Smell the Roses

I have written about my sinus surgeries due to nasal polyps. Nasal polyps and sinus surgeries are routine for those of us with cystic fibrosis. Polyps are usually a problem that we face quite a bit and the procedures we endure to control them are a burden we carry.

My sinus surgery was extensive, and I still work on being able to breathe out of my nose - not because I cannot do it but because I have become used to being a mouth breather. My nose was so bad for years; I adapted to breathing out of my mouth. That became my normal until I had surgery.

Losing my sense of smell

Along with breathing out of my nose, I soon realized that for the first time in 6 years I could smell a little bit. I lost my ability to smell in my teens when my polyps began their reign of destruction in my nasal cavity. I had not really thought much about smelling in years because I did not notice. I did not realize what was going on.

I remember when I met my husband and I could not smell his cologne or the flowers he would give me. I could not smell my newborn niece or even smell delicious meals at restaurants.

Missing out

I began to really miss being able to contribute to any conversation about odors like, "Does this smell nice?" to my sister asking me about her perfume or being asked, "Doesn’t this food smell amazing?" I felt really secluded from those experiences. I was honest and I would tell people, "I can’t smell, sorry." People would look at me in shock, and some would say "Oh you’re lucky." But it is small experiences that made me feel different.

I want to smell my husband - as silly as that sounds. I want to smell my perfume, food, and flowers! I want to put my face in flowers and smell that beautiful aroma that I was missing!

Surgery gave me my ability to smell back

After my surgery, I began trying to breathe out of my nose. It was hard because I began to panic. I remember feeling overwhelmed because my nose that used to be this obstacle was finally being useful. It was different for me and that was frightening for someone who has not used it in years!

Finally, the surgeon removed the bandages and did his final look-through with a camera in the cavity - the surgery was successful! I began to learn to breathe through my nose and I was excited!

As weird as it sounds, I love hugging my husband and being able to smell him. It brings me comfort to be able to have this back because I missed it for years. I love shoving my face in flowers and smelling the fragrance. I love smelling food! I love smelling in general! I just enjoy being able to have this ability back that I cry joyfully. I thank the amazing doctors who made this all possible and took great care of me. Thank you for giving me the ability to smell my handsome husband because that, for me, it’s my greatest gift.

Have you lost your sense of smell because of CF? Share your experience in our forums.