eating with facial paralysis

[Karen]

How many of you with facial paralysis have trouble eating a sandwch?  I have numbness also and have to eaither cut up the sandwich or flatten it to eat it.  Anybody got any sugggestions?  I would love to be able to pick up a hamburger and eat it the right way!  Also has anyone with facial numbness tried any medication for it?  Karen

[kippy6]

I don't know if I have facial paralysis or not (I can't open my mouth all the way, but haven't figured out if it's because I'm still sore or what). But I had my surgery a little over 3 weeks ago. Even though my smile is symmetrical, I cannot eat a sandwich or a banana because of my right side. I have to cut my sandwich into pieces in order to eat it. I have pain when trying to yawn or open my mouth enough to eat a sandwich.

[britbert]

Karen,

I still have a hard time eating.  Food still falls out of my mouth and sometimes when I drink, liquid spills out of my mouth (and I can't suck on a straw out of my left side).  Sometimes the people that I am with look at me.  Oh well.  I have some paralysis, but very little numbness.  No suggestions, just sympathy .

Kippy: Right after my surgery I was a mess--literally--when I ate.  It sounds like you are doing great.

Brittany

[Battyp]

I have facial numbness not paralysis as my face moves and has tone but find eating certain foods a problem.  I've resorted to eating a hamburger with a fork and sandwhichs I'll only eat at home as I can't tell where I'm biting.  I keep plenty of napkins, straws nearby and someone willing to tell me I have food on my face if I'm out in public.  Through trial and error I've learned what is easier to eat.  I have trouble with small crunchy foods (cereal, chips) and some consistencies (yogurt I can handle if it's the thick kind), Ice cream is a killer 

[amymeri]

I have facial paralysis AND numbness and eating has lost all pleasure for me.  Initially, I couldn't eat anything like sandwiches and hamburgers because I couldn't tell how hard I was biting or on what, so I ended up biting my lip to bloody shreds.  I am better now and can eat a burger or sandwhich but it isn't pretty as I often get food on my face and can't feel it.  The lack of sensation makes it hard to chew or locate food on that side and my decreased tongue dexterity can make it hard to move food and easier to choke.

As I heal my face and lips spasm a lot and then I can't move my lips or mouth...that's a challenge!

Having said that....4 months out my paralysis has eased a tiny bit and my eating skills have improved.  Much easier to eat bit sized bits, lots of napkins for burgers, I don't eat in public and carry straws around.  With some tone improvement, eating gets a bit easier.  There is no medication that will help.  The nerve just has to heal.  I was told 3-18 months.  I started healing VERY slowly last month at 3 mos post op and expect the healing will take more than a year before I can determine what I am left with.

Ohhhhhh, I would love to chew and taste and feel again!!!!

Amy

4 cm AN removed 4/13/06

[pattibobatti]

Hi everyone,

I always have alot of napkins around when I'm eating.
I was by myself at home yesterday and decided to eat my big sandwich like I used to.  I just ate it , food going everywhere.Not one napkin.
That was great!!!!!!
Sick, right?


Pattibobatti

[Gennysmom]

I agree with everyone....and I won't eat a salad in public, I make a huge mess.  I have to cut my sandwich in half and it has to be thin....I have not been able to figure a better way to do it, so if anyone else does....I'm keeping my eye on this.  My problem is that putting a sandwich in pushes either my upper or lower right lip to get in just enough for me to bite it if I'm not careful.  Same with pizza.  Some of the eating joy has left me too, but I still do it...I keep hoping that the next thing I try will be better. 

[Jeanlea]

I also have facial paralysis and numbness.  I keep napkins close by, especially when I eat in public.  Ice cream turns me into a terrible mess.  Doesn't stop me from eating it though.  lol  It's eat one bite and wipe.  I began eating hamburgers and other sandwiches two to three weeks after surgery.  In the beginning I would bite my lip so hard it was bloody, but after awhile I learned to adapt.  I try to take small bites and imagine where my teeth should be.  At this point even though I can't feel the food, I just know it's there on my face and so I wipe it away with my napkin.  For liquids I hold the corner of my mouth up so I don't need a straw.  Always need two hands to drink; one to hold the cup and one to hold up my lip.  Sure would be nice if this would improve.  It's been almost a year now.  Not sure how much more improvement I'll see beyond the slight movement I have now.

Jean

[tony]

Its definately an issue for sure
Two tips though
1) I always eat with a tissue/napkin at arms length
2) my mouth opens better one side than the other - so I tend not to
centre the food but put it to the better side
- Oh and 3) Dont bother much with Spagetti ! - its near impossible
Stick to Pasta is my advice !
Best regards