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!