Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/8/2008

Question
On thursday 6th nov i had a thermal ablation ive woke up to find my tonge very sore on both top and bottom as if id bitten it but when ive looked in a mirror later ive found bruising to my nose and round my jaw area my tonge is still numb at the front and ive had bits of skin come away which has left those areas sore what happened to me i would be grateful of any advice thanx

Answer
Hi Susan
Patients having this procedure often have a special airway inserted into their mouths during the anaesthetic. This is often what is called a laryngeal mask but there are other alternatives used. This sits at the back of your tongue and may have put pressure on this area. I believe that the numbness could be due to this pressure. I am uncertain why you should have bruising around your nose. If it is still obvious take a photo of it and keep it so you can show people what it looked like.
I would recommend asking to see the anaesthetist who looked after you just to chat through the problems you had and so they know what happened.
I am sure it will all settle down quite quickly, however it is not a pleasant experience.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson