I had previously shared my story on the forum.
After much deliberation and searching for the right doctor, I decided to move forward with Dr. Kamran Aghayev for the surgery. To my surprise, the procedure has been scheduled for this coming Monday, the 23rd—much sooner than I ever anticipated!
I have to admit, I feel a deep sense of relief, though some anxiety still lingers, especially since this will be my first major surgery under anesthesia. Both of my styloids will be removed, in one operation, which was my preference from the start, eventhough understanding that the recovery might be a bit more challenging.
After meeting Dr. Aghayev in person yesterday, I now have complete trust in his expertise and feel ready to proceed with the surgery.
I would greatly appreciate any insights, prayers, and tips—both pre- and post-op—that might help me navigate this journey more smoothly.
I’ll keep you updated on my recovery as soon as I’m able. Until then, be well.
thank you, @Jules @Isaiah_40_31 @gramos and everyone else once again for the love, guidance & support. 
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WOW! That is a very quick surgery date, @stylocarotid! I’m so glad you have family in Turkey who will be able to help w/ your post op care. It’s also good to know Dr. Aghayev will do both sides at once so you won’t need a second surgery.
Immediately post op, you’ll want to sleep/rest w/ your head very elevated (30º has been recommended) to help reduce swelling in your throat & neck. I used a wedge pillow w/ extra bed pillows stacked on it.
We highly recommend icing your neck - 15 min on & 45 min off - as often as you feel you can during the day & night. Taking your pain medications as often as prescribed is also important as this helps you stay ahead of the pain. Some doctor prescribe a post op course of prednisone to help reduce swelling, too.
If you take a prescription pain medication, you’ll also need to take a stool softener & laxative so you don’t become constipated as Rx pain meds are very constipating & that’s a problem you don’t want after surgery.
It’s not uncommon to have a sore throat & a stiff jaw after ES surgery so planning a soft diet to eat post op for a few days is a good idea. This can include yogurt, soups, applesauce, protein smoothies, mashed potatoes, pasta, soft cooked veggies, etc., that are easy to swallow w/o much chewing. Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can help w/ a sore throat.
I hope others will add the things that helped them the most. I’ll be praying for your surgery to go perfectly & for a smooth recovery. 
Very happy to hear that you made the decision! I am very positive every thing will go alright! There is no need to be afraid, trust me it’s easier then you think it will be! Post-op Try to follow the instructions by doctor, also what people here suggest, and that would be enough! We are also here, so make any questions you need we will try to answer for what we know!
Wow, that’s quick! I can’t think of anything else to add to what @Isaiah_40_31 has said, but here’s a link to the info about surgery in the Newbies Guide Section:
ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
And a surgery shopping list which one of our members did in case we’ve forgotten something:
Surgery shopping list - General - Living with Eagle
Healing after surgery is very much up & down, so you’ll have good days and bad days! Try not to overdo things on the good days or you’ll pay for it! And swelling peaks around days 3-5, so you may well feel worse those days…
I hope that all goes well, and will pray for a good outcome 
Thank you very much for the information @Isaiah_40_31. I truly appreciate and will observe all of your recommendations. In the meantime I am trying my best to calm myself down and mentally prepare myself for the surgery. I do trust all is going to be well and will keep you updated on my healing process.
I appreciate your comments, @gramos. Knowing that we share the same doctor brings me a true sense of relief and reassurance—thank you for that! This journey would have been much more challenging without finding this forum and all the wonderful people here.
Thank you for the good wishes and your suggestions, @Jules. As you know, I’m just a few days away from the surgery, and I have to admit, I’m feeling a little anxious. Your kind messages are truly comforting, and I’ll definitely keep in touch.
Hi @stylocarotid
I just wanted to let you know I’ll be praying for you as well on your upcoming procedure
Wishing you a quick recovery and successful decompression
I had a bilateral styloidectomy here in the USA on July 29, 2024. I slept with my head raised for ten days. Iced almost continuously for a month. Had a course of steroids to prevent swelling as I cannot use nsaids. I still suffer from muscle spasms in my jaw and will have to see an oral surgeon for that. All in all I am thrilled with my results. No more lying in bed at night thinking I literally could not stand the pain and discomfort I had prior to the surgery. I definitely slowly healing but you should expect six months to a year of healing. And it doesn’t go in a straight line!
Thank you for your update, @Susinc! I’m sorry you’re still having muscle spasms in your jaw but am so glad other symptoms have improved so much! I agree that it can take up to a year for symptoms to completely recover. I had that experience myself with some of mine, but by 6 months post op, most were pretty well gone.
Your prayers are much appreciated! Thank you from the heart @mekanX 
That’s good news, I’m glad you’re healing from the surgery and it’s made a difference, hope you can get the jaw muscles sorted too
Hi @stylocarotid!
I hope your surgery was a tremendous success and I wish you all the best with recovery and symptom relief. When you’re ready, I would love to hear how your surgery went with Dr. Kamran Aghayev. I am currently in Türkiye and my husband is considering a consult with this doctor before we return home to Canada (where our options are far more limited). No rush, but when you can share your experience it would be very much appreciated. Take care and heal 
@gramos has also seen him, here’s a link to another discussion if you’ve not seen it:
My story - Help and Opinions needed - General / Eagle Syndrome Stories - Living with Eagle
Hello @Val7426. I had my surgery last Monday with Dr. Kamran and it took me a lil over a week to mobilize and kind of get back on track! Well I’m still in the process I must say. I highly recommend you get in touch with him when you are there and make your decision accordingly. My experience is that he is not only a brilliant & talented surgeon but also an amazing person with a huge heart.
I will outline a summary of my bilateral styloidectomy in detail here on the forum, which I didn’t get a chance yet, as I have been mostly in bed resting & healing. You may DM me with any questions and I would also be happy to have a call with you and your husband if it makes it easier.
I’m pleased that you’re happy with your choice of doctor @stylocarotid , and hope that you heal well. Take care
A special thanks to @Jules for reaching out to me with the crucial information of Dr. Kamran Aghayev exactly when I needed it the most. Another thank you for hooking me up with @gramos for the first hand experience he provided me. I had already seen numerous doctors and professors—each heading departments at major reputable hospitals throughout Istanbul—over the past 3.5 months, and I was ready to give up after feeling like I was getting nowhere. I didn’t want to waste any more time, energy, or money being gaslit repeatedly. Thankfully, today I am already feeling better than I ever imagined and healing faster than I expected, and feeling blessed to have eliminated a few of my symptoms already. It has been a rough journey though at times which I’m currently in the process of journaling and will share it in detail when I rest a’lil bit more and feel ready.
That is amazingly good news @stylocarotid! I’m so glad you received from our forum members information that has led to your ES surgery & subsequent start to healing from ES symptoms. @Jules is super knowledgeable so good that you followed her suggestions.
Excellent news that you’ve noticed some improvements already! Don’t be disheartened though if you do get them back a bit though- many members have noticed that the recovery is quite up & down, a few steps forward & then some back. It might be fine for you & praying that it will be, but just to prepare you…