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Help for trismis
Does anyone have any suggestions of how to manage trismis as a post radiation side effect? In Nov I underwent extensive surgery for SCC on my inside left cheek. Had 3 radiation treatments following and developed severe trismis after. I have been going to PT since Feb to try to remedy, and recently got the orapress jaw stretcher. My mouth is so tight it's difficult to even get that in, and 2 popsicle sticks is as much of a stretch as I can get. You can feel 2 fibrous bands inside my cheek which are no doubt causing a lot of the problem. Magic mouth wash helped me so much with mouth sores also. I'm having another PET/CT scan tomorrow just to make sure there's nothing else going on. I am a 78 y/o female who was very active before this devastating event. My husband has been my rock. Could not have made it without his help!
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I was originally not able to open enough to put the tip of my finger between my front teeth but after constant speech therapy and stretching exercises I am now able to stack two finger tips between them(measuring about 30-31 mm opening) consistently. It is Nowhere Near where I used to be but it’s definitely a whole lot better. Still trying to gain weight though and radiation did alot of damage to my teeth which is now another big issue and expensive one. I’m feeling like this might be the most I will be able to open my mouth. Hang in and keep doing your exercises as much as you can tolerate. I’m praying things will improve for you soon.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for the encouragement, Jeff. I was only at 31 mm before starting this journey (I'm petite, so that was normal for me). I was at 20 before the radiation, so to even get back there would be a blessing. Will continue to work diligentally, and I really appreciate your prayers.