Neuroplasticity and Senses - Taste and Smell

Life after stroke Eating after stroke
1

Greetings one and all.

I have seen a few posts on the subject of losing sense of taste post-stroke and food tasting bad etc. I have noted that as with anything and everything to do with stroke, time is the healer. But since no one can say exactly how long, or how much time it will take to get the senses back, it has been frustrating for those affected by it.

What do we know about this?
It’s what we are told and this varies from person to person and there does not seem to be any absolute “do this and it will be sorted magic pill.”

I decided to see if there is anything that can be done, by anyone and everyone and that does not require too much effort or financial outlay and no reliance on professionals.

There may be such a thing, and if I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs, so be it - sorry granny but there are times when foolishness takes over :slight_smile:

I wonder how many of those afflicted by this are willing to give it a go and whether there will be enough of an uptake that could then lead us to conclude whether this approach is any better than those already in use.

Here is what I propose.

As volunteers, you try these things for a minimum period, say 1 month and if you feel you would like to carry on after that time, you can carry on.

I am suggesting that I would try this if I was affected (I am not, but am trying to offer a solution which I have not myself tried). I see potential benefits and nothing to lose.

It takes a few minutes of your times each day and I am proposing you try the things shown in the two short YouTupe videos below.

  1. Eastern medicine approach - acupuncture/pressure point therapy
    https://youtube.com/shorts/EMxFrOU0Ff0?si=LX_Cwx2BvBDdGeSz

  2. Neuroplasticity / Relearn / Train sense of taste/smell.
    https://youtu.be/HjVi9B7L-j0?si=31S9UGCdyuVK_ois

Finally, if you feel this is too much for you and you would allow nature to take its course then do nothing and with time it is likely you will get your taste and smell back. Depending on who you talk to, 95% of those affected will get these senses back, meaning only 5% might not get it back.

Wishing you all success and perhaps with time, you might come back and report on hoe you got on with this random trial.

Let me state for the record, I am not a healthcare professional, nor am I trained in any of these things and if you do decide to do this, you do so at your own risk.

Namaste|
:pray:

2 Likes
2

@ManjiB

I have a lot to say and will say it here but right now is keeping me occupied so i will answer asap

In the mean-time, knowing you, this might tickle your fancy:

3

I didn’t lose my sense of taste after my stroke but I did find some things tasted vile. That’s improved now but I still have episodes of it. My tastes did change though & some things I loved begore I no longer do & vice versa.

My biggest isdue though is it also took my appetite away & the feeling of being hungry. Now I eat because i have to but get little or no enjoyment from it.

4

quote from ManjiB
there does not seem to be any absolute “do this and it will be sorted magic pill.”
I decided to see if there is anything that can be done, by anyone and everyone and that does not require too much effort or financial outlay and no reliance on professionals.

There has been much written here about this method and that.
I researched how Andrew Marr travelled the world after his stroke seeking the wonder cure and note that three things seem to be true.

  • He must have spent a lot of money, which he could no doubt afford, in his search
  • He must have been open to anything and everything that offered hope, wherever on this planet.
  • I suspect that none of what was promised amounted to anything.
  • After trying, despite the disability caused by stroke, to continue as he had before the event, he appears at this time to be retired.
    (that’s three things isn’t it?? I bet they’re all true too.)

To me this indicates that for him stroke has been a life changing event.
I believe that is largely true for most of us.

As someone who was a very physical person I must say that I have been brought to a complete standstill but the energy I possess demands I continue. This I can only do with a change of direction. I am in no way cured but by this strategy I am able to continue. Maybe in some way my efforts could be worthwhile.

Some improvement has occurred and I have made some effort but I suspect I will never be what I was. I won’t waste my energy or cash chasing the impossible.

My energy will go into a change of direction, a new path, if you like.
I have been left with some ability and it is on what I can do rather than what I wish I could do that I will concentrate. I will look back, not with longing but with an eye out for possible directions.

To those who seek - good luck with your endeavours.

If your life has changed I suggest you strive to turn it into a change for the better.

and one last point . . .

  • keep on keepin on