302818 Wed Dec 28 16:08:16 -0800 2005 21 29 Not About Food 0 1698182 In the last year and a half, I haven't cooked a thing. My allergies (which came out of nowhere at the age of 28 1/2) have gotten to the point where I can no longer taste much beyond- sweet, salty or sour. My heart is broken because all of my close friends are serious chowhounds who commemorate special occasions (everything is an occasion) with resplendent meals. Last week I went to a black and white truffle party with matching dress and tasted NOTHING. I feel bereft! I've tried every medication and shots. All to no avail! Has anyone faced a similar battle and beaten it?! Wed Dec 28 16:08:16 -0800 2005 0 noseknowsnada 1 1698183 Have you been to an ear, nose, and throat specialist? It sounds more like a severe sinus problem / infection than just allergies, or even nasal polyps and scar tissue. The same thing happened to both my father and two friends. Allergists could do nothing, but then they went to nasal specialists, had nasal surgery and are all in perfect shape and can smell again, and don't have many allergy symptoms anymore. Wed Dec 28 16:56:06 -0800 2005 1698182 0 JMF 2 1698186 I was going to suggest the same. I got my first sinus infection last winter and it took me months to recover my sense of smell. In the end, the only thing that cleared it up was heavy duty antibiotics, steroids, obsessive saline squirts up my nose, a humdifier, and finally a couple of weeks at the beach (under doctor's orders--but not covered, even under socialized medicine...). I had to go to several different doctors before I found one who figured it out (by sticking a little camera up my nose and into the deepest recesses of my sinuses). And this winter it's back again, though I'm not letting it get as out of hand. Being a chowhound, I find that I actually get depressed when I can't smell. It's like seeing the world in black and white--a huge part of what makes life interesting is missing. Wed Dec 28 17:47:47 -0800 2005 1698183 0 butterfly 3 1698194 I've visited several ENTs and Allergists. None of the aforementioned docs seems to understand the significance of losing my sense of smell. It's depressing to not taste the difference between pate and peanut butter. They tell me my problem is chronic, that I do have polyps, and that my sinus infection is brought on by the severity of my allergies. However, they do not recommend surgery since it's only a temporary cure and the problem will recur within the year. I am willing to try acupuncture or a trip to the moon.... Thu Dec 29 08:25:12 -0800 2005 1698186 0 noseknowsnada 4 1698200 I know what you mean... Do you live in a dry climate? I moved from a entire life lived in humidity to a dry, dry place. That and my son's first year in preschool (bringing home all of those nasty little kid bugs) is what triggered the problem for me last winter. All of the doctors here recommend saline sprays (there's one aerosol version called sea-in-a-can), regular trips to the beach, and eucalyptus steam inhalation... Thu Dec 29 11:02:13 -0800 2005 1698194 0 butterfly 5 1698201 P.S. I've found that acupressure on my face around my sinuses really helps with the pain temporarily, but it doesn't solve the problem. Thu Dec 29 11:03:34 -0800 2005 1698200 0 butterfly 6 1698211 I live in Miami. My problem presented when I was studying for the Bar exam in a dusty, moldy library. During the actual exam, I was a wheezing, sneezing mess. Afterwards, my doctor reckoned that I had the worst allergies he'd ever seen. It feels like I have flu everyday. This site brings back the memory of lovingly preparing foods for friends and family. I know people have much more dramatic problems than losing their taste/smell- but the aroma and taste of food triggers such powerful memories. It makes me sad to think that I won't be able to smell my Grandma's chicken soup bubbling on the stove. Or breathe in the heavenly scent of fried chicken, chocolate chip cookies, a roast. When a dumpling and a donut taste virtually the same- life can seem a bit duller. Thu Dec 29 15:11:16 -0800 2005 1698201 0 noseknowsnada 7 1698213 Oh honey, keep looking for a better doctor. SOMEONE out there can help. Search the web. Follow up on studies of this. I wish I could help other than to tell you that no matter HOW many places you have tried, keep trying. Maybe someone on the board knows a doctor genius out there, hopefully in your area. The only similar situations I've faced are medically different, but persistance pays off. Those jerks, uh, doctors that told you surgery was only a temporary fix ... would whatever medical plan you have be influencing their decision? I won't go into my human experiences where persistance paid off because they are too sad. However, on a different level I had a cat with itchy ears. NOONE paid attention. No mites ... no problems. Then I finally found a vet that diagnosed a fungus, gave a simple pill and fixed the ear problem. One of the best vets in the world and I wish there were human doctors that good. So the point is keep trying. Keep asking people for recs. I have what I read is a genetic thing where I can't taste or smell truffles. So I can understand how there is the outsider feeling of everyone gushing about something and to you ... nada. However, that is just one small thing, and given the price of truffles I don't need another expensive craving. However, if everything tastes like little, that would be a different thing. Keep searching. Keep an eye on the board. Sometimes months later someone posts a solution. I'd also post on a lot of medical boards. Also, if you always feel like you have the flu, that is not good for your body. Start being a real pain in the ass and DEMANDING that this be solved. Thu Dec 29 16:08:06 -0800 2005 1698211 0 rworange 8 1698214 I haven't seen anyone with the selection of bulk caviar like World Market. Euromix, as someone mentioned, is new. So maybe they can get it for you. The only other options would be Crossroads World Market in Hayward or there's a Russian Deli in Walnut Creek. I'll look up the name if that is the location you are looking for. However, didn't notice bulk caviar there. Not to say they didn't have it. Thu Dec 29 16:20:40 -0800 2005 1698213 0 rworange 8 1698215 It sounds to me like you have a serious sinus infection caused by allergies, which is exactly what I had. Find a good ENT who SPECIALIZES in sinus surgery. My first ENT did not and therefore basically did nothing but try to push allergy drops when I was already receiving allergy shots from my allergist. If you do have a deep sinus infection (and only a CAT scan will tell), a good sinus specialist will give you antibiotics for a long-time (a month or more) because sinuses are hard to reach. However, this may not work if your sinuses are closed. There is just no way for the infection to drain out of your sinuses. In which case, you may need surgery. I didn't think it was that bad at all, but I had one of the best sinus surgeons in the DC area. The surgery cleared the infection and opened up my sinuses, allowing for effective irrigation. To reiterate: go to an allergist to deal with your allergies and go to a sinus specialist to deal with your infection! Good luck, ICD P.S. I'm from Miami and wish I were back there than the allergy hell that is the DC area. Thu Dec 29 16:24:11 -0800 2005 1698213 0 ICD 9 1698220 May I email you for your doctor's name? Thu Dec 29 19:26:52 -0800 2005 1698215 0 noseknowsnada 10 1698224 Please feel free to email me. I know how frustrating this all is. My doctor's name is Jeanne Renee Moneyhun. She's listed in Washingtonian magazine has one of the area's top doctors. Plus, she gives me lollipops after my visits. ICD Thu Dec 29 20:48:19 -0800 2005 1698220 0 ICD 9 1698222 I've heard of this. The infection goes very deep into the recesses of your sinuses and then gets "walled off" and can't be detected, even with the up-the-nose camera. May I ask what symptoms you were experiencing... Do you do anything now to avoid this from happening in the future? DC was the last humid climate that I moved from. It's funny, I was fine there--even with the absurd preponderance of fruit trees and flowers--and now I'm a mess in Madrid, which is practically a desert. I'm only allergic to one type of pollen and it happens to be from the tree that is planted in every tree box and park in the whole city, so after a winter of kiddie colds, I get a nice month or so of allergies to prolong the agony. Thu Dec 29 20:09:24 -0800 2005 1698215 0 butterfly 10 1698223 My main symptoms were fatigue and dizziness. Nothing that actually said "sinus infection." The surgery to open my passage ways and remove the infection helped tremendously. Also, I'm on my third year of allergy shots, irrigate regularly, and take Allegra, which all seem to keep my nose pretty clean. Thu Dec 29 20:39:14 -0800 2005 1698222 0 ICD 8 1698244 You poor thing! I am so sorry you've been suffering with this, and that you haven't found a physician who cares to find a fix yet. I live in Delray, but am taking my DH to my ENT in Aventura next week for a different problem. He was a big help to me with less severe sinus problems, and is a very caring, empathetic physician. If you'd like to email me at the address above, I can provide you with the contact information. I'd also be happy to mention your symptoms and ask if he'd be the best person to see, or if he'd recommend someone else. Good specialists are worth their weight in gold! Good luck with this. Sat Dec 31 12:59:10 -0800 2005 1698213 0 Dev 4 1698205 i would recommend finding a good chinese medicine practitioner for acupuncture and herbs. it's worth a shot if nothing else is working. Thu Dec 29 12:49:33 -0800 2005 1698194 0 rebs 1 1698195 First, my sympathies. That sounds terrible. Did you move? My allergies didn't get severe until I moved to a high-allergy area. I have since moved away and mostly recovered. If you moved within the region but to a new house, you might be allergic to something at your new house. Or did you get a new pet? Just trying to wrack my brain for triggers that you may be able to avoid and thus cure your problem. The cortisteroids pretty much cure me. I am so sorry you haven't been able to find something that works. Thu Dec 29 09:04:31 -0800 2005 1698182 0 Snackish 1 1698219 I have to say a heartfelt thank you to those of you who responded with such kindness to my post. Your comments really, really warmed me. I know it won't cure my sinus/allergy issue and make me smell and taste again, but it did make me feel a HECKUVA lot better. Thank you! Thu Dec 29 19:23:23 -0800 2005 1698182 0 noseknowsnada 1 1698226 I used to get sinus headaches at night, I finally figured out it was the fragance in the dishwashing liquid. I switched to an unscented brand and voila, no more problems. I also got rid of any chemical cleaners and replaced them with naturally based, fragrance free, brands such as "Seventh Generation" and "Ecover" (be sure to read the labels as they also offer scented versions). Now that i've gotten all the old stuff out of my home I have less problems with the allergy, I also bought a mattress and pillow cover that block dust mites and that helps too. Good luck! Thu Dec 29 22:20:27 -0800 2005 1698182 0 Jon36 1 1698262 this might be a little late response to your inquiry... Hopefully you've figured out if you have something more serious wrong by now... but if no breakthroug has been made, I thought I'd offer another suggestion. My allergist suggested a salt water nasal rinse since flonase, etc. dry my nose out too much. I was having problems similar to what you describe. my nose isn't perfect, but much better since i've started regular rinsing. I bought my kit from the pharmacy, with a little squeezy bottle and packets of rinse solution. (add warm water and away you go). it takes a bit of getting used to, you'll snarfle salt water a few times, but once you get the knack it works fine. it is a little gross, but it is a gentle way of rinsing all the dust, etc. out of your nose. (I use mine while showering daily during springtime allergy season) if you try it, make sure you don't use it less than an hour before bed (sometimes you get unexpected drainage). and don't use it if one or both of your nostrils are blocked. (again unexpected drainage). good luck and I hope you are feeling better soon. :) megan Tue Jan 03 02:26:57 -0800 2006 1698182 0 withalonge 1 1698263 Just prior to that did you change locales in home or job? Did you have an injury - fall, auto accident? I would seek out evaluation and advice from professionals in chiropractic, accupuncture, homeopathy, AK, chinese medicine, etc. Netti pot for sinus cleansing is easy to use. Tue Jan 03 10:22:35 -0800 2006 1698182 0 Sweet Pea 1 1698266 I don't know how you are hanging in there for so long! I've had that problem for a week and I thought the world is coming to an end! Mine happened because against my usual stubborn "no drug" policy, I took some clariton during the height of the allergy season to calm the allergy symptoms. Well, as a result I didn't sneeze as much, but then I got a terrible infection because everything that was suppose to come out got pressed down. There were attempts to cough things up but most of the time it felt like I was wearing a iron armour. Instead of taking a rest from my new found Shaolin Kung Fu training, I focussed more on its deep breathing excercises combined with stretching poses and bodywork. As the body gets a good work out, stuff gets sweated out. It was getting rid of the blockage, letting oxygen into the body, letting what needs to drain out drain out; vs. putting chemical into your body to try to change the nature of the clogging fluids but not changing how it got there in the first place. Good luck to you! Tue Jan 03 14:23:17 -0800 2006 1698182 0 HLing