10 replies to this topic

[Drew]

Has anyone ever had or still has numbness in their face as a result of scleroderma?

It's been with me for 8 months now. Will it ever go away?

[Jeannie McClelland]

Hi Drew,

Welcome to the Forum!

You don't say whether or not you have skin tightening on your face in the area where you are experiencing the numbness. If that's the case, I'm guessing (bear in mind I'm not a doctor and am not even currently certified in First Aid/CPR) that if/when the skin softens in that area, the numbness would ease off too. Are you sure it is due to scleroderma? There are a lot of things that can cause numbness in areas on the face. It might be worth investigating further.

I hope we'll see you around the Forum often, it's always nice to see another new member from Australia.

Best wishes,

[Sweet]

Hi Drew!

Just wanted to add my warm welcome. I'm unsure as to the answer for your question, sorry.

[debonair susie]

Hi Drew,

It's nice to meet you! So glad you have joined us in order to gain information, empower yourself, as well as become your own advocate.

I have a numbness on the right side of my face, due to the preparation for a dental procedure, not as a result of Scleroderma.

I am guessing that the dentist inadvertently injected novacaine into a facial nerve that he intended for the area he was going to work on in my mouth. This particular numbness has never gone away and that was 10 years ago.

In your case, however, I'm unable to tell you the reason for its origin. Your doctor may be able to answer your question or refer you to someone, should it be in a troublesome location of your face.

At any rate, please keep us posted?

[Shelley Ensz]

Hi Drew,

Welcome to Sclero Forums! I'm very glad you joined and hope we get to know you better, too.

What does your scleroderma expert say about your facial numbness? Do they attribute it to skin tightening, TMJ, a stroke, (etc.)?

Here are some welcoming hugs for you.

[Joelf]

Hi Drew,

Welcome to these friendly and helpful forums!

Sorry to hear that you're experiencing numbness in your face; it must be very distressing. Like Jeannie, I'm not a doctor either although I do have a current first aid certificate (that's really more use for things like broken legs and heart attacks though!! ) so I can't really advise you about the reason for the numbness in your face. I've included a link here for you on Facial Involvement which I hope will be interesting to you.

In view of the fact that the numbness has persisted for such a long time I think it would be worth discussing it with your doctor/rheumatologist to see if he can suggest anything to alleviate the problem.

Do keep posting and let us get to know you.

[Amanda Thorpe]

Hello Drew

Welcome to the forums! Can't help with the facial numbness but wanted to give you a welcome and hope that you post often.

Take care.

[Drew]

Hi Jeannie. Thanks for your reply. I have no skin tightening at all. The numbness started before my digital ulcers . My doctor (rheumatologist) says he has had one patient with this before.My tongue and teeth are numb as well. Makes shaving, brushing teeth and eating hard as well.He has me on prednisone as a trial,but its not helping at all with either the numbness or joint pain. Look forward to hearing back from you , cheers ..

[Jeannie McClelland]

Hi Drew,

I can just bet shaving, brushing your teeth and eating are difficult with the numbness. When ever I have had novacaine at the dentist, I usually manage to chew the inside of my cheeks to ribbons before it wears off.

Has anybody suggested you have a neurological consult? Sounds like something might be going on with a nerve or two. It might be worth asking your doctor about.

I hope you're having a mild winter and keeping well otherwise.

Cheery Bye!

[debonair susie]

Hi Drew,

I'm in agreement with Jeannie, in that a visit with a neurologist might be something you may want to consider.

As I mentioned earlier, I can truly empathize with your circumstances.

Please keep us posted!

[Sweet]

Hi Drew!

Let me add my warm welcome to you!