stuartkjones4,
My lengthy reply above was addressed to you, as the originator of this entire thread.
Additionally, I don't know about "brutal side effects" from LDN, as it is, as described, quite low in dosage, but I did give that a try and it did nothing for me, not really any side effects a ssuch.
The search function on this system is quite useful, incidentally, so do make use of that.

Kim, I saw Dr. Igor Koralnik at the Northwestern Covid Clinic in the city of Chicago. He did not mention medication to me, but after a cognitive test and after he looked at my brain MRI’s from 2 and 3 years ago, told me that I will not be getting my taste or smell back if I have lost it for over a year. It’s going on 3! He didn’t say why and I was in such a state when he told me that I didn’t ask why and neither did my husband. He also said the olfactory nerves don’t regenerate and I’ve read where others say that it does. I was more confused after my visit than before. He never mentioned any treatment plan or anything for me. I walked out of his office angry and depressed. I did have over these past almost 3 years, 7 Stellate Ganglion Block injections and they helped diminish my anxiety/PTSD and body tremors. I’m not leaving anyone in the dark here, I’m just finding that “TIME” is what has made a difference for me and doing what I can for myself to feel better. I guess you have to figure out what that is for you. Good luck!