Good morning Suu,
I had this surgery done about 13 weeks ago today after translab surgery the Thurs. before. I do have an incision in front of my ear that extended down my throat past my jawline a few inches. It has healed well and is hardly noticeable now.. of course my hair is almost shoulder length and so that helps hide incision..
It has not hindered my ability to talk,, much to husband's chagrin..
,, however, it has changed my eating/chewing ability.. but on the up side,, I have lost almost 20 lbs since surgery.. as with everyone's experiences,, you may not experience all of this..... my tongue does not "work" the same,, I was told this of course.. I only chew on one side and swallow on that side.. I eat MUCH more slowly than I did and only half as much. I have to chew small amounts and chew it up very well as not to choke when swallowing. I did have some swallowing issues before surgery though,, so may not happen to all the same way.. Have alot of soup handy as that is all I could eat for several weeks,, that and frozen yougart or ice cream. You probably won't want to chew anything for awhile.. It is not only awkward to do, it hurts at first. I still don't eat much meat that you have to chew,, lots of fish and some ground beef... you NEED to eat though for strength,, you will find some things that you can maneuver in your mouth though....
The side of my face is numb all the way back to and including ear as I had the translab surgery.. I am getting feeling and SOME movement in face already. Sometimes when I have talked alot, my face will feel tired and sore, and I really think I have more pain, although not really severe,, with the graft surgery than the AN surgery.. not to scare you in any way, just the truth.
Like I said, all these things may not happen for you,, this is just what I have gone through. I also have a weight in my eyelid and so my eyes don't focus really well yet,, but getting better also.
Hope this helps, don't be too overly concerned with this surgery.. not at all as bad as the AN surgery. I had mine done before I left hospital,, so not much time to "think" about it.... Good luck ,, you will do fine afterward.. it just takes some getting used to having only one side of tongue working.. We will be thinking of you and wish you well.. Jane
