Loss of Taste after Tonsillectomy

My wife is similarly affected six months post op. The sugeon denies the effect could be caused by the tonsillectomy and instead suggests a coincidental loss of smell. This despite the fact that she can smell as well as ever.

Evidence on the web supports the view that taste loss is rare but real.

What is needed is research into the possibility of a common factor, such as post op infection, use of tongue depressor or over wide jaw opening. Sadly this would need a register of sufferers and none of the professionals seem to be motivated by anything but responsibility evasion.

Anybody know of a post-grad looking for a worthy study topic ?

 

Tycia, I had a tonsillectomy in March of 2014. After the operation, food started tasting bitter, some lost taste altogether. The sweeter something was, the worse the bitterness (especially coke and chocolate!). I survived on chicken broth, eggs and mashed potatoes, which were the few things that still tasted fine. I did a lot of research but there have been very few studies regarding loss of taste after the surgery. It was depressing not to be able to enjoy food and not knowing if it would ever get better. BUT IT DID GET BETTER. The change was gradual - at first I noticed that some foods started tasting less horrible. It took almost 3 months for me to regain my taste (and sanity!) but the recovery was complete. I also took zinc supplement recommended in one of the studies as it helps the nerve healing process. I hope you will recover fully - good luck and keep the faith! P.S. I'm also Polish. :)

Hi, how are u feeling now?

Yes, I undergo the tonsillectomy (remove tonsils) on the 18 September 2014 and is also experiencing the same problem. From September till today the 09 December 2014 i have no taste of food, bitterness in mouth which cause me hard-burn in my throat. I have an appointment next week Tuesday and will inform you if there is a suitable solution.

Hi! I Am experiencing the same thing now. I went through tonsillectomy 3wks ago and i haven't got my taste back.

I had a tonsillectomy and then started bleeding from the tonsil site 8 and 10 days after the original op. I had to be hospitalised and have an emergency operation including a blood transfusion of four pints. I am a chef and am distraught to have found that I have lost my sense of taste, ive found myself adding tabasco or chili to my food to kid myself that I can taste things. Its been 3 months now, I now only eat cured or spiced meat as subtle flavours are lost on me. I cant taste jamaican ginger cake properly..eating a bowl of coco pops made me wanna cry the other day, like others have said here, chocolate just tastes like cocoa. If id of been warned that losing my taste was a possibility id have endured tonsillitis for ever more. Food just isnt as satisfying anymore. I've just written a letter of complaint to the hospital as I am really unhappy that nobody can tell me when or if my sense of taste will recover.

you really make my day, i just love your comments, LOL!

I am the dame way. I had sergury 3 weeks ago and have no taste. Everything taste bitter. I just eat because I have to. But is very frustrated.

Me Too. We are on the same boat

Today is 17 March 2015. I still can't taste food after tonsil removed on August 8, 2013. What doctors can help me? ENT can't. I'm in Sunnyvale CA. Thank .

I had my surgery April 21, 2014 (one year ago)...I still have no taste :0( 

I was rushed to the hospital 7 days post op for hemorrhaging.  It's been an awful experience and I miss food.

You don't realize how much food revolves around life until you can taste it.  I wish I'd never had the surgery!

I had my surgery on February 16,2015 and I too am suffering the consequences of a tonsill/adenoidectomy in regards to tasteing food. The first 5-6 weeks everything tasted horrible. I lost 20+ lbs. becuase of it. I am now about 3 months post-op and I can taste salty items (They taste too salty at times). My biggest issue is sweets. I am an executive chef that specializes in pastries and goodies of the sweetest sort. Chocolate tastes horrible which makes me really sad; I used to be a chocoholic. I am worried that I will never get my taste back. I hate this! I cant even do my job as a chef anymore because I can't properly taste my food. Now I am trying to figure out what to do with my life because I can't be a chef anymore....Anyone have any hope??

so what did you do to get your taste back ? because i had my tonsils tooken out april 23 and i just now started to try to eat foods like Thursday but everything i eat i feel like it goes to the back of my nose instead of down my throat and then i taste it for like a split second then its gone and i love food

I was actually told by a different doctor to use a basic nasal spray a couple of times a day for a week to clear out my sinuses. It actually worked To some extent.

going through the no taste phase right now 5 weeks out from surgery. Wondered if you ever gain fully gained your taste back?