*Sometimes we have to run through the rain drops to get to the rainbow *
Kerrie

To respond to the replies: My numbness has been for apprx. one month now! Its so bizarre, its hard to put into words how it feels. Every morning it seems a bit better but by days end, I realize that it is just as numb as the day before too! I do think that I am making some progress, but at times I think I am just getting more and more used the discomfort!

I have just recently gotten the horrible metallic taste too...I didnt have it before!

Reading others stories and realizing I am not alone in this, has been extrememly helpful. I do think it will get better and my attitude has improved so much!

My favorite saying has always been "this too shall pass"...Im praying for all of us that this time I am right!!!

Thanks,
Beth

Just an update...been having a rough time lately with the numbness again. It did seem to be better (and is definately better than the first month), but now is at a stand still once again. I definately can go for almost a whole day without thinking about it some days now...but, than I seem to go downhill for several days following! It is going on three months now and my dentist has recommended me to an oral surgeon now for possible surgery! I have basically told him that I will wait a few more months. If I knew for sure it would NEVER go away, I would opt for the surgery in a heartbeat! I would hate to go through that if I am healing on my own slowly anyway! Any opinions out there concerning surgery would be appreciated! I have heard there is no guarantee even with the surgery so yes I am skeptical!

Food is still a challenge (although I cant say I am NOT eating because of it..lol), and tastes very strange most of the time. If I chew on the other side...its better!

I still have hope, and do see an improvement...this site has helped me some every day! Thanks to all of you for sharing you success...it continues to give me hope!

Congrats to T for making a big step with her meds! Im praying for you hon!

Sam: It sounds like you have something else going on and should continue to do research on your situation...If you did NOT get any novacaine or dental work done prior to your numbness, you have every reason to be worried. I am sure that my discomfort is from a shot that I remember (too well) exactly when it was given to me...good luck on your quest, its scary enough KNOWING how we got to feel this pain/discomfort....I cant imagine not knowing the reason for it!

Take care everyone,
Beth

That must be scary! Im sorry to say that I dont have any helpful infor for you! All of us have numbness from known dental work!! I sure hope you are ok, please keep us posted and try to think positive. I will say a prayer for you!

Maybe check out some other health related websites to see if anyone else knows what this could be a symptom of!

Good luck and best wishes,
Beth

Just having a bad week with my mouth and needed to vent to someone that understands...!! On the positive side, my tongue has definately improved....over time! But...I still have bad days/weeks and sometimes doubt that I will ever be normal again. For the past few nights I have had this constant feeling of something (a hair??) being stuck on my tongue right in the numb/irritated area...I know this sounds crazy...but that is the only way I can explain the feeling. Of course, there is nothing there...its just an annoying feeling. Some days I can honestly say that I don't notice the feeling anymore as a whole...but some days/weeks...it almost seems worse. I have gotten used to this feeling of tightness, bad metallic taste and itching but still get very discouraged at times!!

I know that I am luckier than a lot of people on this board and feel bad for complaining...I just needed to vent to people that understand...my husband is soo tired of hearing it and I dont even think he believes me sometimes!

Oh well...I am hoping it will continue to get better!
Thanks for listening everyone, and I am wishing you all a speedy recovery!
Beth

This is the place to share how you are doing. I don't take it as complaining. We all need a place to vent our concerns and frustrations as we learn to deal with our injuries.

I'm glad you are seeing improvement. I remember reading anothers posting about the feeling of a hair stuck on the tongue. I never had that feeling, but I can imagine how annoying that could be. I get (not as much anymore) a strange sensation on my cheek where it feels like part of my face is not attached. It feel like it is moving or floating off my face. It is hard to explain this feeling too.

I don't think people understand all the strange sensations we try to explain because they are just soooooo strange. I can't understand them myself and I feel them. It is all so messed up. It is good to know we have each other to share and understand each other.

I was told I probably wouldn't get better because I didn't heal fast enough, but I have improved so much that I have gotten off my meds. It does get better. It took my over two years to get here, but every month there was improvement. Hang in there and you too will see improvements.

Try to remember that all these whacked out sensations are good signs your nerve is trying to heal. Thinking this way helped me cope with my injury. I found that people want to understand, but after awhile they tire of hearing of it. I started to journal alot of my feelings and that helped me cope. It has been one of the most difficult things I've dealt with in my life, but I've survivied it.

Hang in there and keep sharing your frustrations and concerns. By you sharing your story it helps me deal with my injury.

"T"

It has now been 6 loooong months for me! I am sooo thrilled to report that my recovery is now at around 99%!! I just basically woke up one morning with the numbness mostly gone!! I feel so much better. I still have a metallic taste and a spot on my tongue that feels different but it is a great feeling to be basically back to normal now!

I am hoping you all take comfort in the fact that I did indeed heal when I honestly thought I was going to live my life miserable with this! It consumes your life and makes you miserable every moment, but slowly does get better! Believe me...If I can get better so can you all!

God bless and take care,
Beth

Sorry to hear of your lingual nerve damage. I have the same thing... caused by an injection of articaine for a root canal. I'm now 14 months into the nightmare... and it is somewhat better, I'd say about 30 - 40%, somedays better than others. The first seven months were hell... didn't know if I'd live or die, but the symptoms began to soften after the 7 month mark. Be sure to take Vit.B complex and B12, lecithin and fish oil to give you the nutrients needed for nerve repair. If you're lucky, you'll resolve within three months, but many do not. Some cases are permanent, some get better slowly (like mine so far). Try acupuncture but make sure the points used are in and under your tongue, not just on the arms, legs, hands, face, or ears. I'm about to purchase a specialized electromagnetic frequency device that is said to help heal damaged nerves. I'll let all know how it works out. The cost isn't prohibitive... about $770. Be strong, we all know what you are going through, and it is hell to put it mildly.

Bob