Parotid Stone? NOT

[ktfabian]

Well, after worring for a week and a half, I saw the ENT/Head and Neck surgeon today and guess what?  I don't have a stone in my parotid gland.

I have a stone in the submandibular gland that's way back in the gland and isn't causing any problems that the doctor can detect.

What he thinks was causing the pain and swelling was an infection in my parotid gland, which is why it started to settle down once I was put on an antibiotic over the weekend.  At this point, since we know this is a problem gland, he said to drink plenty of fluids, suck on sour candies and do the "milking" procedure that Dr. Vivino taught me after the gland blocked up the first time.  If it should swell and become painful like it did this time, he would recommend an antibiotic (which my family doctor can handle).  Should I feel any type of mass or have any problems that don't resolve with an antibiotic, then come back and see him.

It's funny though, the whole time he was explaining to my husband and I that the diagnosis was wrong in the ER (at the hospital system he works in) he kept assuring us that they did the right thing.  Uh, except prescribe an antibiotic and instead treating me like a drug seeker.

Oh well, one more doctor's card to add to my pile.  He was actually very nice, but I'm tired of doctors.

Tracy

[Katybarstool]

Tracy

I'm not surprised you're sick of doctors, anyone would be after what you have been through. Hopefully you are feeling much better now, and if it happens again, you will know to ask for anitbiotics.

Hugs
Kathyx

[Scottietottie]

Hi Tracy 

I'm glad the antibiotic has helped and I'm also glad that you don't need an operation at this particular time.

Very frustrating to be put in a worrying situation by a wrong dx. but at least the outcome is better and not worse as a result of the error.

Take care - Scottie 

[irish]

Tracy, I am guessing that the position of the x-ray made it look like a stone in the parotid gland or else they don't know where the parotid gland is located in relation to the other salivary glands. At least you got by with just the antibiotic plus how many trips to the doc. Sheeeeesh. It does get old. Irish

[ktfabian]

Irish-

I know this is a bit after the fact, but I have bronchitis, again? still?

When I first posted about the supposed parotid stone (as diagnosed in the ER) you mentioned the possibility of an infection in the parotid that was emptying gunk into my throat and so on.  Has this happened to you?  I'm really starting to go nuts with the constant bronchitis.

Last night I had a few nasty coughing fits and noticed that I was still coughing up green gunk (sorry for the graphics) I was planning to call my GP today anyway, but I had an appointment to get my morphine pump filled this morning. The timing is kind of critical on the refills, so I went even though I was feeling kind of lousy.  They couldn't refill it because my temp was 100.1 (it's usually 97.1) and the nurse could hear noise in the mid-lobes of my lungs, which is where I had pneumonia.

I went right over to my GPs office and left a message for my doctor (who was standing there part of the time I was talking) and it's now long after office hours and I haven't heard anything from them, and no antibiotic has been called into the pharmacy.  I left another message with her service, because I only have til the 25th to get this cleared up enough to get my pump filled.  If it runs out, it has to be shut off and I have to go back on oral meds.  I know from previous experience that there aren't enough oral meds in the world (that my doctor is willing to prescribe) to take care of the pain my pump covers.

So, when I call my doctor again tomorrow, I was thinking of mentioning your theory about my parotid gland.  Or, if I don't get anywhere with her, I was thinking of calling my rheumy.  It's time to get this cleared up before I end up with pneumonia again!

Thanks for any information you can share, Tracy

[Redetha1]

Tracy- what a bummer that your doctors are not more in tune with your needs.  I have a good ENT who helps me.  When I call, the nurse answers and I go in that day.  I will remember you in my prayers.   Hugs, Redetha