Experience: Non evasive surgery, India.

[Guest guest]

My experience is quite detailed so I suggest that you skip directly to the section you are interested. Read through completely if you've got the time and inclination The beginning:Am a 26 year old male from Mumbai, India (22 at the age of surgery). Writing to share my experience with this wonderful group. My initial symptom was reduced hearing in the infected ear. I ignored the problem for sometime because I was prone to ear infections since childhood. Bad came to worse when a foul smelling sticky discharge started oozing out of my ear. When this latest symptom persisted, I felt it was time to see an ENT. The bad news:I visited a local ENT practitioner who was a young fellow of 27-28 years. He looked into my ear canal with a microscope that had a tiny camera attached to it. He immediately identified the problem and showed me the white pus accumulated on my ear drum on a giant TV in his clinic. He cleared the discharge with a vacuum tube and I was able to hear properly for sometime. He suggested that I immediately go in for surgery. The diagnosis: I was referred an ENT specialist at Lilavati Hospital, a high-end hospital in Mumbai, India. I was secretly hoping that the surgery could be avoided. But the specialist, a 68 year old surgeon, seconded the diagnosis and advised immediate surgery. I was quite shaken and the doctor explained that there is no particular cause for the problem and it just occurs (maybe he didn't want to get into the technicalities with me). I didn't have any bad habits or addictions and was quite heart-broken that this was happening to me despite my clean soul I was worried about the expenses but I had health insurance so I decided to go in for the treatment. The doctor explained how he would carry out a non-invasive procedure by drilling into the ear-canal roof from the inside of my ear and cut out the infected bone (the ones in the inner ear that vibrates). He would then replace it with a titanium fitting that would substitute for the missing bone. Some loss of hearing (very tiny non-discernible percentage) was to be expected post-surgery. The procedure: D-day was as usual. Some blood tests followed by blood pressure check and visit from a very plain looking anesthesiologist (later i read somewhere that anesthesiologists play as important a part in a surgery as the surgeon him/herself). I was led into the operating room consisting of the specialist (who consulted me earlier), a standby surgeon, 2 anesthesiologists, and some nurses. The anesthesia felt warm as it flowed into my bloodstream though the IV and I felt into a deep sleep. In about 40 minutes, the effect of the anesthesia must've subsided and I felt a sharp pain in my ear, followed by a loud drilling sound. The surgeon was pressing into the bone with the drill and the pain was unbearable. I tried to stir but the docs held me down. I realized that the surgeon was instructing some medical students as he performed the procedure (embarrassing). Then he asked the anesthesiologist to give me another dose and the next time I woke up it was all over. The pain started growing as I gained consciousness. The operating theater was empty now save a nurse and the surgeon. I could speak but my ear was throbbing like someone was driving knife up the canal and the bandages were soaked in blood from the new wound. Recovery: I was put under observation at the Hospital for 2 nights and the doctors made rounds to check me up twice a day. I had a lot of bandage on my ear and given several pain killers/antibiotics for the wound to heal. On the second day I was allowed to go home but advised follow-ups every 3 months. I was on bed for around 3 weeks and the bandage was removed after that. My face was swollen all this while and I had difficulty chewing. After the bandages were remove, I still had to put cotton plugs in my ear to stop the bleeding. I noticed a slight difference in the size of my ear-hole but the doctor advised that it was temporary. In about 4-5 months the wound almost healed and the hearing almost perfect. I was advised from swimming but allowed all other activities. Repercussions: The experience is much less traumatic than other serious ailments and diseases in this world but it still leaves a mark on you. Any problem I experience now in my affected ear reminds me of the experience. For example, I think I have a ear infection right now and was searching for symptoms on the internet when I hit upon this group. But I guess you learn to live with it and secretly hope that you don't have to go through it again. On the other hand, you can boast to your friends that you came through it brave and strong I realized life is gonna test you one way or the other, no matter how clean your soul is, so there is nothing wrong in indulging and having a cold mug of beer once in a while. Cost:The total cost of the surgery including medicines and hospital facilities came to around $5000. Not cheap but the doctors and facilities were A grade. References:Dr. Ashutosh Pusalkar (He is a world renowned ENT and has published many articles. He also visits the US for surgeries every now and then but not sure which hospitals)http://www.lilavatihospital.com/web/doctorschedule.asp?Speciality=ENT+SurgeryHope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions. Sid.

[Guest guest]

A great story for all to read. Thanks!

>

> My experience is quite detailed so I suggest that you skip directly to

> the section you are interested. Read through completely if you've got

> the time and inclination

>

> The beginning:

>

> Am a 26 year old male from Mumbai, India (22 at the age of surgery).

> Writing to share my experience with this wonderful group. My initial

> symptom was reduced hearing in the infected ear. I ignored the problem

> for sometime because I was prone to ear infections since childhood. Bad

> came to worse when a foul smelling sticky discharge started oozing out

> of my ear. When this latest symptom persisted, I felt it was time to see

> an ENT.

>

> The bad news:

>

> I visited a local ENT practitioner who was a young fellow of 27-28

> years. He looked into my ear canal with a microscope that had a tiny

> camera attached to it. He immediately identified the problem and showed

> me the white pus accumulated on my ear drum on a giant TV in his clinic.

> He cleared the discharge with a vacuum tube and I was able to hear

> properly for sometime. He suggested that I immediately go in for

> surgery.

>

> The diagnosis:

>

> I was referred an ENT specialist at Lilavati Hospital, a high-end

> hospital in Mumbai, India. I was secretly hoping that the surgery could

> be avoided. But the specialist, a 68 year old surgeon, seconded the

> diagnosis and advised immediate surgery. I was quite shaken and the

> doctor explained that there is no particular cause for the problem and

> it just occurs (maybe he didn't want to get into the technicalities with

> me). I didn't have any bad habits or addictions and was quite

> heart-broken that this was happening to me despite my clean soul I

> was worried about the expenses but I had health insurance so I decided

> to go in for the treatment. The doctor explained how he would carry out

> a non-invasive procedure by drilling into the ear-canal roof from the

> inside of my ear and cut out the infected bone (the ones in the inner

> ear that vibrates). He would then replace it with a titanium fitting

> that would substitute for the missing bone. Some loss of hearing (very

> tiny non-discernible percentage) was to be expected post-surgery.

>

> The procedure:

>

> D-day was as usual. Some blood tests followed by blood pressure check

> and visit from a very plain looking anesthesiologist (later i read

> somewhere that anesthesiologists play as important a part in a surgery

> as the surgeon him/herself). I was led into the operating room

> consisting of the specialist (who consulted me earlier), a standby

> surgeon, 2 anesthesiologists, and some nurses. The anesthesia felt warm

> as it flowed into my bloodstream though the IV and I felt into a deep

> sleep. In about 40 minutes, the effect of the anesthesia must've

> subsided and I felt a sharp pain in my ear, followed by a loud drilling

> sound. The surgeon was pressing into the bone with the drill and the

> pain was unbearable. I tried to stir but the docs held me down. I

> realized that the surgeon was instructing some medical students as he

> performed the procedure (embarrassing). Then he asked the

> anesthesiologist to give me another dose and the next time I woke up it

> was all over. The pain started growing as I gained consciousness. The

> operating theater was empty now save a nurse and the surgeon. I could

> speak but my ear was throbbing like someone was driving knife up the

> canal and the bandages were soaked in blood from the new wound.

>

> Recovery:

>

> I was put under observation at the Hospital for 2 nights and the doctors

> made rounds to check me up twice a day. I had a lot of bandage on my ear

> and given several pain killers/antibiotics for the wound to heal. On the

> second day I was allowed to go home but advised follow-ups every 3

> months. I was on bed for around 3 weeks and the bandage was removed

> after that. My face was swollen all this while and I had difficulty

> chewing. After the bandages were remove, I still had to put cotton plugs

> in my ear to stop the bleeding. I noticed a slight difference in the

> size of my ear-hole but the doctor advised that it was temporary. In

> about 4-5 months the wound almost healed and the hearing almost perfect.

> I was advised from swimming but allowed all other activities.

>

> Repercussions:

>

> The experience is much less traumatic than other serious ailments and

> diseases in this world but it still leaves a mark on you. Any problem I

> experience now in my affected ear reminds me of the experience. For

> example, I think I have a ear infection right now and was searching for

> symptoms on the internet when I hit upon this group. But I guess you

> learn to live with it and secretly hope that you don't have to go

> through it again. On the other hand, you can boast to your friends that

> you came through it brave and strong I realized life is gonna test

> you one way or the other, no matter how clean your soul is, so there is

> nothing wrong in indulging and having a cold mug of beer once in a

> while.

>

> Cost:

>

> The total cost of the surgery including medicines and hospital

> facilities came to around $5000. Not cheap but the doctors and

> facilities were A grade.

>

> References:

>

> Dr. Ashutosh Pusalkar (He is a world renowned ENT and has published many

> articles. He also visits the US for surgeries every now and then but not

> sure which hospitals)

>

> http://www.lilavatihospital.com/web/doctorschedule.asp?Speciality=ENT+Su\

> rgery

>

>

> Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions.

>

> Sid.

>

[Guest guest]

I love the way Indians write...thank you!

I have been working with Indians my whole career and I love them as a people. I am in the Software Development business.

Anyway, what I found VERY INTERESTING in your post was the fact that you have lived a life of "no bad habits and addictions"

I read some where that alcohol abuse can contribute to this disease. Unfortunately, I have to say, I have abused alcohol for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I have never lost a job, or a marriage, or anything like that, but I have abused alcohol lots of times in my life. I am not your typical one glass of wine drinker.

Has anyone else heard of alcohol abuse contributing to this disease.

I was afraid to mention it earlier.

Thanks,

Brad

From: contactb.today <bernbrooks@...>Subject: Re: Experience: Non evasive surgery, India.cholesteatoma Date: Sunday, May 29, 2011, 3:07 PM

A great story for all to read. Thanks!>> My experience is quite detailed so I suggest that you skip directly to> the section you are interested. Read through completely if you've got> the time and inclination > > The beginning:> > Am a 26 year old male from Mumbai, India (22 at the age of surgery).> Writing to share my experience with this wonderful group. My initial> symptom was reduced hearing in the infected ear. I ignored the problem> for sometime because I was prone to ear infections since childhood. Bad> came to worse when a foul smelling sticky discharge started oozing out> of my ear. When this latest symptom

persisted, I felt it was time to see> an ENT.> > The bad news:> > I visited a local ENT practitioner who was a young fellow of 27-28> years. He looked into my ear canal with a microscope that had a tiny> camera attached to it. He immediately identified the problem and showed> me the white pus accumulated on my ear drum on a giant TV in his clinic.> He cleared the discharge with a vacuum tube and I was able to hear> properly for sometime. He suggested that I immediately go in for> surgery.> > The diagnosis:> > I was referred an ENT specialist at Lilavati Hospital, a high-end> hospital in Mumbai, India. I was secretly hoping that the surgery could> be avoided. But the specialist, a 68 year old surgeon, seconded the> diagnosis and advised immediate surgery. I was quite shaken and the> doctor explained that there is no

particular cause for the problem and> it just occurs (maybe he didn't want to get into the technicalities with> me). I didn't have any bad habits or addictions and was quite> heart-broken that this was happening to me despite my clean soul I> was worried about the expenses but I had health insurance so I decided> to go in for the treatment. The doctor explained how he would carry out> a non-invasive procedure by drilling into the ear-canal roof from the> inside of my ear and cut out the infected bone (the ones in the inner> ear that vibrates). He would then replace it with a titanium fitting> that would substitute for the missing bone. Some loss of hearing (very> tiny non-discernible percentage) was to be expected post-surgery.> > The procedure:> > D-day was as usual. Some blood tests followed by blood pressure check> and visit from a very plain

looking anesthesiologist (later i read> somewhere that anesthesiologists play as important a part in a surgery> as the surgeon him/herself). I was led into the operating room> consisting of the specialist (who consulted me earlier), a standby> surgeon, 2 anesthesiologists, and some nurses. The anesthesia felt warm> as it flowed into my bloodstream though the IV and I felt into a deep> sleep. In about 40 minutes, the effect of the anesthesia must've> subsided and I felt a sharp pain in my ear, followed by a loud drilling> sound. The surgeon was pressing into the bone with the drill and the> pain was unbearable. I tried to stir but the docs held me down. I> realized that the surgeon was instructing some medical students as he> performed the procedure (embarrassing). Then he asked the> anesthesiologist to give me another dose and the next time I woke up it> was all

over. The pain started growing as I gained consciousness. The> operating theater was empty now save a nurse and the surgeon. I could> speak but my ear was throbbing like someone was driving knife up the> canal and the bandages were soaked in blood from the new wound.> > Recovery:> > I was put under observation at the Hospital for 2 nights and the doctors> made rounds to check me up twice a day. I had a lot of bandage on my ear> and given several pain killers/antibiotics for the wound to heal. On the> second day I was allowed to go home but advised follow-ups every 3> months. I was on bed for around 3 weeks and the bandage was removed> after that. My face was swollen all this while and I had difficulty> chewing. After the bandages were remove, I still had to put cotton plugs> in my ear to stop the bleeding. I noticed a slight difference in the> size

of my ear-hole but the doctor advised that it was temporary. In> about 4-5 months the wound almost healed and the hearing almost perfect.> I was advised from swimming but allowed all other activities.> > Repercussions:> > The experience is much less traumatic than other serious ailments and> diseases in this world but it still leaves a mark on you. Any problem I> experience now in my affected ear reminds me of the experience. For> example, I think I have a ear infection right now and was searching for> symptoms on the internet when I hit upon this group. But I guess you> learn to live with it and secretly hope that you don't have to go> through it again. On the other hand, you can boast to your friends that> you came through it brave and strong I realized life is gonna test> you one way or the other, no matter how clean your soul is, so there is>

nothing wrong in indulging and having a cold mug of beer once in a> while.> > Cost:> > The total cost of the surgery including medicines and hospital> facilities came to around $5000. Not cheap but the doctors and> facilities were A grade.> > References:> > Dr. Ashutosh Pusalkar (He is a world renowned ENT and has published many> articles. He also visits the US for surgeries every now and then but not> sure which hospitals)> > http://www.lilavatihospital.com/web/doctorschedule.asp?Speciality=ENT+Su\> rgery> > > Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions.> > Sid.>------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

When I was a kid I was bugging my dad and stepmother for a beer like the

grownups had. They let me go down in the basement and bring up a

pretty-much-warm Genessee. Then they made me drink the whole thing. It

was the worst crap I ever tasted and ever since I just can't stand the

stuff. The same goes for most stuff like that. Once in a while I'll have

something like a fuzzy navel, but it's been years at this point. Even in

my navy days, I was happy to be the designated driver for the rest of

the gang.

Matt

Bradford Burt wrote:

>

> I love the way Indians write...thank you!

> I have been working with Indians my whole career and I love them as a

> people. I am in the Software Development business.

> Anyway, what I found VERY INTERESTING in your post was the fact that

> you have lived a life of " no bad habits and addictions "

> I read some where that alcohol abuse can contribute to this disease.

> Unfortunately, I have to say, I have abused alcohol for a long time.

> Don't get me wrong, I have never lost a job, or a marriage, or

> anything like that, but I have abused alcohol lots of times in my

> life. I am not your typical one glass of wine drinker.

> Has anyone else heard of alcohol abuse contributing to this disease.

> I was afraid to mention it earlier.

> Thanks,

> Brad

>

>

>

>

> From: contactb.today <bernbrooks@...>

> Subject: Re: Experience: Non evasive surgery, India.

> cholesteatoma

> Date: Sunday, May 29, 2011, 3:07 PM

>

> A great story for all to read. Thanks!

>

>

> >

> > My experience is quite detailed so I suggest that you skip

> directly to

> > the section you are interested. Read through completely if

> you've got

> > the time and inclination

> >

> > The beginning:

> >

> > Am a 26 year old male from Mumbai, India (22 at the age of surgery).

> > Writing to share my experience with this wonderful group. My initial

> > symptom was reduced hearing in the infected ear. I ignored the

> problem

> > for sometime because I was prone to ear infections since

> childhood. Bad

> > came to worse when a foul smelling sticky discharge started

> oozing out

> > of my ear. When this latest symptom persisted, I felt it was

> time to see

> > an ENT.

> >

> > The bad news:

> >

> > I visited a local ENT practitioner who was a young fellow of 27-28

> > years. He looked into my ear canal with a microscope that had a tiny

> > camera attached to it. He immediately identified the problem and

> showed

> > me the white pus accumulated on my ear drum on a giant TV in his

> clinic.

> > He cleared the discharge with a vacuum tube and I was able to hear

> > properly for sometime. He suggested that I immediately go in for

> > surgery.

> >

> > The diagnosis:

> >

> > I was referred an ENT specialist at Lilavati Hospital, a high-end

> > hospital in Mumbai, India. I was secretly hoping that the

> surgery could

> > be avoided. But the specialist, a 68 year old surgeon, seconded the

> > diagnosis and advised immediate surgery. I was quite shaken and the

> > doctor explained that there is no particular cause for the

> problem and

> > it just occurs (maybe he didn't want to get into the

> technicalities with

> > me). I didn't have any bad habits or addictions and was quite

> > heart-broken that this was happening to me despite my clean soul

> I

> > was worried about the expenses but I had health insurance so I

> decided

> > to go in for the treatment. The doctor explained how he would

> carry out

> > a non-invasive procedure by drilling into the ear-canal roof

> from the

> > inside of my ear and cut out the infected bone (the ones in the

> inner

> > ear that vibrates). He would then replace it with a titanium fitting

> > that would substitute for the missing bone. Some loss of hearing

> (very

> > tiny non-discernible percentage) was to be expected post-surgery.

> >

> > The procedure:

> >

> > D-day was as usual. Some blood tests followed by blood pressure

> check

> > and visit from a very plain looking anesthesiologist (later i read

> > somewhere that anesthesiologists play as important a part in a

> surgery

> > as the surgeon him/herself). I was led into the operating room

> > consisting of the specialist (who consulted me earlier), a standby

> > surgeon, 2 anesthesiologists, and some nurses. The anesthesia

> felt warm

> > as it flowed into my bloodstream though the IV and I felt into a

> deep

> > sleep. In about 40 minutes, the effect of the anesthesia must've

> > subsided and I felt a sharp pain in my ear, followed by a loud

> drilling

> > sound. The surgeon was pressing into the bone with the drill and the

> > pain was unbearable. I tried to stir but the docs held me down. I

> > realized that the surgeon was instructing some medical students

> as he

> > performed the procedure (embarrassing). Then he asked the

> > anesthesiologist to give me another dose and the next time I

> woke up it

> > was all over. The pain started growing as I gained

> consciousness. The

> > operating theater was empty now save a nurse and the surgeon. I

> could

> > speak but my ear was throbbing like someone was driving knife up the

> > canal and the bandages were soaked in blood from the new wound.

> >

> > Recovery:

> >

> > I was put under observation at the Hospital for 2 nights and the

> doctors

> > made rounds to check me up twice a day. I had a lot of bandage

> on my ear

> > and given several pain killers/antibiotics for the wound to

> heal. On the

> > second day I was allowed to go home but advised follow-ups every 3

> > months. I was on bed for around 3 weeks and the bandage was removed

> > after that. My face was swollen all this while and I had difficulty

> > chewing. After the bandages were remove, I still had to put

> cotton plugs

> > in my ear to stop the bleeding. I noticed a slight difference in the

> > size of my ear-hole but the doctor advised that it was temporary. In

> > about 4-5 months the wound almost healed and the hearing almost

> perfect.

> > I was advised from swimming but allowed all other activities.

> >

> > Repercussions:

> >

> > The experience is much less traumatic than other serious

> ailments and

> > diseases in this world but it still leaves a mark on you. Any

> problem I

> > experience now in my affected ear reminds me of the experience. For

> > example, I think I have a ear infection right now and was

> searching for

> > symptoms on the internet when I hit upon this group. But I guess you

> > learn to live with it and secretly hope that you don't have to go

> > through it again. On the other hand, you can boast to your

> friends that

> > you came through it brave and strong I realized life is gonna

> test

> > you one way or the other, no matter how clean your soul is, so

> there is

> > nothing wrong in indulging and having a cold mug of beer once in a

> > while.

> >

> > Cost:

> >

> > The total cost of the surgery including medicines and hospital

> > facilities came to around $5000. Not cheap but the doctors and

> > facilities were A grade.

> >

> > References:

> >

> > Dr. Ashutosh Pusalkar (He is a world renowned ENT and has

> published many

> > articles. He also visits the US for surgeries every now and then

> but not

> > sure which hospitals)

> >

> >

> http://www.lilavatihospital.com/web/doctorschedule.asp?Speciality=ENT+Su\

>

<http://www.lilavatihospital.com/web/doctorschedule.asp?Speciality=ENT+Su%5C>

> > rgery

> >

> >

> > Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions.

> >

> > Sid.

> >

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Your lucky...in my Marine Corps days, you were probably driving me home :-)--- On Mon, 5/30/11,

[Guest guest]

Well my son had his surgeries at 10 years old and am pretty sure he is not on the bottle (apart from the odd sip of my beer here and there) ;)I can't see how it can have a definite link really...

On 30 May 2011 09:04, Bradford Burt <bradford_burt08@...> wrote:

 

Your lucky...in my Marine Corps days, you were probably driving me home :-)--- On Mon, 5/30/11,

[Guest guest]

A marine in my car?!! That'd be the day! :-) ... although I have a

nephew in the Marines now ... I suppose he could bum a ride.

Make sure to stock up on movies to watch during your recovery and don't

be afraid to do a little walking to regain your strength quickly. Slowly

lengthen walks in the neighborhood. Don't get dehydrated after surgery -

get some guidelines on how much water to drink - my general practitioner

had to step in and give me a number (8 ounces for every hour I was

awake). That in and of itself will get you tottering about the house a

bit. Best of luck ... the worry ahead of time is the worst part of the

whole deal.

Matt

Bradford Burt wrote:

>

> Your lucky...in my Marine Corps days, you were probably driving me

> home :-)

>

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