First of all, Merry Christmas!!

Following my surgery on Nov 5 I have had significant pain in the neck and jaw area. My ENT slowly ramped up the dosage of time-release and breakout pain meds. Although Emory is within an hour away, my ENT was a little bit difficult to get in touch with and schedule an appointment closer than 7 days away. He is a superb surgeon (other doctors' opinions, not just mine), so I will continue to see him, but made an appointment with a local (15 minutes away) onocologist. This worked for a couple of weeks until the pain changed to a chronic, severe agonizing pain at the temple,shoulder and neck area. My oncologist ordered an MRI and sent me to a pain specialist.

The MRI was clean. The oncologist had the prescription for neurontin doubled and he gave me some shots along the muscle line from outer shoulder to neck. I imagine we will get to physical therapy, but only after my pain is under control.

I will see the pain specialist and ENT the first week into the new year. Any suggested questions concerning therapy or other topics? I bounced back from February and June's surgery and the radiation quickly, but this is becoming a chore. No depression and I have a wonderful care-giver in my wife. Thanks for your help.

David

Hi David,

Sorry you are having so much trouble with the post-op pain, it sure can be a big issue. It is one of those mysteries in that each of us react so differently to the same types of surgery. I know it is easy for me to say, but just try to hang in there and either your Dr.'s and PT will help find the problem and/or it will begin to fade on it's own. Wish I could help with something of more substance but am sending the positive thoughts your way.

Hope You and your family had a Merry Christmas !!

Peace
Jack
..........
Dx 1/15/97 SCC rt. tonsil met to rt lymph node Stg IV,
Srgry 1/23/97 tonsillectomy & mod radical neck dissection,
Radiation 35 trtmnts both sides

David, sorry you're having so much pain, and that you are on your third time around. After my neck dissection, I had some pain issues and finally just stopped taking pain meds, took only tylenol, and started two months of physical therapy. Now I only have such little pain issues that I don't even take tylenol anymore. We are all different, but maybe that would help with your pain as well.