How long does it take for swelling to go away

[Veronica830]

I was just wondering if my swelling was normal. My wife wants me to call my doctor every two seconds but I don't think it's necessary. I have discomfort in my back and it's really sore but I think it's because I'm sleeping sitting up. My neck feels swollen and very tender but I'm not in agonizing pain just extremely sore. So is this pretty much normal I mean we are going through a serious surgery. I'm just nervous but I don't want to feel like I'm freaking everyone out or bothering anyone. Oh and when I touch the bottom of my neck it feels bumpy like a raised bruise.

[Viva001]

Were you given steroids, and are you allowed ibuprofen?

Hope you feel better soon!

[czpdx]

Sorry you're feeling so lousy. I had swelling for about a 4-6 weeks after my surgery. You're only about two weeks out from your surgery, right? For me, the first 6-7 weeks are spent doing nothing but resting and taking pain pills and muscle relaxers. If you can tolerate it, I would keep using ice packs on the swollen areas, but not for more than 20 minutes at a time. If you have muscle relaxers, that might help with some of the back and neck spasms as well. Also, make sure that you're spending enough time resting so that you don't end up having setbacks. Hang in there! It does get better.

[Sexybare]

I have had swelling across shoulders, neck and shoulderblades since well before first surgery in 2011. No one seems to know why. And it hurts always and can't feel if its touched, no feeling on outside but pain deep inside

[selmaS]

  Hi, at this point post op u will have swelling and u r right it is normal post op...we r all different in how long it takes for the swelling to go down.

Were u given post op instructions on possibly using an ice pack to help with swelling?

I used heat to help with stiffness and did so b4 I did my neck exercises as it is important to move ur neck post op so the muscles do not get tight or allow scar tissue to form.

The swelling is not from sleeping upright as I also slept in a recliner and I di dnot have excess swelling....I feel  my neck was very wide...post op and looking at many zippers others have had the same look....

As long as ur swelling is not increasing in size or pain getting worse, then I would say things r going as they should.

If u have swelling that could be the bump or raised area u feel, as long as it is not infected or growing in size u should be ok.....