Monday 23 January 2012

Hyperosmia post update!

Just a quick note to say that following my blog about hyperosmia, I was contacted by well-respected US journalist, Deborah Lee, who along with her colleague, Katie Gilbert, is writing a research piece about the condition. After several emails back and forth, I was interviewed via Skype last week!

We had a really interesting chat, during which time we both came up with several new ideas and theories. It was both refreshing and stimulating. Also interesting was that she said several doctors have debunked the claim that certain hyperosmians can 'smell through buildings' (for want of a better expression), yet I can, and the journalist said that she'd interviewed other people who can as well. We don't imagine these things! So much for expert medical opinion! I'm not saying that their opinions are invalid, but they are just that, opinions, not statements of fact. Perhaps once the condition is better understood, these doctors might revise their views!

Anyway, I am going to be kept in the loop regarding the research, and was asked if I'd be happy to give further interviews, to which I readily agreed. The more is known about this condition, the better, as far as I am concerned. They are also going to let me read the final piece - I'm really looking forward to it!

2 comments:

Susan said...

The Hyperosmia is fascinating, well for me who does not suffer.

I have found that I have days where I'm more aware of smell and have put it down to my cycle. Since having a hysterectomy last year I find that the acute smell days have lessened, but I still have them occasionally.

I wonder if that is an actual connection.

It must be so comforting to know you are not alone and there are people out there who know what you are experiencing.

Unknown said...

I suspect there may be, Susan - certainly there are times when I am even more sensitive than usual.

I also suspect that there's every chance we as a species all used to have this but as we've become more technologically advanced, and moved further and further away from the outside environment and into our own little microcosms, we've evolved to not need it any more. Who knows? 50,000 years ago, everyone might have been like me!

And yes you're right about it being comforting knowing there are others out there with this talent (I have decided that 'condition' sounds too negative!)...at least I know I'm not barking. Well, not for that reason, at least!

Thank you for your contribution, Susan - it's lovely to hear from you. I hope your pottery is still giving you oodles of pleasure!