Living with kallmann's syndrome
As you may have already experienced, there are several ways in which Kallmann's syndrome could affect your lifestyle. Perhaps you can relate to the following points.Looking younger than your age...
This can be a major psychological challenge for untreated Kallmann's syndrome sufferers. Many become depressed, withdrawn and lacking in confidence because they feel that they look much younger than their actual age. They become ashamed of how young they look and fear not being taken seriously when asked how old they are. For example, it can be both humiliating and embarrassing when you are refused drinks at the pub or entry to nightclubs because "you look too young" even though you may be well over 18.Not all is bad though. Hormone replacement therapy will correct your lack of pubertal development, but the chances are that although you will age, you will probably always look a little younger than your age. This has its advantages though. After all, will looking about 40 years old when you are actually 50 really be so bad ?
Unpleasant smells or smells which warn of danger...
You already know that there is no cure for anosmia, so what do you do to cope with your inability to smell ?If you have a gas appliance in your home, you should be aware that you will not be able to smell a gas leak. Although very rare, this is potentially extremely dangerous because it could either result in an explosion or in unconsciouness, asphyxiation or even death due to the fumes. The answer is to buy a gas alarm, a device similar to the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. You can buy battery or mains-powered gas alarms in many hardware shops. In the unlikely event of there being a gas leak, a very loud and high-pitched noise will sound and the necessary precautionary action can then be taken.
