Surgical Experience with Submandibular Glands
I’m a healthy 27-year-old female, but I’ve been battling severe allergies and sinus infections for the last two years, leaving me feeling completely bewildered. Today, I underwent a submandibular sialendoscopy, complemented by a minor sinus procedure to address scarring. While my nasal symptoms appear to have improved, there’s more to the situation than that. My primary concern revolves around the surgeon's assertion that there were no stones detected. I was taken aback to see that the incision was made lower than the submandibular fold instead of at the sublingual papillae. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the procedure—where did the camera even go?! If the stone is lodged in my 1.5mm duct, I can’t help but feel that this approach is questionable at best. Having dealt with pain, swelling, and trouble swallowing for nearly a decade, I had done extensive research prior to this. I frequently experience small bits of calcification breaking free and passing through the papillae as well. I nearly insisted on another CT scan, which ultimately revealed a 6mm stone within the duct, confirmed by the radiologist. While I'd like to include images of my condition, it seems sharing those isn’t permitted. Right now, I’m just exhausted from feeling dismissed, as if I’m imagining my problems when I’m certain the stone remains. To complicate matters further, my surgeon exited before I fully regained consciousness and had a discussion with my partner regarding my situation, leaving me in a state of confusion. I’m unsure if a local anesthetic procedure to correct this oversight is feasible or if I should seek a new specialist, even if it means incurring additional expenses. I’m at a loss, as this was intended to be a turning point for my health. It feels as though the original procedure missed the mark entirely, and I fear the stone could lead to more infections down the line.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 7:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your experience and the ongoing challenges you’ve faced with your allergies and sinus infections. It's understandable that you feel exhausted and frustrated, especially after undergoing a procedure that you hoped would provide relief. Let's address your concerns directly and explore some possible next steps for your situation.
Main Points:
- Concerns about the effectiveness of your sialendoscopy procedure and the absence of stone removal.
- Need for clarity about your current health status and potential next steps.
- Options for further evaluation and treatment that prioritize your wellbeing.
Understanding the Situation:
Sialendoscopy is designed to treat issues within the salivary glands, such as stones or strictures. If no stones were found during your procedure but you have a history of recurrent symptoms, it’s crucial to understand why the stone was not located or addressed. Your history of calcifications passing through the submandibular duct adds complexity to your situation.
The incision location can vary based on the surgeon's approach and specific conditions treated. If you feel your concerns and symptoms were not adequately addressed, it’s completely valid to seek further clarification or a second opinion.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when you experience pain, swelling, and swallowing difficulties. This documentation can help any future healthcare provider understand your history better.
-
Request a Detailed Follow-Up: Reach out to your surgeon or their office. Ask for a thorough explanation of the findings during your procedure and the reason for not detecting or addressing the stone. A clear understanding of the procedure's outcomes might help ease your concerns.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If your questions remain unanswered or you still feel dismissed, seeking a second opinion from another specialist who can review your previous imaging and discuss your symptoms may be beneficial. Look for an ENT or oral surgeon specializing in salivary gland disorders.
-
Evaluate Next Steps for Treatment: Discuss the possibility of a follow-up imaging study, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, with the new specialist to visualize the duct and confirm whether the stone is still present. If the stone is confirmed, discuss the best options for removal.
-
Manage Symptoms: In the meantime, ensure you're managing any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief as needed and staying hydrated, which can help with salivary flow.
Final Thoughts:
It sounds like you have been very proactive about your health, which is commendable. Pursuing clarity about your condition and advocating for yourself is important. Remember, it's okay to seek further help if you feel your needs are not being met. Take care and please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further support.
Related Questions
Patient Seeks New Prescription Before Upcoming Cruise
A 62-year-old man has a long-standing relationship with his primary care physician, having been a patient for two years and undergoing yearly wellness evaluations. With a cruise scheduled for the upcoming week, he submitted a request through the doctor's portal on Monday for Scopolamine patches to prevent seasickness. However, he did not receive any response for 48 hours and subsequently made multiple phone calls on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. During these calls, the staff informed him that the medical assistant had yet to confer with the doctor regarding his request. Finally, on Friday, just 15 minutes before closing time, the office contacted him to confirm that the prescription had been sent to the pharmacy. They also mentioned that moving forward, an in-person appointment would be necessary for all new prescriptions. Is it common for clinics to mandate an office visit for any new prescriptions? While I can understand that stricter measures might be needed for controlled substances or in situations where there are health risks associated with the medication, this seems excessive in my case. Is a five-day wait period for a prescription considered reasonable? Had they notified me on Wednesday that I needed to book an appointment, I would have had time to do so or to seek assistance at an urgent care facility. As an additional note, my wife contacted her primary care provider on the same Monday and had her prescription called into the pharmacy by Tuesday. For what it’s worth, I've enjoyed several cruises in the past without issues, but I’ve noticed some discussions online warning about the possibility of rough winds and turbulent seas in the upcoming travel area.
Assessing Rodenticide Exposure and First Aid Measures
In this narrative scenario, we have a male character, A, aged 15, who has suffered a stabbing injury inflicted with a dagger coated in rat poison. The question arises regarding whether character B, a 14-year-old female, can administer crucial first aid to stabilize A until professional medical assistance can be acquired. The particular type of rat poison involved is unknown; however, it has been characterized by symptoms such as limb numbness and blurred vision. These symptoms could also indicate potential blood loss, contributing to the urgency of the situation. Currently, B and A believe that reaching a hospital is a distant possibility. However, unbeknownst to them, help might arrive sooner than anticipated. Given this, it is essential to devise a plausible method through which B could attempt to manage A's condition. B could have a background that equips her with this knowledge; this detail is flexible within the story's framework. Any suggestions on how B might effectively deal with this predicament would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, for context, this narrative takes place in the year 2007, though its significance remains uncertain.
Am I Concerned About My Toenail Surgery Recovery?
I'm a 21-year-old and English isn't my primary language, so I apologize if anything sounds off. On November 25th, I underwent a partial unguectomy to treat an ingrown toenail. So far, my healing process has been going quite smoothly. There's one stitch remaining, which my doctor assures me will dissolve on its own, and I've been given the green light to engage in most activities as I experience little to no discomfort. My only responsibility has been to clean and bandage the area every three days. However, an issue arose yesterday when someone accidentally stepped on my foot. I noticed a new area of irritated red skin, which wasn't present before (I've posted images in the comments). I've also experienced a slight increase in pain, but it's still within manageable limits. Unfortunately, my doctor won't be available until Wednesday, leading me to worry that I may have jeopardized my recovery. I would greatly appreciate any insights to help ease my concerns, as I'm feeling quite anxious about the situation.
Experiencing Pinky Twitches?
Greetings! I’ve been noticing an unusual twitching in my pinky finger that occurs in a rhythmic pattern. It seems to tighten and relax about four times in a consistent interval. I'm a 21-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. Previously, I was prescribed Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Is It Okay to Host a 50-Person Gathering After Having a Cold?
For the past week, I've been under the weather with a slight cold. Symptoms included a runny or blocked nose, chills, body soreness, and intermittent headaches. Fortunately, after taking some Sudafed and NyQuil last night, I'm feeling somewhat improved. The congestion has subsided, but I still feel a bit lethargic. My primary concern is whether I'm still contagious. I'm set to host a gathering today with around 50 young adults aged 18 to 26 in a cramped setting. Am I at risk of passing my cold on to them, or since the congestion is gone, can I assume I’m no longer contagious? I do find myself sneezing occasionally. I'm a healthy 22-year-old female.