Strong sense of smell: I am 11 and half... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Strong sense of smell

champagnelover profile image
13 Replies

I am 11 and half years post Ivor Lewis op Just recently we had some new conservatory furniture and I have found the chemical smell from it unbearable, making me feel nauseous and unwell on occasions but my husband can barely smell it! Has anyone else experienced being more sensitive to smells?

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champagnelover profile image
champagnelover
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13 Replies
FKM100 profile image
FKM100

Hi. I only had my op in June, but I can totally relate to this. I seem to have developed a "super" sense of smell, especially for unpleasant smells. Urine is one of my worst (and I have a 94 year old father in diapers and two cats whose litter tray needs cleaning!). I have been attributing this to neuropathy resulting from chemotherapy, though; not to the op itself. Also, I'm sure that giving up smoking played a role in my case, but this is more than just recovering my sense of smell; it's almost uncanny - and not very pleasant.

Did you have chemotherapy too?

champagnelover profile image
champagnelover in reply to FKM100

Thanks for your reply. I didn't have any chemotherapy. It looks like this is just my issue - I thought maybe now that my stomach is where my oesophagus was might have an effect! Feeling thankful otherwise. Best wishes to you!

Molly14 profile image
Molly14

First of all congratulations - 11 and a half years !

I’ve always had a great sense of smell and don’t notice to much difference since surgery - however furniture, rugs, carpets etc these days all seem to have terrible smells - some unbearable - I have no idea what they are using on stuff !!! My husband never notices the smells either - I’d leave the door open daily for a week or so to air and maybe wash the cushion covers - all the best

VBCardinal profile image
VBCardinal

Nope

liz_crisp profile image
liz_crisp

Well done on 11 1/2 years. I am 10 years and have the opposite problem I lost my sense of smell and taste last year x

champagnelover profile image
champagnelover in reply to liz_crisp

Congratulations on your 10 years - we really are the lucky ones. Do you know why you lost your sense of smell and taste?

liz_crisp profile image
liz_crisp in reply to champagnelover

No it was in December 19 so the docs now seem to put it down to possible covid !!

Mauser1905 profile image
Mauser1905

I had had dog's nose, and continue to have past 2.5 years since my surgery. No change.

champagnelover profile image
champagnelover in reply to Mauser1905

Thanks for your reply Mauser - I guess the problem I have is my smelly furniture! I do wonder what chemicals they are using!

Mauser1905 profile image
Mauser1905 in reply to champagnelover

How about if your sense is noticed by you with the changes in your life. Meaning we all have all senses with obvious exceptions but not all are experienced to their higher levels......

grandylynda profile image
grandylynda

Yes and still occasionally get a petrol smell and almost taste from nowhere

champagnelover profile image
champagnelover in reply to grandylynda

Thanks for your reply. Hope you are well otherwise

AussieCuz profile image
AussieCuz

Wow I have the same incredible sense of smell since my IL op. I remember when I was in intensive care I could smell the nurse carrying cappuccinos 50 metres away. I also noticed I don’t have normal nasal deposits (Trying it sounds diplomatic) I hardly have any build up anymore. I do get the sniffles in the morning sometimes but that’s it. My sense of smell is at least ten times better than it was. It’s good and it’s bad, but I always look at the positive side of things.

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