Abscessed wisdom tooth removed, infection/swelling only seeming to worsen

My left lower wisdom tooth was abscessed and removed on Thursday, August 25. The oral surgeon got it out pretty easily, no breaking of the tooth or anything like that. He noted that "an otherwise healthy person" would heal on their own but prescribed me penicillin to be safe. Due to issues with the pharmacy, the prescription wasn't filled until Friday evening.

So the issue is that the swelling on the lower left side of my jaw seems to have gotten to its apex (or at least I hope its the apex because I'd hate to see it swell further), and I can hardly open my mouth. For example, if I take one of those long skinny freezer pops, its just about the width I can open my teeth.

It's been more than 72 hours since the tooth was pulled but the swelling and oral limitations seem to only be worsening.

Does anyone have any ideas on what may help expedite the healing process? Or at least to reduce the swelling of the jaw? I was told at the dentist's office not to ice it.

I had the lower right wisdom tooth removed several months ago, and it really was a non-event. I felt pretty much normal by this point that time around, but a much different experience this time around.

Any ideas on ordinary household items that may help me out here (tough to get out to a store with the hurricane and all) would be greatly appreciated.