I recently had a neck disection in which 2o lymph nodes were removed. Also had right tonsil removed, soft palate, part of tonge and God knows what else. Surgeon replaced soft palate with flap from underside forarm.

The surgeon told me that he "nicked" the lingual nerve of my tonge which is causing the numbness, but sensation should be restored 6 mos to 1 year out. Can not eat solid food because of this as I "lose" the food in my mouth because of lack of feeling. It also causes my speech to be slurred. I also do not have any sensation below the jaw line on the side they did the neck disection. My right shoulder is also numb. I new about that prior to surgery.

Was wondering how many out there experienced any or all of the symptons that I described.

Jon

I have much of the same area numb. I'm nine months post surgery, and while it has improved somewhat, it's fundamentally unchanged. I do eat, and I do lose food in my mouth occasionally, although it's not nearly as bad as it was early on.

I think it's really important that you keep trying lest you lose the ability to swallow. Once it's gone, it's tough to regain
Wayne