Lori's Surgery Pictures


Surgery was Aug 29 with Dr. Clifton Hood at Doctors West Hospital in Columbus. I had a parotidectomy of the left superficial parotid gland. The tumor was 6 x 3 x 2 cm. Tumor had fibrous fingers and there was alot of scarring. Diagnosis:Gramulomatous parotiditis, AFB and GMS stains negative, associated parotid gland atrophy, Sarcoidosis. I am being treated now by a Rheumatologist for the Sarcoidosis. They are using Prednisone, blood work and x-rays.


Second parotidectomy was done by same doc, same hosptial with same diagnosis. This time I did not get a compression cup, I got a nice little drain that came down my neck and was attached to a suction bulb. It really grossed people at WalMart out.


The parotidectomy surgery is not a pretty one, sounds bad but does nto hurt as bad as it looks. They start at the hairline halfway up your forhead. It comes down in front of ear, then back up and behind then down to mid neck. They actually move your ears. This is to save your facial nerve. They also use nerve monitors to make sure they do not cut them. On mine, the sarcoidosis was wrapped all around the nerves. By all rights I should have lost my facial nerves. But Doc Hood is the best! First surgery, I swear my ears were uneven but he took care of that the second time! hehe


UPDATE June 2004

Still on prednisone, unable to wean off them. My body just won't start making the chemicals on its own. Also on Lotrel for blood pressure, Effexor for depression (from steriods), Ambien to sleep, Tylonal with Codine for pain. I also take acid reducers, meds for my intestinal troubles and tylonal. I can not do the Actonel (osteoprosis meds) but was given a sample of Limbrel. I am hoping to get put on that. My primary doc went to Urgent Care, my rheumatologist went to a drug company and my pulminary/critical care people are not helpful. Am working with insurance to get me new docs. I went into Adrenal Crisis last week and went back up to 10 mg of prednisone. So now I hurt like heck, what's new, but I am back to the energy bursts. I am also doing compulsive things like cleaning and playing with power tools. I even mowed part of the yard today! It did send me into an aweful coughing fit! But I did it!

Before surgery with Brad Paisley.


3 hours after I got to my room.


First day home, about 36 hours after surgery. Dave and Dad had to clean out my cup.


They eye is bruised and for some reason that day I had rose red lips.


Day 7..After they took the stitches out.


Day 9


Day 10 I get to fish. My pain and swelling hit day 12. That is my $1 floppy hat from WalMart. I got a matching scarf for $1 too!


Sarcoidosis

The most common manifestations of sarcoidosis are found in the lungs, skin, joints, eyes, central nervous system, heart, liver, kidneys, lymph glands, and other soft tissue organs. To the medical community, it is known as the "great masquerader" because it mimics other diseases and conditions making it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat. Definite diagnosis is further hindered because it can dwell in the body in an asymptomatic state (no symptoms).

It is further characterized as persistent inflammation in the form of lymphocytes (a type of overactive blood cell) which causes the formation of what is called "granulomas." The granulomas appear as lumps or nodules (singular or as clusters) in the body ranging in size from a pea to a fist. As sarcoidosis maneuvers throughout the body, the inflammed granulomas create scar tissue and block the function of vital organs which can cause permanent organ and tissue damage at the rate of 20 to 30 percent of all diagnosed cases.

Aggressive treatment using corteosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and control symptoms is preferred. Drugs such as prednisone, chloroquine, and methotrexate are used to control symptoms but are not a cure. Patients may experience many side effects requiring careful monitoring by a physician. But, even with treatment, sarcoidosis can escalate to a chronic state, burn out or go into remission. Some patients require intense aggressive treatment while others required little or no treatment and are able to live fulfilled lives.