Question: I think I may have an infection in my mouth following a abscessed molar extraction 4 days ago. Hurts a like one and tastes like one. My oral surgeon did not prescrirbe an antibiotic or pain meds because of allergies. We had a discussion and he decided not to. I had another tooth extracted by him 2 years ago, without an antibiotic or pain medicine but not sure if it was abscessed. The current tooth had a root canal 30 years ago and in recent past within the past year or two, recurring irritated gum and finally fistula. I have kept gauze to put pressure for bleeding for the first two days and then 3rd and 4th days to keep food out of extraction area while I was eating, and then remove. Rinsed with salt water and mouth wash as directed.

I am 72 years old. I have low blood platelets for about 12 years (41,000 - ideopathic - 2 siblings with it as well). My blood clots - it just takes time. Never had a transfusion. I have diabetes controlled only with diet and exercise. I go to the gym almost every day but missed a few days because of extraction and bleeding. I am allergic to many antibiotics. I know I can take Vancomycin intravenously. Have done so, after surgery 20 years ago.


Drug allergies:
Ampicillin - serious hives that went into shock 40 years ago.
Clindamycin - was prescribed for a different root canal, 20 years ago, and I got serious hives from it. Not shock. 2 family members got C-diff from it.
Zithromax Z-Pack 5-day - (as a second choice) was prescribed immediately after discontinuing Clindamycin. Took only one pill initially instead of two. Within a half hour, felt like a string had been tied around my neck. Immediately stopped taking that.
Doxicycline. - Diarrhea
Benadryl - serious allergic/asthmatic cough lasting for hours when taken in combination with other drugs adn especially antibiotics..
Sulfa drugs - as a young person and I do not remember what the allergy was.
Salicylates -and N -saids (big hives)
Metronidazole- a few hives only - when applied to the vaginal area

Was able to tolerate in my 20's the following:

Erythromycin - One pill per day over 2 years to treat skin acne in my 20's, taken for other illness as well. Not since my 20's.
Tetracycline - 3 months for skin acne in my 20's, not taken since.

Those are all the antibiotics I have taken.

For me, less is more. I believe half as much dosage or dosage over a longer time is best for me., and I try not to take any other drugs when taking an antibiotic.

I CAN TAKE VANCOMYCIN.
Doctors have told me I would have to take vancomycin intravenously. Allergists have told me not to have a shot of any antibiotic if I can help it. I see vancomycin is orally prescribed only for C-diff etc. Have had a sister and granddaughter also allergic to penicillins, who took Clindamycin and they got C-diff.

Want to call my GP doctor or oral surgeon . It is Saturday. He doesn't know my history well. What can I do? I cannot likely tolerate having to take two antibiotics if the first one doesn't work or I am allergic to it.

Because of low blood platelets I have kept gauze in my extracted tooth cavity (2 stitches) much of the first two to three days to help with clotting. I also have been keeping it there before I eat trying to keep the area clean and then pulling the gauze out when I finish eating. Gauze has a tiny bit of blood and grayness. I started out with one. Not red on outside or hot. a bit of swelling which could be caused by extraction, I guess. I have kept gauze in my extracted tooth cavity (2 stitches) when I eat, trying to keep it clean and then pulling the gauze out when I finish eating. Tastes like I may have an infection. Not red on outside or hot. Can feel swelling on side of jaw but may be bruising? My temperature is normal. Not taking pain meds because of allergies. YYYY@YYYY - cell 540 480-2808

What can I do now?

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