Jaw pain

FormerMember over 4 years ago

3 replies
26 subscribers
2652 views

Hello

I am hoping I can get a little advice... I had a bilateral neck dissection, right side, and total thyroidectomy in March 2018 followed by RDI, I then had to have further surgery in march 2019 and more lymph nodes removed onthe right side because of a reaccurance and more RDI.

For the last few weeks (3 or 4) I have been suffering with pain under my right jaw, close to the underside of my ear, it varies from a dull ache to really quite painful. The whole area feels tender and even though ther ar no dreaded lumps as such, if feels larger. It feels like it did when I have my first lumps, it feels tender and full and pressure and achy. Now I have rang my consultants secretary and was told that all clinics are closed etc, but I just need advice. She said she will try to speak to him on wednedsay but with the coronavirus etc everything is shut down, which I fully understand.

I have to say, I am freaking out a little, March is definately not my month, I will wait to see if she manages to talk to him and if not or if he dissmissses it I may try my GP's... but what they can do in this current climate I dont know.

Ive been to the dentist recently so I know its not dental pain.

I was wondering if anyone has had similar pain, swelling after similar surgery? I'm a realist and I know this type of cancer can keep coming back, but it's any help would be appreciated. I noticed the ask the experts section is closed otherwise I would have.

Thank you

Sarah

Lass over 4 years ago

Heya Sarah,

Sorry to hear you're having some issues at the moment!

Yes, the ask a nurse section was closed down because of the virus. I'm not sure if it was because they were inundated with questions about the virus, or if the nurses are all hands on deck in the hospitals, or a combination. However, from experience, all they'd have said is what you've done, which is to speak to your doctor.

If your surgery had been more recent, then I'd be wondering about an infection. It could still be an infection, but less likely. As it's been a year since your surgery and RAI then I wouldn't have guessed that it were connected at all, but never say never when it comes to anything medical! Lol

Ideally, you want someone 'in the know' to have a poke of it, and maybe even have an ultrasound of the area.

I would call the GP today I think, if I were in your position. I doubt there are going to be many appointments, so might as well get in now and get one booked as you can always cancel it if the consultant will see you. It's one of those things to try not to worry about, but best to get checked out just to be safe.

Good luck and do let us know how it goes!

Lass

I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Not after the surgery, but before I knew I had cancer I had several months of jaw pain. I was back and forth to the dentist who could never find anything wrong. I started to think it was all in my head, but then it got so intense that I had to get an emergency GP appointment. He immediately said he thought it was neuralgia. I was prescribed carbamazepine, and also had weekly acupunture, and it improved very quickly.

Just thought I'd mention it, as when you said you'd checked with your dentist it reminded me of my situation.

Lass is right - get in touch with your GP and take it from there. Even though they are busy at the moment, they are urging people to still get in touch if they are worried about a symptom.

It's a miserable pain - I do hope you get some relief soon.

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I managed to get my consultant on the phone,he said the clinic was closed to all patients and that he could send me an appointment for a months time, but, he couldn't guarantee it would go ahead and may be postponed further!

I suppose I just wait.

And try not to think about it too much.

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