DAY 4

Day 4 I awoke in excruciating pain despite the humidifier and keeping on top of my meds. I couldn't swallow anything. I would put water or even ice chips in my mouth to melt and the water just sat in my mouth or would fall out of my mouth. I couldn't talk at all. My tongue hurt more than my throat, but both were painful. I didn't consume any calories all day. Later in the day the doctor's office called to check in on me, but because I couldn't talk I couldn't get the call. I waited until my Mom got home from work and had her call. At this point I started to keep paper and pen with me so I could communicate. I actually would recommend a white dry erase board! I was feeling very dehydrated. I tried to take my first shower and I felt ok in the shower, but within a few minutes I felt disoriented and that I couldn't stand. I was unable to finish my shower. I began to worry that I was going to have to return to the hospital for IV fluids. I knew how important it was to get fluids in me, but I honestly couldn't find a way to do it.

When my mom spoke to the nurse the nurse relayed questions to me and asked if I couldn't stay hydrated due to pain or swelling or both. I felt it was mostly swelling, especially the swelling of the back of my tongue. She sent in a script for prednisone. If the prednisone didn't work and help me to get liquid and calories in me I was going to have to go back to the hospital. There aren't pictures from these few days because I was so swollen you couldn't see anything in my mouth and I even had difficulty opening my mouth.

I also found that the first few days an ice pack on the outside of my neck didn't do anything, but during this time it helped with my pain and swelling. I recommend putting an ice pack wrapped in a towel and holding it on each side of your neck.