# New Member Starting the Journey **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [March 21, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497 "2026-03-21T23:51:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/1 "2026-03-21T23:51:21Z")
Hello everyone. I had previously been diagnosed with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) which causes bone spurs and stiffening and calcification of cartilage and ligaments throughout my body. I found out that ES can co-exist with DISH. For the last year and a half, I have been having a tough time swallowing. Initially we thought excess bone growth might be causing the swallowing problem as DISH is known to grow bone in the esophagus area that can hamper swallowing. An endoscopy ruled that out. For the past few weeks, the side of my face has been hurting, my ear has been tingling and there is pain above the ear. The swallowing problem has increased. I went to my dentist who ruled out an abscessed tooth and then told me that I could have Eagle Syndrome. For the past three weeks my ENT had given me two courses of antibiotics thinking the facial and swallowing issues were related to Sinus problems. The antibiotics did nothing to help the problem, and I do not have any symptoms of sinus infections now. The ENT had previously scheduled a CT scan to check my sinuses this week. I am going to tell him about all that I have found out and hopefully he is knowledgeable enough to understand this. The CT is done in his office, and he will read the images while I am there. I don’t think it will have contrast and I am not sure about the 3D aspect so he may send me somewhere else to get a CT. My concern is that my symptoms seem to be progressing quicker than I have heard from other people’s experiences. I am going to check the advocacy section, but I am wondering do I really have to explain this syndrome to an ENT? ---
**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:** [March 22, 2026, 2:06am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/2 "2026-03-22T02:06:04Z")
> [@Papawdil](#): > > I am going to check the advocacy section, but I am wondering do I really have to explain this syndrome to an ENT? I’m sorry to say there are many ENTs who are ignorant about ES or downplay it because, “It’s so rare you couldn’t possibly have it.” That comment is made even to patients who have obvious ES symptoms AND their CT scans show elongated styloid processes. I’m hoping for your sake that the ENT you see has at least heard of ES & is open to investigating it further if (s)he doesn’t have much knowledge about it. You can also look through our research paper section to see if you can find any that mention your symptoms then print them & take them to your appointment. Here’s a post by our other moderator @Jules with extensive information about ES symptoms. You’d be welcome to print that & take it with you as well: > [@ES Information: Common Symptoms And Possible Explanations For Them](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/es-information-common-symptoms-and-possible-explanations-for-them/1389): > > ES Information: Common Symptoms And Possible Explanations For Their Causes: Disclaimer: These answers to common questions were put together for new members to gain a head start in finding information about Eagle Syndrome; to give you confidence to discuss issues with your medical team and to encourage you to research issues further for yourselves. It was compiled by a volunteer Moderator, who does not claim to be a medical professional, merely an informed observer and patient! The sources used… > **[Research Papers](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/c/general/research-papers/30)** > > A new category for any one to post links & info about research papers, so we can keep them all in one space & easy to find! ---
**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:** [March 22, 2026, 1:38pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/3 "2026-03-22T13:38:28Z")
If they’re able to do the CT from your skull base down to your hyoid that would be helpful- there’s info about converting these to 3D on here if you can get this & also get copies of the imaging? And as @Isaiah_40_31 says, we suggest that maybe you bring a research paper with you to show your ENT (if they’re receptive, some get umpty about it!)… We’ve had members who’ve literally had symptoms come on overnight, others whose symptoms are minimal for years then suddenly ramp up, so it does vary quite a bit, try not to worry about that… If you don’t get anywhere with your ENT, then hopefully you could get to see another doctor on the list. ---
**Author:** ![lsheep](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/lsheep/32/14121_2.png) [@lsheep](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/lsheep)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 4:31pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/5 "2026-03-22T16:31:40Z")
I am so sorry you are experiencing these symptoms! I agree with the suggestion of making sure the CT scan goes low enough. One less scan to have done again if you can help it. Even though you probably know this, second (and third lol) opinions are completely worth it if your ENT isn’t aware or educated on Eagles. ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/6 "2026-03-22T17:15:46Z")
Thank you all. If can’t move forward with my ENT I’m planning on contacting Dr Osbourne and I have a great primary Dr who I know will order a CT scan if the ENT doesnt. I appreciate all of you so much for your inputs and for caring about me! ---
**Author:** ![Snapple2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Snapple2020](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Snapple2020)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/7 "2026-03-22T21:00:57Z")
Make sure to ask for CTV (CT Venogram) of head and neck - that is with and without contrast. Good luck. Sharp dentist. When I first started having shooting pain up my neck to my ear, I finally found a doc that gave me RX for dexamethasone which knocked down swelling and gave me some relief. Book Dr. Osbourne now to CYA as it may take time to get in. You may nee a referral though. best of luck. You are in the right place. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2026, 2:52am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/8 "2026-03-23T02:52:53Z")
No referral required for Dr. Osborne & he’s Johnny on the spot with consults i.e. not much waiting time from initial contact with his office. 😊 ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/9 "2026-03-23T15:24:58Z")
Good news, my ENT was very understanding and knows about ES. He has ordered a CT with contrast for me. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/10 "2026-03-23T15:37:09Z")
That’s brilliant, good to hear! ---
**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:** [March 23, 2026, 5:36pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/11 "2026-03-23T17:36:20Z")
HOORAY! I’m so glad you’ve been able to take a huge step in the right direction! ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/12 "2026-03-26T20:14:52Z")
These are my results. Im not sure if the r a biologist that read this knew why we were doing this but these were the findings: FINDINGS: Nasopharynx: Normal Suprahyoid neck: Normal oropharynx, oral cavity, parapharyngeal space and retropharyngeal space. Infrahyoid neck: Normal larynx, hypopharynx and supraglottis. Major salivary glands: Normal Thyroid: Normal Thoracic inlet: Normal lung apices and brachial plexus. Lymph nodes: No suppurative lymph nodes, no significant lymphadenopathy. Vascular structures: Normal Paranasal sinuses and skull base: Normal ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 8:18pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/13 "2026-03-26T20:18:00Z")
Nothing about styloid process size or comments about the stylohoid ligament. ---
**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:** [March 27, 2026, 4:25am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/14 "2026-03-27T04:25:33Z")
You or the doctor who referred you for the CT need to ask for the radiologist to look at your scan again & comment on your styloid processes & stylohyoid ligaments. If your doctor requested diagnostic imaging for ES, then the radiologist totally missed the boat or doesn’t know what causes ES (i.e. styloids/calcified stylohyoid ligaments). When I had my CT scan, I told the radiology tech why I was there as I wanted to make sure he imaged the right area of my neck. His response was, “Oh I do Eagle Syndrome scans all the time.” I knew that wasn’t correct since I’d just been told by my diagnosing ENT how rare it is. The radiology tech did get good images of my styloids though. ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/15 "2026-03-27T13:51:00Z")
Yes, I was worried the ENT wouldn’t give the correct instructions. Frustrating. ---
**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:** [March 27, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/16 "2026-03-27T14:05:07Z")
Hopefully you can ask for it to be re-read specifically looking at the styloids length, and angle, & can you get copies imaging yourself? ---
**Author:** ![Papawdil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@Papawdil](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Papawdil)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/17 "2026-03-27T18:06:52Z")
Just wanted to pass the word that I talked to the radiologist, who was very understanding, and he says it does not appear that I have ES. My styloids are not elongated and everything else looks fine. I want to thank everyone one who helped me with this and I wil be praying for all of you all! ---
**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:** [March 27, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/new-member-starting-the-journey/22497/18 "2026-03-27T22:54:09Z")
@Papawdil - Please do not take the radiologist’s opinion as “gospel”. We’ve got quite a number of members who were told their styloids were “normal” when they were significantly elongated OR they were normal length but extremely thick or growing very curved or at very steep angles, all of which can also cause symptoms in the absence of elongation. You need to get a CD of your images from the radiology clinic & upload them on your computer or have someone help you do this. You can use 3D conversion software ([radiantviewer.com](http://radiantviewer.com) for PCs or Bee Dicom Viewer App for Macs) convert your images to 3D so you can see what’s going on. The radiology clinic where you had your imaging done, may also be able/willing to provide you some 3D images of your CT.