This topic is about someone who, after undergoing ostomy surgery, is experiencing a persistent and unpleasant taste and smell. This issue has been affecting their ability to enjoy food and maintain a healthy diet. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have faced similar challenges:

1. The unpleasant taste and smell are constant, regardless of what is being smelled or eaten. This can make everyday activities like cooking and dining out quite difficult.

2. The surgeon mentioned that the lingering effects of anesthesia might be causing this issue, and it could take months for the brain to adjust back to normal.

3. The person feels that the sensation might be slowly improving, or they might just be getting used to it. However, eating enough to maintain their weight is still a struggle.

4. They tried using deodorant drops in the pouch, but it only made the nausea worse.

5. Their medical history includes multiple rounds of chemotherapy for leukemia and a recent emergency surgery due to a colon perforation, which they believe might have been caused by the chemotherapy.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights from others:

- Many people have noted that chemotherapy can often alter taste and smell, but these senses usually return to normal over time. Patience and confidence are key.

- One person shared that conditioned nausea, such as feeling sick when seeing a particular nurse, can linger long after chemotherapy. This shows how the brain can misinterpret sensory signals even after the body has healed.

- It's suggested to observe whether the pouch odor is present only during emptying or all the time. Identifying patterns might help in finding the cause and deciding if a change in appliances or deodorants could be beneficial.