that, I tried to ignore people's reaction, believing everything is just my obsession.
But when you hear someone honest like 12 years old boy suddenly sniff around me and become nauseate saying 'Yuck, what is this smell, yuck.'
You CAN'T ignore that. ( I was the only one around there and no trash can nor any dirty building)
and one day, i was at cafeteria with my friend, suddenly i smelt some rotten baby poo smell around me, then a woman at the close table said 'who **ited? what is this smell?' but my friend said 'what smell are you talking about?'
It's like... 'people I love or close' and 'people i don't like or strangers' live in the SEPERATED DIMENSION. Not kidding.
Am i becoming schizophrenia?
But you're right I have to work on with people who try to help me.
I still talk with my friends about my problem sometimes (they're becoming annoyed though) and right now i'm short of money to get counselling but when I get money maybe I'll restart it again.
Thank you guys, just venting on this board and getting responses itself relieve me much.
Another day to go ahead, . Thx.
So based on that, I tried to ignore people's reaction, believing everything is just my obsession.
But when you hear someone honest like 12 years old boy suddenly sniff around me and become nauseate saying 'Yuck, what is this smell, yuck.'
You CAN'T ignore that. ( I was the only one around there and no trash can nor any dirty building)
and one day, i was at cafeteria with my friend, suddenly i smelt some rotten baby poo smell around me, then a woman at the close table said 'who **ited? what is this smell?' but my friend said 'what smell are you talking about?'
It's like... 'people I love or close' and 'people i don't like or strangers' live in the SEPERATED DIMENSION. Not kidding.
Am i becoming schizophrenia?
But you're right I have to work on with people who try to help me.
I still talk with my friends about my problem sometimes (they're becoming annoyed though) and right now i'm short of money to get counselling but when I get money maybe I'll restart it again.
Thank you guys, just venting on this board and getting responses itself relieve me much.
Another day to go ahead, . Thx.
Here is a recent article I read
http://www.brainphysics.com/olfactory.php
Not sure if it will be of help or not but I do agree with Nursegirl and TreTre that you need to rely on your close friends to tell you the truth. The other people may be as TreTre said, she thought somebody spit on her car when in fact nobody did and so perhaps you are thinking people are saying things that they are actually not. You can also test this theory when you are out with friends as well. Ask them if the person said what you think you heard.
http://www.brainphysics.com/olfactory.php
Not sure if it will be of help or not but I do agree with Nursegirl and TreTre that you need to rely on your close friends to tell you the truth. The other people may be as TreTre said, she thought somebody spit on her car when in fact nobody did and so perhaps you are thinking people are saying things that they are actually not. You can also test this theory when you are out with friends as well. Ask them if the person said what you think you heard.
Hopefully you can get back to therapy soon, I think that is a great starting place for you.
I don't necessarily think you're dellusional, but there is some merit in what TreTre says. She has experienced situations she thought were very real, when her friends told her it never happened. Maybe something similar is going on with you. A situation like this would certainly cause a lot of paranoia, and paranoia itself can lead to dellusional type thinking. If *I* thought I smelled and everyone else smelled me, I would be in the same place you are, actually probably worse.
Also, if your interactions with people AREN'T real and are some kind of dellusion, that doesn't mean you have Schizophrenia. There are so many different mental disorders out there, some being very complex, and some people having more than one disorder. Extreme stress and paranoia, and feeling super self conscious would be enough to cause that. That is why you need to be under the care of a psychiatrist.
Here's another suggestion. Call up a few teaching hospitals or universities and explain what has been going on, that you indeed truly think there is an odor that has not yet been idenitified or a cause found, and that others are thinking this is more a psychological problem. Medical schools and hospitals are sometimes interested in studying perplexing cases, and you may get some new opinions and a fresh viewpoint, and possibly some answers. It's definitely worth a try.
Very best to you, my heart goes out to you, I cannot imagine the turmoil.
I don't necessarily think you're dellusional, but there is some merit in what TreTre says. She has experienced situations she thought were very real, when her friends told her it never happened. Maybe something similar is going on with you. A situation like this would certainly cause a lot of paranoia, and paranoia itself can lead to dellusional type thinking. If *I* thought I smelled and everyone else smelled me, I would be in the same place you are, actually probably worse.
Also, if your interactions with people AREN'T real and are some kind of dellusion, that doesn't mean you have Schizophrenia. There are so many different mental disorders out there, some being very complex, and some people having more than one disorder. Extreme stress and paranoia, and feeling super self conscious would be enough to cause that. That is why you need to be under the care of a psychiatrist.
Here's another suggestion. Call up a few teaching hospitals or universities and explain what has been going on, that you indeed truly think there is an odor that has not yet been idenitified or a cause found, and that others are thinking this is more a psychological problem. Medical schools and hospitals are sometimes interested in studying perplexing cases, and you may get some new opinions and a fresh viewpoint, and possibly some answers. It's definitely worth a try.
Very best to you, my heart goes out to you, I cannot imagine the turmoil.
I already know about ORS, but thx for attaching articles.
I WISH I were ORS,
ORS is the reason why my psychologist prescribed me risperdal, it's a known med worked for ORS for some patients-- my doc said.
but the drug didn't work for me, so my psychologist gave up on me and said 'just try to relax' and kept throwing me risperdal and xanax.
ORS is just a name attached to something docs can't understand.
Even if I have that syndrome, there is rarely any cure.
But thx for your reply, JGF25, and when strangers make comments, my friends deny what they heard. maybe I'm living in a 3.5 dimension world.
I WISH I were ORS,
ORS is the reason why my psychologist prescribed me risperdal, it's a known med worked for ORS for some patients-- my doc said.
but the drug didn't work for me, so my psychologist gave up on me and said 'just try to relax' and kept throwing me risperdal and xanax.
ORS is just a name attached to something docs can't understand.
Even if I have that syndrome, there is rarely any cure.
But thx for your reply, JGF25, and when strangers make comments, my friends deny what they heard. maybe I'm living in a 3.5 dimension world.
Thx for your suggestion, but where I live in there is no hospital or medical institution interested in local people's trivial(?) symptoms. They are usually interested in a massive plague break out. :)
What I don't understand is I'm usually very thick faced person, not much self-conscious, even when people complain about my outfits or attitudes or personality, but when about 30 people in the subway compartment suddenly look at me at the same time with disgusted looks, it makes me not self-conscious but terrified and confused. (Not kidding. all people looked at me same time like it was a scene in a horror movie.)
I'm still a bit thick faced about other things like my appearance or stained clothe or eczema on my skin. Only smell things make me crazy.
I'll just save some money and back to the counselling I guess.
Thx again nursegirl, at least I could vent here and people replied me.
What I don't understand is I'm usually very thick faced person, not much self-conscious, even when people complain about my outfits or attitudes or personality, but when about 30 people in the subway compartment suddenly look at me at the same time with disgusted looks, it makes me not self-conscious but terrified and confused. (Not kidding. all people looked at me same time like it was a scene in a horror movie.)
I'm still a bit thick faced about other things like my appearance or stained clothe or eczema on my skin. Only smell things make me crazy.
I'll just save some money and back to the counselling I guess.
Thx again nursegirl, at least I could vent here and people replied me.
hey i can relate to u thats why i even came to this site.When i take xanax but only then i get this weird smell about me.I can just take one and smell it but i just figure its my liver.Its a smell i cant even describe but i dont have insurance so i"ve never had it checked out.I dont think your crazy at all try getting your liver checked.
In one of your posts you wrote that you had a suicide attempt. This is a very serious issue and you must get help for that before you worry about body odour. The fact that you attempted suicide is a very very serious issue and you cannot ignore that. There is something else going on with you that is causing these feelings and I cannot urge you more strongly to go get help for that now.
If you have been checked out medically and there is nothing in fact wrong with you then you have to explore the physcological side of things.
The thing that sticks out the most to me from all of your posts is that you are ALONE when someone says something to you, or when the comment about a smell, or when you notice them staring at you... it makes me think that maybe these things are not really happening.
You are posting in an OCD forum and I am not sure that your issue is OCD at all. I applaud you for trying to get answers and of course we can try or best to help and we will, but we are not Dr's and we only know how we feel based on our symptoms and those are OCD.
I cannot help but think that if you smelled bad enough to smell up an entire metro car, that your friends, family and Dr's would have been able to smell you. I can speak from experience when I say that most people will ignore something like that rather than stare down the person with disgust. I really have a hard time imagining 30 people all staring at you with disgusted looks. I think you may have to take a step back and realize that this could actually NOT be happening.
When you become hyper sensitive to an issue or when you are on the defensive and lookout for certain behaviours you can actually convince yourself that it is there. I myself have a fear of blood and have actually thought that I have seen red spots on clothing that are not actually there as confirmed by my husband. The mind is a very powerful thing.
I think you are convincing yourself that things are happening that really are not actually going on. You need to get help for these thoughts and for the thoughts of suicide, right away.
In the meantime enjoy the time you spend with family and friends if they want to hang out with you and they don't think you smell, then enjoy that. But please, get help.
If you have been checked out medically and there is nothing in fact wrong with you then you have to explore the physcological side of things.
The thing that sticks out the most to me from all of your posts is that you are ALONE when someone says something to you, or when the comment about a smell, or when you notice them staring at you... it makes me think that maybe these things are not really happening.
You are posting in an OCD forum and I am not sure that your issue is OCD at all. I applaud you for trying to get answers and of course we can try or best to help and we will, but we are not Dr's and we only know how we feel based on our symptoms and those are OCD.
I cannot help but think that if you smelled bad enough to smell up an entire metro car, that your friends, family and Dr's would have been able to smell you. I can speak from experience when I say that most people will ignore something like that rather than stare down the person with disgust. I really have a hard time imagining 30 people all staring at you with disgusted looks. I think you may have to take a step back and realize that this could actually NOT be happening.
When you become hyper sensitive to an issue or when you are on the defensive and lookout for certain behaviours you can actually convince yourself that it is there. I myself have a fear of blood and have actually thought that I have seen red spots on clothing that are not actually there as confirmed by my husband. The mind is a very powerful thing.
I think you are convincing yourself that things are happening that really are not actually going on. You need to get help for these thoughts and for the thoughts of suicide, right away.
In the meantime enjoy the time you spend with family and friends if they want to hang out with you and they don't think you smell, then enjoy that. But please, get help.
Every word you have said about the smell that follow you is true. and I am sure that that smell is not yours. Do you know why because its change. To be honest with try be near anonyme that is not heyogenic you will remark that his smell is around you.
How old are you ? are you a former smoker ? Do you know why I ask you these questions because your body start eliminating ditox ( ditoxification )
its smell is not bad but it attract the smell around that why you becomes
victime like me and you.
You remark even you have just had a shower. Do you know why because of your breathing of ditoxifications that attract the odor. I have exprienced this over years and years. look stay in room that is not your room one night or severals ours with out air. Close it and go out and take shower and to the room you will remark that the room smell is more stronger than before and this easly detected by the room owner.
I am sorry Enlish is not my native languedage to explain you more but I will try to give more dtails if you interested or agree with me untel now.
How old are you ? are you a former smoker ? Do you know why I ask you these questions because your body start eliminating ditox ( ditoxification )
its smell is not bad but it attract the smell around that why you becomes
victime like me and you.
You remark even you have just had a shower. Do you know why because of your breathing of ditoxifications that attract the odor. I have exprienced this over years and years. look stay in room that is not your room one night or severals ours with out air. Close it and go out and take shower and to the room you will remark that the room smell is more stronger than before and this easly detected by the room owner.
I am sorry Enlish is not my native languedage to explain you more but I will try to give more dtails if you interested or agree with me untel now.
1 Comments
you seems to make some sense, can you give me more details?
I have the same problem than you, No it is not in your head, I also get these reactions from sale clerks and even the doctors offices receptionist, I have been told that i need a enema by her. My husband and a few friends do not smell me; while many have simply stop talking to me even avoiding me at all cost. I have been tested for trimethylmuneria it came back borderline. I follow the diet recommended it helps. The FDA has it posted on the internet it is a low choline diet. Watch out for choline in any of your supplements.I also need a low residual diet i with it.
WAIT!!!! Hold EVERYTHING!! Ah HA at least someone replied something intelligent,sorry gotta say it. Misskunky has a point with the choline I am going to begin that BUT Listen to my situation I didnt see anyone mention it.First I have the IDENTICAL SAME symptoms you mentioned bending down and smelling the chemicals and smells INSIDE your body coming right out of your skin.Guess what.IT IS!! I had a Systemic Candidaisis infection where you get an Overgrowth of Candida yeast/Fungus.It sends out roots from inside glands and wherever bowel linings etc.It has made me like a freaking super pourous swiss cheese micro screen door in submarine.All my hormones where going everywhere (still are).I took 6 Diflucan pills 100mg each 6 days in row and I got the Herkhiemer Reaction its the "DIE-OFF" of the yeast they give off 79 different toxins when they die and when the mutate.They can mimic your normal hormones and make blocker cells to stop your body from working for you and they can make you work for them!! I **** you NOT!! I even believe it explains all my problems since BIRTH.My Mom was infected in the womb from my older brother pregnancy so My condition is called (if i'm correct)" In Vitro" but WAIT,back to subject.I think Ive killed the yeast went on no suger eradication diet and probiotics and Oxyflush peroxide drink so NOW as I asked my DRs "when these things die as they were occupying space in my cells skin glands organs everything brain blood vessels,then what is going to be left an empty space or decayed black crap that bacteria could move right in or even be buried in the yeast just waitng to be released if yeast dies?" They go I dunno? It will be OK they said just pink tissue will grow right back.******** Dudes.My lung xray appeared normal no black areas but one guy said I may have schleroderma because it looked to white like lung walls were thick like leathery,I suggested that that was the thick layer of yeast growing all over in there and they go " I dunno about that and put it down" Haha Oh **** man Youre killin me,ya know that is exactly what they are doing.I went to an "Environmental" clinic in Charleston and they ordered additional testing that my reg DRs will not order and it showed THYROID and probably Adrenal STRESS.Maybe from infections and immune system attacking Yeast once it recognized it.My glands were going apeshit one hurts and swells up one day then another.I have had Narcolepsy/Cataplexy for about a year and thats from the Pituitary malfunctioning its a Sleep Disorder.Anyway GET YOUR DR TO CHECK YOUR THYROID they will do the standard panels first but tell them you want to CONTINUE the study with a T-3 T-4 and the more close study of your IRON storage hormone FERRITIN.This disorder has run amuk on me and NOW I DONT HAVE ANY PAIN.15yrs on Narcotics for chronic pain Arthritis spine deform Fibromyalgia poly peripheral Neuropathy All common symptoms of the adrenal and thyroid stress and gland issues prolly from yeast and other infections.Its a LOT of reading and research and VERY TOUGH to find DRs that will listen to ya but READ up on this stuff cause I MEAN I HAVE the EXACT SAME SMELL issues.Some smell it and puke and sneeze and cough and choke and others dont smell it.That nurse that commented made it sound like a DRs opinion she didnt seem to acknoledge the 100's of people that DID smell it and reacted ARE THEY CRAZY? Imean as soon as u walk in the room people start gagging did your insanity suddenly jump out of your brain into theirs? ********!! They do not want to admit that medical education is not adequate for todays needs.The population is doubling and diseases mutating every second of every day and they are NOT keeping pace.THEY IGNORE THE SYMPTOMS.They see what they want.If they dont look at you then they can say they didnt see it.Well Ive tried Iron and Iodine and all the Anti oxidants and adrenal support and skin suppliments trying to rebuild the tissue maybe the smells will go away.I have found NO help from what I do or dont eat.But the Choline is definatly something to look at or try diet.No more Ice Cream I geuss.The Immunologist is who diagnosed the candida and hypothyroidism but I am going to an Endocrinologist and back to a GI for colonoscopy but the smells when I bend over ,man when I read that and people just a half second later clear across room start gaging and banging cause they want me away from them.My Dr tried to send me to Psychiatry I SAID F*&^% That GET THAT OFF my medical file or I will have a JUDGE do it.I was pissed.They are NOT pullin that **** on me! Sorry for my French there but It is MY LIFE and NO QUALITY OF that we are talkin about here.
I have never heard of that before. Thanks for posting and hopefully sleepmonster will see it. Hoping you get better soon.
I too hope the OP sees your reply. He's already had very extensive medical work-ups, but it never hurts to check out every avenue. It's an interesting theory to say the least. I've had a lot of experience with fungal infections and yeast infections in the almost 19 years I've been a nurse, but I've never heard of anything quite like what you're explaining.
I have to mention that many of us suggesting the problem is psychological in nature is not meant to be some kind of insult, or it's not like we're just dismissing him as crazy. We're offering our opinions based on the info the OP has given us.
It IS hard to believe that an entire subway car full of people would be "staring him down" because of an odor, for a few reasons. One, actually, MOST people wouldn't be that outwardly rude, they would try to NOT draw attention to that person. Also, ALL of those people notice it, yet when he's with close friends and family, sitting RIGHT next to him in a theater, and he asks them if THEY can smell what HE smells, they all say NO. That's VERY hard to discount.
Like I said originally, whether the cause is physiological or psychological, he would still benefit from seeking some professional help, as I'm sure his anxiety levels are high, and I'm sure he would be feeling very depressed.
I would LOVE to see an udpate from this guy at some point. I sure hope he figured something out. It's a very unfortunate situation, and I feel very badly for him.
I have to mention that many of us suggesting the problem is psychological in nature is not meant to be some kind of insult, or it's not like we're just dismissing him as crazy. We're offering our opinions based on the info the OP has given us.
It IS hard to believe that an entire subway car full of people would be "staring him down" because of an odor, for a few reasons. One, actually, MOST people wouldn't be that outwardly rude, they would try to NOT draw attention to that person. Also, ALL of those people notice it, yet when he's with close friends and family, sitting RIGHT next to him in a theater, and he asks them if THEY can smell what HE smells, they all say NO. That's VERY hard to discount.
Like I said originally, whether the cause is physiological or psychological, he would still benefit from seeking some professional help, as I'm sure his anxiety levels are high, and I'm sure he would be feeling very depressed.
I would LOVE to see an udpate from this guy at some point. I sure hope he figured something out. It's a very unfortunate situation, and I feel very badly for him.
I work for a large retail company and everyone is rude and avoid me. It is to the point that I sit in my car for breaks and lunch because no one wants to be around me. I am ashamed and embarrassed. I have chemical smells coming through my pores as well. I went to every specialist and giving so much blood that I could fill a blood bank and the findings were undetected. I believe my family do not smell it because they are in the home for the most part with other aromas.this thing does make you want to drop off the face of the world but that would only benefit the people that ridiculed you.I have tried probiotic herbs changing diets supplements, baking soda and Epsom salt and to no avail.what do a person do when the specialist do not take you seriously? Yet I struggle daily to help provide for my home. This is a case where I could stay at home instead of going into the world but that is economical
Impossible.
Impossible.
I can identify with the experiences posted here. I was incredibly smelly and gross. I knew that people hated me for it, avoided me, talked about me, and refused to acknowledge that there was an odor emanating from me (my mouth, my body, my crotch, etc). As it turns out, I do have digestive issues having to do with an autoimmune condition (narcolepsy), that contribute to slightly different tastes and smells that I produce, as well as a slightly altered perception of tastes and smells.
I would like to emphasize, however, that my recovery from the knowledge that the world is disgusted by me has not depended so much on various diagnoses of my illnesses but on a long and laborious process of holistic therapy that challenges worldviews. It has taken me years of work to come to the realization that my perceptions are not actual fact, and that my value is not dependent upon other people's conceptions of me anyway.
This may all seem very 'wuwu,' but I spent an unfortunate amount of my life knocking things before I tried them. I would contemplate an approach, think it through to the end, and come to the conclusion that it wouldn't work for me. What was not, in fact, working was my approach to life. I somehow wrested myself away from my self-absorption and began to tackle my problems head on. Everything that I experienced was very real and totally debilitating. Yet I managed to comprehend that action must be taken if I wanted to change. My progress has involved 12-step programs, traditional talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, acupuncture, changes in diet and eating habits, psychiatric medications, disabilities services, organizational coaching, yoga, sleep diagnoses, physical check-ups and tests, massage therapy, spirituality, etc. I've had to carve out my own way. I'm happy to report that my life is not perfect, but I'm no longer stagnating and am growing and able to manage a healthy lifestyle.
And I no longer smell because I recognize that I never actually did. And even if I did reek, the chaos that was my life would not have reasonably been the result of it. If people aren't taking you seriously, talk to other people. Connect. Share your experiences and continue to ask for help until you find the right place (and then keep at it). It's probably already a huge relief to have found that this happens for other people (I never found this resource or ones like it until I had struggled with my issues alone). Other people want to help you, or they wouldn't respond. Take them up on it.
Best of luck!
I would like to emphasize, however, that my recovery from the knowledge that the world is disgusted by me has not depended so much on various diagnoses of my illnesses but on a long and laborious process of holistic therapy that challenges worldviews. It has taken me years of work to come to the realization that my perceptions are not actual fact, and that my value is not dependent upon other people's conceptions of me anyway.
This may all seem very 'wuwu,' but I spent an unfortunate amount of my life knocking things before I tried them. I would contemplate an approach, think it through to the end, and come to the conclusion that it wouldn't work for me. What was not, in fact, working was my approach to life. I somehow wrested myself away from my self-absorption and began to tackle my problems head on. Everything that I experienced was very real and totally debilitating. Yet I managed to comprehend that action must be taken if I wanted to change. My progress has involved 12-step programs, traditional talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, acupuncture, changes in diet and eating habits, psychiatric medications, disabilities services, organizational coaching, yoga, sleep diagnoses, physical check-ups and tests, massage therapy, spirituality, etc. I've had to carve out my own way. I'm happy to report that my life is not perfect, but I'm no longer stagnating and am growing and able to manage a healthy lifestyle.
And I no longer smell because I recognize that I never actually did. And even if I did reek, the chaos that was my life would not have reasonably been the result of it. If people aren't taking you seriously, talk to other people. Connect. Share your experiences and continue to ask for help until you find the right place (and then keep at it). It's probably already a huge relief to have found that this happens for other people (I never found this resource or ones like it until I had struggled with my issues alone). Other people want to help you, or they wouldn't respond. Take them up on it.
Best of luck!
Thx for reply,...but I'm not sure I understood you right..
Are you saying you actually never smelled but there was something wrong with your perception?
I mean, the talking behind your back and the disgusted looks on people and the actual smell you felt was all hallucination or paranoid?
Man, I REALLY REALLY WISH all this was just twisted obsession. I'm not being sarcastic-- it's just your solution is too good to be true. (though the long therapy costed much money wouldn't have been easy for you)
I really wish you were right.
Anyway, my mental therapy lasted for months but failed with no result.
Though your post gives me a dim light that this all might be just my delusion.
Are you saying you actually never smelled but there was something wrong with your perception?
I mean, the talking behind your back and the disgusted looks on people and the actual smell you felt was all hallucination or paranoid?
Man, I REALLY REALLY WISH all this was just twisted obsession. I'm not being sarcastic-- it's just your solution is too good to be true. (though the long therapy costed much money wouldn't have been easy for you)
I really wish you were right.
Anyway, my mental therapy lasted for months but failed with no result.
Though your post gives me a dim light that this all might be just my delusion.
2 Comments
Its a delusion, its real, there is something inside our body that traps and absorbs smell, there is nothing wrong with you, everything is real cos I have been told directly I smell like garbage, poo, urine and many others I can't describe, the reason why some people can smell it and some can't is because the smell comes and go instantly or delayed sometimes
I mean its not a delusion its real
You are living exactly same life I'm living.
Though I don't have much co-workers around me, still everyone avoids me that's the hardest part.
The reason I can't think this is all delusion, PEOPLE ACTUALLY AVOID ME and MAKE FACE or MAKE RUDE COMMENTS.
That's not something you can ignore.
Will there be any cure for us? (SIGH)
Though I don't have much co-workers around me, still everyone avoids me that's the hardest part.
The reason I can't think this is all delusion, PEOPLE ACTUALLY AVOID ME and MAKE FACE or MAKE RUDE COMMENTS.
That's not something you can ignore.
Will there be any cure for us? (SIGH)
Hi, nice to see you again,
I still couldn't find cure :( Sad.
One thing I agree with you is, I used to have some degree of yeast or fungal infection(normal range) but this symptom is new. and my tongue is very pink sometimes blazing red.
but I have to browse maxxpain's post again, it's as long as my original post.
One thing I don't agree with you is about people's cruelty. They CAN stare at someone for some reason and make rude comments. Not only to me, but I saw several situations like that before. Maybe my town is not so kind as yours.
Anyway your ongoing concern is much appreciated. I'm reading everyone's post here again. Wow my post is really long even I can't read it at once.
If I find something I'll update :) Thx
I still couldn't find cure :( Sad.
One thing I agree with you is, I used to have some degree of yeast or fungal infection(normal range) but this symptom is new. and my tongue is very pink sometimes blazing red.
but I have to browse maxxpain's post again, it's as long as my original post.
One thing I don't agree with you is about people's cruelty. They CAN stare at someone for some reason and make rude comments. Not only to me, but I saw several situations like that before. Maybe my town is not so kind as yours.
Anyway your ongoing concern is much appreciated. I'm reading everyone's post here again. Wow my post is really long even I can't read it at once.
If I find something I'll update :) Thx
Wow MaxxPain, your post is so long as my original post, and too many thing to read, I have to read it carefully for a long time but I catch what you mean with yeast problem or tyroid problem.
I'm not sure you cured your symptom yet? There is no space bar or enter it's hard to know in that post...
Well, I thought about yeast thing but many people said 'it keeps coming back and the strongest antifungal medicine couldn't kill them'
If your yeast theory is right,
we really need NEW ANTIFUNGAL medicine.
or they are mutated to be detected in this world. That's scary.
And about thyroid problem...
I have to read the post again, sorry, need time to think about your post.
But thx for your suggestions and theories, I'll look over all the possibilities and study it. Hope your problem is cured or be cured soon.
Be Well!
I'm not sure you cured your symptom yet? There is no space bar or enter it's hard to know in that post...
Well, I thought about yeast thing but many people said 'it keeps coming back and the strongest antifungal medicine couldn't kill them'
If your yeast theory is right,
we really need NEW ANTIFUNGAL medicine.
or they are mutated to be detected in this world. That's scary.
And about thyroid problem...
I have to read the post again, sorry, need time to think about your post.
But thx for your suggestions and theories, I'll look over all the possibilities and study it. Hope your problem is cured or be cured soon.
Be Well!
It's sad to hear that my symptom(like yours) is not a delusion........
People around me react so real, I can't think it's psychological problem...
Though everyone close to me say that I'm crazy. (well, not using the word 'crazy', but you can read between lines)
I want to cry everyday.
Hope your life and mine get better soon,
Maybe I'll try low choline diet, I don't think I'm TMAU but I always heard I show some symptoms my liver is weak (though no disease was found)
Thx for sharing, Be strong! :(
People around me react so real, I can't think it's psychological problem...
Though everyone close to me say that I'm crazy. (well, not using the word 'crazy', but you can read between lines)
I want to cry everyday.
Hope your life and mine get better soon,
Maybe I'll try low choline diet, I don't think I'm TMAU but I always heard I show some symptoms my liver is weak (though no disease was found)
Thx for sharing, Be strong! :(
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I think it is very telling that the people who are around you (and people who care about you and would be honest with you) do NOT smell anything. You THINK strangers around you are smelling you, but that just may be a psychological reaction, because YOU think you smell, so you think they smell it too, and you feel self conscious.
What do you mean nurses can smell it? How many other people, besides you, and not including strangers, have verified that they smell something? How do they describe it?
While there is no doubt that certain medical conditions and diseases cause different odors, you've seemingly had a lot of very thorough work ups from many different specialists, and again, it is just too significant to ignore that really, YOU are the only one who smells this.
I'm sure you are frustrated and I'm sure you genuinely believe this is going on (and it might be, obviously I can't say either way), but my own personal assessment is that perhaps this IS indeed psychological in nature. It could be olfactory hallucinations, it could be an exaggerated perception of a very subtle normal body odor. It sounds like perhaps when you stayed in the "hot" country, something happened there that changed you. Maybe due to the circumstances, when you WERE having BO and other issues, you became so overly sensitive to it and upset by it, that you were sort of left traumatized?
I'm not saying that you're crazy, and I feel for you, but with all the medical assessments you've had, and the fact that no one close to you smells it, really points more toward something pyschological in nature. Have you tried therapy? How about any other meds besides Xanax?
I wish I had something better to tell you, but that's my hunch. I think it wouldn't hurt for you to dive into mental health treatment, give it a try. In the very least, if the smell is real and undiagnosed, you need support to get you through this. I'm sure it is affecting every aspect of your life.
Very best of luck to you!