Biopsy and hystology samples on top of surgery

Hello everyone!

Stressful timing I get my results from biopsies and hystology on 19th this month. I had emergency surgery organised within a week for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, tongue base surgery ( found tumour  lump), biopsies and samples for hystology. Iam in such a pain cos can only take paracetamol and ibuprofen due to my stomach problems nothing stronger. I got difflam spray. My question surgery was on 25/07/22 and yesterday I was feeling like I see a light in the end of tunel but today so sore can't even speak especially on right side where the lump was. Do I not suppose to start feeling better instead of it my right side especially my jaw ear behind ear throat neck swollen red and warm on and off. On top is headache. Could this be infection? My GP is useless they changed again to different ways of seeing gp to 4days waiting time. Can anyone tell me anything to cool off the pain I know frozen ice chips it's just few minutes a little be of relief.  Can I use corsodyl to speed up healing. I feel horrible weak sick fed up eating yogurts and cold wetabix after being boiled to mash. Anyone going thru same thing if you got idea anything I will give it a go desperate for moment of freedom from pain. Thank you  

  • Hello Maggie77 and thank you for your post,

    I am so sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you have after surgery. 

    It is expected to have some pain and some swelling after this type of surgery, especially as this was done a few days ago. However, it's difficult for me to ascertain if what you experiencing is anything to do with infection. So if you can get back in touch with the hospital that would be good or contact your GP and explain that that you have had this surgery and can't wait 4 days to be seen. You could also contact the NHS on 111 to get medical advice. 

    Signs of a wound infection can be a high temperature, shivering, feeling hot and cold, feeling generally unwell, a cough, feeling sick and swelling or redness around your wound.

    You seem to be in a lot of pain so I wonder if your pain relief needs reassessing, even with the potential of stomach problems, there may be other types of medication that will help. I also wonder if you are taking the maximum amount of paracetamol and ibuprofen? Please use the the Difflam and Corsodyl as you were told to. The Difflam has local anesthetic in it so might help. 

    You will have a follow up appointment but if you are concerned you should seek advice before then. Check any information you were given by the hospital on your discharge to see if there is a number you can call.

    You may also find that posting in another area of Cancer Chat will yield more replies, see the different areas to the left of this page.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,