squishy area

Maybe I spoke too soon. Right next to my incision I have this squishy raised area. Its not really a lump but I guess the size of a half dollar. I'm really not having any symptoms of a csf leak, but was wondering if that is what it is? Or if it could be something else? My ear on that side feels clogged but I am also getting over a really bad cold. Any thoughts?

[selmaS]

Hi Tia...call ur Dr...even ur PCP...this should be looked at asap...it could be from ur sinuses, but u never know.

I used to have issues with getting these pockets too, but mine would open and ooze...I have EDS and am slow to heal...I was given a topical antibiotic ointment which helped...

Make sure it is not a leak ...get it seen.

"selma"

[thieb9]

I called my NS. She is in surgery so she is going to call back. My pcp is a waste of time!

This might sound stupid, but I can't tell if its actually something there, or if its my hair. My hair is really really thick and its growing in a weird direction there, so its making it hard to tell! I know, that sounds stupid.

[selmaS]

No it doesn't I had the same thoughts...ingrown hair can cause an issue too...and infections...so it does not hurt to ask.

And it is not stupid...it is when we do not ask and do nothing that is stupid...lol..

let us know what u find out.

"selma"

[thieb9]

I'm such and idiot! If I would have bothered to feel the whole area I would have realized its part of my scar. I just didn't realize it because there is no scab there anymore!

I did talk to my dr and she said if it gets worse to call her. I also have to go to an ENt to be checked for some type of vertigo :( sigh. She thinks that its Chiari related but wants me to have it checked just to be sure

[selmaS]

No u r not!!!...it changes texture and mine did swell up and go down and open...so, u never know....

This is all new....

Yuck, vertigo...I hate getting that...thank the Lord none since surgery for me...but one bout  lasted 2 weeks....nasty.

Were u ever looked at for P.O.T.S.??...check ur BP!!

"selma"

[thieb9]

my blood pressure is always normal. I have had the different postiton test and all of that stuff. Im not even sure what POTS is. I only get dizzy if I am lying flat so she wants me checked for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

[selmaS]

OIC..POTS is -Postural Tachycardia Syndrome-
Upright posture is a fundamental human activity requiring rapid and effective circulatory and neurologic compensations in order to maintain blood pressure and consciousness. The orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a disabling disease state described at least since 1940 and is the most common reason for referral for chronic orthostatic intolerance. Patients are often unable to hold jobs or attend schools. Yet, our understanding of its pathophysiology remains incomplete. An operational definition of the syndrome (often denoted by the acronym POTS for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) includes symptoms of orthostatic intolerance associated with an increase in heart rate from the supine to upright position of more than 30 beats per minute or to a heart rate greater than 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of head-up tilt (HUT). An exaggerated increase in heart rate, often accompanied by hypotension in association with dizziness, nausea, palpitations, heat and fatigue in the upright position has been described under other names including the hyperadrenergic syndrome of Streeten, idiopathic hypovolemia of Fouad et al, and most recently the postural orthostatic syndrome of Low et al. POTS is common, affecting an undisclosed number of patients mostly in the age range of 12 to 50 years, mostly female (approximately 80%), often with onset following a viral infection or other inflammatory condition. There is an as yet undetermined but increasing apparent prevalence in children and adolescents. Resting tachycardia is common. Symptoms of anxiety may proliferate and appear to be autonomically mediated in many cases; there is also overlap with anxiety/panic disorder.