I got my wisdom teeth removed the day after Christmas. I had five, and the surgery ended up taking about twice as long as they predicted. They had a lot of trouble getting my bottom teeth out and there was a lot of trauma to the surrounding area.

I had bad reactions to the mega-doses of ibuprofen and the vicodin – both made me extremely nauseous and my oral surgeon prescribed an anti-nausea medication for chemo patients which has helped.

However, I have not continued with the ibuprofen and thus, nearly a week after the surgery, I am still experiencing a lot of swelling. I have tried EVERYTHING – ice compresses, moist heat (on the advice of my surgeon), even awful homeopathic remedies. Nothing is working. I have to go back to school on Wednesday, and I'm not comfortable going back looking and feeling how I am.

So does anyone have any recommendations to speed up the healing process, specifically the swelling? Is there some kind of super steroid I can ask for? Heeelllllpppp!

It's pretty common to vomit after surgery. Even a combo of blood and stomach acid. I've had oral surgery a few times, including having wisdom teeth removed. The swelling takes about a week to go down, and if you irritate the area, you will get dry socket which will prolong the swelling ,as well as hurt really bad. Try salt water rinses every hour you are awake, and remember to let the water "fall out" of your mouth instead of spitting. Spitting and sucking on a straw can also cause dry socket. Stay away from other remedies, and also get a lot of sleep. Sleep also helps recovery.