EGR Valve replacement - questions

[Moodshadow]

I’ve had the EGR valve replaced just before Christmas after my dashboard lit up like a proverbial tree! Whilst the new valve has cleared all the issues, fuel consumption has dropped by approx 5 mpg and I seem to be getting strong exhaust smells around the car and sometimes into the car when stationary and idling. Also seems to be running the fan quite a bit after stopping. Before I return to the garage just wanted to canvass opinion. Many thanks

[Rob69]

I'd suspect your dpf is blocked, assuming its the Q5

[Gazwould]

Ahh , the egr and dpf merry-go-round .

[Moodshadow]

I'd suspect your dpf is blocked, assuming its the Q5

Yes it is the Q5, thanks

[Moodshadow]

So reading up on the DPF, it should be regenerating. Got to admit I've never known the regeneration process was underway, and never had the DPF light come on the dash. Done 117k miles in the car.
Drove the car today mostly around 3,000 rpm for 15 miles and the smell was worse that it had been before. Could it be the DPF is also on its way out now the EGR has been replaced? Is this typical after an EGR replacement?