Hi - I also had a modified radical neck dissection and partial glossectomy on May 12, 2006. As the nerves began to "wake up" from my ND, it definitely became more painful. Good news is that the pain gradually subsided and at this point, I am relatively pain free and exercising and riding my bike a lot!
- You didn't say why he wanted to use something else - is it because he doesn't think the Vicodin is working, or he wants to use a non- narcotic? If it's the latter, I tried to stick to Advil during the day (I found that helped the best) and only took Vicodin at night, so I could sleep well, gradually reducing to 1/2 and then none. Is he doing his PT exercises? That's also important in getting full recovery.