I had jawbone replacement surgery June 2012. I was doing OK, although my ability to chew and swallow was significantly impacted. I learned to adapt by drinking smoothies and eating soft foods. In September 2013 a small sore appeared on my jaw, on the outside, just below my left ear. My surgeon diagnosed it as Lymphodemia and put me on antibiotics and anti-inflamatories. His hope, and mine, was that it would heal. I covered the site with a large bandaid as it was draining mucous. After 9 months, the sore had gotten much bigger and the brace was actually visible. I got a second opinion from another Head and Neck surgeon in June 2014. He said the brace needed to be removed, and that doing so should correct the drainage problem. I had the brace removed in early September. Now, six weeks later, the surgical incisions have mostly healed, however, the site where the drainage began over a year ago, continues to drain a considerable amount of mucous on a daily basis. In fact, drainage is about the same as it was prior to the September surgery. My dr has me on antibiotics and anti-inflamatories, which i've been on for over a year.

Has anyone else experienced this type of drainage problem? Does it ever get better? Any insights would be appreciated. I'm starting to feel depressed that this condition may never heal. Thanks reading my post.

Terry Colborn

Has a culture ever been taken to determine what is draining? If not, i suggest bringing this up to the doctor. If you havent been referred to a wound healing specialist, ask for it. They have many different ways to help heal patients who are slower healers. After rads, healing for most of us has been severely compromised, especially on the radiation side.

Im surprised IV antibiotics (much stronger than regular ones) have not been used along with hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBO). Your wound could be some sort of infection which needs to be addressed and fixed. Drainage can go on for weeks with some patients but this seems to me (no medical background, just an experienced patient) like its been too long. This is why I mentioned HBO as it works wonders to help speed healing in post radiated patients.

Best wishes!!!

Sorry to hear about the problems. I sure hope it gets resolved as I am sure it takes its toll on you. Good luck.