OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Support for an Invisible Medical Condition

Greetings everyone, I hope this message finds you well. I find myself in a challenging situation and I'm reaching out in hopes that someone might provide some insights regarding a medical condition that has remained largely hidden. I’m 27 and assigned female at birth, currently residing in Nottingham, UK, and I would be incredibly grateful for any assistance. Here's a brief overview of my health issue: Back in 2014, I experienced a severe physical assault that left several injuries to my facial area, including my forehead. As a result of this trauma, I developed an intolerance to the scents of cigarette and cannabis smoke, which I did not react to prior to the incident. This sensitivity has persisted, and it significantly impacts my daily life as I struggle to tolerate these smells, even years later. I recently underwent an MRI scan on July 28, 2025, as I continue to pursue a diagnosis that could explain my ongoing difficulty. The potential causes being considered include hyperosmia, phantosmia, a benign tumor, vitamin D deficiency, or some other unidentified medical issue. Additionally, I'm eager to learn if there might be a treatment available that could alleviate my nasal sensitivities. As of now, I have not received my MRI results. I followed up with the hospital more than two weeks ago, and they informed me that a letter would be sent out soon to schedule an appointment to discuss the findings. For context, here’s a summary of my medical background: **Diagnosis Timeline:** - Autism: February 26, 2009 - Depression: August 3, 2012 - Asperger’s Syndrome: August 3, 2012 - Seborrheic Dermatitis: August 9, 2019 - ADHD: August 24, 2023 - ADHD Combined Type Diagnosis: October 12, 2023 **Surgical History:** - Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: July 25, 2022 - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: July 25, 2022 **Current Medications:** - I receive a 2ml Nebido injection every three months, which I will continue indefinitely. **Medication History Overview:** I have been on testosterone therapy since I was 16 years old, initially using Sustanon injections for a year before switching to Nebido. Throughout this time, I have also taken Decapeptyl or Gonapeptyl to manage menstrual cycles. **Previous Medications:** - Fluoxetine and Sertraline I began taking antidepressants at the age of 14, starting with Fluoxetine before being transitioned to Sertraline at a high dosage. I do not recall the precise timeline for these medications but remember discontinuing them when I turned 20. I appreciate your patience with this extensive post. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and any insights or guidance would be immensely valued! Warm regards!

Answers (1)

9/7/2025, 3:01:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you're dealing with a very challenging situation concerning your sensitivity to certain scents following a traumatic event. Here’s a clear summary and what you can consider doing while you await your MRI results.

Main Points:

1. Sensitivities: You’re experiencing a lasting intolerance to specific smells, which can be linked to various conditions.
2. Potential Causes: Ongoing assessment of hyperosmia, phantosmia, or other medical issues is essential.
3. Awaiting Results: It’s understandable to feel anxious about the waiting period after your MRI.

Explanation:

Your sensitivity to smells could possibly stem from a change in how your brain processes sensory information due to trauma or a related neurological issue. While conditions like hyperosmia (increased sensitivity to odors) or phantosmia (smelling odors that aren’t present) could play a role, maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare professionals as you await test results is key.

Next Steps:

1. Manage Environmental Triggers:

   • Avoidance: Since specific odors are triggers for you, try to avoid areas where you may encounter cigarette or cannabis smoke. If possible, discuss your sensitivities with people in your life to minimize exposure.
   • Air Quality: Consider using air purifiers at home and keeping windows open for ventilation to reduce lingering scents.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a diary of when you experience heightened sensitivities, including any associated symptoms (headaches, mood changes, etc.). This can provide useful information for your healthcare provider.

3. Stay Informed and Patient:

   • Continue to follow up with the hospital about your MRI results. If you don’t hear back within a few days, consider reaching out again.

4. Healthy Lifestyle:

   • Incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet, especially those rich in vitamin D, as deficiency can sometimes relate to sensory issues.

5. Seek Support:

   • Connecting with support groups for individuals who face similar challenges may help you find community and understanding.

Please remember to take care of your emotional well-being during this period. It’s normal to feel frustrated or worried about health conditions, especially when they aren’t fully explained yet. If you need additional help with managing anxiety related to these issues, techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or reaching out to friends or professionals for support can be beneficial.

Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance!