Chiari surgery 8/31/11. Mouth pain question

[Magnoliagrl07]

I had Chiari Decompression surgery with C1 and partial C2 laminectomy on Aug 31, 2011.  Migraines, which I now know were actually typical Chiari headaches, for 43 years (since I was 3 yrs old), and severe spine and neck pain led up to surgery.  

Immediately after surgery, pressure has been almost gone, and I have felt great.  Recovery in hospital and at home has also went very well, with pain, yes, but well controlled with medications sent home with me.  

One new symptom that has developed since surgery is intense tongue and mouth burning pain.  My tongue feels like I have eaten something very hot, yet I haven't.  No matter what I eat or drink, it is very painful when the food or beverage touches my tongue.  Also, water has a very metallic taste, and I have a significantly decreased sense of taste (other than pain).  For example, I love pickles and when I eat one it doesn't taste like one.  If I didn't know what I was eating or drinking I wouldn't be able to tell from taste alone.  

Is this normal?  Extremely abnormal?  I am not running a fever, have only minimal discomfort at incision site and on both sides of head.  Muscles in neck are of course very sore, bu not unbearable.  

I am allergic to most oral antibiotics, but I was given an IV antibiotic right before and after surgery, as well as IV steroids (which incidentally caused a very painful reaction in my private area when the meds were pushed, last only seconds but extremely painful), and IV and oral pain meds.  No nausea or vomiting, at all.  Extreme dry mouth right after surgery and for several days afterward.  

If anyone has any tips or suggestions on what is causing my mouth and tongue pain, I would appreciate any advise.  I do not have any white patches or white discolorations on my tongue or in my mouth, however even running my tongue across my teeth gently causes severe pain.  I can't imagine what this might be.  I have not called my doctor, and my follow up appt is Thursday, Sept 15th.  

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Karen

[linnielou232]

I have had this issue also and no dr has been able to explain it.  I have researched this and also someone on this forum mentioned it could be med, also it could be nerve damage due to your chairi.  This might sound funny but this was a question in the paper one evening the same feeling's we have.  The response was toothpaste.  I have changed brand's even though I alway's used the same.  I don't have the issue with the tongue as much any more.  Try changing your toothpaste.  Hope this helps.

[selmaS]

  No worries...do post an update and let us know what the Dr says it is!

    "selma"

[Magnoliagrl07]

Thanks Selma.  I had thought of that, but since it has not acted the usual way, I have dismissed it as thrush.  I will definately call my doctor.  

And since I am only a little over a week post-op, I am sure I will have many more questions and issues come up.  This forum is a really great source of information, and one I plan to use frequently.  :-)

Thanks Again,

Magnoliagrl07

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

  Sounds like u may have thrush, it is something that can happen post op...it is the result of being intubated and getting a scratch either when they put the tube in or taking it out...infection sets in.....

Tongues can swell , get all white and pasty too, but it is not necessary....I would call the Dr and let him know in case he would want to get u in sooner.
Even if it is not thrush, it may be a reaction to a med u r on.

Certain meds will give u that metallic taste.

  I had the very dry mouth after a surgery on my ankle and it was thrush...I did not have the white patches .....

  Call ur Dr.

   "selma"