Just diagnosed with cholesteatoma

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I was just told I had a cholesteatoma and that I would have to have surgery to

remove it. I have never had an ear infection, so doc feels that it is the

congenital kind. The only symptoms I have are a mild hearing loss with a sense

of fullness in my ear and a milky white, and flat eardrum. I am a little

nervous about surgery because 4 years ago, I had an epidermoid cyst/tumor

removed from my brain and I almost didn't make it through that. An epidermoid

is much like a cholesteotoma, but in brain instead of ear. I know this surgery

is not as invasive, but still very nervous about and want to find a good

surgeon. Anyone know of a good ENT surgeon in the Milwaukee, WI area with

cholosteotoma surgery experience? I also wonder, if this is the congenital kind,

how come it all the sudden has shown up...my epidermoid was congenital and it

was 4.3 cm! Does it grow slower in the ear? I am planning on having my surgery

in April or May...can anyone tell me what I can expect? How did you all control

your sneezing afterwards since I was told no sneezing or blowing your nose for 2

weeks afer. Thanx for listening and any feedback would be great!

-Janet