It’s very early days in terms of recovery, you’ll still have lots of swelling so it may well be that you’re IJV is being compressed by that. Days 3-5 are typically worst for swelling, but it’s very common for this to last longer. Any ES surgery recovery commonly has it’s ups and downs, and can take months, and yours will likely be slower & harder because of the extra work done with your C1 shave, fascia and digastric muscle released…It’s great that you have seen improvements already, so try to hang on to those positives!
If you’re not already doing this, I’d suggest sleeping propped up as this will help swelling, and icing your neck regularly.
@premedmom posted this info about lymphatic drainage post surgery, which should be helpful, although I can’t see any info about when to start; I would think that it’s probably too early right now, I would wait until the incision has healed properly, you could ask your doctor about this:
How to do Lymphatic Self-Massage on Your Face, Head and Neck
Steroids can help with swelling too if your doctor is willing to prescribe them…
You might find this discussion helpful, @Val7426 has posted about her husband’s experience with styloidectomy & C1 shave, and also @PatientD has posted info in it about lymphatic drainage…
A Canadian’s Journey: VES Surgery in Türkiye Dec. 10 - General - Living with Eagle
@Chrickychricky has also posted about recovery, here’s one discussion, hopefully those mentioned will give you some more input!
Styloidectomy with C1 shave recovery? - Symptoms and Treatments - Living with Eagle
So try not to feel disheartened, it’s not a quick fix and that you’ve seen some improvements so quickly is good. Praying that things keep improving for you 
4 Likes