Hi & welcome!
It’s amazing how many of us read through the symptoms of ES when we’re first diagnosed & realise that we’ve had symptoms for years! So yours could’ve been gradually coming on as the styloid process grew/ ligament calcified, & like you say, not realised neck problems were ES. But other members have had very sudden onset of symptoms- sometimes laughing or sneezing a bit violently can bring it on, or a fall, accident etc. Also with time, connective tissue loosens & that can bring the styloids into contact with nerves etc.
Also radiologists often don’t notice elongated styloids, partly because it’s so rare & they’re not looking for it! So not surprising they missed it. But very good that you have an ‘eagle eyed’ (sorry!) ENT who spotted it!
I can understand it being a bit of a shock, & being self employed & a single mum obviously makes life harder for you- have you got any family support? It can also be a worry if you think that there might be pressure on blood vessels from the styloids, but the risk of anything happening from that is very, very rare. Did you have a CT with contrast? If you did that’ll show if there is any compression.
The discussions are searchable & there’s lots of info about recovery from surgery & what to expect, but it can vary quite a bit. Some people are fine to go back to work after a couple of weeks if it’s a desk job, others longer, especially if they do any manual work.
We have a list of doctors familiar with the surgery in the Doctors Info Section, here’s the link:
https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/us-doctors-familiar-with-es-2019/4752
There are a couple in Connecticut, it’s worth travelling to see a doctor with experience. If you see someone, check how much of the styloid process they remove, & also whether they smooth the end off. There is more detailed info in a recent discussion about what to ask if you need it nearer the time in one of the recent discussions- you can search for that.
Best wishes, hope that you can get some help soon!
2 Likes