I would cancel the appointment on Monday, @aluminum and either ask your PCP or the ENT who gave you the referral to Monday’s doctor for a referral specifically to Dr. Patel. Unfortunately, I believe Dr. Patel does intraoral styloidectomies & since you have IJV compression, that approach will not give you relief from your VES symptoms. A better doctor for you to see would be Dr. Nakaji in Phoenix. I recognize that’s a bit further for you to travel but he specifically deals with IJV compression associated w/ ES. I think he may also require a referral. @Chrickychricky has had both her surgeries with him & has posted a lot of good information. You can search her posts to learn more.
Here’s a link to get you started:
•Dr. Peter Nakaji, 755 East McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 602-521-3201, Works w/ vascular ES, has also done a research paper about shaving C1 process as well as styloidectomy
https://doctors.bannerhealth.com/provider/Peter+Nakaji/1103456y_source=1_MTQ4NjU5MDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D