I just had a dysplastic lesion removed from the right rear side of my tongue (size of a dime or so). The doctor stitched it up -- 7 stitches -- and since the procedure 24 hours ago, four of the stitches have popped out! It's not bleeding, but is very swollen and I don't know what to do. I've put in a call and sent photos to the doc and am waiting for a call back. Main question: Should I be super-concerned about this, or is this considered normal, or what? Anyone with this kind of experience?

Its probably not a major emergency like a heart attack would be but I suggest what you already did, call the surgeons office. This should get checked by the surgeon so you dont develop any serious problems. You dont want problems with it not taking due to not being connected properly.

Keep us posted and good luck!!!

Thanks for replying, Christine! I actually returned to see the surgeon's resident at 1:00 p.m. today while I was still up in Boston (the surgeon himself was out of town), and she put in four new stitches where the others had fallen out. Now I'm home in Hartford, and just lost one AGAIN! I've emailed my surgeon via the Brigham and Women's Patient Portal and let him know. I don't know what's going wrong! I'm keeping my obturator out, not talking AT ALL, and only drinking smoothies for food. It's a puzzle...

I appreciate your response -- it's nice to know someone is listening out there! :-)

-Chris

Chris,

I've had 4 surgeries on my tongue, plus a few biopsies that required stitches. I had stitches fall out a few times, but from what I recall it was perhaps 2 days post-surgery. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure it has something to do that the tongue is a muscle which is nearly impossible to keep immobile. From what I recall (my last surgery was in 2011), my doctor didn't seem overly concerned and I don't believe he even replaced them.

I'm glad you were able to see the doctor today. I hope the swelling goes down soon and no more stitches come out.

Im glad you were on top of this and got in to see a doc today (even though it wasnt your regular surgeon). If you dont get an email response, give them a call tomorrow. Are you able to speak clearly enough to make phone calls? If not have someone make the call for you. You may need to get rechecked again. I wonder whats going on that the stitches keep popping??? Maybe from swelling?

Keep up the great job of paying close attention to your mouth after the surgery. Im very glad you are such an excellent advocate for yourself.



PS... Im very sorry it took me so long to respond! I read every single post and normally check in every couple hours thruout the day. Ive sent you a private message (PM). Take a look next to the My Stuff tab and click on the tiny flashing envelope.