Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 3/27/2008

Question
HELLO DR. CONNER...ON 1/21/08 I HAD A LINEAR TONGUE BIOPSY, ABOUT 1 INCH IN LENGTH TO RULE OUT PATHOLOGY.  THE BIOPSY TURNED OUT OK, HOWEVER, AS OF THIS DATE I AM LEFT WITH A PULLING SENSATION AND DISCOMFORT ALONG THE BIOPSY SITE.  THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE THE FEELING IS LIKE NOVACAIN EARING OFF.  MY ORAL SURGEON IS NOT CONCERNED, AND FEELS THAT I CAN EXPECT ABOUT 6MONTHS FOR THE AREA TO HEAL.  A 2ND ORAL SURGEON GAVE ME STEROID MOUTHWAS TO NO AVAIL, AND NOW ELAVIL TO DEAL WITH NEURALGIA.  SO FAR, NO CHANGE.  THERE SEEMS TO BE WHITE SCAR TISSUE FORMED ALONG THE INCISION SITE.  I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF ENZYMES SUCH AS VITALZYME X, NEPRINOL, OR NATICOR MIGHT BE HELPFUL, AS THEY SEEM TO DEAL WITH DISSOLVING FIBRIN AND SCAR TISSUE.  IF THEY ARE A GOOD WAYTO GO, IS ANY ONE OF THEM BETTER?  I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR OPINION, AS MOST OF THE SO-CALLED EXPERTS QUICKLY DISCOUNT MY QUESTIONS REGARDING SUPPLEMENTATION, AND THIS NUMB-LIKE SENSATION ON THE SIDE OF MY TONGUE IS AFFECTING MY QUALITY OF LIFE.  THANK YOU  FESTCLASS@AOL.COM

Answer
Hello Jay
Thanks for writing. I am not familiar with those brands of enzymes, so I can't say whether one or another would be more helpful.  In general, for post surgical healing, I recommend either pancreatin or bromelain (pineapple enzyme).  It does need to be an adequate amount, several times a day, away from food, for 4-6 weeks to see a significant effect.  Also, you would want to consider zinc and vitamin C with bioflavonoids to help with healing, and possibly vitamins E and A (or a good quality multivitamin/mineral).  Making sure you get a whole foods based diet with adequate protein and fluids is crucial, too.  Finally, you might want to look at homeopathics to stimulate your healing ability.  Arnica is good for any post surgery or trauma; hypericum is specific for nerve rich areas, like the tongue, so might be an even better choice.  With a homeopathic 12 C dosage, you would take it several times a day.  
I hope that helps.  If you can, you might want to see an ND in person for more specific recommendations.  (www.naturopathic.org)
Good luck!
Dr Conner