I had RS styloid removal surgery in 2011. Most of my symptoms went away… jaw pain from tmj remained, occasional ear ringing, minor throat and sinus pain BUT now my left side is acting up (surgery is scheduled) and my right side pain is worse and some symptoms have returned. Anyone else have this issue?
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Hi @Dawn1, Welcome back after so many years, but I’m sorry you’ve had to come back! I’m glad you had such a long reprieve from your ES symptoms.
I’ve been on the forum since 2014 & have seen some of our members come back w/ styloid regrowth several years after their original styloidectomies, so we know it’s something that can happen. It’s also not uncommon in cases of bilateral ES for the un-operated side to begin causing problems at some point whether soon after the first styloid is removed or further down the road.
It sounds like you may have both scenarios going on, however, an elongated styloid can sometimes cause crossover symptoms i.e. left elongated styloid, symptoms on right side as well as left. The good news is that after some months of recovery after your next surgery, you may notice part, if not all, of the right side symptoms fade away. If they don’t, then you may be looking at having a revision surgery on the right side later on.
I just had my third styloidectomy because one of my styloids wasn’t cut short enough, & maybe regrew a little, so was causing pain in my face, neck & shoulder. Those symptoms have pretty much been gone since my surgery 1.5 weeks ago.
Do you mind sharing who is doing your surgery?
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Thank you for the warm welcome back and the great info. Dr. Anderson at Lahey Hospital in Mass will be doing the surgery this time. My previous surgery was done by Dr. Cognetti at Jefferson Hospital in PA. I used to live in PA and I live in NH now. I’m glad to hear that you are doing well after your surgery! I hope it will be the last one for you.
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I’m glad you’ve found someone closer to do your next ES surgery. Please let us know how it goes. We haven’t had anyone mention Dr. Anderson in a long time even though he’s on our Doctors List. I bet he’s gotten a lot more ES experience since his name was first mentioned here!
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Hi, welcome back, although I’m sure you don’t want to need to come back! I agree with @Isaiah_40_31 that it could be cross-over symptoms, or regrowth, but hopefully not that. Another possibility is maybe scar tissue, although as it’s only flared up since your remaining side has got worse it might not be that…I wonder if otherwise it could just be inflammation from the remaining side- I notice if I get any virus, I get a little flare up of symptoms, it’s like there’s always a weakness there & any infection starts inflammation in that area. Maybe the other side starting up is causing the same? Just an idea…
Have you got a date for your surgery? Will pray for a good outcome 
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Hi Jules, I have a lot of scar tissue, especially since my tonsil was removed 7 years prior to the styloid being shortened due to a misdiagnosis. So double scar tissue! I get the same flareups on my surgery side when I’m ill or when I use my shoulder/neck muscles too much, and now alot more often since the left side has been bothering me. My CT showed my right side that was shortened is 2.6 cm and the left side is 5.1 cm. I think you are correct that the inflammation from my left styloid is also affecting the right side. My doctor seemed to think that it was unusual and recommended a neurologist. I have surgery on Feb 12th. I can’t wait! Thank you for sending prayers 
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That’s a long wait by US standards
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