General Anesthesia & Sense of Taste

My mom had a hysterectomy in January for uterine sarcoma. I'm scheduled for one 9/24 for fibroids I've had for several years that have increased to an intolerable size.

Mom had a general anesthesia. Afterward, she got very, very picky about her food. She said that the anesthesia ruined her sense of taste and that one of the nurses confided in her that this is pretty common.

I've since learned that mom had some issues around food. For instance, she was counting calories while wasting away to nothing (she was less than 70 lbs when she died). Also, too, I think she was maybe not eating as a way to hurry the end along to escape her terribly painful situation. So, I'm thinking, the sense of taste thing may have been partly psychosomatic as well.

So, I'm not sure whether to believe her about the general anesthesia ruining her sense of taste, and that the nurse confirmed it was common.

Has anyone experienced this?

I have been under general anest 3 times. I havent ever felt like my sense of taste was messed up.

(((CSoren))), I wouldn't worry about this if I were you. Appetites and food preferences change throughout one's lifetime, whether they have had surgery or not.

I am sending many positive thoughts your way for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery!

s,

i am so sorry about the loss of your mom
i wouldnt worry about your taste after surgery..i'm sure things will be fine with you.

Feeling better helped to increase my desire for foods.

My sense of taste was a little screwy for the first few days after surgery. It seems to have resolved itself, although I'm still hesitant about cottage cheese because it tasted so vile in the hospital.

I'm so sorry about your mother.

Taste was a little off for the first few days. Can't say if it was from the anesthesia or maybe medication in the IV. In any event, it goes away. I'm so sorry about your Mom. Let us know how you are doing.
Margie
TAH/BSO