I can recommend Dr. Rui Fernandes.
Dr. Fernandes is an excellent surgeon and the outcome of my surgery has been very good.
The struggles with some of the support staff (scheduling appointments, getting calls returned) was quite problematic but worth the effort to have Dr. Fernandes as my surgeon.
Mine was external, left side only. I am just about 4 months out from surgery and the constant pain in my left neck/shoulder has greatly subsided. Swallowing is sluggish at times but improved. Left jawline is still a bit numb to the touch but I don’t think about it much. Mainly, I no longer have a styloid poking into my throat!
I would recommend seeing both surgeons if possible - so you have two opinions.
As for pain … Hydrocodone had been prescribed by pain management doctor long before I even realized that I had ES. It was and has been effective both before surgery and during recovery. I was also receiving “trigger point” injections to calm things down.
Good luck! I am VERY happy that I have had it done.