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I have suffered (literally) with a blocked saliva gland ...

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Guest
Guest

I have suffered (literally) with a blocked saliva gland (submandibular) for the past four years. When the symptoms first manifested there wasn't too much pain but the gland would swell and cause some discomfort. I went to my doctor who diagnosed the blockage. He booked an appointment at the hospital for me. However, being the NHS the appointment wasn't immediate and over a period of a few weeks the condition worsend and the pain intensified to such a degree that I was unable to eat for fear of bringing on 'the pain' which was so agonising that I was unable to cope with everyday life. This non eating period lasted for about a week during which puss formed in the gland. I managed to squeeze the puss out of the duct under my tongue using a combination of pressing the swollen gland with my thumb and using my tongue as a squeezing muscle. The process was extremely painful but by that stage I was prepared to do anything to find some relief! Once the puss was out the pain went and the relief was incredible!!!I thought the problem was solved. Unfortunately, a couple of years later the symptoms started again (the first sign, incidentally, is like a small insect has stung you on the tongue). On this occasion I tried a Chinese herbalist to see what they could offer - I didnt fancy an operation to remove the gland which is what the NHS were suggesting. The herbalist duly prescribed a foul tasting concoction of herbs which I had to boil up into a 'tea' daily and drink for a fortnight. The symptoms subsided and about three weeks after finishing the broth I passed a stone about the size of a 'petit pois' through the same duct under my tongue. I was ecstatic and thought, once again, that the problem was solved.No such luck. About a month ago (May 2005) the familiar stinging sensation on my toungue happened and knowing what that sensation heralded, I was filled with dismay. Within two days my face had swelled severely and the pain was so intense that I went to the hospital to see if they could help me. If they had said that they were going to have to amputate my head I would have happily agreed at that stage. However, they kept me in hospital for four days and said that they would 'treat the gland agressively', pumping me full of antibiotics and steroids as well as strong pain killers. I am grateful for the releif that the hospital was able to give me but they are now waiting for the gland to settle down before surgically removing it. I think this may be the only solution as the problem keeps recuring but I am going to seek a second opinion just to be sure.

[i:60075a1cd3]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:60075a1cd3]

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry to hear about the trouble you've been having with your stones. I too have stones which have been bothering me for some time. The NHS have waited almost a year now to see if the stones will budge as they are lodged far back in the gland. I've now to get surgery, a option I feel I don't want to take but don't want to leave these stones in me any longer.

    What's the name of the chinese medicine you tried. I'd like to give it a bash as anything that might make me pass the stones is good in my book!

    Good luck with the surgery!

    [i:5457929c78]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:5457929c78]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Your story is the closest to my symptoms. I have actually passed two stones, both the size of a small childs front lower tooth. I passed the stones 2 months ago, but have been manually pushing puss out of the gland on a daily basis for about 3 months now. I have been offered surgery to remove the gland, I'm not keen on this solution, but as I begin the swelling and pain again as I have another one forming. I would also like to try the tea you speak of. I would also love to hear if you have had the surgery and how it has worked for you.

    [i:3f81a4ff09]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:3f81a4ff09]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi,

    this is scary stuff. I first thought it was the chillies in my food that had come in contact with a cut in my mouth. My doctor immediately diagnosed a blocked duct but never mentioned the possibility of having to surgically remove it. He prescribed the usual candy pill, amoxycillin, and was told to go see him if the swelling/pain had not subsided. I can feel a petit pois sized lump under my tongue which hurts to touch it. I will certainly try "massaging" it out as I don't fancy going under the knife again. Good luck with yours.

    [i:46a23fb147]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:46a23fb147]

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