Hi everyone,
8 weeks ago I had an operation to remove cancer from my gums, palate and cheekbone. My facial muscle was cut leaving me with numbness in that area. I am worried I won't regain a reasonable opening of my mouth. I am aware that with RT it could become worse. If anyone has experience of good recovery of mouth opening could you please tell me how it was for you. The speech and language team are wonderful and have ordered me a thereabite kit. My appointment is next week to try this. This is making me anxious hence my request for positive results.
Thank you
Alison
Good evening Alison, i had lower jaw reconstruction (2010) plus other operations in the head and neck area. To be honest, the opening of the mouth/jaw was pretty good from day one, but i was given exercises to help using lollypop sticks as spacers so i could open my mouth wider. This is the same principle as a therebite kit, where it gradually helps to build up the muscles, etc., so opening the mouth becomes better and easier. My mouth does not open as much as it used to (about two-thirds), but this is because of the reconstruction of my jaw . You have done the hardest bit with the surgery, so the next steps should not be as stressful. Wishing you all the best.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
