I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) => Topic started by: Rerun on February 16, 2006, 09:15:28 PM

Title: PICA
Post by: Rerun on February 16, 2006, 09:15:28 PM
Pica includes strong cravings for non-food items. The most frequent are:

Clay or Dirt, Paint Chips, Plaster, Baking Soda, Rust, Glue. 

Pica is usually found in people whose diets are deficient in minerals contained in the consumed substances.  More than 50 percent of pregnant women have pica.

It is common in dialysis patients too. 

Anyone want to fess up to craving something that you know better than to eat?  :P

I'll start!!  8)  20 years ago before I knew anything was wrong with my kidneys, but only weeks before, I would crave the smell of gasoline.  I would love to gas up my car in hopes of a "whiff."  I would sneak down to the garage and take the lid off the gas can and smell it.  Then I got my transplant and I was fine.  Well......it is back.  I need to have a gasoline smell fix everyday.  Weird, but I think it has to do with Pica.  I'm craving something that chemically is missing, or I'm so TOXIC that my body just wants to get it over with!! >:
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: babi68 on February 16, 2006, 10:53:40 PM
I just love the smell of nail polish remover. When I was on PD I was addicted to the smell of Hexol(the stuff to discinfect your hands). I always joke at dialysis when going on that I need a wiff of the alcohol and have jokingly said to others yeh I need to smell it, I am hooked, they think I am joking, but I'm not. I admit it. Don't eat anything bad though. Liz :-[
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on February 17, 2006, 08:47:16 AM
Oh man I love to smell "New Tires" I love going into a tire store. To me new tires smell the best.  :-[ Even better than that new car smell.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on February 17, 2006, 10:28:53 AM
I have never come across PICA before.  But thinking about it. I do love the smell of bananas, chocolate and Instant Coffee most of the things I can not have. ;).  I know my mum when she was having my sister liked COAL!

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on February 17, 2006, 07:05:11 PM
OKAY you guys!  You can eat bananas and chocolate... I mean it is ateable.  And a "new car smell" and "Puppy Breath" everyone loves!  I'm talking bad stuff like gasoline, Hexol or yeah... Coal.  :-\  And really you should want to eat it or consume it.  I would like to drink gasoline but I know better!    YEAH, that weird!!!   :P
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on February 17, 2006, 07:38:10 PM
This is SO INTERESTING!!  I never thought it could be something to do with dialysis, but I find myself enjoying and craving smells very much these days.  I went over to the marine centre of our community college the other day and there was this big rubber dinghy on the ground.  I just loved that smell and wished I could stay there for a long time.  I also like the smell of gasoline, though I don't get many chances to smell it (until I get my new vehicle in a few weeks).  I love the smell of witch hazel.
By the way, what is 'puppy breath'?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on February 17, 2006, 07:42:46 PM
 ;D ;D ;D :D :D

You know!!!  When you hold little puppies and they yawn and they have the nice clean "puppy breath?"   Now that is normal.  Everybody loves "Puppy Breath."  :-*   But, if you crave grown dog breath after they lick their Butt... that is probably Pica!   ;)   >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: geoffcamp on February 18, 2006, 10:57:39 AM
I think dialysis has made all y'all crazy ::)  I never heard of such a thing!  I just love the smell of cookies and actually eating them too!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on February 18, 2006, 06:50:18 PM
I think dialysis has made all y'all crazy ::)  I never heard of such a thing!  I just love the smell of cookies and actually eating them too!

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1798.htm

It is a VERY real disorder/condition. It usually occurs in children however adults can get the condition at times. However I wouldn't say just because a person likes a certain smell i.e. gas,tires,nail polish I wouldn't classify them as suffering from a certain malnorishment/PICA nor would I call them crazy.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: geoffcamp on February 21, 2006, 09:20:34 PM
I don't mean to insult I just find the whole thing pretty funny.  I guess I have a warped sense of humor
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bear on February 21, 2006, 09:58:47 PM
Ah! NOW I know waht's wrong with the dog!!!!! ::) ::) :)
Our Mareema (sp?) eats the dry wall at the side of our French windows from time-to-time.
I have to mix up a little pot of plaster & fill em in, every so often.
Maybe I will be more sympathetic and not beat him about the head in future!  :)  :o
                                                                             (as  ^ if...)  :)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on February 21, 2006, 10:06:58 PM
I don't mean to insult I just find the whole thing pretty funny.  I guess I have a warped sense of humor

No,no,no I know I was just providing a link to let you read about it. Now where the hell did I leave that tire?

 ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on February 22, 2006, 03:30:18 PM
Think I might picA New car to smell!   >:D  picA unleaded gas for Rerun to smell >:D Plus picA four new Tyres for Epoman to smell. >:D


Right I'm picA to go now! bad jokes ;D ;D ;D

Just so funny, I can imagine Rerun sneaking around cars taking off gas lids, and smelling the gas!


Kevno
PS I love the smell of loads of money!!!!!!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on February 22, 2006, 07:28:53 PM
I know.... pretty soon my labs will have a new Octane level.   ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: bumblebee on March 03, 2006, 06:57:21 AM
I love the smell of tar :).  In fact I wish I could have a small bottle of it to carry around with me so I could sniff it all day.  Also, I used to by Izal disinfectant and I was so addicted to the smell I use to wash my floors about 6 times a day.  Actually thinking about it, this was the time my kidney failure was first diagnosed. ???
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on March 03, 2006, 07:12:00 AM
Hi! Bumblebee,

How about introducing yourself on on the message board so that we get to know you, Plus you will get to know all of us.  This is a great site for having a rant and rave.  Plus to try to help other patients with your experiences. Remember we are not Doctors, but a lot of the patients on this site have been renal patients for a long time. Will try to give you some advise. Plus you can give us advise on the experiences you have had with dialysis. Thats any sort of dialysis.

Kevno
(Manchester UK)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Black on March 03, 2006, 07:39:57 AM

... PS I love the smell of loads of money!!!!!!

Sounds good but actually -- Yuck!!  Years ago my husband had lemonade stands.  No matter how careful we were, when it got really busy the money would get wet.  We found we could put the stacks of ones on a paper towel and microwave for a few seconds, move it to the counter top and fan it, and it would dry in less than five minutes ... BUT the smell of dirty bills is awful!!!!  The whole kitchen would stink but it sure was easier to count.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on March 05, 2006, 05:00:41 AM
I've know of laundering money. But Microwaving money that is something New ;D ;D ;D I meant the smell of new crisp money ;) ;)


Kevno
( very rare I have any new money :'(  but all donations welcome to Kev's back pocket fund ;D ;D)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on March 07, 2006, 08:19:59 PM
Now that I have my vehicle, I was able to go over to the Marine centre and smell that dinghy.  I was very pleased to find it inflated and the rubbery smell was oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh good!!!!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on March 08, 2006, 03:07:50 PM
::) bajanne2000

Sorry to hear you have picA,I'm sure the patients will(laugh) Sorry :-\ ,try to help you allthey can. I believe Epoman likes the smell of rubber as-well! Plus if you run out of Gas I'm sure Rerun, could breath in the motor for you. >:D >:D


Kevno
 >:D ;D ;)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on March 08, 2006, 04:56:09 PM
My friend Debbie that was here to help me, left me a bottle of "STP Jet Fuel" instead of Flowers.  She was reading some of the posts and laughing her guts out.!   :D 

Kevno is just a closet sniffer.  He just won't admit it yet!   >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on March 09, 2006, 11:17:42 AM
Why!  would I want to smell a Closet! >:D ;D ;D



I can not believe your friend gave you"STP jet fuel" I would have not spent that much :o I would have put 5mils  of normal gas in a tablet bottle. >:D >:D . I would have given you a flower, nicked from next doors garden. 8)

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on March 19, 2006, 12:18:47 AM
How about the smell of Office Depot or Staples.  MMMMMMMMM
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on March 19, 2006, 08:28:16 PM
I like the sound of that.  I happen to like stationery stores (my sister thinks I am crazy), and I will spend hours in Office Max or Staples looking at the stuff.  But I haven't been there for a while (Office Max is on the neighbouring US island of St. Thomas), but I will check it out next time to see if I like the smell.

Title: Re: PICA
Post by: calypso on April 02, 2006, 04:33:20 PM
I like the smell of gasoline too but I don't crave it, I just like the smell.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on April 05, 2006, 04:11:13 PM
Just Shoot Me! ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: hephziba on May 07, 2006, 03:49:35 AM
Gas aside, since I have been on dialysis I cant get enough of eating raw flour straight out of the bag not the yucky bleached white junk but wholemeal stuff, I can go through a bag a week, the only problems is Im on pd, so it means I have to take extra laxatives. >:(

never had that weirdness before.. ??? :-\
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on May 07, 2006, 10:39:59 AM
Raw flour?  Now that is interesting!  I don't eat anything weird like these things, but Home Depot smells pretty good, too.  As does French fries cooking, and cookies baking...stop me!  mmmmm!  >:DCookies...... >:D   

Katherine
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: tia on May 07, 2006, 11:05:28 AM
Cmon guys I dont think this is any disorder. I am healthy with no kidney problems and I like the smell of gasoline and new tires. hehe  :P it doesnt mean I have some disorder  ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on May 07, 2006, 03:15:37 PM
I still say new green backs smell the best  ;) any off you out their got to many  :o you know where you can send them ;D
So I can spend them ::) (sorry I meant sniff ;D)

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: ginger cookie on May 12, 2006, 08:33:11 AM
I knew an old man on chronic hemo that had a special clay shipped to him from Kentucky. He's eat it out of a ziplock bag uring his treatment. He was really low on iron, when that was corrected with IV Iron he lost his taste for the clay.
For myself, I must be low in cream puff and chocolate antigens. I am steadily trying to raise my levels of these.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on May 12, 2006, 09:06:27 PM
I agree with the chocolate and the cream puffs.  MMMMMM.
I notice the other day when I took the car into Pep Boys, I liked the smell in there too.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on May 13, 2006, 11:05:14 AM
Ginger cookie,
I can tell that you are a nurse you are talking the nurse way "chronic hemo" please just say hemo. I do not like to be known as a chronic hemo patient. I have been fighting renal failure now for over 34years back on dialysis for 18years. I know it is one word "chronic" but Ouch!

Yours

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on May 13, 2006, 12:09:00 PM
Ginger Cookie,

Kevno is also sensitive to "Retarded", "moron", "short", and "old!"   

Just trying to help!   >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on May 13, 2006, 12:19:32 PM
Very funny old Rerun ;D I will get kitkatz to hit you with her big stick >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on May 13, 2006, 06:34:23 PM
Nah! I like Rerun. She has a big stick too, and is not afraid to use it.
You, on the other hand, Kevno, better watch it!
*Waves large stick in the air*

He is all bark no bite.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on May 14, 2006, 05:00:20 AM
Get your skype working then I will Bark at you >:D kitkata :D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on May 14, 2006, 03:52:01 PM
My skype is working old man. You just never bark at me. >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on May 14, 2006, 10:52:57 PM
I bark at you all of the time tried 8 times now talked to Epoman, Rerun Ok. Try Calling me kevno123.

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: ginger cookie on May 15, 2006, 04:54:22 PM
A thousand pardons,Kevno. I only use the chronic moniker to differentiate because I've dialyzed lots of folks in the hospital who only needed dialysis for a week or two,they aren't "chronic". They also have many less stories to tell and are far less interesting to me. Gotta have respect for those who have been around the block a time or two,eh?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Panda_9 on May 29, 2006, 04:44:48 AM
Eating clay??? I can only imagine what that would do to your lower half lol
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Panda_9 on May 31, 2006, 03:25:45 AM
I remembered something that I like smelling. My Multi B tablets. Have to have a good wiff whenever I take them  :D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on June 08, 2006, 08:54:26 PM
I have smelled many things in my life, good things and bad things  >:D but nothing smells better than walking into a car tire store.

- Epoman
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on June 10, 2006, 09:07:08 AM
Oh yes.  I love Pep Boys!  I was in there the other day sniffing to my hearts content.  New car smell too is great!

Katherine
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on June 10, 2006, 04:13:16 PM
I use the New Car Scent car odoriser in my vehicle.  I remember as a child, when there was a new car at our home, sitting in it for hours just taking in the scent.  This odoriser is not exactly that, but it is a nice scent that I like.
Some of my nurses have grown to know what I like, and they pass me one of those gloves with that nice rubber scent.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on June 10, 2006, 11:08:03 PM
I use the New Car Scent car odoriser in my vehicle.  I remember as a child, when there was a new car at our home, sitting in it for hours just taking in the scent.  This odoriser is not exactly that, but it is a nice scent that I like.
Some of my nurses have grown to know what I like, and they pass me one of those gloves with that nice rubber scent.

Wait, what kind of rubber are we talking about?  :P
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on June 10, 2006, 11:09:38 PM
Yeah, what kind of rubbers are we talking about???? >:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on June 11, 2006, 11:44:58 AM
Don't know what you guys are talking about. ??? ::)  I am talking about the gloves that the nurses are foever changing when they deal with us.  Not all of them, but some of them have a lovely scent that I like.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on June 11, 2006, 01:23:09 PM
How about the scent of pine shavings?  MMMMMMM!  I love that!

Katherine
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on June 11, 2006, 09:17:02 PM
Don't know what you guys are talking about. ??? ::)  I am talking about the gloves that the nurses are foever changing when they deal with us.  Not all of them, but some of them have a lovely scent that I like.

We are just messing with you, in the USA rubbers is slang for condoms.  :o ;D ;)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: hyperlite on June 11, 2006, 09:18:07 PM
I prefer "domers"  ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on June 11, 2006, 11:59:01 PM
Think I didn't know what you guys were getting at?  I am a high school teacher.  We learn to pretend we don't understand what you rude kids are trying to say.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on June 12, 2006, 05:23:33 AM
Still waiting for the reply from you guys, With my serious problem with Pica ;D  check the post each morning >:D

The Smell of new $1000 Bills ;D ;D  Must be at least 10 - 20 Bills at a time >:D >:D

Kevno
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on June 13, 2006, 09:46:00 PM
Kevno dream on... If I had 1000 dollar bill do you really think you would see any of it???? >:D
It would not be seen long around here!

To the high school teacher:
     Nyaaah! Nyaaaah!  ;D ;D ;D from a middle school teacher!  Love these last days of school before summer. Two days to go!

Katherine
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: livecam on June 23, 2006, 08:30:48 AM
Deleted
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Panda_9 on June 23, 2006, 06:27:46 PM
Bit inappropriate don't you think livecam?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on June 23, 2006, 08:20:29 PM
Very inappropriate!!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: livecam on June 24, 2006, 11:28:35 PM
Deleted
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on June 25, 2006, 12:01:31 PM
Thank you.  If you looked around you would find that a 9-year old joined us recently.  Need I say more?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Epoman on June 25, 2006, 12:24:36 PM
Thank you.  If you looked around you would find that a 9-year old joined us recently.  Need I say more?

Oh man I missed it, what did he say? someone send me a PM, livecam PM me what you said. I'm just curious. Also about my son don't worry I monitor him when he is on this site. But DAMN I really am curious.  ??? Someone PM me!

- Epoman
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kevno on June 28, 2006, 10:29:20 AM
Yes, I want to know. What you say :-X so bad livecam :o

Title: Re: PICA
Post by: deej on July 04, 2006, 04:03:35 PM
I love to eat powdered milk straight from the can! I used to eat it during my two pregnancies, too. I can eat about 200 grams at a sitting if I don´t watch myself.  :o   I love when it sticks to the top of your mouth. Another thing that I love is to smell freshly cut grass. I could sit in it forever!   ;D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: romeokdg on July 11, 2006, 08:14:10 PM
My Grandmother used to like to eat raw sausage. I believe that is some kind of vitamin deficiency
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: goofynina on August 02, 2006, 04:12:53 AM
I cant wait to eat a Tito's Taco... Are we still on Epoman??  your buying right???
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on August 02, 2006, 11:16:58 PM
I want one, too.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: livecam on August 11, 2006, 04:46:29 PM
Ok Ok I'll say it, Pica CHOOOOO
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on August 12, 2006, 02:10:25 PM
Isn't it Pica Chew!!!???
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: livecam on August 12, 2006, 04:13:43 PM
My kid used to like Pokemon when she was little...actually it is Pikachu.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: tubes on October 09, 2006, 06:51:04 PM
 Ok folks, this was a topic I was thinking of starting and I'm glad I found it already was.  I've read through some of the replies and didn't see anyone say they actually eat something weird.  Ok yea, I like the smell of gasoline, fresh cut grass, new tires and so on and so on.......
I have had a problem with PICA since elementry school.  Yes...I do mean eating something your not suppose too.
                                                    PAPER   
and I'm not afraid to admit that.  When I was about 17 I started carrying sheets of paper when I would go out with my friends.  When I got a craving I just had to reach into my pocket.  Thinking about paper my mouth waters.  It's freaking crazy but I eat paper just about everyday.  LOL  My favorite would be the notebooks that have the marble looking design on the cover.  Also phonebooks, just the yellow pages I dont like the white.  Weird.......... :o The last 6 yrs I have been in the hospital about 5 times because of a bowel obstruction.  I've only been on dialysis 10 yrs and I've been eating paper about 20 yrs of my life. I'm 26.
My dietician told me a story of a woman who went to a certain parking lot to get dirt.  She would only eat dirt from this one spot.  She would take the dirt home and fry it up in a skillet then eat it.  That gives me an idea.  Maybe I should batter my paper then fry it and have "paper fried steak"  :lol;
I thought I would share that.  Anyone want to come over for dinner? ? ?

EDITED: Colour change to make it more readable.  Bajanne, Moderator
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on October 10, 2006, 05:30:40 PM
Ewww to butter fried paper. No thank you!   
(Please the color orange is very hard to read on white background.) Help an old lady out and change to a darker color, please????
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: tubes on October 10, 2006, 09:07:51 PM
 Sorry, hope the purple is easier to read kitkatz.

Frying the paper was a joke.  But I do tare it up in to little bits and eat it.  I've been told it is an iron deficiency.  Well....my iron levels are fine.  So I don't know why I crave it.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on October 10, 2006, 09:11:57 PM
Thank you so much.  It is easier to read now.  I love colors but....you know.

Used to eat paper in class when I was much younger.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on October 10, 2006, 11:32:31 PM
If you just highlight the paragraph you can read it. 
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on December 24, 2006, 02:14:51 AM
A couple of months ago, I had to get new tyres!  WOOHOO!  It was great when I had them in the back of my jeep before we put them on.  The smell was wonderful!!
I was recently in St. Thomas and we went to PriceSmart which has a tyre section.  I just stood outside and inhaled that smell.  A little girl with me was also enjoying it.  Then she asked me if I knew that tennis balls also have that scent.  Well, I bought a tube of tennis balls and whenever I want, I have a good whiff!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: goofynina on December 24, 2006, 02:49:18 PM
A couple of months ago, I had to get new tyres!  WOOHOO!  It was great when I had them in the back of my jeep before we put them on.  The smell was wonderful!!
I was recently in St. Thomas and we went to PriceSmart which has a tyre section.  I just stood outside and inhaled that smell.  A little girl with me was also enjoying it.  Then she asked me if I knew that tennis balls also have that scent.  Well, I bought a tube of tennis balls and whenever I want, I have a good whiff!

I am guilty when it comes to taking whiffs of those black markers, ohhhh yeaaaaah, good stuff  :P ;)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: nextnoel on December 26, 2006, 08:22:08 AM
Animals can have pica, too - one of my cats just loves to lick a bar of soap; she prefers Coast brand.   ??? 

When I was a teenager, I loved to (as in HAD TO) crunch ice.  It wasn't just liking the feel of the crunch or something, I absolutely needed to crunch ice all day.  My folks thought I was nuts (well, I was, I guess, but that wasn't the problem), and my dentist tried to scare the hell out of me by telling me what crunching ice eventually does to the enamel of your teeth.  Finally, my family doctor diagnosed & treated me for iron deficiency, and from then on I haven't had the problem.  But technically, this wasn't pica, since ice isn't a non-edible item.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Sluff on December 26, 2006, 08:25:21 AM
Then there's the paint chips when we were kids. You know the leaded ones. ::) >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on December 26, 2006, 06:52:58 PM
Then there's the paint chips when we were kids. You know the leaded ones. ::) >:D

You know Sluff, that explains a lot! >:D
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Sluff on December 26, 2006, 06:56:46 PM
 :rofl; :rofl;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Adam_W on January 07, 2008, 08:28:16 PM
Bringing back an old thread, but I just have to comment on this. There are a number of bizarre things that I love the smell of (no eating, just smelling). I like the smell of gasoline (Rerun's not alone), new tires (Epoman's smiling at me from above), coal smoke, hot metal, crude oil, and rubbing alcohol (I give my alcohol pads an extra little sniff before I throw them away after using them during dialysis). But what I just can't get enough of is the smell of diesel fuel. I did some volunteering at a railroad museum in 1999, and when we would start up one of our diesel locomotives, I would just love to sit or stand there and smell the exhaust (not directly, of coarse). There were a few times when I've been riding my bike on a city street, and I was passed by a bus, I would find myself sprinting harder to keep up with the bus to get an extra whiff of diesel. Geeze, I think I need therapy  :urcrazy;

Adam 
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: KT0930 on January 08, 2008, 07:09:54 AM
Bringing back an old thread, but I just have to comment on this. There are a number of bizarre things that I love the smell of (no eating, just smelling). I like the smell of gasoline (Rerun's not alone), new tires (Epoman's smiling at me from above), coal smoke, hot metal, crude oil, and rubbing alcohol (I give my alcohol pads an extra little sniff before I throw them away after using them during dialysis).

So glad I'm not the only one! My husband thinks I'm  :urcrazy;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on January 09, 2008, 06:01:31 AM
Here I am with a new smell to add - the inside of new books and new dvd cases (not the commercial ones - the black ones with DVD-R, etc.)!  I just love it. I just open them and have a good smell.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Joe Paul on January 09, 2008, 11:09:58 AM
Adam, I too enjoy the smell of gasoline & raw diesel, but mine doesn't stop there. I also crave the smell of lighter fluid (Zippo is best).
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: fluffy on January 09, 2008, 04:56:44 PM
i used to chew on rubber bands, since i got my iron problem fixed i've lost the urge. now i just roll them onto my ever expanding elastic ball
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: goofynina on January 09, 2008, 07:20:36 PM
I love the smell of SCHOOL,  :urcrazy;  construction paper, glue, paste, CRAYONS, books, pencils, anything that has to do with school, i just love to smell it  :bandance;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: fluffy on January 11, 2008, 10:01:17 PM
i miss school  :beer1;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: donnia on January 12, 2008, 01:39:07 PM
I absolutely crave the smell of Pine - Sol!  When my husband leaves for work, I usually put it in the sink or toilet so I can smell it all day.  I also am addicted to Vicks Vapor Rub and Carmex.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on January 12, 2008, 06:02:18 PM
Is all this related to the fact that we have renal failure?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on January 12, 2008, 07:24:37 PM
Is all this related to the fact that we have renal failure?


No, we are just All crazy!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: donnia on January 12, 2008, 07:27:04 PM
I know my husband and step daughter think I am crazy! :urcrazy;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on January 12, 2008, 08:58:48 PM
Bringing back an old thread, but I just have to comment on this. There are a number of bizarre things that I love the smell of (no eating, just smelling). I like the smell of gasoline (Rerun's not alone), new tires (Epoman's smiling at me from above), coal smoke, hot metal, crude oil, and rubbing alcohol (I give my alcohol pads an extra little sniff before I throw them away after using them during dialysis). But what I just can't get enough of is the smell of diesel fuel. I did some volunteering at a railroad museum in 1999, and when we would start up one of our diesel locomotives, I would just love to sit or stand there and smell the exhaust (not directly, of coarse). There were a few times when I've been riding my bike on a city street, and I was passed by a bus, I would find myself sprinting harder to keep up with the bus to get an extra whiff of diesel. Geeze, I think I need therapy  :urcrazy;

Adam 

I too love the smell of diesel exhaust.  I like to be behind a truck or bus when I'm driving.  But, gasoline is still my vice.  I finally got an empty water bottle and put a few drops of gas into it and smell it anytime I want.  Do not smoke and do this!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on January 13, 2008, 07:53:15 PM
I can see you now Rerun, the police officer pulls you over and asks what you have in the bottle...
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: goofynina on January 13, 2008, 07:59:09 PM
Instead of a No Drinking and Driving sticker, Rerun needs a No Sniffing and Driving sticker :P ;)  ::)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on January 13, 2008, 08:04:04 PM
I hide it from anyone who rides with me.  I would just toss it like an old water bottle if I need to.  I know it is wrong, but I don't know why.  I don't think it can hurt me and it is not like I'm healthy anyway, so I might as well enjoy life.  HA   
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: goofynina on January 13, 2008, 08:08:21 PM
I hide it from anyone who rides with me.  I would just toss it like an old water bottle if I need to.  I know it is wrong, but I don't know why.  I don't think it can hurt me and it is not like I'm healthy anyway, so I might as well enjoy life.  HA   

I heard one of the side effects is it makes you crawl under tables...............................................(remember Vegas)  :o   ;)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on January 13, 2008, 08:10:10 PM
No that come from being short!  It is easy to crawl under tables but not so easy getting up.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: glitter on January 13, 2008, 08:10:36 PM
is sniffing gas fumes like sniffing glue fumes?
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on January 13, 2008, 08:14:46 PM
I know glue fumes are bad but I like those too.  I just don't see that anymore.  When my brother use to do model airplanes.....oh man.

I have looked on line and if you "huff" gasoline then it can be bad.  That is taking a gas soaked rag and holding it up to you nose and mouth and inhale.  I don't do that.  I just like the smell. 
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on January 13, 2008, 08:15:23 PM
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00.n1731.a02.html


Be careful Rerun.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kitkatz on January 13, 2008, 08:17:05 PM
I have kids at school I have to watch because they like to smell the markers.  Also some of them will eat glue.  Sixth graders!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on January 13, 2008, 08:23:21 PM
I could never understand eating Elmer's glue.  It doesn't even smell good.  Not like rubber cement and airplane glue. 

I know mine is related to ESRD because as soon as I got my transplant it went away and then came back about a month before I went on dialysis.  So for 17 years I didn't even notice the smell of gasoline or exhause as being good.

Oh, man, I had to go out to my car for a second.  Now I feel better. 
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: glitter on January 13, 2008, 09:29:07 PM
i like the smell of markers too- I never did eat glue, but I have been guilty of sucking the nitrios oxide out of the occasional whip cream can.LOL
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Steve-0 on January 21, 2008, 08:56:16 PM
Heh.  The last time I was on dialysis, in 2003, I always had a strong compulsion to eat coffee beans or coffee grounds.

Now that I'm back on it... the urge is back, baby!  Coffee beans for a snack is common for me these days!


~Steve
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: donnia on January 22, 2008, 10:17:46 PM
LOL... I too eat coffee beans for snack
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: monrein on April 08, 2008, 04:52:29 PM
I worked once with an anorexic girl who ate cigarette butts and it was said to be pica.  And there was another girl who would eat just about anything..pencils, even glass.  She ended up in hospital after chomping on a light bulb once.  She had many many problems so can't say if that was pica or what but she sure was a challenge.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: kidley on April 12, 2008, 07:26:12 PM
Before I started dialysis a two months ago, I had lost most of my sense of smell.  Now it's back and I am noticing and enjoying smells again.  Is anyone old enough to remember the smell of memeograph fluid that teachers used to make those purple copies of tests and handouts?  I think that's the reason I became a teacher!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: paddbear0000 on April 14, 2008, 02:05:31 PM
Before I started dialysis a two months ago, I had lost most of my sense of smell.  Now it's back and I am noticing and enjoying smells again.  I anyone old enough to remember the smell of memeograph fluid that teachers used to make those purple copies of tests and handouts?  I think that's the reason I became a teacher!

Oooo...yes! I remember! It was always a treat to be picked to go to the 'closet' to make dittos!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on April 16, 2008, 01:13:22 PM
My dad was a school principal and we had one at home.  Loved the smell of the spirits.  (And I became a teacher!!!!)
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: mikey07840 on April 17, 2008, 07:46:46 PM
I loved that smell. Brings back memories. Typing on a typewriter. Mimieographs. Carbon paper. Good lord I feel old!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: cherpep on August 04, 2008, 07:42:39 AM
Since being on dialysis, I absolutely crave certain smells.  Mostly it is coffee and fabric softener.  I keep coffee beans in my drawer at work, just so I can sniff them.  I do admit to eating one occasionally too (glad to read that I'm not the only one who does that).  For that fabric softener smell, sometimes, I pull my shirt over my nose and just breathe it in.  I've been caught a couple of times at work, and get some weird looks, but I don't care.  I put fabric softener sheets under my pillow case so that I can breathe it in while going to sleep.  I've also stuck a couple in zip loc bags and placed them in my purse, so that I can pull them out for an occasional hit.  My hubby washes my dialysis blanket frequently, just because he knows how much I need that smell.  It's soothing, it's comforting.  I crave it!!!  I swear the happiest moments for my senses is when laundry is being done at the same time coffee is brewing -- HEAVEN! 
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: KICKSTART on August 04, 2008, 09:09:32 AM
Hehehe, can i blame my illness for  loving  the smell of , nail polish , lighter fluid , black marker pens , some glues, petrol , creosote . I can imagine its easy to become a 'glue sniffer' !!!

I do have a question though ?????????? One thing im craving right now is sugar , not sweets (candy) but actual sugar . I buy sugar lumps for the horses , but i could sit and crunch my way through the whole box!!! Obviously full of calories and not so good for the teeth , but does it affect dialysis ????????
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on August 04, 2008, 09:29:21 AM
Hehehe, can i blame my illness for  loving  the smell of , nail polish , lighter fluid , black marker pens , some glues, petrol , creosote . I can imagine its easy to become a 'glue sniffer' !!!

I do have a question though ?????????? One thing im craving right now is sugar , not sweets (candy) but actual sugar . I buy sugar lumps for the horses , but i could sit and crunch my way through the whole box!!! Obviously full of calories and not so good for the teeth , but does it affect dialysis ????????

If you are diabetic...that would be a huge YES!   :rofl;   Otherwise, I'm sure one or two won't hurt you but don't eat the whole bag.

When I was a kid I craved salt.  My grandmother would see me eating salt and she would say "That will harden your arteries!" and point to her wrists.  Well, it probably wasn't too good for my blood pressure and kidneys either.  But, I would sneak into the feed store and buy a rabbit round salt lick.  It was like I was buying drugs.  I'd hide it in my sock drawer (Like Mom wouldn't find that). 

The thing with Pica is when I got my transplant all cravings for gasoline went away.  Now it is back.  I have an empty water bottle and I put about an inch of gas in the bottom and keep it in my car.  It won't blow up or it would have done it by now.  I just love the smell.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: KICKSTART on August 04, 2008, 11:20:39 AM
No phew im not diabetic! But i cant just eat one or two ! I find its like after something savory , i need to crunch one a few of these! Its the actual texture i like ..( i think !)  I dont really eat a whole box full , in one go ! but then again i dont really eat sweets or take sugar in my drinks , tea/coffee , so hopefully i am eating no more sugar than if i had a coupla spoons in my drink each time !
Rerun   ..do you not like the smell of nail polish ? It would be easier to carry round with you !!! Just slip it in your handbag and have a sneaky sniff !! :rofl;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on August 04, 2008, 11:27:08 AM
Yeah, nail polish is ok.  Epoman said he loved the smell of tires.  When I go into the auto part of Sears for my job I am starting to like the smell of tires.  When I go to the lawn and garden part of Sears they have small gasoline cans for sale and it makes me crazy.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: cherpep on August 04, 2008, 11:46:23 AM
I also really like the smell of Home Depot.  I don't know what exactly it is about the place, but I love to just go in and deeply inhale.  My hubby thinks I'm strange.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on September 05, 2008, 02:00:48 AM
The poor lady that sits next to me at dialysis admitted to the Dr. (so embarrassed) that she craves Corn Starch.  She said she doesn't swallow it she just wants to have it in her mouth.  She though she must be low on zinc.  She was so relieved when she was introduced to PICA.  When the doctor left I asked her how much she had and she said about a box a day!  It is getting expensive she said.  She will go to Walmart and just stock up.  People must wonder when seeing this lady with a cart load of Corn Starch!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: MIbarra on September 06, 2008, 08:18:25 AM
Since I was a kid I have always loved the smell of the bus exhaust and loved going to pump gas just for the smell -- I've had kidney problems since I was little. Everyone always told me I was a freak. Now I don't feel so bad!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: twirl on September 06, 2008, 05:07:26 PM
and I thought I was strange :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
I feel normal now
I love the way the ocean smells
the way the swimming pool smells
do not like candles

Title: Re: PICA
Post by: pelagia on September 06, 2008, 06:43:39 PM
It's just amazing what you can learn here at IHD!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on July 07, 2010, 04:47:13 AM
I went to a store and bought some Welcome mats and found that they had that smell I like, something like new tires, so I kept one in my bedroom to sniff from time to time.  I went away for a while, and a young lady who was staying at us had put it inside the front door!!!!
I was thinking about buying another one. But a few days ago, I  bought a nice little mousepad with a wrist rest and guess what!  It has that lovely smell, so I can sniff whenever I want!!! (I even bought another one and put it away!) Payload!!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Wat76 on July 07, 2010, 06:44:50 AM
Yes, I crave white dirt.  Just went home to Georgia for the 4th of July and picked up 2 big bags.  I use to crave it all the time when i was young and would eat globs of it.  I love Red clay as well and when i see it, my mouth automatically starts to water.  Sometimes when I am traveling, I see dirt and want to pull over to get to the bottom layer and eat it.  It is so weird, but I have been eating pure white dirt since I was 12.  I love to smell weird things as well, like gas, rain, nail polish and oil.  Call me crazy, but did not know it was because of my kidneys.  My Mom and Aunt use to eat white dirt as well.  I feel so good when I eat it, it is like something was missing.  My husband and kids hate to see me eat it, but they do not understand how good i feel afterwards.  Just did research on it and most research says people crave weird things because of a lack of iron.  Will never stop eating white dirt or red dirt.  Stop for about  2 years, because I could not find any.  I don't eat just any dirt, it has to have clay mixed in and come from deep deep ground.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on September 10, 2012, 09:39:17 PM
 :bump;

Any new members have PICA.  You need to start at the beginning of this thread and read it.    :rofl;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: malaka on December 04, 2012, 02:38:46 PM
I've found myself chewing ice.  Whether that's because of thirst/fluid restrictions or my anemia (I'm HD patient with anemia) causing PICA,  I don't know.

All I know is that if I don't stop, my wife will make good on her threat to divorce me. 

I haven't craved paint chips, corn starch, tires, or any of the other oddities listed in this thread.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: sullidog on December 05, 2012, 03:52:19 PM
I don't crave stuff like that, but I like weird smells, like I like the smell of fome, and the smell of my coat closet, and the smell of some basements, and the smell of addicks, but stuff you shouldn't eat I don't crave or eat that.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Rerun on December 06, 2012, 07:04:55 AM
OMG now I have to go in my garage to get a gas fix.

      :shy;
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Bajanne on December 06, 2012, 07:29:46 AM
Certain brands of gloves they use in my unit give me the smell I like - the deep yellow ones.  Just love it.  If I pull them, the scent is stronger.  ohhhhhhhhhh......  The nurses are accustomed to me and that and some even would give me one if they have the kind I specially like.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: gothiclovemonkey on December 07, 2012, 06:34:52 AM
the gloves at my clinic, purpley blueish, i think they smell delicious. i know i cant eat them but i drool over them.
i have others, but i guess im smart enough not to eat them?? idk, not sure if it is Pica, or if im just silly...
i too want to taste gas, the smell is intoxicating (haha not just because its gas... no pun intended!) Rubber, pretty much anything in the walmart auto section, my mouth waters...

bleach.... ive actually wanted this one so bad, i stopped buying the stuff, and i use scented cleaners instead. im afraid ill give in one day! its a very intense craving.

plastics, which i admit to chewing on occationally.

and not to gross u all out but - blood...i think this is my worst one. not only do i crave it constantly but since im around it at dialysis, it makes me uneasy. ive even had visions of just sticking the loose end of my lines in my mouth... i wouldnt do it of course, but it is extremely intense... being that i am anemic, perhaps? idk but it drives me nuts, and scares me to death.

and right now especially, idk why, i have been having other food issues, nothing is satisfying, most of it makes me feel ill when i try to eat it, and all i want are things i know i cant have, or shouldnt have, or absolutely would be dangerous to have. on the upside, im losing weight because of it lol
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Annig83 on December 09, 2012, 09:24:23 PM
For years I have craved soap...bar soap.. it can't be liquid.  I also crave chalk.  I admit I do taste bar soap every once and a while, but I don't actually eat it.  I break chalk pieces and love the sound and smell it makes... I've always had that since about the 7th grade (right before I was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis).
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: amanda100wilson on January 15, 2013, 10:33:38 AM
you are not the only one with the soap craving.  a friend of mine used to eat soap when she was on dialysis.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Annig83 on January 20, 2013, 10:32:47 PM
I've got a new one recently: Comet Cleanser. The smell makes me drool. So weird.
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Sam.maidment2012 on May 22, 2013, 02:04:34 PM
I really craved, Ice too whilst i was on dialysis, and also craved pickled onion crisps (walkers or Lays depending where you are) And a dairylea lunchable (cheese and ham) and always had to smell the fabric condioner, i even on purpose i would have to go down that aisle in the shop even if we didnt need it!! Now ive had my transplant they have all disappeared, but actually now, I have a craving for Jaffa cakes!! Google them if you don't know what they are!!
Title: Re: PICA
Post by: Fabkiwi06 on February 22, 2016, 12:04:59 AM
Phew... I'm glad to see this is fairly common. When I started dialysis back in October, I was super anemic and chomping on so much ice. We've got the hemogloban back up, but the ice cravings haven't left yet. My laundry soap is really tempting... Won't indulge in that one though.

Texture seems to be the driving force gnite, because I've been eyeing up planter foam too. So far I just use rice crispy treats for that craving and it seems to work.