Facial nerve connected to tongue nerve-12/7 jump?-anybody

[MNTim]

I have had three surgeries (2 sub-Ops and one Trans Lab) to address a nearly 6 CM tumor.  The first two surgeries were an attempt to reduce tumor size while preserving the facial nerve.  The second surgery left me with a Brackman's scale 5 weakness (very noticeable).  
For my translab I changed surgeons and institutions.  I had a facial nerve function test and it was determined that the nerve was not functioning so the decision was made to attach my facial nerve to my tongue nerve.  I asked one of the surgeons if I would have to stick out my tongue to close my eye. The theory is I will gain some tone in my face.
Has anyone had this procedure done and what is the outcome?
Eating has become a chore! I hope things get better.

Tim

[Kaybo]

I had the 12/7 done at one year and then have gone on and had a T3.  The 12/7 helped me tremendously to get tone back that was all but gone.  I did get a little movement but not much...the T3 helped me tons more.  I had asked the Dr if my face would "wack out" when I ate, but it did not!! 

K   

[MNTim]

Funny about the wacked out face.  My surgeons didn't laugh about my comment.  Thanks for the info.  In a nutshell what is a T3?
Does the 7/12 stop you from feeling like a squirrel after you eat?!  In conversation I have spit a few bits of food at other people.  My 13 year old son won't eat with me in public, but that may not have anything to do wiith my appearance!

Tiim

[nancyann]

Hi Tim:  I didn't have the 7/12 jump (I was 50 y/o at the time & a smoker, so I opted for the T3).   In retrospect,  I would go for the 7/12 jump, or a cross nerve graft, which is facial nerve to facial nerve.  Many people have had great results with the 7/12 - increased tone, & it gets very easy to utilize the tongue to smile, etc.
The T3 is for those with no chance of facial recovery,  & can be done at any time after the facial paralysis.  With the 7/12 or cross nerve,  it's best to do it within 1 year post op.  The T3 didn't give me movement back (which the 7/12 or cross nerve can), but when I bite down I get a 'Mona Lisa' smile.  This is a great improvement for me since I had a grade 6 Brackman.
I have a before/after picture under Facial Paralysis, the subject is 'Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer' - I can't remember what page it's on but I also have other pictures posted which show my progression over the few years since.
I wish you all the best in your decision.  Keep a peaceful heart...  Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[MNTim]

Nancy,

Thank you for explaining the procedure and results.  Next week I will be back at Mayo for a procedure to plug a nasal CSF leak so I had planned to discuss all of this with my Dr.s.  It is great to have your information going in.

Tim

[lori67]

I had the 7/12 and am happy to report that I don't have to stick out my tongue to close my eye. 

I was at 5 on the scale also and would probably say I'm about a 2 or so now.  Maybe a 3.  At any rate, better than it was.  I have very good symmetry at rest and can ALMOST blink all the way.  It's a long, slow process -  I'm just over 2 years post-op, but I'm still seeing improvement.

Immediately after the surgery, eating wasn't pretty and I sounded like I had a mouthful of marbles when I talked, but that gets better quickly once you figure out how you're wired.  I can drink without a straw now, which has caused the people at Starbucks to stop looking at me like I'm crazy. Really the only time I have to be aware of moving my tongue into a particular spot is when I smile (a closed mouth smile) and then I just put the tip of my tongue against the roof of my mouth.  I don't even think about it now, it's just become a habit.  I'm not sure about the squirrel thing - I only chew on the good side, so I'm sure if I attempted to use the AN side, I'd look like a squirrel!

I think you're right about the reasons your 13 year old won't eat with you in public - he would probably feel the same way even if you didn't have the facial issues! Kids!  That's okay, when he's 16 you'll probably be the one that doesn't want to eat with him in public.   

Good luck at your Dr. appt.

Lori

[chelsmom]

Hi Tim,
My daughter just had the cross facial nerve graft and a 5-7 nerve jump instead of the 7-12.   She too had a very large tumor (5.5+cm) that was debulked in a 2 stage surgery followed by 28 FSR Novalis treatments.  In 2009 she had translab surgery for significant regrowth.  That surgery left her paralyzed on her right side HB 4-5.
After waiting 18 months she finally agreed to this current surgery.  The 7-12 was ruled out because she has a paralyzed Rt vocal cord and was on a feeding tube for 3 months after the 2006 surgeries.  Her swallow reflex returned but sometimes she has trouble swallowing some things especially bread type foods.  They did a few tests to see if the 7-12 would be a good idea and they said it was far too risky for her.  The hope is now that the 5-7 will give her tone while the cross facial nerve graft will give her some movement.  In 9-12 months they will do a gracilis muscle flap transfer (muscle from her thigh to her face) and hook it up to the grafted nerve. 

One of the surgeons that was involved has used the 5-7 before with sucess.  We will know how it all works our in a year and a halp or so.

Good Luck with whatever surgery you go with!
Michelle

[MNTim]

Thanks Michelle.  I hope all is well with Chelsea and her recent surgery was successful.  I can't imagine how tough it must be to have our child experience this.

On 1/31/11 I had a translab and they performed the 7/12 at that time.  I am looking for outcomes from other members who have had the procedure.

Best of luck.
Tim

[MNTim]

Michelle,
I meant your child not "our" child!

I hope all is well.

Tim