@Jules 9 month Post-op update. Tori surgery was a success!! Healed up well and very happy I did it; tongue has more space!! I have decided to get my lip and buccal ties released soon. Releasing those will allow my lips and cheeks to move more freely and release some tension, minor thing, but they impact function some.
I am currently doing PT for my R shoulder, kinda the Spinal Accessory Nerve folks talk about, it was a recurring issue even before the surgeries. I still occasionally get a little pain if I turn my head as much as possible right where the styloids were.
Overall, much better health compared to before surgeries! My swallow and speech have improved as muscles have developed. I have been working out for a few months now, gained some muscle mass, and am becoming use to my body actually functioning!! Previously I had been unable to really gain muscle and working out was always terrible with the head pressure. That has been a bit of a journey. I know if I just keep going I will pass milestones and eventually get use to it. There is also the emotional part….that will take time and experiences, but mostly quite good so far!!!
I’m so pleased for you, it’s been a long journey! It’s a good reminder that healing takes time, and that when there’s been a few health issues they all need to be dealt with for complete healing… Thank you for your update & input, good to hear from you!
That’s a really good report, @Andy89316! I’m so glad for the positives you’ve noted. You’ll likely continue to notice little improvements here & there going forward even beyond a year after surgery. Those ol’ nerves are poky to heal but I believe they keep on working at it as long as we’re drawing breath.
Great that you’re back to exercising & feel like your body is behaving more normally. That’s what we hope for, for every one of our members.
Please come back for a 1 yr follow-up if you think about it.
@Jules I do plan on doing a 1 year update. 2 little updates though
Insurance saga is over…Aetna approved 1 hospital claim and 1 Dr claim, but for different surgery dates…makes no sense. Methodist Hospital though is going to write-off the remaining claims, $16k. So, thats awesome!! I am getting upper lip, lower lip, and cheek ties released on 11/19. Just a piece of the overall picture, but should release tension and make several functions easier.
I’m glad the insurance paid up & the rest is written off, that must be a big relief!
I hope the next round of mouth surgery goes well, sounds painful! What a journey you’ve had
@Andy89316 - I’m sorry you’re facing another surgery & sure hope that’s your last one! It’s been interesting to learn that tongue ties & likely other “ties” in the mouth can contribute to a person ending up w/ elongated styloids. Just another addition to the speculations we already have about causes. I hope your surgery goes smoothly & recovery is quick & has minimal pain. It will be interesting to see how having your lips & cheeks “untied” affects your ES recovery overall. I’ll put your surgery date on my calendar so I can pray for you.
Great news about how your insurance story played out & about the hospital being willing to write off what wasn’t covered. What a blessing & gift for you!
@Jules Lip and Cheek Tie release went really well. The same pediatric DDS that did my tongue 2 years ago did these. The worst part was the numbing gel. He uses a laser that just vaporizes the tissue. He did a really thorough job. I could tell I had lots more range of motion as he stretched everything to double check. Recovery is almost over. Just had some swelling of course. Have to do some easy exercises, very glad I did it! I can smile much easier now!!
I prayed for you on your lip/cheek tie release surgery day but forgot to follow up. Sorry about that! I’m really glad your surgery went so well! I’m glad you now have the ability to smile fully! Very awesome for you! I love what @Jules said about your Christmas photos!
@Jules Hope you both had a good holiday season and New Years celebration!!
Thought I would do my 1 year update!
Overall doing very well!! At the start of December I was diagnosed with Raynauds Syndrome. I have started medication for it, made lifestyle changes, and am confident I can manage it well going forward. Its nice to have better bloodflow! My shoulder issue has resolved, the PT was helpful, but I also changed how I did a recurring activity at work and that helped a lot too.
For ES I’d say I’m basically symptom free. I will just have those little areas of numbness on my neck I’ve referenced in the past. Here are photos of the scars. Still barely visible, but I don’t really care and don’t do anything to minimize them.
Thank you both so much for helping so many of us here. You two respond to every new poster, check in with folks going through it, and are always supportive!!! I check the site pretty often just to see if anything pops up that I can help with. I’ve been very active in the FB group, but will be stepping away a lot in the new year. I’m getting really excited to start fully living day in and day out without feeling like I have to hold back due to health issues. I am eternally grateful and will always remember you both, this forum, and Bens Friends
Thank you for your update & kind words! You’ve been really supportive on here too, thanks! I’m so very glad for you that the ES symptoms have resolved & your scars are barely visible! Good you’ve turned a corner and can move on with your life now, hope that 2026 is a great year for you
@Andy89316 - What a great way to move into the new year! Good for you for moving on with your life. I’m really happy for the outcome you’ve had from your surgeries. Your incisions are nearly invisible as @Jules noted so there is no need to give them a second thought. I hope “getting on with your life” is all you expect it to be & more.
We have appreciated all your input & support for our members over the last year & also the doctor info you’ve shared from the FB ES group which has helped us keep our Doctors List more up to date.
