Hi Ice_dragon,
Typically, people have not needed follow-up w/ specialists after ES surgery. Given 2-12 months for recovery, the injured nerves, which are causing the post op symptoms, usually recover.
If you have symptoms which persist at a debilitating level beyond 2 months post op, then specialized PT can be considered. I think I mentioned my glossopharyngeal nerve was irritated during my first surgery because it was wrapped around my right styloid & had to be unwrapped so the styloid could be shortened. The results were temporary paralysis of the right side of my tongue which also challenged my ability to swallow. It took 6-9 mos for my tongue to recover. At about 9 mos, I inquired about swallow therapy because I frequently choked on liquids when I’d take a drink. The PT group I wanted to work with required a referral from my PCP. He refused to refer me saying I didn’t have a swallowing issue. Perhaps being able to swallow correctly/consistently is relative in the medical world. I certainly wasn’t in the position of a recent stroke patient, but I choked often enough for it to be annoying & sometimes embarrassing. That situation has mostly resolved now though I still go through short periods where it seems to be a bit of a problem. I am going on 8 years since my first ES surgery. The encouraging news is that my nerves have continued to heal over the last 8 years thus my longer-term post op symptoms have continued to become more “invisible”.
I don’t know that seeing several different specialists prior to having ES surgery will be all that helpful either as they will assess where you are & will not be able to tell you what to expect after surgery. Many of our members have awaken from surgery w/ some symptoms already gone & others greatly diminished. Others have noted symptoms gradually decreasing over time. Healing is also a 3 steps forward, 2 steps back process with good days followed by harder days followed by good days again. It’s a process that requires patience, a positive mindset, & a willingness to listen to your body & not push yourself when you feel good as that can set healing back.