Waiting for my operation - Page 2

Salu · 30-04-2008, 15:18

Hope your Op goes well webcrawler....

I don't have much ENT experience but a couple of general things to mention....

Firstly have you got any hearing loss now in this ear? The operation next year is suggestive that there may have been some damage to the middle ear bones. Often what ENT surgeons do is delay the reconstruction of these bones for a year after the cyst has been removed and the ear has had a good length of time to heal. This op will probably be done through the ear canal rather than another incision which may give you some relief?
The mention of the facial nerve is that this nerve runs through the inner and middle ear to the face. Sometimes the infection from the cholesteatoma can damage the bone covering this nerve and expose it, or the cyst can press on the nerve which causes tingling on your face. If this was the case then the operation would probably be done as an emergency to avoid facial paralysis.

As you're op is 4-6 weeks away then this is suggestive that yours does not currently involve the facial nerve. The warning is also given simply because you are having surgery around this area and the surgery itself may damage the nerve. However damage to the nerve during surgery is rare.

Lastly did they put a tuning fork on the bone behind your ear and then next to your ear and ask which was the loudest? If so can you remember which was the loudest?

Hope that helps rather than adding extra worry.

Good luck.

webcrawler2050 · 30-04-2008, 15:42

Thanks

Sent you PM back

webcrawler2050 · 13-05-2008, 11:04

Well.. I have a CT Scan on the 14th and I *should* get my date for the OP then. *Fingers Crossed*

Nidge · 13-05-2008, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by webcrawler2050

Afternoon all..

I went to see my specialist for the last time before my operation and I am well and truly bricking it.

I have a condition called "Cholesteatoma" and if left to its own devices can be pretty serious. Ive had this for about 4 years and been to the ENT department thousands of times each time said, theres nothing wrong you just have a bad infection, given many many tables / drops etc.

December last year a new doctor came on board and had one look and said you have "Cholesteatoma" I was like wow finally a name for it. They said you need an operation, sent me for CT scans etc and found concerns

Yesterday the same Doctor told me I need to go on the list and I jokingly said "6- 12 months wait" he said no 4-6 weeks. However, there are a few concerns. I could loose taste on one side of my tounge. Plus theres a chance they may have to cut some nerves.

They also have to make up some bone as the Cholesteatoma has eaten away some bones in my ear and they need replacing.

I had my tonsiles out 7 months ago and that wasn't so bad. But the Day surgery wanted me out asap & the anaesthetic knocked me for 6.

Now this one is a 4 hour operation and 3 days in hospital and another operation a year later to check the possible hearing issue.

I just wondered if anyone has had something like this and could advise on their experiences with the NHS - so far mines but bad & good

For those of you that dont know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholesteatoma

I have: Acquired cholesteatomas can be caused by a tear or retraction of the ear drum

My right ear also started to do this but they caught this one in time.

Plus I will have a big scar around the back on my ear for life

which will look pretty big to be honest!

You'll be ok mate, they'll put you to sleep then before you know it you'll be awake again in the recovery room.

You'll be ok mate honest.

webcrawler2050 · 13-05-2008, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nidge

You'll be ok mate, they'll put you to sleep then before you know it you'll be awake again in the recovery room.

You'll be ok mate honest.

Hope so.. just worried about the after effects, god knows what damage this thing has caused. Plus with a little one around, when I had my tonsiles out, the pain killers knocked me out.. and I dont want her to feel left out etc

Nidge · 13-05-2008, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by webcrawler2050

Hope so.. just worried about the after effects, god knows what damage this thing has caused. Plus with a little one around, when I had my tonsiles out, the pain killers knocked me out.. and I dont want her to feel left out etc

I understand your fears mate, I was the same when I had some operations on my back in the 80's /90's I was nervous as hell, I was thinking what if I don't wake up? Will I die on the table? What if I wake up during the operation? Medical technology has come on leaps and bounds since then mate, you'll be in the best hands and when your asleep they'll be checking on you every couple of minutes, you'll have an anaesthetist keeping you sedated while the operation takes place, he or she will be checking your heart rate at regular intervals making sure you are OK while under the anaesthetic.

webcrawler2050 · 13-05-2008, 17:51

Thanks mate!