How Long Does The Side Effects Of Bactrim Last?

I was on Bactrim for two and a half years as a result of a staph infection from a knee replacement. The doctor said it was necessary to continue the bactrim for the rest of my life as a defense against a recurrence. The effect on my taste buds was horrible. After speaking with my surgeon, he said I could stop taking it. I thought that my taste would recover but, after 5 months, my taste is still as horrible. Shouldn t the residual effects be purged by now? I m 77 years old, 6 ft tall and 220 lbs.