Tip of tongue totally numb after surgery - any experiences? Really worried 😟

[Gensola]

I had my tonsils out yesterday and expected the pain in throat and swallowing etc as was informed about it before hand. Unexpected and very uncomfortable is the fact that the front 1/4 of my tongue is completely numb. It feels horrible in my mouth and I can’t feel any sensation on it at all (a bit like the dentist, so can’t feel if I’m biting it or heat etc). I’ve googled but there seems to be no consensus. Panicking as I am a teacher and it’s a struggle to talk properly. It is almost 24 hours since surgery now and it hasn’t improved at all.
Has anyone had this? I will contact my surgeon tomorrow too, but it’s making it hard to sleep 😟

The hypoglossal nerve is the one responsible for the tip of your tongue. As far as I can see from google it's super super rare for it to be damaged during tonsillectomy. The nerve for the back of the tongue is far more likely.

It sounds horrible and disconcerting for you but hopefully it's something like an area/nerve was pressed on hard during the op and it will take time for sensation to return. I had a nerve accidentally injected into at the dentist once - agony. It left my face weordly numb but painful for weeks but did gradually return to normal. I was so nervous I was stuck like it.

Thanks @Rodion it’s really kind of you to reply - hopefully you’re right. It does seem unusual from what I have panic googled myself 🙈

I had similar after surgery and it was determined it was due to the pressure of the tube that was inserted to help me breathe when under general anaesthetic.. About a third of my tongue was numb along one side.. I found it difficult to talk and eat and was very worried but it did resolve after a week or two. It’s very unusual apparently but have had no long term effects so hopefully it’s the same for you!

It is probably due to the instrument used to hold your mouth open. There is a metal bar that presses on your tongue. I work in theatres. Also had my tonsils out a few years ago. I don't remember having a numb tongue but the pain was bad. Remember to take your painkillers regularly.

@DaveMinion thanks so much - do you think they’ve just pressed too hard with the bar? Hopefully it will settle 🙈 I’ve had GA before but never a numb tongue.
pain from tonsil area is insane, much worse than major abdominal surgery!

How are you feeling today? Did you manage to speak to the surgeon?

I spoke to him and he said it’s probably from the clamp they use to hold your tongue down or the tube pressing on my tongue too hard and it is rare but it should go away on its own. He said it could take days or weeks. So I just have to wait it out! I will need more time off work if it doesn’t resolve by the end of my current 2 week sick note as there’s no way I could teach a class like this. It hasn’t changed at all, still just totally numb and weird. Thanks for checking in on me, that’s really kind of you!

i had the same
bruised, painful , presumably after the airway tube

I don't think anyone would have surgery if they knew what some instruments looked like lol. The tonsil mouth gag is quite barbaric looking all hooked up.

Glad the surgeon was able to answer you.

Ps u haven't had major surgery but have a spinal issue and chronic migraines. Also had kidney stones. Those weeks post tonsillectomy were the worst.

Hi op not sure if you’re around but did this ever resolve itself? I’m experiencing g the exact same thing after surgery yesterday and am freaking out I’ve got permanent nerve damage 🤦‍♀️