Shit… this is bad isn’t it?

[AJT43]

A few months ago I smelt burning on and off for a few days; I was about to see the GP about it and it just stopped.
Fast forward I’ve had it a few times since but it passed quickly.
The last 3 or so days I’ve been smelling burning and foul smells on and off. Then this morning I woke up with a terrible headache at the back of my head.
I plan on calling the GP first thing on Monday morning but I am honestly so scared. Google tells me the bleakest thing. I’m 31 years old with 2 small children and I’m just terrified.

Hope they put your mind at rest.

@AJT43 I am so delighted to hear your diagnosis, am sure that it will be a great weight lifted off your shoulders. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

It could be that you are smelling tonsil stones, they smell absolutely foul.

Doctor said my nose is extremely congested and I almost shot through the roof when he pressed on my sinuses. He of course discussed the need for further testing if the phantom smells persist hence the follow up appointment but he was confident in his diagnosis so I’m not going to worry now x

Did you get antibiotics?

Just a steroid spray for now

I had really congested sinuses. I had to put drops up my nose for 14 days and then 6 months on daily nasal spray - really helped.

Try steaming

I’m really pleased the gp has put your mind at rest but don’t ignore it if it persists, ask him to refer you for a scan if it doesn’t clear up.

Tonsil stones I can help you with. I had a really severe tonsillitis in my late teens and felt like I had low grade tonsillitis for most of my adult life but it was tonsil stones! I was so shocked.
Anyway, a friend advised me to gargle every night and morning which worked. They went away and only reappear if I forget to gargle for a few weeks. Just with water is fine.

Of course, I will absolutely follow it up if it persists. I am seeing him again anyway in 4 weeks.
The doctor was fantastic, he listened to me and also listened to be rant on about my friend, he didn’t dismiss me once.
He said himself if there was no logical answer he would be sending me for a scan. If this treatment doesn’t work and it persists, we will think about the next steps.
Tonight my entire face is thumping, my sinuses and forehead are so painful as well as my top teeth which I remember happening last time I had sinusitis my top teeth hurt too.
Luckily today I haven’t had any burning smell, apart from once when everyone else could smell it too!

Glad you've had a clear diagnosis. My mum has sinusitis too and it seems to have given her a superhuman sense of smell when it isn't active. She can sit in the upstairs of the house and know if my dad has opened a bar of chocolate or a pack of peanuts downstairs by the smell. He has to go into the garden if he wants a snack he doesn't have to share 😂

Hope you are more relaxed now It’s difficult not to jump to conclusions when you are stressed.
Dr Google often does more harm than good, particularly if you have health anxiety x