Some history, I had bilateral styloidectomy last December with no changes. Three weeks ago I had c1 shave and styloidectomy with Hepworth. First ten days were rough, waking up with panic and horrible fatigue, but I had a week of great energy and calm. Yesterday and today I’m back to no energy and the anxiety is right under the surface. Does that indicate ijv went back to shut? I got my hopes up 
1 Like
Typical healing for styloidectomy is up and down, sometimes it’s because we feel good and maybe overdo it a bit, sometimes we don’t know the reason, but try to keep positive that you are still healing and the bad days should hopefully become less, good days more. Sending you a hug 
5 Likes
I think I’m in low csf pressure…is it normal for that to fluctuate post op?
Also I’ve noticed my jaw shifting, which is a good thing, can tmj affect csf flow?
If you have a CSF leak, it can fluctuate post op. Often, a CSF leak will repair itself once the cause of the IH is treated but I don’t know how long it takes for the body to do that repair. Some people still need a surgical repair though. Did Dr. Hepworth diagnose you w/ a CSF leak? If not, it would be worthwhile making an appointment to discuss what you’re feeling.
I honestly don’t know if tmj movement can affect CSF flow.
I agree w/ @Jules about recovery being up & down & that can go on for a number of months though the “down” periods tend to become shorter & further apart as time passes. It can take a month or more for the IJV to stabilize due to post op swelling which can also cause some backsliding symptoms-wise. A few members have needed to go back on blood thinners for a while healing to help reduce the vascular symptoms. That’s something else to consider.
I hope with time, you get back to feeling good like you did on your good week. I’ll pray for that!
1 Like
Hi! Sorry to hear about your lingering symptoms. From what I’ve read, if you have swelling compressing the vagus nerve that could cause anxiety. Some people have gone on a course of prednisone to help lower swelling. Maybe that would help?
Given you had a bilateral procedure last year, why did you require another styloidectomy? Was there regrowth or lingering bone?
I’m also curious if the doctor commented on you have no symptom relief from the first surgery. Did he feel it was IJV compression related abd hoped for a natural resolution after the removal of the styloids?
I hope that you find answers soon and also some relief. It sounds like if you experienced it once then you can again with more time and recovery.
1 Like
Yes, I actually had bilateral styloidectomy with Dr. Hackman last December. I was very surprised to find that he left some in there. Dr. Hepworth said that when my styloid was cut it retracted and curved up making me worse. He said it was possible that I may need a revision of the other side too. I think Dr. Hackman is a kind compassionate doctor who has helped many but I do think Dr. Hepworth is a lot more knowledgeable about Eagle syndrome and compression. Dr. Hepworth wasn’t seeing new patients when I figured out my styloids were long so I went with Hackman.
2 Likes
I did reach out to Dr. Hepworth about being in low pressure. He said that is normal and it takes 6 to 8 weeks to see it even out. That was encouraging to me.
3 Likes
That’s good, it does take time for our brains to readjust!
1 Like
That’s excellent news. I’m glad you were able to get the info you needed from Dr. Hepworth. 
1 Like