It has been a while since my surgery now, and I have had great results of the IJV decompression surgery with Dr. Kamran Aghayev. This happened at Basari hospital in Istanbul the 3rd of May, 2026.
I am facing no unexpected complications after the surgery.
The exception being a weakness in my neck and shoulder muscles on the left side.
This has lead to my neck on the left side and its muscles recovering slowly, as it’s thought that my spinal accessory nerve was irritated during surgery.
I am still keeping the clinic notified of progress, and my neck tightness on my left side is still somewhat there, but a lot better than last time I was on here talking about it.
It appears that it is a long and arduous process to get everything working again properly, as this kind of surgery isn’t as easy as changing a bicycle chain.
I am now looking at getting some physical therapy in my own country which is Norway to get some more wind into my sails, alongside doing a lot of hikes in the hills above my hometown of Orkanger,(Yes it’s really called that).
I thought to share this post today that I am very satisfied with the outcome of my treatment with Dr. Aghayev, despite still having some ways to go.
Thank you very much for the long-term update. This morning I had a very encouraging consultation with Dr. K and he did mention this complication of accessory nerve irritation but said it eventually resolves so I certainly hope it does for you soon and I believe I’ve seen other patients noting improvement by 6 months.
Another concern I asked about was scar tissue and I was intrigued to learn he specifically developed a method using liposuction fat grafting from the stomach to transplant fat to the areas of surgical decompression to protect the nerves and vascular structure from the scar tissue formation. This sounds like a very good step for long-term decompression success, and I will now ask the other surgeons about it in my next consults.
Awesome, I am glad you are able to stay moving! Did you have bilateral decompression? And any new problems with cranial instability? I know the doctors claim it’s not a risk but to me it seems possible.
I’m so pleased that you’re surgery has been successful, and thank you for the update! I hope that your shoulder improves, it sounds like PT might help, it seems quite common to need to correct muscle weaknesses and imbalances anyway which have developed over time…
@Rehri - Your update made me very happy! I’m so glad for the outcome you’ve had. Being a hiker myself, it’s especially good to know you’ve much such great headway in your recovery. I would love to hike in Norway some time as I’ve had two different friends who’ve gone there to hike & have sent amazing pictures back.
I agree that getting PT for your shoulder & neck muscles could be very helpful. I hope even without that your recovery marches forward.
Lovely to read a Success Story! even though you have some way to go - but well done!I need to read your backstory, but did you have a C1 shave, or was it mainly the styloid compressing the IJV? don’t worry to answer, i’ll look up your previous info when I have a chance
@Blodyn - How are you doing these days? Any chance for you to take care of your ES or still no go for you? I know your family situation is challenging but still hope you get a chance to take care of yourself, too.
Hi Isaiah, apologies, I wrote a long answer to you, but didn’t realise it had gone onto the public forum so deleted it! Went on too much!.
Basically no change and trying to get to the bottom of chronic symptoms, not sure if related to other issues. But eliminating slowly. Can’t afford to pursue the ES or IJV compression further in the foreseeable future as can’t be away from home looking after my partner. it’s all a struggle, but also feel fortunate. Thanks for asking X
@Blodyn - I’ve done the long post intended for private viewing only to realize I didn’t click on the person’s screen name to whom it was directed to start the PM. So frustrating. If that ever happens to you again, copy the text you’ve written, then delete it from the public message & paste it in a PM to whomever you intended to send it.
I’m sorry things are the same for you, but you sound like you’re doing well, & your frame of mind is good. I’m glad you feel fortunate. I’ll pray that the day will come when it’s time for you to take care of yourself, too.
I’m sorry that there’s no possibility of surgery for you still…you are so strong to stay positive and to find things to be grateful for… thinking of you and sending hugs
