Olfactory NB - No Taste/Smell

Rochester1950

Hi - just found this blog.  I was diagnosed last December after a routine polyp surgery.  Have gone through 5 weeks of radiation and now have monthly endoscopies with either my oncologist or ENT.  Have lost sense of smell/taste and wondering if anyone has experienced the same and regained the senses.  If so, how long did it take?  Just looking for some encouragement.  Thank you.  Sheila

Raddude

Hi Sheila

Glad you found us. I never lost my sense of smell, but completly lost my taste. Everyone is different, but I am out for 7 months now and pretty much have my tast back about 90%. I did go through acupunture after treatment and it really helped me. Good luck!

Rochester1950

Raddude said:

Hi Sheila

Glad you found us. I never lost my sense of smell, but completly lost my taste. Everyone is different, but I am out for 7 months now and pretty much have my tast back about 90%. I did go through acupunture after treatment and it really helped me. Good luck!

Hi Raddude - thanks for the

Hi Raddude - thanks for the encouragement!  Mayo told me senses will probably not return, but ENT and Oncologist are still hopeful.  I'll try to be patient.  Stay well!

 

Bsauls94518

It's back

Hi Shelia,

I didn't have radiation, they did endoscopic surgery and I lost both taste and smell for about 6 months. Both started coming back slowly and I really didn't notice when I recovered the abilities but it was very slight, like a memory and then more and more things started to have smell or taste.  I would say I am at 80-90% of normal.  I hope you have a full recovery soon! 

Heather_Lynn

Sense of smell and taste

Hi. I only lost smell on the right side, and that hasn't come back-surgery in February followed by radiation. I dint lose taste, but it was altered for about 4 months. I hope yours returns soon.

KC61713

Olfactory NB-No Taste/Smell

Hi Sheila,  For me after 6 wks. radiation w/chemo everything tasted like metal or cardboard (probably the Platinum in the chemo). Chocolate became disgusting & sweets overall were the last to return but probably just as well as they only seemed to promote additional mucous. It was close to a year before I enjoyed any again. The salt water & baking soda rinse really helped balance my mouth's PH (1/2tsp salt, 1tsp baking soda per 8oz. water). Also using a Water Pic after certain meals that left residuals also helps. I didn't really experience any loss of smell.