After having the CT/venogram done, they said I didn’t have ivc but because my styloids ended up being 51 & 58mm.and because I have many symptoms Dr Nakaji agreed to do the styloidectomie. I’m concerned with recovery, he said because they’re so long he wouldn’t recommend intraorally and wouldn’t recommend doing them at the same time.
What type of recovery situation am I looking at? My husband works out of town and we have littles so I am trying to figure out that situation. And how does everyone feel about the scars? I really do want to feel better just concerned about such scars so obvious on my neck. Thank you.
Firstly it’s great that Dr Nakaji agreed to do the surgery, he’s a very experienced surgeon, so you’re in good hands!
Intra-oral surgery is a more painful surgery to recover from, carries slightly more risks because the surgeon can’t see structures like blood vessels and nerves as well, and not as much of the styloid process can be removed, so the outcomes might not be as good, and there’s also more risk of infection…so generally it is better to have trans-cervical/ external surgery. The scarring is usually minimal, most doctors try to use a natural crease in the neck to make it less visible, so I wouldn’t worry about that- hopefully those who’ve had surgery with Dr Nakaji specifically can comment on where he does the incision.
As for recovery, there’s some specific info in here, advice for things to get ready, links to recovery stories etc : ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
If your husband is able to take some time off to be with you afterwards, at least for the first week that would be helpful, as you shouldn’t be lifting to allow your neck muscles to heal… That was one thing I avoided because that could set healing back. Do you have any friends or family who could help you for a couple of weeks?
It might be worth having a look at this discussion as a way of seeking help? Ben’s Friends Partnership with We’re In This Together (WiTT) - We’re In This Together - Living with Eagle
Have you got a date for surgery? @Isaiah_40_31 and I will happily pray for good resuts!
Thank you so much for your response! He can take a week off he just wasn’t sure if he should/needed to. My step daughter could help some as well. It’s on 11/9 for the first one (waited until my hubs gets vacation time back) and the second isn’t scheduled but likely January/Feb.
I’ve put your surgery date on my calendar, @Eaholleran & will pray for you especially then.
It’s practically unheard of that Dr. Nakaji does just styloidectomies, but it’s good he is doing yours as very long styloids can cause some vascular compression. If he sees that in your case, he can take care of it, too, during surgery.
As @Jules said, if you can get friends or family in to help you for at least the first couple of weeks post op, it’ll give your body a better start at healing. Your energy level may be lower than normal for a month or more as your body is trying to get you to take it easy so it can put its energy toward recovering. Having extra helping hands at least in the early recovery days is very helpful.
Dr Nakaji said that as well but since I was already established and they were so long, with such bad symptoms he agreed.
I am also a truck driver and am unsure when I would/could go back to work after my procedures I forgot to ask him. I drive 11 hrs a day, work 12-13, and have to lift 70lbs up to 150 lbs team lift. It sounds like I may not be able to go back in between and maybe 2-3 months after the second.
Goodness, that’s a tough job! Certainly you wouldn’t want to be lifting those sort of weights for at least 2 months after surgery, if not longer, & the driving would be a strain too… We do find that some of the ES doctors gloss over recovery times and aren’t really aware of how long recovery can take, but I think the VES doctors like Dr Nakaji are more aware of how long it can take to fully heal…
