ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: yardtick on September 21, 2007, 04:02:25 pm

Title: facial swelling
Post by: yardtick on September 21, 2007, 04:02:25 pm

Hi everyone in AN land,

I have notcied over the last week my face has swollen.  I have that numbing, tingling, borderline painful sensation.  When I look in the mirror the swelling is quite evident.  The side of my neck is tender and today my left hand is numb.  I had a hard time writting.  My concentration is poor.  Since a have a facial neuroma do you think I should be concerned?  My left eye is also weird looking.  The other day I had all of this going on and a headache like you won't believe.  I could hardly see out of my left eye.

These symptoms have effected my ability to do my job.  Out of concern for me my manager has rearranged my position.  My only concern now is I will have to stand a lot more and at times I get very dizzy.  I am being watched very carefully.  Is this something I should discuss with my Dr?  I saw him 2 weeks ago and things were not this bad.

I am so overwhelmed.  Last night I was in bed and asleep by 9:10pm.  I do not know what it is like to feel "normal".  I'm wondering if I should just tell the Dr to book the operation. 

I want my cheery disposition back!!!!!!!!!!!!!  If anyone finds it please send it back to me!  ???

Anne Marie

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: nancyann on September 21, 2007, 05:56:02 pm

Oh Anne Marie - I'm feeling for you my sweet girl .... I hate to hear this is happening, that your tumor is causing worsening of your symptoms.   I think you should call your doctor sooner than later.   You're in my thoughts,  Nancy

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: yardtick on September 22, 2007, 02:58:26 pm

Okay, today my nose is twtching like a rabbits.  It goes on for at least 30 mins at a time.  Today is my 23 wedding anniversary and we are going out for dinner with friends to the Outback.  I think I'll just order a carrot and sit there like Bugs Bunny.  AH, What's up Doc?
 
Please someone tell me this is also result of the tumor on my facial nerve?   When I laugh the leftside of my face aches along the ear and jaw line.  I've got a bottle of Alieve from my journey to New York City.  I've been popping one every 4hrs since yesterday. 

Oh well lets see what tomorrow brings?  It is suppose to be a day of rest.  Will my neuroma obey?

Anne Marie

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: nancyann on September 22, 2007, 04:37:11 pm

Happy Anniversary Anne Marie...    so... will you be calling your doc Monday & letting her/him know 'what's up doc?'

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: yardtick on October 06, 2007, 10:15:28 pm

Finally saw the neurologist last Tuesday.  On naproxen and topamax.  Huge difference.  If the naproxen didn't work she was going to put me on steriods.  So far so good.  Tomorrow in my house we are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving it is actually on Monday.  Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians out there.  I will be giving thanks for the great drugs that are helping me. 

Actually the neurologist is amazed at how great I look and how well I'm handling all of this.  Yeah right.  Antidrepressants have taken the edge off the melt downs, but they still occur.  I try to hold everything together until I get home and than I let it all out.

Does anyone know how long I can take naproxen for?  I forgot to ask.

Anne Marie

 

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on October 20, 2007, 11:15:07 am

This link looked comprehensive
http://www.drugs.com/Naproxen/index.html

Long term use of naproxin links
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/01/050111123706.htm

Naproxin (also in Aleve) safer than others
http://www.usc.edu/hsc/info/pr/hmm/05fall/risk.html

Hope these links help somewhat.

4

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: yardtick on October 20, 2007, 05:57:27 pm

Hi 4,

I read the links.  Thanks, very helpful.  I think starting tomorrow I'm going to go off of them.  I do not need anything else to go wrong.  Actually the swelling is down and the eye basically back to normal.

Thanks again my Canadian friend.
Anne Marie

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: mindyandy on November 24, 2007, 04:48:43 pm

Yardtick
Today I am having slight tingling on my left side of my face and my left hand is a little tingley. Is this what symptoms you had? Are you still in watch and wait mode? What made your symptoms go away?

Title: Re: facial swelling
Post by: yardtick on November 24, 2007, 09:17:07 pm

Yes mindyandy,

I still have the symptoms.  When I take Aleive they disappear for awhile but I bruise easily and I've been having shortness of breath so I stop taking the drug.  I'm told steroids is the next course of treatment.  I see the specialist Jan 10/08.  To quote 4, I'm a very impatient patient.  Today has been a terrible day.  Headache, pain and numbness in my face, down neck and shoulder.  Don't forget the tingling.  My face is swollen.  I slept the better part of the day. 

I hope this helps you.  Good luck seeking treatment and keep posting.

Anne Marie