In February of this year I received a call from my local police Dept. That my 23 year old daughter had been airlifted to our nearest trauma hospital, she had been the victim of an attempted murder, she was in a coma for 5 days, she now suffers from dizziness, she is deaf in her right ear, and probably worst of all cannot taste or smell anything, she is so depressed over not being able to taste or smell, can anyone here give me any information on how I can help my daughter. Thank you, Jan

It sounds like your daughter is luck to be alive. I know others with no sense of taste or smell from head injuries. It is not the end of the world plus she is still early in her recovery.

Try to just be there for her to help her make it from one day to the next. I know it is difficult for both of you. She has a mind that gets frustrated easily. It is a symptom of the injury.

I wish I had more to offer.

Does she have access to a rehab counselor? A good TBI rehab counselor would be a big help.

My best to you and her.

You are so right when you say we are lucky to still have our daughter, I thank the Lord everyday that we still have her. Thank you for your advice about a rehab counselor, that's a great idea. Mark may I ask you another question, you said you have heard of others without taste or smell, did any of them regain those senses, and how long did it take? I know everyone is different, but we just need some hope. Thanks, Jan

Luke 1:37 For NOTHING is impossible with God.

My friend Justin has been without his sense of smell since his injury in 1994. His wife is pregnant so she looks forward to him doing diaper duty for the stinky ones. He has taste sensation but without smell, nothing tastes the same.

I don't know about the others. It is not uncommon in the brain injury support group I am a member of. We do not meet again until late August. There is a woman who had a similar life threatening injury from an assault who, despite her limitations that leave her totally disabled from paid work, appears to be able to live an enjoyable life. Many do volunteer work that helps them get past their limitations and struggles.

How are her speaking, cognitive, and memory skills?

Hi Mark,
Cognitive is a problem for her, I try to encourage her to go to speech therapy but right now she refuses. I think if she could just get some taste or smell back she would do better. I am taking her to Washington DC to the Taste and Smell Clinic, to a Doctor Robert Heinkin, actually I emailed him a couple of weeks ago and to my surprise this past Monday he called me personally to talk about my daughters case, he spent about half an hour on the phone with me and I was very impressed with him, although he can't make any promises he has a higher success rate with TBI patients then anyone else in the country. If you have a chance visit his website it may be helpful to the people you come in contact with. Please would you also pray for Kristen, we both love and trust the Lord. Thanks for answering my questions I really appreciate it. Blessings, Jan

The hormonal/Thyroid issue makes lots of sense.

Getting her hormones in balance can make a lot of things better.

I hope he can help your daughter.