Post-Operative Care After Parotidectomy
I'm unsure why I focused on the topic of showering, as this is more of a general inquiry about aftercare. My partner, a 35-year-old male who abstains from alcohol but uses cannabis, underwent a parotidectomy this past Tuesday, July 8th. I’m aware of the clear signs to monitor for (such as red streaks, fever, or foul-smelling discharge), but I could use some guidance on what swelling and redness is considered within normal limits, especially when not distinctly noticeable. He has been experiencing increasing swelling and redness. Applying ice has been challenging, leading to less icing than recommended. While the fluid draining from the area has been a clear pink, I've started to notice some yellowish discharge on the bandage when I change it. Moreover, even though the surgeon advised that he could replace the head wrap with a bandage, he prefers to continue using gauze pads for comfort. We are concerned about the adhesive on the bandage potentially tugging at his skin. Is there any specific reason to avoid using gauze and opting for a wrap instead? I have attempted to reach out to his doctor for clarification but have yet to receive a response. With the weekend nearing, I’m anxious to determine whether the situation indicates a risk of infection or if this is within the realm of normal healing. In case it’s relevant, he regularly takes oxcarbazepine, quetiapine (for psychiatric reasons and not sleep-related), hydroxyzine, and bupropion. Following his surgery, he was on hydrocodone/acetaminophen for pain but he just ran out this morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any insights you can provide!
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 7:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your partner’s recovery after a parotidectomy. Post-surgery care is crucial, especially when monitoring for signs of complications like infection. Here’s how we can break this down:
Main Points:
- Normal Swelling and Discharge: Mild swelling and pinkish discharge can be expected but should be monitored closely.
- Swelling and Redness: Increasing swelling and new yellow discharge may warrant further attention.
- Dressing Choices: Continuing with gauze is acceptable, but a wrap could offer better support.
Explanation:
After a parotidectomy, some swelling and bruising around the surgical site is normal due to trauma from the procedure. Mild redness might be expected as well. Typically, you want to watch for:
- Normal: Light pink discharge, a little swelling, localized redness around the incision.
- Concerning: Increasing swelling, bright red or yellow discharge, fever, or severe pain, which could indicate infection or other complications.
The yellow discharge you're noticing on the bandage could mean that there is some drainage from the surgical site. If it is increasing or has a foul smell, this may be a sign of infection and should be addressed promptly.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the color and amount of discharge. If the yellow discharge increases or has an unusual odor, seek help promptly.
- Evaluate Swelling and Pain: If swelling continues to worsen or if he experiences significant pain, this also warrants medical advice.
- Manage Pain: Since he is out of hydrocodone/acetaminophen, make sure he has access to appropriate pain relief. Over-the-counter options may be considered, if suitable for him (ensure there are no contraindications with his other medications).
- Dressing Adjustments: If gauze pads are more comfortable, they can continue to be used, but ensure they are clean and changed regularly to prevent any infection risk. Adhering to proper hygiene is essential.
- Contact Healthcare Provider: Make follow-up attempts to reach the surgeon, especially with the presence of new symptoms. If not reachable, consider talking to another healthcare provider or visiting urgent care if symptoms escalate.
In the meantime, ensure he is resting, staying hydrated, and eating well to support recovery. It's great that you are so attentive and caring about his post-operative care. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.