That "smell" after the surgery?

Posted , 41 users are following.

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. 

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    total knee replacement:

    I have had a weird sensation since surgery.....I kept thinking something was burning in my house. But I am literally the only person who smells it. It smells like burning 🔥 like fireplace mixed medicine and metallic. NO one can explain this to me!

    I smell it even here at the hospital and the drive here.

  • Posted

    I had two carpal tunnel release surgeries within a month of each other. I too have the smell. I thought it was from my bandage, then sheets, then clothes. also asked husband if he smelled it. A month after the second surgery I still have it in waves. I'll think it's gone, then stronger than ever! I had complete hip replacement ten years ago and never experienced this. I also am having trouble sleeping and wondering if there's a connection. So glad to find this forum so I know I'm not crazy!

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