Hi Guys.The ES post op medications I was prescribed included quite strong analgesics, mainly for the surgery site pain - I took these for only a few days after surgery. I also took Trepiline for the neurological pain, plus the bonus that it helps one sleep - I took that for about two months after surgery. I used a warm bean bag around my neck and Robaxin (to relax the muscles), and needed physio to re-align and soothe my neck and jaw muscles. My physiotherapist recommended I use a TENS machine to stimulate the nerves and help with the pain in my jaw - this did help.
I must mention that I lost the use of the left-hand-side of my face after the removal of my second (left-hand) stylo-hyoid process. My mouth and eye drooped and I kept biting my tongue. Using the TENS machine on my jaw and face, and having physio (including ultrasound and lazer therapy) I regained complete use after about two months of treatment. I used 'ScarBan' gel strips along the scar as soon as the raw wound was sealed- after about a week. This softened the scar and really helped it to 'disappear'.
The scar tissue inside my neck and below my ear still give me pain - a year later. I just have to go for physio every so often - and take a pain killers and muscle relaxants when it gets really uncomfortable, plus a little heat.
But, surgery and post op meds are nothing compared to pre op pain and the hectic meds I needed to just help me get through each day. I was on Neurontin, Lyrica, Tramahexal, CiLift, Provigil, Adco-Zolpidem - plus,plus! (ie. for neurological pain, inflammation of the tendons and muscles near the calcified stylo-hyoid site, meds to sleep, meds to keep me awake, plus stimulate depleted serotonin etc.). So many medications can play havoc with the stomach - so, in my case, I had to see a gastroenterologist and dietician.
But, hey - I am soooo much better now and not taking so many meds.
Bless you all. Get healed!!