Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 | Hello Marica,
I had treatment to widen my mouth opening. After treatment it was only 20mm which didn't allow a fork full of food in without hitting my teeth. I had no pain in opening or chewing. The therapist would manually stretch my muscles on the side of the surgery and peck flap reconstruction. That hurt because she was stretching the muscle. They were 30 minute appointments and helped alot. I am up to 30mm which allows me to eat, even if it is rather slow going.
I also used a therybyte device three times a day to stretch my mouth opening. It was covered by insurance. They are around $500.00 for one. It hurt to set it higher but kind of like the old saying "no pain, no gain. Again I had no pain like you describe. I would get after the doctor to respond if the pain is as bad as you describe.
Best Wishes, Danny Boy
Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.
Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06
Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006
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