Lost sense of smell

[Clovelly]

I am a 69 year old UK based patient. I had BR in 2017 and I am doing fine for the moment although I had several temperature spikes and an attack of sepsis during the treatment.

I have though now almost completely lost my sense of smell. Taste buds are still fine.

Has anyone else experienced this and more particuarly has anyone found a way to improve things?

Thanks

[Senecio]

I notice that you mentioned this three years ago, so I guess it isn't related to the treatment, and as far as I know, loss of smell isn't always associated with CLL. I presume you have read the NHS web site on the subject, which has an important warning on the end (re gas leaks etc.) nhs.uk/conditions/lost-or-c.... I also found this web site which has some suggestions as to the possible causes: healthline.com/symptom/loss...

I hope this helps.

John

[Clovelly in reply to Senecio]

Thanks for this - and for reminding me that I have already asked the question! My memoryis not what it used to be....

[Senecio in reply to Clovelly]

😯 I wasn't trying to be a smart alec! Just that chemotherapy does mess with one's sense of smell. (I speak from personal experience). I think the problem with suggesting solutions is simply that there are too many causes, and what works for one might not work for another.

Take care,

John

[Clovelly in reply to Senecio]

Thanks. I am planning a visit to my GP.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I lost my sense of smell years before my CLL diagnosis. There are a few things that I am distinctly aware of - smoke, heavy perfumes, and fortunately, gas, but there are many others that are strong enough to bother those with me, but which I don't notice at all. My great aunt also lost her sense of smell - no CLL or cancer treatments. I should have asked her more about it. I just remember that she stopped wearing perfume because she couldn't tell whether she had put too much on.

[Clovelly in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks. Good to hear your experience too.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hi! I suggest you get it checked out... you say your taste buds are fine. But with out smell you will be restricted to 4 basic tastes. What the tongue does. Sweet. Sour. Salt. Bitter. Rest of taste needs the nose... Smell loss needs a diagnosis. Especially if it's merely a nasal polyp.

Also it's not a nice thing to be afflicted with for sure.

I wish you well.

Jig

[Clovelly in reply to JigFettler]

Thanks. I’ll follow this all up with my GP.