I've done a bit of research and learned the risks of untreated abscesses which were not explained to me and I am a bit freaked out.

I'm hoping for an eventless recovery from here as well though I'm terrified of the abscess returning because it was not packed or a drain was not placed. I've lost quite a bit of weight this month being unable to eat and the fear of something going wrong again is terrible.

The stitches from the I&D are very painful and I sleep more than I'm awake to minimize any risk of the abscess returning. I still have referred pain to the ear nearest the abscess and the stiches are so painful I dream that I'm chewing on broken glass most nights. How long is an average I&D recovery? My follow up is in 5 more days and I'm long since out of sick leave so I'll be at work like this all week.

My advice to anyone who discovers a painful lump; demand an X-ray!! It was so much smaller and less painful when I first noticed it. This has been very painful and frightening.

Thank you Bryanna for taking the time to help me and others. I'm afraid to think what would have happened if you hadn't encouraged me to demand an X-ray.