I am a senior diagnosed with Eagles and I have a pacemaker that literally controls my heart rate. I have consulted with two surgeons who are happy to remove my 50mm styloid. Both are recommended and esteemed surgeons so their ability is not at issue, but only one has indicated that the surgery be performed in a hospital where I can be monitored overnight and has the facilities in the event of issues. Naturally at my age, caution is necessary, but I am interested to know if any one has had this surgery over the age of 70, or has had it with a pacemaker in place. Please message me directly if you prefer - I’d like to hear your story. Thanks!
3 Likes
@Lin, In case you don’t get other replies, I can tell you with certainty that we’ve had a few members over 70 who’ve had styloidectomies, though I don’t recall anyone noting they had a pacemaker. In the past, there were certain medical insurance plans which required an overnight stay in the hospital post styloidectomy & Medicare was one of them, however, Medicare has cut what they pay doctors & hospitals back so significantly over the past few years that I believe the hospital stay is no longer offered except for cases like yours where you already have a significant health challenge. Honestly, I’m surprised one of the doctors who offered you ES surgery didn’t think 1 night in the hospital was necessary.
1 Like
Hi Wendy, actually it is your recommendation, Dr. Samji, who required an overnight in ICU. Dr Osborne wants to do it in the clinic, and that concerns me. It is the main reason I went for a second opinion. We will try to get prior approval from Medicare for the hospital; I’m happy to pay out of pocket for Dr. Samji and the deductibles. It will still be less than the bill from Dr. Osborne and my son will be relieved. (He’s 43 and while he’s had 23 sureries of his own, mine scares him to death)
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, it definitely makes my choice easier, although my family will have to spend 10 days in San Jose taking good care of me! And I’ll have to find a nice Vrbo for us three…
Best regards,
Lin
2 Likes
I hope that all goes well for you! Let us know if you decide for definite to have surgery with Dr Samji & when you have a date so that we can pray for you 
1 Like
@Lin - Dr. Samji was my second opinion, doctor as well, & I felt a huge amount better after my surgeries with him, however, my full nerve recovery took a year + after each surgery. I will say I began feeling much better starting in the 2-6 month post op period.
I’m glad he’s being conservative w/ your care 
. I was still seeing a different doctor at Camino ENT for a hearing issue when I went on Medicare, & my visits were covered. Curious that you’re having to look at paying out of pocket. Medicare should cover you under Dr. Samji’s care.
I’m sorry your son has had so many surgeries but am glad he’s there to support you for yours. There are a number of very good Air BnBs in the San Jose area if you don’t find an acceptable VRBO. Please let us know when you have a surgery date. 
1 Like
Hi Lin, I just had both sides done over the course of two months and both times one overnight was required, with the possibility of a second on the table. I am 68 and feeling rather old, but was out each time the next day. Still…I would be very uncomfortable with the cardiac stuff (even without a pacemaker) not being monitored for 24 hours or so afterwards.
2 Likes
Thank you for sharing! I’m glad I sought a second opinion and to learn that others have had monitoring.
3 Likes
I was a bit confused for a minute, Lin, because when I said I was monitored, I meant….I was in hospital where my vitals and overall well-being were monitored for 24 hours. But…I was also nerve-monitored during surgery, for which I am grateful. I don’t know which one you meant, but they were both valuable!
2 Likes
Yes, actually I meant “watched over” as in vitals post surgery. The whole idea of out-patient surgery on a procedure as risky as this left me very uncomfortable!
2 Likes
Dr. Samji also monitors nerves during his ES surgeries, @Lin.
2 Likes
I had my surgery with Dr Samji yesterday and was just released from Good Samaritan (terrific care). I realize that the pain will increase but I am hesitant to take meds due to IBS. I’ll let you know how that goes lol. Just wanted to say thank you for your insights and stories; misery does love company! My surgery was easy but the incision is rather large. The surgeon is terrific and I highly recommend him!
2 Likes
@Lin, I planned to send you a message tonight to check in to see how your surgery went but you beat me to it! Thank you for the update so soon after your surgery. I hope your pain remains tolerable w/o Rx pain meds. You can take Extra Strength Tylenol & that’s worked for a number of our members who didn’t want the Rx pain meds. Because Tylenol isn’t an anti-inflammatory, icing your neck for 15-20 min every couple of hours will be helpful.
I’m glad your surgery went so well. I’ve forgotten, did you only have one elongated styloid? If so, HOORAY! You’re done with surgeries! Now on to healing. Please remember it can be up & down i.e. good days followed by less good days. That is normal so please try not to worry if you note that happening. The good days will become more numerous & enduring as time passes. You may also find that your IBS symptoms reduce or go away as a result of your styloidectomy since those can be caused by the vagus nerve being irritated. It’s one of the nerves that most often gets “upset” by elongated styloids.
1 Like
Take care of yourself and rest up, I hope that you soon see symptoms resolve, that is a very quick update! Hugs & prayers for you 
1 Like
Thank you both for your messages! Yes it is only the one right side that has caused the issue even though the other is just as long. Don’t want to jinx myself but other than incision soreness and ear/ jaw pressure I have no pain. I plan to go out tonight for a pre Valentine dinner 
. We are staying across the street from the valley fair mall so food is very tempting and shopping will be my daily walk. Making the best of this!
2 Likes
I used to live near Valley Fair. Lots to do in that area & many good restaurants. I hope you enjoy your meal tonight, @Lin! Happy Valentine’s Day early! 
1 Like
Definitely make the most of the opportunity if you’re up to it, hope your dinner was good 
1 Like