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advice recovery time WLE neck dissection
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advice recovery time WLE neck dissection

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › advice recovery time WLE neck dissection

  • Post
    • November 12, 2016 at 2:10 am
    lmccann2016
    Participant
      Had wle and neck disection to left side of neck removal of all nodes that side. I am getting really concerned it’s been 5 days swelling hasn’t reduced and when u touched the swollen area it is hard. Has anyone had this recently and help me not worry. No fever. Just extremes tightness and swelling
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    • Replies
        • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
        miaka618
        Participant

          The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

          I hope this helps! 

          April 

          • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
          miaka618
          Participant

            The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

            I hope this helps! 

            April 

            • November 12, 2016 at 4:06 am
            miaka618
            Participant

              The swelling takes a while to come down. My neck dissection was back in May, and if I remember correctly, it was almost a month before it looked almost normal again. Also be aware that some of the dissolvable stitches might start working their way out and cause zit like cysts to pop up on your scars. You'll get nerve pain for quite some time, and the numbness will get better over time, but your nerves will do weird things. I touch under my neck and I can feel it on my ear sometimes. The tightness takes many months to ease, but keep moisturizing it and it will definitely soften up. 

              I hope this helps! 

              April 

              • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
              Mamapegela
              Participant

                Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                Peggy

                 

                • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
                Mamapegela
                Participant

                  Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                  5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                  Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                  Peggy

                   

                    • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                    lmccann2016
                    Participant
                      Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                      • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                      lmccann2016
                      Participant
                        Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                        • November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm
                        lmccann2016
                        Participant
                          Thanks Peggy today is a better day xo
                        • November 12, 2016 at 5:32 am
                        Mamapegela
                        Participant

                          Although the skin will start to heal quickly it takes much longer for the tissue underneath to heal, and there will be a "healing ridge" under the incision which can be firm for quite a long time.  I assume that you will be going to PT (very important for your shoulder and your neck)-after it isn't quite so painful they should help you learn how to knead and stretch the skin and tissue on your neck to help soften and break up the scar tissue.

                          5 days isn't long at all- I was still very swollen at that time.  You should probably be having your post-op visit soon?  When you see your surgeon they can assess the situation too.  Also never hesitate to call the surgeon or the nurse when you have questions- that's what they're there for.  But I wouldn't be too worried about the swelling.

                          Wishing the best for you and that your recovery goes great-

                          Peggy

                           

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