Question:
Why does everything smell bad?

When I walk into the kitchen I want to get sick!Everything smells bad and I have this horrable taste in my mouth. My water even smells and tastes bad! The only place I can stand the smell of is outside. Heck even taking a shower with my favorite soap does not smell good. Has anyone else had this problem? It's driving me crazy!    — Cynthia F. (posted on February 29, 2000)

February 29, 2000
Inadvertantly, I found the answer to your question while discussing hair coloring (of all things) with my best friend who is a hairdresser. She reminded me to color my hair BEFORE surgery singe there is a side effect of anesthesia during surgery that there are metallic ellements released into our systems which react strangely with hair coloring. I'm thinking that the same is why you have altered taste and smell, post-op. This will only last a few months at the outside. I know it's hard, but it will not be for forever. Congrats on your surgery! I'm next! : )
   — lisadiehl

February 29, 2000
HI! I am post op; 5 months this week, I too felt pretty close to what you are experiencing! I felt that way for some time after my surgery and then my sense of smell got back to normal, but I must say, there are still things that make me feel "ill" if I smell them... but I was told it was because the hospital rooms we stay in are very sterilized and there is no parfumes or smells of any sorts lingering around... I stayed at the hospital for about 5 days, plus the fact you had a major surgery, and your body is trying to adjust to all the drugs your body was injected with as well... it'll subside some with time. with me, I can't stand anything that has the smell of "GREASE" which in a way I am very grateful for :-) it makes it easier to eat healthy1 Best of luck!
   — Jamie T.

February 29, 2000
Im really glad you posted this question. I thought I was crazy because everyone smelled liked they had been eating tons of garlic!! My husband..my boss....gad, it was discusting...I deceided it was because i am so "pure" now...you know, not eating anything like that....yet...I also got pukey while cooking hamburgers for my family..had to leave the room and couldn't believe they enjoyed the awful things...im sure it will come to pass...that oh i will remain 'pure'!!
   — Shelly G.

February 29, 2000
Cynthia, I am guessing it is the effect of the anasthesia. I am 6 weeks postop and, while my sense of smell is ok and back to normal, I am still incredibly spacey! (Don't you all laugh now:) I seem to have aquired some form of ADD and it is driving me crazy! I can't read for long periods of time like I used to and preparing schoolwork is very difficult. People at my support group say this is normal and lasts 4-6 weeks. This is my 6th week and I am waiting for the fog to lift! Good Luck!
   — M B.

February 29, 2000
I really wonder if this is a hormonal effect. I know this change in smell and taste is common for pregnant women becasue of some hormonal changes, so maybe it is the same for early post-ops? Whatever the case, it won't last forever. MB, I read your comment about feeling spacey and having trouble reading and doing your school work, and it sounded very familiar to me. I had that same feeling a few years ago when I was in a serious depression. Could you be having post-op depression? I wouldn't blame it all on the anesthesia. If it gets worse or hangs around much longer, you might want to talk to your doctor about it.
   — Lynn K.