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Facial Swelling - no diagnosis
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Apr 20, 2023 | Replies (158)Comment receiving replies
In October of 2013 I began to notice a swelling on both sides of my face. I didn't identify this with any other issues. When it persisted I went to the ER on numerous occasions due to pain, pressure on my head and eyes and inability to sleep normally. Antibiotics, steroids and surgery to explore facial glands.
I soon discovered, on my own, that my swelling was directly related to the digestive issues I face on a daily bases. I have been diagnosed with GERD, Irregular Bowel Elimination...I have been on multible digestive medications and am now taking Linzess. My swelling persists and gastric issues also. I try to balance them both by eating very little and sleeping sitting up or contorted.
I am a vocalist who has studied as a classical Tenor. This condition has placed great strain and pressure on my body, mind and spirit. It is difficult to sing with freedom and liberty. I really need some assistance.
Replies to "In October of 2013 I began to notice a swelling on both sides of my face...."
I have also experienced a lot of the same things you are going through to including facial swelling & digestive issues. The ONLY things that help me are oil of oregano, grapefruit seed oil & a very good probiotic at bedtime (never take during meals). I have to watch everything I eat also but since I have been on these 3 products my lifestyle has improved dramatically. All the doctors I have been shuffled around to have been baffled by my facial swelling, etc. I am telling you this as I did not get better at all until I started the above products mentioned. Your stomach issues are most likely caused by candidia infection (fungal). I have been healing my stomach & sinuses as I believe both these areas were infected. I have dealt with this off and on for 34 years now & this is the only time ANYTHING has worked for me. I also drink a protein shake every morning to help with digestion. All my issues started after an infection that ran wild through my body at age 34 & the doctors did surgery, then gave me the largest amount of antibiotics in the history of this hospital. These antibiotics saved my life but wrecked havoc within me ever since. I did not realize all this until last year. I now stay away from antibiotics unless it's a life threat that I need them. Please go see a good Naturopathic Dr. or a certified nutritionist as this is the only true help I have received. Oh, my facial glands were also so beyond swollen that my neurologist thought I Sjogren’s disease & my blood work showed very high levels for RA. My C Reactive protein levels were off the chart also. I see a specialist at Jewish National Hosp. in Denver next week but feel I really don't need to see him now (had to wait 2 months to get in). Anyway I really hope you take what I have said to heart as it may well be the same kind of issue I have been dealing with. I am so thankful for the naturopathic approach or I would still be super ill right now.
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Hello @agoodmind4u -- welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry you haven't been able to find an answer to the facial swelling yet but it sounds like you to have identified the probable cause. Others have mentioned the FODMAP or low FODMAP diet for IBS. While we wait for other members to respond to your post, I did find some information on Mayo Clinic's website that may be helpful.
The role of lifestyle-related treatments for IBS
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/the-role-of-lifestyle-related-treatments-for-ibs/mac-20431272
You mentioned eating very little and changing sleeping positions. Have you made any changes to the types of foods you eat?