Has anyone dealt with severe trismus after salivary gland cancer surgery?

Trismus can be a challenging side effect following surgery in the head and neck area, and it's completely understandable to reach out for support from others who may have experienced similar difficulties. Many community members have found that working with speech therapists or occupational therapists who specialize in head and neck issues can be helpful, and there are often specific exercises and techniques that may provide some relief over time.

Hi Vicki, Yes! I also have severe trismus. For my last surgery, they had to force it open to do their work! Now, I'm getting a device that I will use several times a day, to stretch it. I can't eat. I have a feeding tube for all my nutrition. There are specialists and devices for trismus. Your surgeon should inform you on the options. I wish I had known sooner... Best of luck to you, Barbara

I have had speech therapy and physical therapy. I’m on my third session of physical therapy. I also use a therabite device to try and stretch my mouth. I was doing better until I developed an infection after a second surgery. I’m now back to square one with my trismus.

Hi Vicki, I had trismus after surgery. My doctor gave me a big stack of tongue depressors and told me to stack as many as I could in my mouth several times throughout the day. Slowly I was able to add another one to the stack. It’s now been a little over 6 months post surgery and my trismus is resolved. When I was going through it I never thought it would get resolved but it has…keep the faith and be consistent with stretching exercises

Hi Karen, I am so happy to hear of someone who beat Trismus!! I am getting an Ora-Stretch device; hope it helps me. That's so amazing that you overcame it, with a lot of work on your part. I was told I will have to actively stretch regularly for the rest of my life! Maybe, maybe not! Thank you for sharing. It gives me hope, of which I am running very low. Good luck on your journey. We all deserve a Happy New Year!