I have had Sjogrens for many years . I have had problems with my parotid gland before but this time it is worse than usual. It always starts with acute pain in my right gland when I start to eat (or even when I am thinking about eating !) The pain doubles me up but up to now if I massage the swelling the salivary gland unblocks and all is well.
This time although the pain has decreased it hasn’t gone and has extended into my ear and jaw, The swelling seems to be there still but massage isn’t working.
Any thoughts ? I would be grateful for any help. Thank you ! Hi
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bones-bones
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Hello, I am not diagnosed with Sjogren’s although my ENT suspected I had it as I have many symptoms. One of my symptoms is the intermittent swelling and pain in my parotid gland. It tends to happen when I start to eat (and sometimes even when I think about eating) and when I drink especially something sour like orange juice.Sometimes I have to stop eating as I get locked jaw.
Recently the pain and swelling were so bad that it prompted me to see an ENT privately. I had an ultrasound scan. My ENT concluded that I probably have some kind of blockage - tiny stones or sludge which makes it difficult for the saliva to pass.
He prescribed me antibiotics which I couldn’t take due to a bad reaction.
He said it might pass on its own. Otherwise there are procedures available: sialography and/or sialendoscopy. I can’t really afford to keep seeing him.
Hi Jow, Thank you for your reply. Yes you have exactly the same as me. A few days ago the pain seemed to spread up to my ear and I thought maybe I ought do some thing more about it. I had tried massage (painful) and wrapping a hot bran bag round my jaw..but no luck.......And then yesterday l was reading the paper and Woosh the dam burst ,
the gunge emptied and the pain went !
So I’m sure the same will happen for you if you are patient and can bear the pain. I know it is a severe crumpling up pain so .....Good Luck ! Liz
Hi Liz, thank you. Glad to hear that your pain swelling are gone. No, I haven’t seen a rheumatologist. I may try to ask my GP for a referral although I doubt they’d agree. ( and I can’t afford to see one privately). They wouldn’t even do blood tests that my ENT asked for.
I think the dryness of Sjogren's and other immune system problems can lead to problems like this as well as lymph-edema, trouble swallowing, talking, sinus congestion, etc. There are techniques to help drain your lymph nodes and fluid build-up in general and over your whole body. The face and neck techniques work for me when I get the jaw pain and sinus blockage.
I'm now getting some nerve pain in my legs so may try these techniques there.
There are some cautions if you have cardiac issues, infections, been diagnosed with Lymphedema, untreated COPD or acute inflammation, renal failure or deep vein thrombosis. Please talk to your doctor.
There are a lot of videos and other information out there including on Martha Stewart's website and a very detailed, lengthy PDF from the National Health Service. Some come from yoga sites or post cancer treatments. Many are directed at natural face lifts. Here are a couple sites I found on a quick search. I have used the first one. I like the info. I get on the Healthline site.
Also as mentioned in another post, alternate between hot and cold packs. And I find it easier not to worry about diagnoses but find ways to treat your symptoms and support your body in better functioning. Good Luck for better health.
Poor you, sounds like an infection/ blockage in the gland. You should get it reviewed by a Dr, and in the mean time I wonder would hot/cold compresses help the pain?
Yes! Hot and cold compresses alternately will most likely help. It helps me with this exact situation. Sometimes I can even sense when the gland finally drains. Other times it is more subtle but the pain subsides. I'm not sure which to do first, maybe cold.
Hi , i have been through this , on occasions it was a infection that caused the problem. My dentist was very help with advice and antibiotics. I massage my face every day to try and keep things at bay where possible. I hope you can get some help with this 🤗
I have the same problem, sounds bizarre but try sucking one lemon sherberts. I have the same problem and find it very painful if the face does swell it's very painful but the lemon sherbert gets the saliver moving and swelling goes down in minutes.
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