Taste completely gone

[Polly4acre]

I had a chest infection in March, the first for years. I have been indoors since Christmas so it was passed to me maybe by a visitor. 2 lots of antibiotics cleared it. Missed the chair one afternoon and fell and was taken to hospital for a week where I was on oxygen. had a Covid test and was clear. I simply cannot taste anything except strong coffee and Marmite. I am so fed up with this isolation that I really have to force myself to eat but having made the smallest meal I don;t want and cannot taste it anyway, Don't feel hungry but a bit empty now and then.I am wondering if I had more than a chest infection or would it be medication I have been taking for ages now ? I just turned 80 and really not coping with loneliness any more. Polly X

[sassy59]

Bless you dear lady, how awful for you. Is there anybody you can speak to at all or have you joined the Positive Wellbeing in isolation website?

What does your GP say? You should be able to speak with him over the phone. Please don’t despair. Things are changing each day. We’re all here for you and I hope you feel better soon. Xxxx 😘🌸❤️

[CDPO16]

So sorry to read your post Polly4acre. It really must be such a struggle for you. If you are able to contact your local council they may be able to get volunteers to keep in touch with you by telephone to ease your loneliness. I understand how hard it can be to face eating something and loss of taste will make that so much harder. Please try to at least take nourishing fluids if you have them to maintain some nourishment.

As sassy suggested, a phone consult with your GP might not go amiss.

Please come here often for, if nothing else, moral support if that in any way helps you. I wish you well, Carole xx

[crashdoll]

Hi Polly, I’ve heard that the Covid test is only around 70% accurate, so you may have had the virus but the test missed it. Loss of sense of smell and taste are emerging as common symptoms.

I’m sorry you’re struggling so much. We are all here if you need support. Have you tried ringing the BLF helpline or emailing?

Make sure you keep in contact with people you know as much as possible and use the online world too.

Take care x

[Cade1]

Really feel for you, it must be awful. As others have mentioned, have you contacted various agencies to chat to? There is also the Samaritans on 116123, they are also there for people who are feeling lonely & are lovely to chat to xx

[HungryHufflepuff]

A while ago I lost my sense of taste for a couple of weeks and I found that hard enough to deal with. Im sorry to know it still hasn't returned for you. Has anyone offered any ideas of when it might return its not easy to want to eat wgen uou cant taste. i know its not tge same as being with actual people but please do visit us in this community often, maybe you'll feel s bit less lonely being with us. It's a surreal situation we find ourselves in 🕊️

[Caspiana]

Hello Polly4acre , 🌼

I think medication can definitely take away your appetite as mine does. Sometimes I just eat fruit. Also, I find if I am feeling down and depressed my appetite disappears and in fact everything tastes bland. This isolation is terrible for everyone, but I feel the elderly and the young generation who live alone are feeling it very badly. I know it's probably impractical for you , but I try to have a routine daily, it makes the day go and gives me some focus. I'm sorry things are so hard right now. Please know you are not alone and if you are up to it please let us know how you are doing. 🌻🌞

Thinking of you,

Cas xx🍃🌿

[Ergendl]

Has your sense of smell and taste gone completely? Or can you taste really strong curries and smell unpleasant odours like rotting fish? I knew someone who had lost their sense of taste and smell after a fall, but found out by chance that they could still smell and taste Aldi peach water (of all strange things). So keep trying.

In the meantime, just think of food as one of your medicines. Take it in as convenient a way as possible, trusting that it will help you improve over time.

All the best.

[Bronchi1]

Awh...sorry to read your post. It's tough, Iost my sense taste and smell for 3 weeks after a bad cold recently.

It's frustrating cos eating is one of those few pleasures as a shielded person.

Looks like things are easing off but there are various phone lines available for older people to get support.

I'm sure of you phone the BLF or Chest Heart and Stroke they will know. God bless....

[watergazer]

Oh gosh it must be a struggle for you. There are always plenty of people on here to talk to you, give advice and usually some hilarious comments to cheer you up. Keep in touch Take care. X Anita

[Beth1949]

so sorry to hear about your issues. This virus is putting a strain on everyone.

Your lack of taste (and smell) could be do to your sinuses. The sense of taste is closely related to being able to smell. I have always had a stuffy nose and most of the time it takes a strong smell for me to smell it. And food needs to be salty (which isn't good) or spicy or have a strong taste for me to actually taste it.

I work at clearing my sinuses. Nose sprays, saline washes, etc. and it helps.

As far as your lack of appetite, try protein drinks or protein bars to help you to stay strong and healthy.

Beth