This is my first time posting on this site as up to yesterday afternoon I thought I was perfectly fine. It was good Friday and I was at home working and, naturally not having someone standing over me, I took a nap. When I arose, I was met with a stiff jaw (which is understandable given I've had some pretty major dental work done recently) and, more worryingly I didn't have any sensation (or thought I didn't) when I swallowed on the right side. I could swallow alright - and taste the water - but my feeling was shallow on the right side. I was on my way to meet a friend - but texted him to say I was suddenly feeling unwell - having got out of the tube a stop early. I went to the hospital - and they were very nice and saw me very quickly. (I think they thought I was having a stroke - I knew I wasn't.) Everything checked out apart from the above and they gave me a letter to give to my GP on Tuesday, encouraging an urgent MRI of the brain and glossopharyneal canal.

I left content ... but then I got on the internet and ... well, started ... to panic from what I read. I ended up not going to sleep because I thought if I did I might wake up with a tad more impairment. Silly, I know ... but, hey, that's me, I suppose.

My question is: Does the lack of a gag reflex on one side (in my case it says on the left) is not responsive - can you tell me does that ALWAYS mean there is some brain damage/disorder? Is it possible it can be a temporary thing, like sleeping on your arm and cutting off its circulation?

It seems expiring (or certainly perspiring) minds need to know. I cannot thank you enough for your kind advice. It is hugely appreciated.

Hi ~ Has the feeling come back yet? Or does it still feel the same? I'm just wondering if you slept "funny" or if this is something related to the dental work, or what?

If it STILL feels weird, I'd certainly get in touch with my doctor for further studies. If things feel normal, it was probably something related to the dental work -- such as the "numbing" medication they used. But keep an eye on things, for sure.

Keep us posted on what happens, ok? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

Welcome to NT!

Be careful when poking about the internet for medical answers I ended up convinced I had 6 different terminal diseases.
I'm glad you've got an appointment right away. I'm sure this will ease your mind. The tests they ordered are just to rule out anything sinister. Like Leesa said, since you recently had dental done, chances are all suspicions would point to that.

Try to enjoy this Easter weekend without being consumed with worries. Easier said than done, I know. I tend to 'think' too much on medical issues until a med professional sets me straight. I understand how you feel.

Caring,
Rae

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I hope you can find some information. You for sure will find support. Please see your doctor. If I were having such symptoms, I wouldn't panick or anything, but I would call first thing this week. I hope you are OK. Let us know what happens. Welcome again to NT. Ginnie

Thanks so for your kind advice. As suggested - and I'm trying to remain calm - (not doing well I fear). Took myself to the theatre last night. It was LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT with Laurie Anderson who was supreme. I wandered about before and felt strangely outer-worldly. It was as if part of me have already left this earth.

That said I can report that I can make myself gag on both sides now. Thank heavens for the two fingered salute. (Or am I just fooling myself. I have actually done it nine or ten times - just to make sure that it is not some kind of illusion. It's way back there, huh.) Sometimes, of course, I think I can feel on both sides of the throat (especially after I gag the water test goes down a treat.)

Part of me thinks the reason I didn't respond in the A&E on Good (?) Friday afternoon was because there was no saliva. I am still having extreme dry mouth; EXTREME. I woke up this morning and my mouth feels like a desert with no oasis in sight. I willing to believe this is due to panic. I am very much prone.

I know this sounds absolutely silly but I sat on the bus last night wondering if I would ever see Big Ben again. I have been trying to keep myself busy, with no other option for dental/medical intervention. 'What have I been doing?' you kindly ask. Oh, well, let's see. I've been collecting information for my will and writing notes of good-bye to send in preparation to send by email at the appropriate juncture. Have been viciously cleaning my flat - (now that IS extreme) - so that it will be ready for the friend to whom I will gift the leasehold. All in an attempt - my brain thinks - to remain reasonably pro-active. All has been alone - short of the theatre.

I did try NHS direct (the phone line ... free the government says ... at only 5p per minute.) I spoke to one nurse practitioner. She was actually most kind. She was concerned that I was suicidal. (I am. I have planned how I will end it all - praying that I can just have the great good fortune to put everything in order. A blessing that is I tell myself. Find a nice spot and swim out to oblivion say I. (And can you believe I don't drink - well alcohol AT ALL - or even take drugs short of those the blue jackets recommend.)

She said I should get to see a dentist to put my mind at rest. I did as I was told. I have never had bleeding gums before but I have one tooth now that the gum is all red, raw and swollen. That much is true. I did finally find a dentist to go to yesterday. Just down from old Sherlock's abode. (on the holiday weekend) but couldn't go through with it. I fundamentally chickened out. (Question: why is it a chicken.) The woman before me came out and flashed her eyes to the ceiling. Simultaneously I was called in. The dentist reminded me more than anything of that mad doctor Peter Sellars played in The Wrong Box and the dental assistant wore opaque glasses with a taupe hew. There were two other young women in the corner who seemed in no rush to go anywhere. There was a table of open instruments. Putting on his plastic gloves and enveloping into his all too small swivel chair, he told me to sit down. I told him I suddenly felt I had to leave. I closed the door and said (to myself) 'Id rather die.' I turned to thank the receptionist. She did after all say: 'Here. Fill this out.' No response. No cash; no smile? Above her head was a sign: 'Don't assault the staff'.

Question is: Should I believe my own bilateral gag test -- done it at least 11 times just to prove it was real. (Real? What's real? ... I know, I know ... a discussion for another board.

Won't dribble on any more than I already have. (Another idle pursuit you are probably thinking from another nutter.)

True; true. Bless you for being there .... It does, I promise, make a difference.

I realise now that I do have this dreaded disease - I have seen it before - My father died from it and so did a cherished dog I had as a child. I now have a lump on my throat and a chain of flesh inside my mouth building up and awaiting its pray. I have had slight palsy in my arms - but I am fine. I am in a good mood - and have had an extraordinary life; truly ... and given the chance would happily live it again. Can't say better than that, huh.

I have that appointment with my GP today - before the onslaught - but will not fight this - I will wish to be remembered for what the NY Times called my 'seemingly boundless engergy' as a 'theatrical missionary'.

I thank you so for listening.