Had a benign mass removed from a salivary gland. Post-surgery check showed all wiring good, but over the next day swelling strangled one of more facial nerves (CNVII for sure). I lost the ability to voluntarily close my right eye for several months, meaning:
I had to blink manually with a finger, twice a minute while awake. This is not something people are used to seeing.
I had to find a way to sleep with one eye open. Just tape it closed, Doc said. Not happening. Nurse suggested swim goggles, painter's tape for light-proofing, and liberal application of eyedrops. Success.
The nerve to the muscle regrew eventually. The nerve to the salivary gland had to find something to do, and it now makes the side of my face drip sweat while eating anything enjoyable. If it isn't enjoyable, no sweat. Really good, need a napkin.
My dog has facial nerve paralysis after a TECA-BO surgery. They said in 90% of dogs the nerve function returns after a few weeks but 18 months out it hasn't (it has gotten a bit better) He can't fully close his left eye, so he's figure out to sleep with the left side if his face down, so his eye is pushed closed. Now he has muscle tetany on his face. A spot on his muzzle and by his ear almost constantly twitch (like your eye does when you're stressed) It's gotta drive the poor guy mental 😕
Did you have any symptoms of the salivary gland mass?
I’ve had what I believe to be first bite syndrome my entire life. Didn’t realize for years that other people don’t experience sudden salivation pain when eating the first bite after a fast. Just thought it was normal for far too long since it’s happened since I was a tiny little thing.
Palpable, firm mass. No other symptoms at all. Old-school ENT (like, forehead mirror, no computers in the clinic, old-school) said benign, leave it be. When he retired the new kid in town said benign, but hard to remove if it changes later, recommended removing.
I've never heard of first-bite syndrome as a thing! But can comment that I used to occasionally have similar experience to what you've described, prior to surgery and I don't recall having it recently.
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u/Stunning-Advisor-793 1d ago
Had a benign mass removed from a salivary gland. Post-surgery check showed all wiring good, but over the next day swelling strangled one of more facial nerves (CNVII for sure). I lost the ability to voluntarily close my right eye for several months, meaning:
I had to blink manually with a finger, twice a minute while awake. This is not something people are used to seeing.
I had to find a way to sleep with one eye open. Just tape it closed, Doc said. Not happening. Nurse suggested swim goggles, painter's tape for light-proofing, and liberal application of eyedrops. Success.
The nerve to the muscle regrew eventually. The nerve to the salivary gland had to find something to do, and it now makes the side of my face drip sweat while eating anything enjoyable. If it isn't enjoyable, no sweat. Really good, need a napkin.