Hi everyone,
I'm sitting in a motel room in Baltimore right now, have an appt. with my ENT in the morning at 11am. I saw him last week, the 19th, and he said everything looked great. But, Christmas Eve I started having a headache and my jaw and chin swelled up double in size and were bright red. Christmas Day went to ER and had a CAT scan, told it was cellulitis. Had IV antibiotics and they sent me home. When we called to let my doc at Hopkins know what was going on, he insisted I come see him, said this was nothing to play around with.
Any one else had to deal with this?

Take care,
Minnie

I went to Baltmore last night and had an appointment today (Thursday) with my Dr. at Johns Hopkins. The drive down there was miserable as my face swelled so much and it was so painful. By morning, it had lost some of that shiny red look and wasn't as painful, I'm guessing the antibiotics had begun to do their job.
My Dr. looked in my mouth and decided to biopsy a piece of granulated tissue that I've had since my implants were put in in 2006. It is an area that rets up against the firt post on the bottom row of teeth. He said he believes it's nothing more that granulation but that he wants to make 100% sure. He told me he wasn't worried about this being cancer, so that cut some of my anxiety. I'll have test results next Wednesday and we'll go from there. He told me to go home and to REST, meaning in bed, for at least 6-7 days. It was either promise that or have to be admitted. My husband met me at the door, escorted me upstairs to our bedroom that he had fixed all up for me. So here I am, doing the one thing I hate the most and that is sitting still for hours at a time.
We all hate to hear the word biopsy but the way he talked about it I feel very comfortable that this won't be cnacer. He said my mouth is healing well.
Keep all finger crossed for me, I do NOT want to battle this again any time soon. Hope you all had a wonderful Chrisrmas.
Love,
Minnie

Hi Minnie
I did reply to you first post but it must have got lost in the upgrade..
Hope you are feeling better by now.. I like the idea of your family bossing you and keeping you in bed.. :-)
Sunshine.. love and hugs
Helen

Rest well Minnie---you WILL learn to do this!!
Let them all take care of you, read some books, meditate and help your poor body to heal!
Hope you wake up each day feeling a little better,

Brenda

Hey Minnie,
I have had 2 biopsys because of granulation since my big operation. It just scares the bejesus out of me. My doctor also said he was very sure everything was OK. Still your mind wonders off into horrible places before you can catch it when you just sit and wait. Please, read a good book or watch good movies. Just keep your mind occupied and rest so you can help your body recover. I hate the anxiety too, but if he is sure, I would believe him!
Sleepwell,
Debbie

Minnie,

I had cellulitus and a severe reaction to the material used in sutures. A friend who is a plastic surgen told me that she no longer uses a particular type of suture because of adverse reactions. If you want to know the type of suture send me a private message and I will contact her for more information. You may want to have your Dr. look into this.

Malka

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I spent the entire day in bed today, my husband has me under house arrest, and I can't begin to explain how bored and frustrated I am! BUT, the pain has gotten less so that's a bonus. This cellulitis is very painful, and mine seems to move from area to area. My chin has come down some and it normal in color now, but my jaw is now swollen and very painful. I read up on it and learned it takes approx. 10 days to get rid of this stuff.
The area where I had the biopsy done is healed already, looks perfectly normal. That makes me feel much better also.

So, there will be no dancing for me this New Years! Just kidding, we always stay home with the kids. I had three of them in my bed with me last night............dad was delegated to the couch..........and we had a movie night. Priceless memories.

Again, thanks for the replies.
Minnie

Minnie: Just wanted you to know that we're thinking of you....so sorry you're having to deal with this added stress. May 2008 be YOUR best year ever!


Lois & Buzz in NC

We seem to have the cellulitis under control although it's still quite painful. the antibiotic was ridiculously expensive and it smells horrible, thank God I have a tube and don't have to take this orally! It also gives me horrendous gas and no one wants to sit in my bedroom with me, cowards. I had my bedroom windows open today and the fan on and I was still hot and sweating. I don't have a fever, but I feel like I'm on fire. Anyone else dealt with this?
Thanks,
Minnie

Keep a box of matches near you and and light one when you need to. This will deal with the gas - just try not to blow up the house!

Donna