Re: radical modified mastoid surgery

[Guest guest]

I’ve had this twice, as the cyst returned after the

first surgery. The first surgery the Dr. made the incision in front of

the ear, the second time behind the ear. Behind the ear is the usual way, I

think, though I found the bandages harder to deal with behind the ear.

The Dr. usually tells you the recovery time is a week or

two. The first few days are the worst, but I actually didn’t have much

pain. I was a bit sore, but not severe pain. The dizziness was

worse, but after a couple days I started to feel a little more normal as the

vertigo subsided.

You will probably experience some side effects like loss of

taste on one side of your tongue, ringing in your ear and a sore jaw.

All in all, it’s not too bad. Expect to be feeling

back to normal within a couple of weeks.

Good luck,

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

It's great to hear an actual personal experience.

I have 12 days untill the day so hoping it will fly by!

>

> I've had this twice, as the cyst returned after the first surgery. The

> first surgery the Dr. made the incision in front of the ear, the second time

> behind the ear. Behind the ear is the usual way, I think, though I found the

> bandages harder to deal with behind the ear.

>

>

>

> The Dr. usually tells you the recovery time is a week or two. The first few

> days are the worst, but I actually didn't have much pain. I was a bit sore,

> but not severe pain. The dizziness was worse, but after a couple days I

> started to feel a little more normal as the vertigo subsided.

>

>

>

> You will probably experience some side effects like loss of taste on one

> side of your tongue, ringing in your ear and a sore jaw.

>

>

>

> All in all, it's not too bad. Expect to be feeling back to normal within a

> couple of weeks.

>

>

>

> Good luck,

>

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Boopi,

I had surgery on my left ear 2 months ago (Nov 1), so I am well into the healing phase. It was my first - and hopefully my only - cholesteatoma surgery. I am still experiencing a little tenderness and numbnes behind the ear where the incision is, but it is not a big deal at all. My ear seems to be coming to life and wants to "pop" but so far it has not equalized. I feel better knowing that the tumor is gone and no further damage is going on. I am going back to my doctor in April for a checkup and my first post-op hearing test. I have severe hearing loss in that ear, but have hopes that it will be restored to a better level a year or so from now (after all healing has taken place.)

Looking back on my experience, when I was waiting like you are, it was pretty tough. The anticipation was hard. Like a vast majority of folks who have the surgery, mine went smoothly. The post-op pain was easy to control with pain pills. I just rested a lot in my chair because lying down was difficult for me for a few days. I stayed on my pain meds for 2 weeks because I developed a minor ear infection which was handled by using Ciprodex antibiotic drops for a week. After two weeks, I still had some jaw pain which nagged me but used Advil as needed. All in all, I think my operation was fairly typical. I was raking leaves and went fishing after a couple of weeks. I would venture to say to you that you will Not be fully healed in two weeks, but certainly you will be far enough along to return to doing everything that you want to do, with the peace of mind knowing that you have taken care of a major health issue and are well on the way to better health. For people with our illness, I could not think of a better way to start the new year than getting your surgery behind you and starting the healing you need.

Please let us know how you are doing.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year,

Curtis

cholesteatoma From: boopi136@...Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2011 14:06:53 +0000Subject: Re: radical modified mastoid surgery

Thanks ,It's great to hear an actual personal experience.I have 12 days untill the day so hoping it will fly by!>> I've had this twice, as the cyst returned after the first surgery. The> first surgery the Dr. made the incision in front of the ear, the second time> behind the ear. Behind the ear is the usual way, I think, though I found the> bandages harder to deal with behind the ear.> > > > The Dr. usually tells you the recovery time is a week or two. The first few> days are the worst, but I actually didn't have much pain. I was a bit sore,> but not severe pain. The dizziness was worse, but after a couple days I> started to feel a little more normal as the vertigo subsided.> > > > You will probably experience some side effects like loss of taste on one> side of your tongue, ringing in your ear and a sore jaw.> > > > All in all, it's not too bad. Expect to be feeling back to normal within a> couple of weeks.> > > > Good luck,> > Jackie>