I was wondering how much post op. pain is associated with Radical neck dissection. So anyone that could give me a ballpark 1-10 would be appreciated greatly.

Thanking you shawn U.

I was wondering if anyone could give me perspective on post op. pain from Radical neck dissection. perhaps a 1-10 type deal. And I think we all know the drill on that 1-10 scale. So thank you in advance for any information on this matter. As I have surgery on the 11th of this month.

Kris rates it a 1/10. He required no pain relief.
Probably because the nerves are cut and you are numb.
You will be fine.
Tammy

Mine was a selective neck dissection, but I am a wimp on pain. After the first day or so, the actual incision did not hurt too bad. The throat was miserable, probably because of the tube during anesthesia, and now, two weeks out, all my right-side muscles ache from tension holding up my neck and sleeping propped up and all. The swelling is better but still miserable. Some nerve issues. Eating is okay, but only if I can get the bites tiny enough for my mouth which won't open wide now.

Hope that helps a bit.

Thats a tough one! Everyone handles pain a little differently. If you hurt, ask for pain meds. If they give you pain meds and you still hurt, speak up and ask for something stronger to take away the pain. Do not suffer silently, it does not help the patient one bit to be in pain.

Since everyone is different, your question could also depend on exactly what was done. How many nodes were taken and if any nerves were affected all will play a part in how much you are hurting.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Good luck!!!

I took oxycodone for a week, but had no major pain. I would say a 4 or less, but some days were better than others depending how I slept. It couldn't be that bad since I can't remember much pain. On the way home the day after surgery, I did pick up a BigMac meal, and did vomit, probably from the oxy. I sleep on an incline bed, which helps me. Good luck.

I agree minimal pain... I slate it at a 1.

Thank you Kristin and Christine, It makes sense that we all have different pain levels and procedures that cause said pain.

Again thank you for your time, Shawn U.

Well I had my surgery and stayed two nights in the hospital. I have Kaiser coverage.(severely lacking in communications from nurse to nurse and from nurse to doctor.) That being said They were very nice and had no problems getting enough pain meds from the Doctors. They took my left tonsil, and there in lays the main pain. But im all covered for pain meds. Right now the worst part I am dealing with is that when I swallow it feels like the water is going down the wrong pipe and I choke. But I guess its really just the feeling of chocking and have found that if I just jump in with both feet and chug a few big swallows. I only get the choking feeling on the last swallow. So CHUG , CHUG , CHUG... Eating is a bit harder and am on a full liquid diet with the exception of things like eggs and mac n cheese. Drainage is of concern as well. They color of the drainage has gone from watery red to a little thicker amber White color. But the smell is fine. No smell =s no infection I hope. Thank all of you for your input, It made me more comfortable going in. So any replies from this post concerning the drainage(or whatever) would be great.

So glad you're doing okay. Thicker is okay it may be drying up...