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#200247 07-12-2020 12:15 PM
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3
Becky L Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3
I posted this in another forum but thought it might fit better here. My husband has trismus (difficulty opening his mouth) after having 100+ Gys over the last 18 months. It seems to be getting worse and he can no longer fit the mouth stretching device into his mouth (it is an Ora Stretch Press, and seems similar to a Therabite). It’s impacting his ability to eat and speak.

1. Does anyone have suggestions for what to do when the mouth stretching device won’t fit? I think I remember reading something about using tongue depressors, but can’t remember the details on how to use them. Is there anything else that we should consider besides tongue depressors?

2. Have you found a medical professional particularly helpful in addressing trismus? If so, what type?

Thank you!
Becky

Becky L #200248 07-12-2020 01:56 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Likes: 7
Becky,

On the Oral Cancer Foundation Main Site, there is a rather detailed article on trismus. The link is here

https://oralcancerfoundation.org/complications/trismus/

I have so far not read about the experience of anyone who has had success being treated on this forum for trismus. I would strongly recommend that you bring your husband back to the radiation oncologist and ask him/her to refer you to the specialist. If you go to a comprehensive cancer centre, it’s likely that you will be referred to the dental department. My husband’s dentist at the hospital was the one who was most concerned about his jaw opening.


Gloria
She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails... Elizabeth Edwards

Wife to John,dx 10/2012, BOT, HPV+, T3N2MO, RAD 70 gy,Cisplatinx2 , PEG in Dec 6, 2012, dx dvt in both legs after second chemo session, Apr 03/13 NED, July 2013 met to lungs, Phase 1 immunotherapy trial Jan 18/14 to July/14. Taxol/carboplatin July/14. Esophagus re-opened Oct 14. PEG out April 8, 2015. Phase 2 trial of Selinexor April to July 2015. At peace Jan 15, 2016.

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