Carrie, I really feel for you. In this new era of Covid, I’m guessing doctors aren’t even able to tell you when your sense of smell/ taste will return. You really have been through so much, and I will pray for you.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was very fortunate as it’s completely curable. I opted to have my whole thyroid removed, & thought that was the end of it. HA! Too make sure no remaining tissues were left, they suggested I go on a 2 week sodium free diet ( no bread, dairy, seafood, chocolate(!),etc. This is so I could get thyrogen shots to prepare me for a radioactive shot. After that, I had to be in isolation for 48 hours. I was miserable. But through the whole thing, I kept thinking of all the people who are food insecure, & children who go hungry. So, I mad it my oath to continue donating to Food Banks.
I’m hoping you and all Covid survivors soon will recover from all these terrible side effects! 🙏💖
Oh dear, how awful! My sister has suffered a similar problem, not from CoVID but as a side of effect of a prescription medicine for another condition. Like you, she loves to cook and taste and so misses those senses.
Your descriptions here are so vivid and well-done - sounds so awful. I can't imagine losing any of our senses, and we don't really think of losing taste and smell. It's just taken for granted so kudos to you that you made it through Covid-19 and are still writing as beautifully as ever!
Well it hasn’t affected your creative writing. I hope so much that your taste and smell senses become reunited soon! Happily, you have much to offer with your other lovely sense-abilities.
Last January I had a whooping cough, no fever, no runny nose or mucus problems...just a horrible cough.it lasted for about 5-6 days. Covid at that point hadn't been a topic of conversation.
In April I started having breathing problems and lost my sense of taste. After many tests with cardiologist and pulmonologist, nothing was resolved. Started using a prescribed inhaler when needed.
Right before Christmas, I was surprised to enjoy a tasty meal for the first time in many months...breathing is much better also. Not back to normal, but getting there.
My Aunt Mary lost her sense of smell later in life - from what I don't remember. She said the same things about food. She couldn't stand the taste of ham afterwards. I, who smell everything, even things other people don't, can't imagine being without that. My sense of taste has deteriorated over the years and fortunately I found No-Salt Spike (available at Bulk 'n Natural Foods on Bahia Vista) which seems to enhance the taste of everything without really changing the flavor. I'm not a salt-lover at all and rarely use it in my cooking. Have always prefers using herbs and spices to enhance flavor, although a pot of soup needs a touch of salt.
Being the canary in the coal mine has its disadvantages too. I have to rush through the grocery store now that there is a heavy use of bleach and disinfectant. I walk out with a sore throat and burning nose and eyes. Can't imagine that all that is good for us in any way. I always know when the neighbors are doing their wash as I can smell the dryer sheets - another smell that isn't one I appreciate. Pollen and car exhaust are on my list of no-nos as well so no sidewalk dining. I was able to sniff out a gas leak outdoors last summer, and I was sitting in the house at the time! Recently, I had the front door open to bring in the fresh air, and I could smell someone cooking a pan of brownies on the block. As I didn't have the time to search out which particular house, I just had to make a pan for myself that night. Not the best thing for my diet, although they sure did taste good!! Fortunately, chocolate is one of the things I can still taste very well!!
And you could smell Lake Michigan shortly after the pickle factory but before we could see the water. I hope you get your sense of smell back.
Carrie, I really feel for you. In this new era of Covid, I’m guessing doctors aren’t even able to tell you when your sense of smell/ taste will return. You really have been through so much, and I will pray for you.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was very fortunate as it’s completely curable. I opted to have my whole thyroid removed, & thought that was the end of it. HA! Too make sure no remaining tissues were left, they suggested I go on a 2 week sodium free diet ( no bread, dairy, seafood, chocolate(!),etc. This is so I could get thyrogen shots to prepare me for a radioactive shot. After that, I had to be in isolation for 48 hours. I was miserable. But through the whole thing, I kept thinking of all the people who are food insecure, & children who go hungry. So, I mad it my oath to continue donating to Food Banks.
I’m hoping you and all Covid survivors soon will recover from all these terrible side effects! 🙏💖
So Sorry! Your description gives us an idea of how unpleasant the aftermath can be. We all hope it passes soon!
Oh dear, how awful! My sister has suffered a similar problem, not from CoVID but as a side of effect of a prescription medicine for another condition. Like you, she loves to cook and taste and so misses those senses.
Wow!
Your well done account of your brush with the virus mirrors my friends experience.
Thanks 🙏
You've helped me appreciate my senses which seem intact. Thanks for your beautiful writing.
Your descriptions here are so vivid and well-done - sounds so awful. I can't imagine losing any of our senses, and we don't really think of losing taste and smell. It's just taken for granted so kudos to you that you made it through Covid-19 and are still writing as beautifully as ever!
Well it hasn’t affected your creative writing. I hope so much that your taste and smell senses become reunited soon! Happily, you have much to offer with your other lovely sense-abilities.
So sorry, but pray that you will be able to smell very soon.
Last January I had a whooping cough, no fever, no runny nose or mucus problems...just a horrible cough.it lasted for about 5-6 days. Covid at that point hadn't been a topic of conversation.
In April I started having breathing problems and lost my sense of taste. After many tests with cardiologist and pulmonologist, nothing was resolved. Started using a prescribed inhaler when needed.
Right before Christmas, I was surprised to enjoy a tasty meal for the first time in many months...breathing is much better also. Not back to normal, but getting there.
Don’t give up, Carrie🌻
Thank you for sharing this. Loss is a painful doorway to clarity. You've given me pause from my own pensive present.
All well and good, but will that affect the chicken soup you're going to make for me when I come home? :-)
My Aunt Mary lost her sense of smell later in life - from what I don't remember. She said the same things about food. She couldn't stand the taste of ham afterwards. I, who smell everything, even things other people don't, can't imagine being without that. My sense of taste has deteriorated over the years and fortunately I found No-Salt Spike (available at Bulk 'n Natural Foods on Bahia Vista) which seems to enhance the taste of everything without really changing the flavor. I'm not a salt-lover at all and rarely use it in my cooking. Have always prefers using herbs and spices to enhance flavor, although a pot of soup needs a touch of salt.
Being the canary in the coal mine has its disadvantages too. I have to rush through the grocery store now that there is a heavy use of bleach and disinfectant. I walk out with a sore throat and burning nose and eyes. Can't imagine that all that is good for us in any way. I always know when the neighbors are doing their wash as I can smell the dryer sheets - another smell that isn't one I appreciate. Pollen and car exhaust are on my list of no-nos as well so no sidewalk dining. I was able to sniff out a gas leak outdoors last summer, and I was sitting in the house at the time! Recently, I had the front door open to bring in the fresh air, and I could smell someone cooking a pan of brownies on the block. As I didn't have the time to search out which particular house, I just had to make a pan for myself that night. Not the best thing for my diet, although they sure did taste good!! Fortunately, chocolate is one of the things I can still taste very well!!
So sorry that this has happened to you.
I agree. Much bigger deal than one could imagine. Hopefully, you'll wake up one day, and bam!! They'll be back.