Can't Taste or Smell Anymore

[Tasteless]

Hello,

My name is Steve and I live in Baytown, Texas a small costal town full of Industry and pollution. I had troubles with allergies and went to see an ENT which got some X-Rays and put me through repairing a deviated septum and sinus surgery all in one. That was in 1998. I have been through the ringer with my sinuses and infections for quite a while. Seems just when I go to see a new doctor, they get a cat scan and immediately want to do surgery. I have had my MRI’s & Cat scans looked over by internist at Baylor. They can’t see why I would need surgery again other than me and my insurance card and a little co pay. I have to agree with them. I’m not going through that again.

Is there such thing as a doctor that will take a culture to find out why I can’t taste or smell. I can deal with taking antibiotics for months at a time if needed, but would rather loose a finger or toe than my taste and smell. It has been 6 months since I’ve been able to taste or smell. I’m getting depressed and hard to get along with around the house. Are there medical people that will find a source rather than chase a treatment or hit you up for the most expensive procedure they offer?

Thanks, Steve

[ch/gh]

Here's my background on my allergy testing:  about 5-6 yrs ago had the skin ***** and the more depth skin pricking where blood is seen well then i had all negative results but a few months ago i had retesting done same allergist as 5 yrs ago and the 1st day i went had negative results on the skin ***** but on the skin ***** with the blood part my skin was red but   not itchy and if you just touch my skin i get red marks on me. anyway i had to go back the next week to get retested on the skin ***** with the blood and they said i have allergies to dust mites,molds and fungi and a level 3 1000 pnu to grass mix i guess which means they had to inject me with a high level to get this result because when i go outside with freshly cut grass i love the smell and i get no sneezing or itchy or watery eyes and the mold  Alternaria when it is at its highest is hot days july through frost. so a couple of things about my "allergies"   I never had this swollen turbinate problem until after my bad infection with my adenoids have been cultured a few times comes back staph in the nose and in october of 06 had a piece of granulated tissue cut out of my nose that didnt heal right and soon after that is when my turbinates have been swelling. I still tried a lot of things to see if dust allergies was the cause i tried claritin,benadryl, bought carpet allergen stuff for carpet, new allergen pillow,wash blankets in hot water and curtains in hot water , vaccuum twice a week,dust a lot i did all this and nothing worked so i think i have that staph that is what is making my turbinates swell i dont even have the classic symtoms to an allergy. and if it allergies then why is it only on one side of nose and not both nostrils plus the one mold allergy says until frost well all of last year after frost and i still have swollen turbinates plus all too coincidental that the months before my surgery or them cutting out that tissue my turbs were  not  swelling.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Had one Bhudist tell me church can be found in a blade of grass. Pretty profound thinking...

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Many friends of mine here in the San Francisco bay area are Bhuddist, some go to church a lot.  You're right though, many don't.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

If I had to rely on Christian doctors, it would be a LONG wait, they are not what I would call readily available.

Luckily, I genearally love all people, Bhudist as well & Bhudist don't go to church much. It is more of a way of life than anything.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Close the door on nasal saline washes?  NOOOO!  It's really helpful, I totally agree with Wear/a/Jimmy that it's a cornerstone in removing the mucous and curing sinusitis.

I'm glad you found a Christian doctor that goes to your church, what a blessing, there aren't many out here in Palo Alto, CA.

[Tasteless]

It's time to close that door and seek another. You don't need that. Where do you live if I may ask. My new doctor has a network of Christian believing doctors all with his same princible of healing not dragging you on to pay the office bills. Turns out he goes to my Church. Joel Osteen (Lakewood) in Houston. Small world.