Waiting for my operation

[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!

Originally Posted by webcrawler2050

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

Not this - but I have a condition which means I have spells in hospital & occasionally some minor surgery/exploration.
I have 100% faith in the NHS and never have any problems staying in hospital or going to theatre, though I do appreciate your being a bit scared. Nothing wrong with that.

Best of luck with everything mate - I hope all works out well for you.

[webcrawler2050]

Thanks for the kind words. Makes me feel a little better but I am still nervous I dont like the thought of being put to sleep.

Asleep is better sometimes, trust me!!

[webcrawler2050]

Yeah I know - its just so serious and so many risks - I am really worried tbh!!

[Enuff]

Hi Webcrawler, I've been in and out of hospital numerous times throughout my life, and I can honestly say that the treatment I've recieved has been second to none.

Hope you get sorted out, and have a quick recovery. Take care.

[webcrawler2050]

Originally Posted by Enuff

Hi Webcrawler, I've been in and out of hospital numerous times throughout my life, and I can honestly say that the treatment I've recieved has been second to none.

Hope you get sorted out, and have a quick recovery. Take care.

Thanks me too - I am just a natural born worrier!

[Russ B]

Had a cataract op last week - very unusual for someone my age - although the op wasn't pleasant the staff were second-to-none and a credit to their profession.

[Enuff]

Originally Posted by webcrawler2050

Thanks me too - I am just a natural born worrier!

Same here, I had a Endoscopy about 4 weeks ago, I was really worried and anxious, but the NHS staff were absolutely fantastic! They talked me through everything and put me at ease right away.

[webcrawler2050]

Yeah problem is Ive had a bad experience with my last OP they where rough and kept forcing me to eat toast and tea, I mean there is only so much tea one can drink especially with a soar throat.

The anaesthetic really knocked me out and I slept for like 3 hours after the OP and the nurse kept waking me up saying "wake up we need your bed" I was like For bleep sake

[Halcyon]

I don't know much about this condition but I just wanted to say stay strong, remember that it is worth it in the long run, and that you are in very capable hands.
I wish you a speedy recovery.

[webcrawler2050]

Hiya,

thanks for the comments.

Basically this is a cist thats sits behind the ear drum and causes a horrid smell and a gunk kick out every few minutes, its like an ear infection but worse it can cause brain problems, clotting etc!

[tweetypie/8]

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 will be in safe hands mate,once its all over you will be glad you got it sorted lol.

[cleshe]

Originally Posted by tweetypie/8

you will be in safe hands mate,once its all over you will be glad you got it sorted lol.

I wouldn't worry too much about the scarring. Having had bypass surgery using veins from my legs, plus two hernia ops and fairly major surgery after a gall bladder rupture, I've got more than enough. Believe me they are a small price to pay for staying alive.I've got nothing but praise and admiration for the various hospitals I owe my life to.
Good luck with your operation, thinking about it is worse than the actual thing.
xx

[Jules]

Good luck with your op