Constant gland sweeling

8 months passed since RAI treatment (150 mci) and I started to have constant swelling of my both glands. Doctor prescribed antibiotics and I am going to do Neck CAT scan. Would antibiotics help? How long can you have this kind of sweeling? Please help.

I'm not sure which glands you're referring to, but I had this issue with the salivary glands in my cheeks/near my ears.  Started 6 months after RAI, lasted about 4 weeks, then mostly subsided.  I ended up with a blocked gland on one side--they don't really swell much anymore. (I also had 150 mci.)  My ENT was able to feel the "block," or "stone," and checked it by blowing a mini airgun inside my mouth to check for salivation.

My guess is the antibiotic is in case there was/is an infection.

There are some threads on salivary glands here, that might be useful to you.  Hope it is temporary for you!!

Thank you for reply. Yes, I mean salivary glands. The swelling goes on and off during the day for almost 3 weeks now. The glands are painfull. Do you think I don't need the antibiotic?

hello.  I also had about 150 mCi (146) and developed the swelling 8 months after RAI.  It was quite painful and would come and go.  My dr was perplexed but the people here really saved me...try using warm compresses when showering or bathing...then, gently massage from your cheek at about mid ear and rub down towards the mouth...almost as if you are milking the gland....I also had some good luck eating sour things...but not much at first, as this caused A LOT of pain... drink extra water in the hopes of diluting the saliva and allowing it to flow more easily... you can also gently rub the inside of your cheek in the same direction...if you notice a salty taste you'll know that the saliva is flowing.  best of luck to you...it has been 8 months and I occasionally have a bit of tenderness, but the compresses seem to help that along.  hopefully, this too shall pass.....

On Nov 03, 2009 9:52 PM galya13 wrote:

Thank you for reply. Yes, I mean salivary glands. The swelling goes on and off during the day for almost 3 weeks now. The glands are painfull. Do you think I don't need the antibiotic?

I hope they get better soon.  I can't speak to whether or not you would need an antibiotic.  Probably best to check with your doctor...