Hello Everyone,

I've had bumps on my gums for over about a year now maybe, just a bit red at first. My dentist was keeping an eye on it but suggested it might be lichen planus. At the beginning of the year she gave me antibiotics in case it was just an infection. (I'm a regular at the dentist!) Anyway, it got ignored because I had acute appendicitis, so it was April before I went back and then she suggested telling my GP and getting a referral to the Max Facial dept. I saw someone in July, but only had the biopsy last Friday (29th Oct.) during the wait it got worse. The dentist took a biopsy from my cheek at the back in the middle, and put three stitches in it. Apparently it'll take 4 weeks for a result.

My question is - how painful is this meant to be? It was ok the next day, but now four days later it's actually quite painful and my jaw and cheek is a bit swollen as well as sore up to my ear! I've been eating watery food - mash, soup, yogurt etc. I'm trying to concentrate on it not being C, but now that it's painful, worry is setting in. Also, I'm rinsing with salty water. I had been given soluble Prednisolone  a month ago but not sure if I should still take it.

I do feel a bit of fake asking this question on here because I've cared for family in a much worse state than me.

Thanks