6 days post op question on increased swelling

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#1 Post by **OhioM** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 6:15 pm

Suddenly, mid afternoon, the area under my right eye has ballooned to the point that my glasses are sitting crooked on my nose. My kids are so grossed out by all this (constant nose bleeds, ect) and now I look like a crazy lady with crooked glasses and a lopsided face. I've also been feeling feverish off and on, but can't catch it on a thermometer - I figured it could be the round-the-closk Advil bringing down a fever.

Anyway, called my OS and he says....."it's normal"? Excuse me? It says in the post op literature that sudden increased swelling should be reported in case of infection. I trust him, but now I need reassurance that this is possibly NOT an infection. Why would my swelling suddenly increase at 3pm, at a time when my sinuses are completely blocked? Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks.

#2 Post by **mwp921** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:39 pm

When I had increased swelling around days 5-6, it was due to infection. I hope you are better now and this isn't the case for you!

#3 Post by **ReneG** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:21 pm

Might be within normal range considering that you had a LeFort 1 and that would affect considerably more versus a BSSO.

How often do you ice?

I had a BSSO and swelling starting going down on day 6.

#4 Post by **OhioM** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:31 pm

Rene, Thanks. Swelling is slightly down again, but not to where it was. So I'm just watching it. I'm really not icing anymore - should I be? I quit icing around day 4/5. How's your recovery going?

mwp, I remember reading about your infection, I think. I really hope that's not what this is.

#5 Post by **ReneG** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 9:09 pm

I iced pretty much 24/7 from the start. The nurses did not provide ice packs until I asked for them. At home, I put ice in two ziplock freezer bags, wrap them in a towel and tie em around my head with one bag on each side. My cheeks and neck were always cold. I only slowed down on day 6 and stopped entirely on day 7. I went through about 10kg of ice a day! I also slept propped up on many cushions, even now I make sure my head is always elevated.

If your sinuses are blocked, they definitely contributed to the swelling. Since you're already on Advil, perhaps you should start icing again? Ice is always good for reducing swelling.

I'm doing pretty well, even went for a job interview today. Had to remove the elastics before going in though - didn't want to freak my prospective employers out

#6 Post by **trish222** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:26 am

Sounds like my OS, with every bump in the road-:It's normal"-yeah right. Try bendadryl-like someone said all of your sinus' have been interrupted. It might be worth a try. I only iced for 2 days as I was told that it wouldnt' provide any other results after 2 days. Hope your recovery becomes smoother. I am 6 months post-op and going into surgery once again for screws lose and a skin tag that was left in the back of my lower jaw. With all my post-op bumps I am still glad I had surgery.