I’m post op bilateral styloidectomy with Dr. Trevor Hackman on Monday and I am thrilled so far that most of my symptoms are improving already. First of all, I traveled from Florida to Chapel Hill, North Carolina by car in order to take all the necessary items I needed for my recovery. I did a full month of anti-inflammatory diet cutting out all gluten and dairy. That alone helped my symptoms. I also pre-made days of very nutritious puréed food and had already been working on improving my cervical alignment. We checked into the Hyatt Place and set ourselves up for the week even though I knew I would stay at the hospital overnight. The surgical staff at UNC were top notch and I felt very well taken care of. I’m a physical therapist with many years of hospital experience and I was impressed with the anesthesiologist, nurses, and Dr. Hackman. He is very approachable, has great bedside manners, and he had my full confidence. I was first in line for surgery. Once I woke up, I had drainages and was then taken to a room where my husband and I stayed overnight. It was all a very pleasant experience and the nursing staff was great. The next day, my drainages were removed and we were discharged. I chose to stay at a suite at the hotel (great discount for UNC surgicals) where I had a kitchen to heat up my purées. The second day was easy bc you are under heavy meds, but the 3rd and 4th, I was quite swollen. I expected this. I still managed to go for slow paced walks and rested much of the day. I’m now on day 5 and ready to drive back home. So far my ear muffling is gone, I don’t have anymore lumps in my throat and my double vision is going away. I’m also sleeping more hours than usual. I have 4 incisions that are quite larger than expected but they look as if they are healing well. Yesterday, I walked half a mile slowly and I’m so happy I came all the way here to get this done. Just wanted to share my experience with you all if you are still looking for a great surgeon.
@roxym That all sounds amazing! So happy to hear that you have already had so much symptom improvement even with all of the post-surgical swelling. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.
I’m so pleased that you’ve had your surgery, and that it sounds like it’s gone as well as possible! Thank you for the info about your experience, I’m sure that’ll be helpful for others… Safe journey home, and I hope your recovery continues smoothly, look forward to hearing more about your recovery too, & praying all goes well 
@roxym - 
!! What a great testimony to Dr. Hackman (& staff)'s competence & care for you during your surgery & afterward. Good work planning ahead w/ food & taking all you needed with you. Better than scrambling around just before or after surgery to try to do later prep.
I’m also happy to hear about your early symptoms recovery & hope that continues. Please remember that symptoms can come & go as nerves heal so some that are gone may return but they will go again & eventually won’t return. Sleeping extra right now is good. Your body needs that to help you heal. Lower energy for a month or two after surgery is also common, and I believe that’s another way our bodies keep us down so they can recover.
You’ll be surprised at how well your incisions recover. I’m expecting they’ll be virtually invisible once fully healed. I’ve learned that suturing is done in a way that leaves the incisions significantly raised in order for them to heal flat. If they’re sewn flat, they can sink in & be more visible once healed.
Thank you for your post & please do come back intermittently to let us know how you’re doing. 
Thank you!
Thank you!! It’s a journey for sure!
Thank you so much!
It is indeed a journey! We’re here to help you along the path, @roxym.
I hope you only go up from here @roxym