Parotidectomy - complications

[Sunflower1975914]

Hello, my 38 yo husband had a total parotidectomy with nerve dissection 12 days ago, which went well surgically and the tumors were all benign.  However, since he has been home, he is experiencing episodes of lightheadedness, occasional severe, painful headaches, as well as episodes of his whole chest and head area heating up to where he has to pull of his shirt.  Those last for a few minutes, 3-7 minutes, and then go away.  He is also out of breath after climbing stairs.  None is consistent, and none ever happened prior to surgery and he is in extremely good health and physical shape, no history of cardiac or vasovagal issues.  The ENT surgeon is perplexed as to why this started post-surgery and initially was concerned that he may be having a heart attack, and has advised that we see our family doctor for a work-up to see if there is a cardiovascular issue.  We can't figure out what is wrong and it's so frustrating.  

[Enoch Choi, MD]

How'd the cat scan of the lungs go?  Or was is a V/Q scan?

Blood clots are treated with anti-coagulant pills, which thin the blood.

Good luck with your pregnancy, let us know how things are going.

[Sunflower1975914]

You are right.  We had the doctor do an EKG and the blood O2 level test.  Both showed "normal", however, one area we never thought of was that it was something pulmonary.  He has sent us for a chest xray, followed by a lung scan to see if there is a blood clot in the lung.  Hadn't considered that possibility, but based on the symptoms, it makes sense.  The hospital seemed to take good precautions to prevent clots (TED hose, compression machine on his legs) and he did get up to walk a few times.  He is en route to the radiology center now for the CXR and lung scan.  I'm not sure how blood clots are treated in otherwise healthy folks (maybe blood thinner/clot preventer) but it's not comforting to have a ticking time bomb.  I hope that the results are in today... not sure what they do next?

Again, many thanks to you from the worried wife and mom-to-be!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

That's really not soon enough.  I hope you go to the ER instead...

[Sunflower1975914]

Many thanks, Dr. Choi, for your response.  We have an appointment Monday for eval. Thank you kindly!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Your ENT is right, you should go directly to the ER for an evaluation for heart attack which is worrisome given his breathlessness after climbing stairs.  His pattern of chest pain is not as consistent with heart attack (more persistent pain), but still needs immediate evaluation.