# My Styloid Processes are both longer than 6cm **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [July 18, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692 "2021-07-18T23:03:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Asumhannah](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/asumhannah/32/3898_2.png) [@Asumhannah](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Asumhannah)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2021, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/21 "2021-07-21T20:01:49Z")
Has anyone ever seen Benjamin L. Hechler, MD, DDS at Duke? ---
**Author:** ![Asumhannah](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/asumhannah/32/3898_2.png) [@Asumhannah](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Asumhannah)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2021, 11:06pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/22 "2021-07-21T23:06:35Z")
@Jules and @Isaiah_40_31 I finally was able to get videos of my ct scan. My ENT allowed me to take videos of the scans because for some reason Wake Radiology didn’t send the CD to them like they said they would. Here is a google link to it! [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xXkSRR-IJcMTx\_DjFYxasfubC\_9GTFMX?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xXkSRR-IJcMTx_DjFYxasfubC_9GTFMX?usp=sharing) ---
**Author:** ![Hadassa](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/hadassa/32/697_2.png) [@Hadassa](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Hadassa)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2021, 4:19am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/23 "2021-07-22T04:19:21Z")
Asumhannah, what you have described is exactly what ES does…It took me 17 yrs. to finally get diagnosed. I went to so many physicians in Houston, TX. and none of them could diagnosed me! I went through hell during those 17 yrs. It felt like I had a bone stuck on my left side and then, I started to get the same sensation on my right side. I went to dentists, ENT doctors and nobody was coming up with the correct diagnosis. Allot of praying, crying, begging God to help me…Then, one day two ladies came to my door and told me I was going to move…Long story short, I did move to Yukon, OK. and it is there that I went to Dr, Greg Krempl at OU Physicians. He diagnosed me with ES and a week later, one of his professor/colleague, Dr. R. Layton Runkle did the surgery. It was the surgery from hell. It took ME at least 3 months to recover because I am an insulin dependent diabetic. It was a painful, long process for me but, I took it one day at a time and I had some praying friends who helped me get through it. My support system was my husband but, he had to work to support me and our two sons…,I was lucky. Dr. Runkle went through my mouth and cut out calcified styloid on both sides and he removed my tonsils at the same time. I still see Dr. Krempl once a year to make sure everything is fine. I am doing well and I have not had any symptoms of ES at all. My advice to you is, have the surgery. Why prolong your pain and misery. You are halfway there…At least you have already been diagnosed and that’s half the battle. Praying that it all goes well for you and your recovery will go smoothly., ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2021, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/24 "2021-07-22T16:11:25Z")
Hi Asumhannah, I could see your styloid at various points in the video images where your head is in profile. I don’t have the training to read the CT slices from the top of the head down. Your profile photos aren’t at an angle where I can see the styloids or the hyoid bone. I’ll send you one of my 3D images so you can see what is easy for us to read. An image like mine can be made using a 3D slicer program such as this one: > [@Making Your Own 3D Images from CT Scan- 3D Slicer Tutorial](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/making-your-own-3d-images-from-ct-scan-3d-slicer-tutorial/988): > > The Amazing 3D Slicer Tutorial! This is a step by step walk-thru for anyone who wants to render or play with their CT scans. I'm going to focus specifically on rendering a model to view the styloids. I'm using Windows for this guide. Also, the images are embedded so be sure to use the DESKTOP VIEW if you're on a mobile device. This tutorial is broken down into Little steps so even those who aren't very comfortable with technology can use the program. It looks long, but it's easy! There'… ---
**Author:** ![Asumhannah](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/asumhannah/32/3898_2.png) [@Asumhannah](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Asumhannah)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2021, 5:43am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/25 "2021-08-14T05:43:09Z")
I just saw these responses I’m so sorry! I’ve been super busy studying for my actuarial exam on the 24th! So I’ve got my appointment with Dr.Heckler this Monday, what should I expect, should I bring anything? I am determined to get these out and THIS YEAR. Wish me luck all. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/26 "2021-08-14T19:40:12Z")
If you’ve got copies of scans or reports I’d bring them. There are some questions that you should go prepared to ask if you’re considering surgery with Dr Heckler: How many surgeries have they done? What were the outcomes? Is surgery intra-oral or external? (External is better as it gives the surgeon better visibility, more of the styloid can be removed & there’s less risk of infection, but members have had successful intra-oral surgeries) How much of the SP will be removed? (as much as possible back to skull base is best) Will all the pieces be removed & will the tip be smoothed? Will the nerves be monitored during surgery? And are there any steroids prescribed for swelling- not everyone does, it can help, you’ll need to ice & sleep semi-upright anyway. I hope your exam goes well, & also your appt on Monday. Let us know how you get on! ---
**Author:** ![Asumhannah](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/asumhannah/32/3898_2.png) [@Asumhannah](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Asumhannah)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2021, 9:56pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/27 "2021-08-16T21:56:15Z")
Hey @Jules, so after seeing Dr. Heckler today he confirmed my Eagle Syndrome and said that I do need surgery. He would want to do the surgery intra-orally, he also told me that he is good friends with Dr. Hackman and that Dr. Hackman would likely also want to do the surgery intra-orally and with robotics equipment and remove my tonsils as well. Dr. Heckler suggested that I actually get the surgery done by Dr. Hackman because he has more experience with the surgery as well and training with the robotic surgical equipment. ![image_2 (1)](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/2X/f/f59053358b87adbfb3fad8e3c6045f8ec18907f7.jpeg) In this scan its cool cause I can see the sort of “slice” where the styloid becomes calcified and then continues all the way down to the hyoid bone on both sides. ![image_6 (1)](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/2X/c/c5e88845083cf231dfbee207179b04c91fe2d0b5.jpeg) I’ve got my consult with Dr. Hackman on September 30th but I’m gonna call tomorrow and see if any earlier could happen because my main issue is that I want to get the surgery done this year before my premium resets… ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2021, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/28 "2021-08-16T22:20:35Z")
Hi Asumhannah, Nice images. I’m glad they made what’s going on in your neck clear for you. It always helps to be able to visualize the “invisible”. Asking Dr. Hackman’s ofc to put you on their cancellation list is a good idea. Snapple2020 has also suggested calling the office of interest every morning to ask about cancellations for that day as sometimes people will cancel last minute & there isn’t time to get someone on the waitlist to come in. Dr. Hackman does both external & intraoral surgeries. It would be a good idea to discuss both approaches with him & hear his opinion of the pros & cons of each. More of our members have had him do the external approach, but we do have a couple of members who’ve had the intraoral robotic surgery which has been successful. I applaud Dr. Heckler for referring you to a doctor w/ more experience even when it’s a surgery he does. That speaks well of his personal integrity. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 2:19pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/29 "2021-08-17T14:19:05Z")
Good that you’ve been referred to Dr Hackman, & Isaiah has given you good advice! I hope that you can get in sooner 🥰 ---
**Author:** ![Birdman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90ced4/32.png) [@Birdman](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Birdman)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/30 "2021-08-17T19:02:17Z")
Hey guys!! This is my first post but I’ve messaged with @Isaiah_40_31 before. Just wanted to say my first appointment with Dr Hackman is Sept 9th, he has already reviewed my CT scan and is willing to save me. I’m traveling from Fort Worth, TX! I cannot wait! ---
**Author:** ![Asumhannah](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/asumhannah/32/3898_2.png) [@Asumhannah](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Asumhannah)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 10:14pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/31 "2021-08-17T22:14:19Z")
Yay Birdman!! I am excited for my first appointment with him as well! 😜 I am excited for the relief I will feel after! Do you know if he wants to do external or orally? ---
**Author:** ![Birdman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90ced4/32.png) [@Birdman](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Birdman)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 11:28pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/32 "2021-08-17T23:28:10Z")
Oh it’s going to be wonderful once this is all wrapped up for us! Unfortunately I have no idea which route he wants to utilize. NC has some sort of restriction with tele-visits for out of state patients so meeting him face to face in Sept will be my first conversation with him directly. If it makes sense for Dr Hackman and with the insurance company, I think I would prefer his intraoral robot procedure. 🤖 ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 5:23am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/33 "2021-08-18T05:23:17Z")
That’s super good news, Birdman!! I’m so glad you’ve made your decision & have an appointment. Please let us know what you learn after seeing Dr. Hackman & tell us your surgery date. He is an excellent surgeon. I expect you’ll feel a lot better once your styloid is gone. 🤗 ---
**Author:** ![tp12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ebca7d/32.png) [@tp12](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/tp12)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2021, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/34 "2021-08-23T21:00:06Z")
how is your eye and mouth? I am 10 days post op very little improvements. tiny ones, but little. my eye is constantly bothering me but is now mostly going back into focus when I force blink, whereas I couldn’t do anything to get it into focus at first. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2021, 9:12pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/35 "2021-08-23T21:12:29Z")
tp12, I’m sorry your eye situation is being pokey to recover but I still trust that it will. One of our former moderators, Emma, had the same problem w/ her eye after a styloidectomy. I think it took close to a month for her eye to begin working normally again. Here’s a post of one of our members who had the same eye issue not so long ago. I tried to find Emma’s post about her situation (2018 or 2019 or before, can’t remember), but it wasn’t in it’s own thread so I’ll do some more digging & will send the link if I find it. > [@Revision Surgery with Dr. Trevor Hackman at UNC Health](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/revision-surgery-with-dr-trevor-hackman-at-unc-health/9662/8): > > Hopefully the eye closing issue will only be temporary- I remember one of our members had the same but it did improve- the wonderful emma, who compiled the original Doctors List. I use Xailin eye drops for dry eyes- you can get them otc in the UK so I would guess in the US too. The day drops are better than the night gel, it’s a bit sticky! ---
**Author:** ![tp12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ebca7d/32.png) [@tp12](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/tp12)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2021, 9:26pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/36 "2021-08-23T21:26:41Z")
thank you for all your responses Isaiah! that person you linked noted some improvement about day seven which is when I started to be able to focus on constant manual blinking, but not any more progress for me yet. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 4:12am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/37 "2021-08-24T04:12:44Z")
You’re welcome, tp12. I will continue to try to find Emma’s post so you can read about her eye “adventure” & how she managed it. I know it’s here somewhere! In the meantime, I’ll be praying that you will begin to see better healing progress for your eye. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2021, 4:31am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692/38 "2021-08-24T04:31:50Z")
I finally found Emma’s posts!! They are in a very long thread. Emma wrote a good post in June’19, & the one about her eye/eyelid healing is in July '19. You can scroll down to those dates, & you’ll find them. They are relatively long compared to the other posts around them. Here’s the link to the thread: [Thankful for you all - #350 by sjlash](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/thankful-for-you-all/4263/350) [Previous page](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/my-styloid-processes-are-both-longer-than-6cm/9692.md?page=1)