My contribution to your poll
,, my facial nerve was also severed.
1) my graft was done 4 days after AN surgery. Mine was done in 2011 and even though Dr said at 3 yrs I would see about all the results I was going to get,, I too still see small changes at almost 4 yrs.
2) I would say very small twinges at 3-4 mo. And actual small movement at 6 mo. Dr. Had told me it would be 12-18 mo. Before I would see "what you will get" from graft. Needless to say, changes are still coming at 3+ yrs.
3) same as Smedina,,, 1/2 of tongue is atrophied but not numb as it hurts when I bite it accidentally
,,, don't eat on that side of mouth as tongue does not "clear" the food sufficiently,,,I had some swallowing and choking issues at first which have gotten better but I still eat very slowly and intentionally.
4) I do use my tongue for movement; however, it becomes an automatic reflex not intentionally,, if that makes sense. I don't think about putting your tongue in a certain area of my mouth to smile or speak. I have good tone on that side and movement looks symmetrical except smile is not full.
Last two don't apply.
I hope this helps you,,
Jane
