To the number poster,

You are right, this is a very difficult situation and there is no easy way around it. But i know for a fact if i asked any of my friends if they thought i was smelly, they would say no. Its just not that easy. Who do you ask and how do you feel after you've asked them? For me I know I couldn't do it. I feel that it wouldn't be fair to put them on the spot like that. Unfortunately, most of us here are paranoid and dont want to talk about it unless we can remain anonymous, thats why we post here!!

And even when we have tried to ask others - with me, its been those in the medical profession - they say they haven't noticed anything. Instead you can rely on the whispers and overheard comments. Another good one is kids, or try working with teenagers with 'challenging behaviour', that will confirm it for you! They like to say what they think and won't spare your feelings!

The simple fact is - it's embarrassing. It's embarrassing for us and its embarrassing for others. I wish it wasn't but it is. Maybe one day we'll feel ready to take that step, but I for one would be very wary about who I asked.

I can understand that you probably think that alot of people on here who think they smell, don't. But truly, I think that most people that think they do, do! All my life I've been lead to believe that its all in my head, despite the obvious outside hints from others, and the occasional overheard comments. It wasn't until I got a positive TMAU test that I think I actually truly believed it. And believe me, the positive result knocked me for six. I am still depressed over it now, because somewhere inside of me I was living in the hope that it WAS all in my head, that I was imagining the comments, the people moving away, the lack of invitations to social events, etc etc.

If people are to be encouraged to come out and ask others for an honest answer, I hope and pray that they are also able to access support if / when they have their fears confirmed. It can hit you like a ton of bricks. And even if they are told that they dont smell - will they believe it anyway? Not likely i'm afraid.

From what I can see mpdela has been nothing but supportive to absolutely everyone here. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, which is why I have tears in my eyes as I write this. The other day I posted something here that prompted her to send me a really supportive message in my inbox. Little did she know how much I needed it. Its like she knew what I'd been thinking earlier that day. It really was a life saver of a message and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for her relentless love, care, support, research and dedication.

I know I'm going on, but I just wanted to show my support for mpdela. If she ever decided to leave this site what would we do?? Hope you see the reason for this post, I'm not having a go at you, as you were not having a go at her!

Peace to everyone and hope you all reach your goals

ATA xx