OpenHealth Q&A

Evaluating the Severity of My Facial Injury

Greetings, fellow medical experts. I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5’7”, and I currently manage my conditions with vilazodone and gabapentin while utilizing medical cannabis exclusively. I have fibromyalgia and made the decision to apply my massage gun to my face on the evening of July 15, an action I had successfully executed before. However, this occasion was quite different; it resulted in severe complications. Following my mishap, I ended up visiting urgent care on two separate occasions and consulted my primary care physician, where I underwent both X-rays and an ultrasound. Initially, one side of my face became noticeably swollen after my mistake, but remarkably, I did not experience any discoloration or bruising. Yet, my jaw became locked, and the pain was unbearable. Additionally, my tongue remarkably swelled, forming what felt like a second tongue beneath it, creating a cluster of swollen orange lumps. This swelling extended upwards into the roof of my mouth, making it excruciatingly difficult to swallow even a small sip of water. The pressure was so intense that it caused me to gag on my uvula, leading to an extremely distressing experience that I would never wish to relive, even for my most disliked acquaintances. Initially, I was prescribed prednisone (20mg twice daily) to manage the swelling, which proved effective for two days until the infection began to set in. After three additional days, I returned to urgent care where I received another steroid regimen and a course of antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanate). Thankfully, this treatment was beneficial, and by July 24, the swelling finally burst, leading to a rather unpleasant experience of expelling infected discharge throughout the day on July 25. The gross factor was undeniably high, and I truly wish to avoid such an episode in the future. I began feeling a marked improvement and had a follow-up appointment on Monday, July 28, where the imaging results indicated normal findings. Interestingly, the ultrasound technician was able to detect some of my lymph nodes, which she stated are usually challenging to visualize due to their size. I concluded my steroid treatment yesterday, and with my gradual recovery, I hoped for a complete return to normalcy. However, upon waking on August 1, I noticed that one of my lymph nodes appears to be swelling once more. How serious is the damage I might have inflicted? Should I consider another course of steroids and allow more time for healing? Am I facing the possibility of further deterioration to facilitate a thorough examination from the doctors? After three weeks of limited diet, I finally started to consume solid foods again and am not eager to revert to protein shakes and yogurt. T.T

Answers (1)

7/31/2025, 2:02:27 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been through a very challenging situation with your facial injury, and I'm here to provide guidance based on your experience and symptom changes. You've had significant swelling, discomfort, and complications from your initial accident, and it's important to monitor your recovery closely.

Main Points:

1. Observe the swelling of the lymph node and potential changes in symptoms.
2. Continue to prioritize gentle self-care and hydration.
3. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Explanation:

Your symptoms indicate a recent and somewhat severe facial injury that has led to swelling, pain, and secondary infection requiring medical treatment. The fact that you had a good response to the steroid and antibiotic regimen is a positive sign that your body is healing. Swollen lymph nodes can occur in response to infections or inflammation in the body, but ongoing or new swelling deserves attention.

The swelling of your lymph node could be a typical response to recent inflammation, or it might indicate that further monitoring is necessary. Since you have ongoing concerns and have experienced significant issues with swallowing and pain, it’s crucial to keep track of your symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the swollen lymph node and any new symptoms. Take note of any pain, increased swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing. Write down changes to share with your healthcare provider.

2. Gentle Care: Continue eating a soft diet if solid foods are uncomfortable, but try to stay hydrated. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water may help soothe your throat and improve comfort.

3. Consult Your Healthcare Provider if Needed: If the lymph node swelling worsens, or if you develop any fever or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice. It's important for a professional to evaluate your current state. They may assess whether further imaging or treatment (like additional steroids) is required.

4. Follow-Up Appointment: Ensure you have a scheduled follow-up with your doctor. Share any new concerns about your lymph nodes or recovery progress during that visit.

Remember to take care of yourself, remain patient with your healing process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if things don’t improve. Your body has been through a lot, and it’s essential to give it the time and care it needs to heal fully.