I know that many of you fellow fibro sufferers/TMSers have the same problem that I do with strong odors (and other sensitivities to the environment). We've had some discussion about this on the board in the distant past. I'm forcing myself to stay in the area with strong odors - especially perfume - which did not used to bother me - until I started developing other TMS problems too. But even though I try to stick out the odors - which make me feel panicky and make me feel like I'm having a hard time breathing and just plain wear me out from the mental tension - it hasn't gotten any better.....Any comments or ideas?
If this is TMS, to me it's not worth the aggravation to try to overcome it. I have always been sensitive to fragrance and cigarette smoke. It's super easy to avoid. I don't buy or wear anything with strong perfume and I don't smoke or hang with smokers. And if I encounter the smells out in the real world, then I just move to somewhere where they aren't.
This symptom used to be brutal for me. Perfumes, cigarette smoke, cleaning fluids. I agree with Mary Ann. I did everything that Mary Ann suggests long before I ever heard of DR. Sarno and it essentially ceased being much of a problem. Of course this is more difficult if you work around odors or people who wear perfumes.
I can remember times when all I would have to do is just think about a perfume and I would get the reaction even in the complete absence of an odor. After reading DR. Sarno, I now know why this occured. These so-called chemical sensitivities are a classic conditioned response as I'm sure you already know. The reactions have nothing to do with the chemical whatsoever.
I still sometimes have a very mild reaction when I come in contact with one of these odors, but I just don't care. Most times I don't even have a reaction anymore. Knowing that this symptom is completely harmless is what really helps.
I guess I just wanted to let you know that this symptom does get better.
Panic to perfume
Posted - 05/10/2006 : 14:58:14
