Post ND. Treated area is hard like a stone. If you put your finger and pressed it against you forehead. That is how much give there is in the left side of my neck. Is this normal? Please advise. I am worried as I have trimus from the operation as well. Thank you in advance. shawnU

Yes likely from lymphadema, very normal, they've removed nodes that usually carry lymph fluid. So it's trapped because the pathways no longer exist. Normally I would suggest lymphatic massage but in your case that's a no. Not with failed margins and further treatment pending. I would wait until after treatment is finished you've and gotten a clear scan before attempting any kind of massage. (This gets the fluid moving and if there's cancer present that's a bad scenario) just know that its normal. Now if the area becomes Hot and red, then I would be concerned about infection. Hugs and best of luck. I would ask just to be on the safe side, the next time you see one of the specialists.

thank you for the info Cheryld. I have been massaging the area myself. AHHH! Hope I didn't spread anything around.

I think light massage is okay. Having it done by a professional might actually get things moving. That's something I would wait for.

It's really normal. After my dissection, there was of course the loss of feeling (permanent), and when I touched it, it felt like I was touching an old leather saddle. I can sense a bit there now when it is touched many years later, but it still feels hard and alien� but it's the "new me" what can you do? Something will never go back to the way they were. There are work arounds for some things, and they are worth trying-other things it is a matter of acceptance.

since I started this thread my fibrosis has spread to the middle of my chest leftward to my shoulder and down my upper arm. up the back of my neck where it is met by lymph fluid that goes up to the base of my scull. and the lymph is now filling available space on the other side of my head( right side ).I am also noticing some numbness in my left forearm down to my finger tips. itching of the swollen areas is becoming noticeable. and swallowing is now causing a vacuum effect that is causing my ear pain to become worse. the skin in the fibrosis areas is becoming shiny and thin. (like it is stretched to the limit). I have no fever and areas are not warmer than others. as if this were not enough I am having pitting edema around my ankles along with excessive urination. I know that avoiding dehydration is important during the healing process. but I am here looking at a lot of empty water bottles. and I have been trying to eat the recommended 2500 calories to promote faster healing. But have noticed that my nose and eyes water during and for a little bit after eating. I know that this can be signs of lung aspiration. but I have not coughing fits. just have to clear my throat a lot. my blood pressure is normal. but I am going to the restroom every half hour. My pain meds are not doing the trick anymore so I have done a no no. I have increased pain regimin by 5mg oxycodone every 4 hours.( I emailed my prescribing doctor and let him know that I was doing this). so my ass is covered. The pressure in my left head and neck is becoming so intense. maybe is should just stop typing and slow down and relax and see it it gets better. shawn u.

You need to go to your doctor(s), and tell them everything, get blood work, and anything else needed to identify the causes, and may be able correct these conditions, The swollen ankles, frequent urination, can be a sign of the kidneys not functioning properly, but can be many other causes, I'm sure, like diabetes, whole body inflammatory disease, inactivity, water intoxication, not saying that's the case, but some happened to me, so it's best to see a doctor with your history, and something minor, can become major, not to scare you, but for you to see a professional.

You probably need more than 2500. It's based on your height, weight, BMI, activity, medical conditions and from recovery from surgery and treatment. It may be more like 3500, but I'm no doctor or nutritionist to figure yours out, and should ask them. Excessive protein can cause a hardship on the organs, especially the kidneys. Some advocate 1g for every pound you weigh, some say half your weight in protein. Water should be about half your body weight in liquid ounces, plus more depending on your height, the elevation where you live, weather, medical conditions. There are many water app calculators on line to figure it out, but it's easy on your own, advise from medical providers. Consumption should be 80% liquids by mouth, and 20% can be by food. Coffee is a diuretic, so they say for every cup of coffee, drink a glass of water.

Good luck Shawn

I'm going to ditto what paul said - you need to see your dr. it could be a number of things. but they are best suited to figure out what exactly. Because you are not a text book case by any means and you are on HIV drugs there could also be adverse reactions. hugs and keep us up to date.

thank you guys I saw my HIV doctor today.(the only one I could see on such short notice. He think that I am going to be ok vitals Good 117/68 pulse75 no fever. the edema in my legs must have been from sitting at this machine for hours trying not to bleed.LOL. Hey thought I was water logged. I was drinking so much cold water because I had read that it helped in constricting blood vessels. He had results from my last CBC and all orgains are in acceptable ranges. In fact my CD4 was up over 230 and my viral load is undetectable. Platelets are on the rise. still low but better. my hemoglobin has started to rebound from the bleed. One of my HIV meds, Ritonivir is a cyp??? inhibitor. basically it increases plasma levels of opiates by 3 fold. and half life is increased al well. So I was really out of it. Oh and my fasting blood glucose was 107 (withing normal range). and this test was done just a week ago. so he highly doubts blood sugar problems. upon listening to my lungs he concluded that if I was aspirating it was very little but probably me being a HYPO! Chest sounds were normal, and resting stomach nosie normal. He made sure that I had an appointment with PT and another meeting with speech/swallow. therapist. vacume effect had gone away by morning. So he took me off the pain patch and gave me as needing IR oxycodone. And if I felt that I needed to go over what he had written just to drop him an email. So I was altered by opiates in high concentrations. I feel a bit like a heal. But he thought that I needed to address the real problems soon and I am. so thank you so much Cheryld, PaulB, Brain. for your help. Shawn U.

Sounds like you had a thorough physical, for peace of mind.