Problems with body scent

[SM_the_only_one]

Hello everyone, I am new to this group. I was diagnosed with CKD stage III about a year ago. I have done pretty well with it, using dietary and other lifestyle changes to manage this condition. However, I have a problem and I apologize in advance if this seems frivolous to any of you challenged with much more severe issues.

Throughout my life I was always blessed with a very good personal scent. Without even wearing fragrance of any kind, people would compliment me on how good I smell. I am not a naturally happy person and I have a LOT of insecurities about myself (reasons are a post for another time) but within the last month or two I have noticed that not only is my good scent gone, I feel that I am starting to smell bad.

In addition to CKD I also have congestive heart failure. I am 60 years old. I take several medications for my heart and one for acid reflux. Otherwise I do not use drugs, although I do very occasionally smoke some cannabis. I do not drink alcohol. I exercise some but probably could do better in this area. I avoid foods like red meat, sodas, coffee, tea, and sugary stuff. I do have a lot of difficulty controlling the amount of fluid I retain, and I go from fluid overload syndrome to dehydration all the time. I shower daily, use antibacterial or deodorant soap, body powder, and antipersperant.

Any insights on what might be causing this and what I can do to help myself?

Thank you for any advice. So happy I found this site.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community,

Unfortunately, we in the community cannot diagnose your symptoms. Perhaps it's caused by something you are eating. Have you asked family or close friends about this? How long have you noticed it? Did you make any dietary changes since that time? Once you have answers to those questions it would be a good idea to contact your PCP and set up an appointment to ask about your concerns. On the day of your appointment, don't shower. If your appointment is later in the day and if you know the scent returns by that time then shower in the morning and let the doctor see you with that scent present. Best of luck.

[SM_the_only_one in reply to Hidden]

Dear Mr_Kidney, thank you very much for your sound advice. I will do what you suggest and see what they come up with.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello there, SM! Welcome to our little community! I’ve done just a little research with regard to CKD as well as congestive heart failure, and possible changes in body scent can occur, but more with respect to CKD. However, from what I was able to understand, those issues don’t really begin until stage 5. I believe you said that you’re stage 3, so I don’t know what exactly could possibly be causing this issue.

Mr_Kidney’s advice is the best. Mention this to your doctor, but also look into the side effects of your current medications, even the one you take for acid reflux. Sometimes medications, even supplements can cause such issues. Digestive issues in themselves can also create this type of problem.

Another factor to consider is that hormonal changes as we age, tend to lend a hand in this sort of thing as well. Don’t know if I’ve been much help at all, but these are the only thoughts I could imagine might be contributing to the problem.

I know how you feel. I’ve often times smelled an ammonia-like odour coming from my vicinity. I know that CKD can be a culprit in this. Nobody has mentioned it, but they may have just been being polite. The fact is I’ve noticed it, and I’m pretty sure that they have also, and it does play on one’s insecurities. I’m with ya there, believe me! I hope you, with your doctor’s help, will be able to find a resolution to this. Please do let us know how this works out.

Always remember, we’re here for you! I wish you all my best! God bless. 😊👍

[SM_the_only_one in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi Sammi, thank you so much for your reply. I have not really noticed an ammonia smell. It is hard for me to describe exactly what it smells like. I'm not sure exactly what part of my body it is coming from; it seems to me to be a more all-over type of thing. I think that is good advice to look into my medications as possibly the culprit because a couple of them have been prescribed recently, within the last couple of months, and one has been increased. These are for congestive heart failure. I will definitely discuss this with my doctor at my next appointment. I, like you, thought something like this might happen at stage 5, or even stage 4. I was surprised to notice it happening now, although recently my labs have shown that I seem to be inching toward stage 4 faster than I had hoped. Again, thank you for your reply and I wish you many blessings.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to SM_the_only_one]

Hi again SM! Yeah. I know how you feel. I’m actually kind of between (I think) stages 4 and 5. Although, probably closer to 5. I don’t urinate very much and I’ve been retaining fluid lately. And I do tend to notice a lingering odour around myself also, (aside from the occasional ammonia scent) that I’m unable to describe. It’s not very strong, but just kind of there. When I turn my head for a moment, I’ll notice a slight waft of something around myself, but not sure quite how to explain it. Lovely, huh? It’s a good thing I’m not married! Don’t know how I would handle putting a husband through that kind of torture! Lol! Oh well. It’s all part of the journey, as we say. Lol. Take care, dear. Again, all my best! 👍

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

Welcome to the group. This may seem strange suggestion. Try switching up your body products. I know there are certain oils and perfumes I have used in the past that when I first put them on, they are great and then later... ewww, they stink. Try for one day after you shower to not put on anything. Make sure it is your body that is creating the odor and not the chemicals you are putting on your skin. Also, look at the laundry detergent and if you use it softener. I bought a bargain softener once and it made my clothes stink when I wore them. In the bottle, it smelled ok. Make sure that you do not have a yeast infection somewhere. They can be rather small and can create quite a smell. And, I would actual ask someone you trust if they smell you. Sometimes we get something in our noses and it makes everything smell. Lastly, try to notice when you notice the smell. Is it after you eat, later in the day, or after you take a certain medication. Are you also noticing things like you are not peeing as much then, or your fluid is building up when you notice the smell? Tell the doctor your findings. Hope this helps.

[SM_the_only_one in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you Bassetmommer, I will definitely try your suggestions. I have asked my hubby if he noticed the smell and he said he did not. I don't know if he really doesn't notice it, is used to it so he no longer notices it, or if he's just trying to make me feel better. I'll ask someone else who is not around me all the time. I will try your other suggestions as well. Thank you and many blessings to you!

[BabbetteFrank]

Just thought I'd mention that the 'scent of a woman' can change with menopause. Could that be a factor?

[SM_the_only_one in reply to BabbetteFrank]

Hi BabbetteFrank, I don't think so because I'm 60 years old. I started menopause when I was about 48. But that's a good theory. Thank you for writing.