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lost sense of smell then regained it after general anesthetic
About 18 years ago I suffered from a constant blocked nose. It went on for about 12 months or more. I was told by several doctors that it was Rhinitis. I think I could have told them that myself! Their concern seemed to be no more than a shrug of their shoulders. Very disappointing. Anyway, I used to manage it by using an over the counter nasal spray (Vicks). I had to use it much too often. Eventually I lost my sense of smell.
About 12 years later I developed prostate cancer and had it removed - all good now. I underwent a general anesthetic for the operation. When I woke up I had regained my sense of smell. It lasted for about 10 days or so before it faded away again.
Several years later I had a hip replacement done. Again with a general anesthetic. Blow me down, upon waking, my sense of smell had returned. It lasted a similar 10 days or so before fading away.
Has anybody experienced this phenomena? Would love to know if any body can throw any light on it.
I mentioned it to my doctor who again seemed non plused by the story, shrugged her shoulders, shook her head and merely said "I really don't know".
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That’s amazing! If I were a medical professional, I’d like to think that I would be curious enough to look into the matter and see what research or study might be relevant. Have you researched it? What’s your status now?
Hi Celia
Thanks for the reply. Yes, the disinterest amazed me.
Currently I have reverted to no sense of smell. I believe that it is common to administer a Proteolytic (breaks down unwanted nuisance proteins in the form of Fibrin)at the time of surgery in order to reduce the occurrence of blood clots. Therefore, I am interested in Serrapeptase. It is a proteolytic enzyme that is known for it's proteolytic properties. Perhaps it was that particular medication that was administered at surgery.
Regards.
That’s a good idea. I guess I might consider how the relaxation could impact the nerve endings and……it’s such an interesting outcome. Please post your findings.
Celia
I will. About 3 months.
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1 ReactionI am planning a neck and lower face lift that will entail general anesthesia. Now, you’ve gotten me curious. Hmmm….
Hello @jnwr. That is very interesting. I hope you find some useful information in your search for answers. I might suggest that the higher oxygen levels during anesthesia might have something to do with this, enabling nerve endings to function better for a period of time. Perhaps hyperbaric oxygen treatment could be considered for healing? I know there are lists of medications that may adversely affect the sense of smell, but what about drugs that may improve it? I recently read an article where a certain surgical procedure was helping some patients regain sense of smell lost from long Covid infections. It improved airflow to the olefactory cleft where sense of smell is located in the roof of the nose. But then a signifacant percentage of patients also had no help or worsening. Keep posting here if you find information as many people suffer from this post Covid.
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1 ReactionI thought an antibiotic I was taking was helping my taste issue, but it was short lived.