 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Amy! I know surgery is horrible and afterwards you feel lousy. It seems like the swelling just doesnt go down. Your surgery was only a few days ago and it was a very involved complicated one. Unfortunately it takes a good couple weeks for it to really subside. Always remember, everyone is different and will recover at their own pace. Best thing you can do is to listen to your doctors and ask them if they have any tips on how to help with the swelling. Maybe cold compresses on your neck/throat areas would help? Make sure your pain is managed as that is just unneeded stress that you definitely do not need right now. There are many members who have undergone similar surgeries. Im sure some will chime in and pass along some tips to help make it easier.
(((HUGS)))
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
