Question:
Have any other post-ops experienced a change in their sense of smell?

This is very odd to me. I am almost 3 months post-op and lately I have noticed that sometimes my sense of smell has become very heightened. It doesn't sound like such a problem, but twice in the past week I have had days that I smell things that I normally don't, to the point that I become nausious and grossed-out! A few examples are: Sometimes when people talk to me their breath is too much(it never bothered me before,) I could smell an oily smell on a friend that I never noticed before, and my boyfriend had a body scent that I have NEVER smelled before(not bad, just a person's normal scent), and several various different things. I am just wondering if this is normal after surgery and perhaps why it is happening. Thanks! Amber    — septembergirl73 (posted on January 9, 2005)

January 9, 2005
That is sooo funny. I was just telling my husband last night that I noticed that with my smell too! I am only about 4 weeks post op, but I too notice peoples breath, my husbands dip (hated the smell anyway, but now UGGGG). I wonder if it's surgery related. The smell of some foods cooking makes me sick too. Isn't that funny!! Your not alone or crazy girl, our noses are on overdrive! LOL Take Care Glori V
   — GloriV

January 9, 2005
I had the same thing happen early post op. I could hardly stand to walk in a grocery store as I could SMELL everything. It did go away after a brief period of time. wonder what this was all about..The coffee isle was the worst.
   — Kathy S.

January 9, 2005
My daughter calls it my superman since of smelling. I can smell things from far away. I always know before anyone else. Its sort of funny but I guess it compensates for my lack of hearing. LOL Good luck and enjoy the ride. 351/218
   — Vitabella

January 10, 2005
Hey there, It is good to know that I am NOT CRAZY, cause I am experiencing the same thing. I am only 1 week post op and for the past 3 days smells have been overwhelming. My senses do seem to be very acute or heightened. I thought it was in my mind, but from the responses here I guess it is somewhat common. Connie
   — Connie M.

January 10, 2005
I think it has to to with the general anesthesia. It can have effects like that for months after surgery. Eventually it will go away.
   — Kara J.

January 10, 2005
I too have "bionic smell powers", LOL! I noticed this early on post op and almost 1/5 years out, I swear sometimes I can smell way more than I should. Men's cologne drives me mad as well as other home smells that I won't go into! Someone theorized that it was the anesthesia - maybe. However, I noticed that I had this same thing when I was pregnant. It could be hormonal - but I have no idea. Perhaps your doctor can shed light on this (and tell us ;-) especially if it's becoming a problem. Good luck!
   — w8free

January 11, 2005
Yes! I noticed my super smeller immediately after surgery and I think I have about drove my family totally crazy! I was being wheeled out to the car when I was released and I got a whiff of the hospital food and make a remark about how good it smelled, thank God the orderly mentioned that it probably didn't taste as good as it smelled, just then I got super sick to my stomach!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 13, 2005
Thanks everyone! At least I know I am not alone in this, therefore I am not crazy(not because of my sense of smell, at least!) Amber
   — septembergirl73