Is my pain normal?

NitaNita
NitaNita Member Posts: 56
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I have a lesion(SCC not a tumor) on the left side of my tongue and have surgery on Tuesday. I have never really had pain there unless I ate on that side. However now I am having shooting stabbing pains in my ear and throat now. Can anyone tell me if this sounds normal? I know I can call my Dr but they say if I have questions to come in and I HAVE to finish this last week of work before I take time off. Just curious if anyone could help me out.

Comments

  • Jahnsart
    Jahnsart Member Posts: 41
    #2
    just call
    My surgeon always says, "If you notice any changes, call me!". So, call tomorrow and tell them. It may be nothing and it may be something. however, it can't hurt to keep them informed. Since my surgery I have been hypervigilant about pain and changes, with good reason. You are your advocate now and the only one who knows what normal is for you. Speak up and speak out and don't be afraid to pester the heck out of them, that is what they are there for.
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #3
    Hard to Say
    I know that early on, I developed pains (I had no pain at diagnosis). Do you have swollen lymph nodes? Swollen lymph nodes are usually just that - swollen lymph nodes. BUT inflammation/swelling in the head and neck sometimes leads to pain. I was worried and confused when my ears started hurting. Even now, a little over two years since chemo/rads finished for me, I have pains I can't explain. If I eat spicy food, not only does my mouth and throat burn, but I have pain my ears - my son laughs at me sometimes, because if something is too spicy, instead of fanning my mouth like some folks do, I hold one or both of my ears - it can be intense.
  • NitaNita
    NitaNita Member Posts: 56
    #4
    Pam M said:

    Hard to Say
    I know that early on, I developed pains (I had no pain at diagnosis). Do you have swollen lymph nodes? Swollen lymph nodes are usually just that - swollen lymph nodes. BUT inflammation/swelling in the head and neck sometimes leads to pain. I was worried and confused when my ears started hurting. Even now, a little over two years since chemo/rads finished for me, I have pains I can't explain. If I eat spicy food, not only does my mouth and throat burn, but I have pain my ears - my son laughs at me sometimes, because if something is too spicy, instead of fanning my mouth like some folks do, I hold one or both of my ears - it can be intense.

    I don't..
    I don't think I have any swollen nodes in my neck just pain that comes and goes. I will be fine and then out of no where I will have the stabbing pains. I know when it was just an ulcer they told me that your tongue is full of nerves and it can make your ears and throat hurt but this is an extreme pain that I have had to take an narcotic to relieve. I just don't know if I should really go in I mean I have surgery next week.
  • Jahnsart
    Jahnsart Member Posts: 41
    #5
    NitaNita said:

    I don't..
    I don't think I have any swollen nodes in my neck just pain that comes and goes. I will be fine and then out of no where I will have the stabbing pains. I know when it was just an ulcer they told me that your tongue is full of nerves and it can make your ears and throat hurt but this is an extreme pain that I have had to take an narcotic to relieve. I just don't know if I should really go in I mean I have surgery next week.

    nerves are odd
    Since surgery I have been dealing with " first bite syndrome" when I put some thing in my mouth I have a horrible pain, in my ear and jaw and mouth. I takes a couple ot minutes to abate and is very uncomfortable. I have been given some botox injections and they have helped so much. The surgeon said that the nerves didn't grow back correctly and that botox was the only thing that would ameliorate the pain. The only real issue is, it doesn't last more than 3 to 6 months. It has been only two months for me and it is wearing off. This alas, is my new normal. So, it is normal. If must always do what you think is right, if you can't abide the pain, go attempt to get some relief...I wish you peace.
  • NitaNita
    NitaNita Member Posts: 56
    #6
    Jahnsart said:

    nerves are odd
    Since surgery I have been dealing with " first bite syndrome" when I put some thing in my mouth I have a horrible pain, in my ear and jaw and mouth. I takes a couple ot minutes to abate and is very uncomfortable. I have been given some botox injections and they have helped so much. The surgeon said that the nerves didn't grow back correctly and that botox was the only thing that would ameliorate the pain. The only real issue is, it doesn't last more than 3 to 6 months. It has been only two months for me and it is wearing off. This alas, is my new normal. So, it is normal. If must always do what you think is right, if you can't abide the pain, go attempt to get some relief...I wish you peace.

    Jahnsart..
    Thanks. I really do think it is just a nerve. I was fine and just brushed my teeth and hit that sore and the shooting pains came back. I am hoping after surgery all will be okay but if not I will have to try the botox injections. It is a horrible pain like you said.
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    #7
    i had the same pain
    Nita, I had severe ear pain and a sore throat during the time of biopsy/diagnosis and surgery. (I was diagnosed right b/4 the xmas holidays so it took about 3 weeks in between). I was given liquid hydrocodone by the ENT/Surgeon because he knew I would be in pain in the interim waiting period.

    However, call the doctor's office and relay your pain issues just to be sure.

    Also, can I give you a call tomorrow during the day.
    I have your cell number. Sorry I haven't been able to touch base yet.
    Ingrid
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #8
    Ingrid K said:

    i had the same pain
    Nita, I had severe ear pain and a sore throat during the time of biopsy/diagnosis and surgery. (I was diagnosed right b/4 the xmas holidays so it took about 3 weeks in between). I was given liquid hydrocodone by the ENT/Surgeon because he knew I would be in pain in the interim waiting period.

    However, call the doctor's office and relay your pain issues just to be sure.

    Also, can I give you a call tomorrow during the day.
    I have your cell number. Sorry I haven't been able to touch base yet.
    Ingrid

    Hi Nita ..
    Still got you on that prayer list btw.

    My humble opinion is still call the doctor and have them make a note of it in your file (get the name of the person who takes the inforamtion) Let them decide if it is anything.

    Now...as for the ear pain, pain in general ...after dx but before treatments began I too had the worst ear pain in my left ear....neck hurt / was stiff...and when I say ear, I mean ear canal too..all the way down to the top of my neck.

    Bet it's nothing ....but I know your mind is just bouncing all over the place right now wondering what if, what it. Well guess what, that makes you normal :)

    Best Nita,

    Tim
  • buzz99
    buzz99 Member Posts: 404
    #9
    Ear pain
    Call the doc. It is not worth the anxiety of waiting until you see him/her.

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