Swelling and pressure

[Tbeanmarie]

I'm 7 weeks post decompression surgery. At 5 weeks I jad concern over a small, squishy bulge at the top of my incision site. I wasn't having any pain or worrisome symptoms other than some neck stiffness. My doc assured me it was edema and normal swelling as the bone and muscles were still healing. My incision is fully healed. Well last night I was feeling more pressure and tightness. When I felt the back of my head, the swelling and bulge was very significant. I feel more uncomfortable than anything with some neck tightness and fatigue. I had a few alcoholic drinks 2 nights ago and wonder if the swelling can be from that? Is it normal for the swelling to get worse after 2 weeks from when I first had concern over the swelling? I wasn't referred to see my doc unless my symptoms changed significantly. Maybe Im more worried than I should be, but I don't know what "normal" is in this situation.

[selmaS]

  Hi Tbeanmarie and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We all heal at different rates and just differently....only you would know if you are slower to heal...like if you also have EDS.....but just how in general you have healed in the past.....as for the swelling....some is common and we should use ice to help that....as for stiffness we have neck exercises just for us after this surgery to help keep the muscles from getting tight....heat helps with this too....just know the right one to use in each area and how long......

Were you given exercises to do?