Head pressure was a consent issue that was minimally relieved once I laid down. After my first surgery on April 29, 2019, that went away! I haven’t had a headache since! So, I can confidently say that elongated styloid on my left was the cause for that! I’ve even tested it by driving in elevation, on a cloudy day which always made my head pressure and ear popping/fullness/pain MUCH worse!!
Now, for the ear problem “aka “ ETD it’s hard to say right now if that has improved because on my left I’m still having popping and fullness in that ear however, it could be a chain reaction from a TMJ issue. My jaw on the left gets stiff, cracks and pops frequently throughout the day and then my left ear gets stuffiness, popping, and even a weak muscle/nerve sensation like my Eustachian tube is not properly equalizing and providing a tight seal upon swallowing or talking. It affects the sound quality in that ear.
I had my second styloid removed just 10 days ago and to my disappointment my jaw cracking and popping on my left is still very much there and worse! However, I had my post-op appointment with Dr. Samji yesterday and he said that my jaw would be extra sore because under anesthesia they have to open my mouth very wide to insert the breathing tube. So, it’s not uncommon to feel TMJ /jaw pain. However, since I’ve already been dealing with this prior to both surgeries I think I need to go find another TMJ specialist to get a diagnosis. The first one I went to a year ago said I didn’t have TMJ which I thought was crazy because I had all the classic symptoms. Dr. Samji told me yesterday that Eustachian tube problems and TMJ issues are always associated! It’s kinda like the chicken and the egg dilemma “which came first”? Now, he wouldn’t say if Eagle Syndrome was the cause of my TMJ problem but he said I definitely had Eagle Syndrome and having the surgeries were necessary!
I still have quite a bit of swelling from my recent surgery so, it’s to soon to know what improvements will be coming. I’ve learned from past surgeries that you won’t know what’s been fixed until all the swelling/inflammation goes down.
I would like to see a physical therapist to start working on my TMJ and do Myofacial release but Dr.Samji says I should wait 3 more weeks.
But, perhaps I should talk to a TMJ specialist first? Or, just do nothing and see if everything will settle back in place on it’s own but, wow I don’t think I can deal with this jaw stiffness, cracking/popping pain much longer! It’s miserable and more problematic than my post-op surgery pain!