Taste alteration

[Gemmax]

Hi,

Has anyone experienced loss of taste after transplant? My partner says everything tastes absolutely horrendous. Will this come back?!

[Pie-eater]

Yeah, I thought it was the hospital food at first but when my wife brought food in from home that was just as bad. I completely went off coffee and started drinking tea instead, I drink both now. I’m not sure how long it lasted but when I had to go back in 6 months after the transplant I kept complaining the meals weren’t big enough and ate everything put in front of me. I don’t know which hospital your partner is in but the QEHB gave me vouchers to use in the restaurant where the food is better quality, I still struggled to eat it though. Good luck.

[AyrshireK]

I think it is totally normal, maybe a combination of the post-op meds and such like. A quick interweb search throws up lots on taste changes post transplant (indeed post any big op - my Dad certainly had it after heart surgery - he loves chocolate but said even that tasted salty or sour).

This from Mayo-Clinic site in USA.

After a liver transplant, some individuals may experience changes in their sense of taste. Let’s explore this further:

Loss of Taste: It’s not uncommon for liver transplant recipients to temporarily lose their sense of taste. This can be distressing, especially when nearly all food and drink (except water) taste awful. The altered taste perception can significantly impact a person’s enjoyment of meals.

Medications and Taste Alteration: Certain medications used after a liver transplant can contribute to taste changes. While I don’t have specific information on which medication causes this, it’s essential to discuss this with the transplant team. They can provide insights into the specific drugs your husband is taking and whether any of them might be affecting his taste buds.

Individual Variability: Taste alterations vary from person to person. Some may find that their favorite foods no longer taste the same, while others might experience cravings for specific flavors. For instance, some liver transplant recipients report a craving for sugary foods.

Nutrition Considerations: Despite taste changes, it’s crucial for your husband to maintain adequate nutrition for healing and recovery. Encourage him to try different foods and flavors, even if they don’t taste as expected. Experimenting with alternative seasonings (such as black pepper, basil, parsley, garlic, chives, vinegar, or lemon juice) can enhance the eating experience.

Remember that taste alterations can be temporary, and many liver transplant recipients eventually adapt to their new taste preferences. If your husband continues to struggle with food aversions, consult his medical team for personalized guidance and support.

Hope he soon starts to feel the benefits of his new liver.

Katie

[Yellowsydney]

Yes perfectly normal, everything tastes really bland to me so I had no interest in eating. I started using a lot of sauces on everything, sweet chilli was my favourite which I never touched pre transplant. In hospital they gave me tomato sauce to put on everything, just ask. I also went of chocolate, couldn't have it anywhere near me, which for a chocoholic was strange. His sense of taste will come back, he is very early days. I'm nearly 7 years post and despite many issues to start with I'm doing great. You both need a lot of patience, those extremely toxic drugs have a lot to answer for if you read the leaflet (book) that comes with tacrolimus there are so many side effects including shaking, sleep. distruption, I think sense of taste is mentioned. At the moment he will be in a really high dose but it will be decreased in time and most of the side effects will go.Make sure he drinks a lot of fluid to flush the drugs through his system as they can cause long term kidney problems, I've only got 40% kidney function.

Hilary xx