After the TKR, about a week, I began to experience a smell - not pleasant. i thought I might have spilled something or the like. Washed everything - including me. But, there it was again-everywhere.
Come to find out that for a few of us the anesthesia (general or spinal) can result in causing an odor - and one that only we can smell- It's not our immagination, it's very real. And, it can take weeks to months to go away - time it takes for the liver to clear the chemicals. Some people can even, unfortunately, taste it, too.
Very true, had the same issue, lasted about 1 week, till all the anesthesia was out of my body.
That's a completely new one to me. Never heard anyone discuss it before. One more thing to drive you crazy.
I've never heard of that as a surgical nurse, or as an OR nurse, and not as patient that's had 14 joints and other surgeries requiring anaesthetics.
weird.
Every time I've had surgery, I've had the same issue each time. I guess some do and some lucky ones don't.
Hi,
i had a bilateral tkr 6 weeks ago. Although I never experienced the "smell", my taste buds played up something shocking. My beloved Diet Coke and caramel flavoured coffee sachets tasted really bad for a month or so after the operation. Glad to say they've returned. Makes you think doesn't it? The anaesthetic has a lot to answer for.
i hope all goes well for you really soon.
Sue
Thanks, Sue! At least I know it will end...sometime! Let's hope that the ones who have something similar see these posts .. at least they won't think they are crazy!
Be well
I'm experiencing this right now.
I first smelled it in hospital, like a strong chemical smell and It followed me home. At first I thought it was coming through the air conditioning, but so glad to know it will go away at some time in the future.
I had a TKR six weeks ago I I’ve noted a persistent odor and taste ever since. It varies in intensity but never totally goes away. I thought it was me at first but like others, showering and brushing teeth don’t help. I was thinking maybe it was the hydrocodone but I’m off that now and no change. I hope it passes in time.
It might be the anesthesia or some of the IV pain meds or even from the mask they use depending on if they use general or spinal. As I you Dr to give you as quick review but I'm guessing it will go away with time
I experienced the same thing with taste. As a regular wine drinker (I enjoy a glass most nights with my dinner) after my op it tasted foul and I could not touch a drop for 7 weeks. Like all things TKR it passed with time!
Yes definitely some days stronger than others , it’s stored in liver and as it gets broken down I can smell it for quite a while after op at least 1-2 months
Hi Sue, ive just come across this reply of yours. I am nearly 2 years total left knee replacement and was an
massive diet coke drinker before surgery. however since surgery march 16 I haven't been able to drink the stuff, makes me sick. I have tried a few times but still not able to. I don't drink tea or coffee so my vice of coke was gone. Maybe once I get my other knee done I can drink diet coke again!!!
I thought I was the only crazy one so glad I wasn't on my own xx
Hi Sue, ( feels like I miss talking to myself) lol
Im glad I was able to put your mind at rest a bit about the tastebuds etc after surgery. This forum helped me no end for quite a few months after my surgery. So many odd or terrible experiences from post op patients. We all tend to be a bit a little lost and think we’re alone so it’s good to compare I think.
its been over 2 yrs since my surgery. I guess I’m one of the lucky one and have got over it quite well with no follow up physio or treatments. I, of course feel stiff when I first get up or if I’m sitting a long while but that’s about it. I feel bad that I’m not making the most of the opportunity of new knees but if find it’s my lower back that hurts now. 😕. So I’m mostly sitting.
Back to the wierd smell smell and taste after op. It reminds me of when I was pregnant in the early weeks. Same kind of thing. I went off drinking tea and my baby is 33 now and I still don’t drink it. I think if you really want to drink the Diet Coke, you may just have to muddle through, mind over matter lol. It will be all good In the end. I just wish it could have been chocolate and cake that tasted awful to me and I’d have to give them up😜.
good luck with everything Sue. Best wishes sent you’re way and to every other person getting over knee replacements.
xxx
Hi Elent,
I am going though that right now. Been 2 weeks since surgery and a chemical odor is driving me crazy. I can smell it on my skin, my urine, the linens, everywhere.
I am very worried I won't ever be able to get rid of this. How long did your situation persist? Did you improve?
Thanks.
It’s the anaesthetic , will last about 5-6 weeks some days more than others
Hi Jenny,
Is that what happened with you? Did you manage to get rid of it eventually? It's driving me crazy!
Yes it went but about 6 weeks or more , funny some days much stronger than others . It is the anaesthetic being processed by your liver , takes a while to get rid of it all . Interesting when I was watching a dog surgery , just an easy sterilisation for a male , because pup had probably a liver shunt problem , liver couldn’t process anaesthetic and he just never woke up whatever was tried , I think because Anaesthetic’s have such a bad effect on body that’s why so many knees etc done with a local block
I found that with me it's the painkillers that make everything taste of ashes, food drinks the lot and the whole hospital smelt of it too ,I was discharged after rtkr in five days and was lucky enough to be able to withstand the aching pain after I immediately stopped taking the painkillers and taste and smell almost immediately returned to normal
Well seeing as how bad Diet Coke etc are for you that’s a good thing! Poison