Fluid Under Skin of Surgery Site

[jorsto]

Hello,

I’m 11 days post middle fossa surgery.  They said to expect swelling but I’m noticing that every night I wake up with more swelling than when I went to sleep.  It feels like liquid between my skull and skin and can gently press certain areas and hear the fluid.

Is this actually normal?

Other side effects post surgery:

- 10/10 pain on glutes and bottom of leg to calf. I went in for a blood clot check and came back negative.  I can’t sleep no matter what medication I’m given as nothing fixes the pain.

[Mark F.]

Sorry to hear about your issue.   I don't have experience with pain, I was lucky enough to actually be in less pain after surgery than before.  But the swelling and sleeping thing I have a question about.  Did you try a different bed or pillow?  I noticed after my surgery that I was having problems sleeping, and although it didn't hurt I did have swelling that felt weird.  For me a new pillow and a change in sleeping position seemed to help.  I say seemed to, because I'm not sure if it was that or if the swelling just stopped happening because of time.    I am 6 months post op now, and I do still have to watch my sleeping position, if my neck isn't supported right I will have a headache on the AN side.