New and wondering about face swelling

[Patty]

Hello,
I have been diagnosed with Sjogrens recently but don't know much about it. I also have systemic small-vessel vasculitis and some other secondary auto-immune diseases. I have considerable swelling on both sides under my ears and jaw. I thought this was from being on 60 mg prednisone this summer, but it has not gone away. My dr diagnosed me in part on noting this. Will the swelling go away? I am feeling discouraged at the many physical changes I have gone through this summer - I don't even look like "me"! I have a lot of swelling under my eyes as well. My rheum is sending me to an opthamologist specializing in eye diseases to "see if anything can be done" to help the eye pain and light sensitivity. It sounds to me like not much can be done that helps Sjogrens. I'd appreciate any input on what to expect next. I am tired of struggling with all these diseases and never winning the battle. I'm up to 14 meds a day now - that can't be good!
Patty

[Scottietottie]

Hi Patty 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. It sounds like your parotid glands are swollen. I'm sure someone will be along soon who has experienced the same thing and they will be in a better position than me to tell you whether the swelling will reduce or not.

I'm sure I've read that applying heat and gentle massage can be helpful. Have you checked with your doctor that there isn't any infection going on?

I hope you find sjogrensworld useful.

Take care - Scottie 

[Joe S.]

Patty, welcome to Sjogren's.

I utilize Lymphatic massage to keep swelling down. Mint tea helps me with some of the pain in my face.

[ErinG]

Hi Patty,

I have had swelling from both prednisone and swollen parotid glands.  When my parotids are swollen I get a sharp pain under my ear and it is also painful to the touch.  I honestly haven't had it in a long time, but warm compresses always helped me.  Massage can be a little painful when the area is tender, but I found it helped the swelling go down faster.  Scottie is right that you should get it checked out just to be safe, in case there is an infection or a stone that is causing a blockage. 

Swelling from prednisone for me was more of my face filling out from the cheekbones down, and losing definition between my jawline and my neck.  I started out at 60mg and I have tapered down to 10, but my face is still much rounder than it was before.

I hope you find relief!

Erin

[Bucky]

Hi Patty - welcome to your new Sjoggie (what we call ourselves) family.

I haven't taken prednisone or had the swelling of the face, so I can't offer you any suggestions - but, I did want to welcome you.

I hope you find this site helpful to you on your Sjogren's journey. 

There are several Sjogren's books out there that are good to have as a reference material, if you are interested in something like that.  They can be found on the Books/Reviews link above or by typing in books in the Search box to the top left and it will take you to previous posts about books.

We are a worldwide community, female and male, with a wide range of ages from 5 to 70+.

Bucky

[Patty]

It is good to meet you, and thank you! I am glad to hear that the swelling is not permanent. How does a dr check for infection or a stone? My dr palpated the glands and noted they were swollen. Would that rule out infection or a stone?
Patty

[Shani]

Welcome Patty!
I also have swelling which is more on the cheeks next to my nose kind of because of the Pred.
This should eventually go away when stopping/decreasing in dose, can take a few months though.
The swelling of your jaws-ears could be your parotid glands, yes.

Mine are very swollen on the sides next to my chin and my jaws are also very swollen and hurt.
My Gp told me that it were inflammated jaws, I've had this over 5 months now and it's more severe pain that ever currently.
It could be a condition called 'TMJ' aswell if you notice you had the same pain.
It hurts to chew, yawn, laugh, smile, talk.
And can also cause earaching and a few other things.
I have a dentist appointment on the 22nd of December, so we'll see.

I'm not sure how doctors can rule out an infection or a stone.
But I am guessing a Dentist or an Ent can help you with that.

Hope you will get it figured out soon.

Hugs and love!