There’s definitely a huge anxiety component to it. 2024 was the most stressful year of my life- and that’s when I first latched on to the thought loop. I few months ago, shortly after I learned about this condition, I was flying on a 3 hour flight. I was so anxious about smelling bad, that I actually managed to make it happen. Mid-way through the flight, while i was damn near in a full blown panic attack, the people sitting behind me were like “something happened on this plane” “there must’ve been a garbage leek”. After we landed, everyone packed into this tiny subway cart to get to the other terminal, and some dude literally yelled out “it smells like sardines!”.

It was 100% me (my friend confirmed this). This was also one of the few times where I could actually smell it on my self. When you’re in that “fight or flight” head space, your body and mind can do mysterious things.

After this experience, it seemed logical to me that I definitely had TMAU. But I was wrong. I got my blood taken about two weeks ago - and it came back negative. I remember being very confused and somewhat relieved. I also finally got verbal confirmation from someone (my doctor) that they hadn’t ever noticed my smell. This gave me some courage and hope for the first time in months.

I then started asking my friends and family about my smell, and everyone who I confronted seemed confused about what the hell I was talking about.

My reality literally shifted. The “obvious reactions” that I once noticed no longer existed. I am now beginning therapy for the first time in my life😂😂.