I’m so happy to share that I’ve now had my second surgery using the TORS robot (intraorall), and the left side is officially done! It will be two weeks tomorrow and I’m healing well. The styloid process on that side was 5cm, my surgeon ended up shaving it down by 2.5cm instead of removing it completely, which I hadn’t expected, but it makes sense to restore it to a normal length rather than take it all out. Has anyone got an opinion on this?
Recovery this time has been so much easier. The pain was far more manageable, probably because the nerves were irritated from the surgery. The back of my tongue was numb for 10 days. They also gave me a local anesthetic after I woke up, along with stronger pain relief, which really helped. It’s been night and day compared to the first round. It took nearly a month last time and I was a mess.
My heart rate has finally settled, my digestion is starting to feel normal again, I have been living with gastroparesis for years now and it was getting so much worse, worryingly so, I’m really hoping this was the problem all along, I’ll keep you all posted in over the next. couple of months.
Honestly, it’s been worth everything. I feel so hopeful again.
Thank you to everyone in this incredible community, your support, stories, and kindness have made a huge difference through this wild journey. Wishing each of you clarity, healing, and resolution on your path ahead. Ali x
@Lemontree - It’s very good news that this surgical recovery has been so much easier for you! I’m really glad you’re also noticing relief from some of your more concerning & bothersome symptoms. I hope you continue to feel better & better as the months pass.
Since you asked, we’ve found that when the styloid is only shortened to normal length, there is a greater risk of regrowth over the next several years. Additionally, some people don’t get the full symptoms recovery that someone w/ the styloid shortened closer to skull base achieves. That said, it all depends on the inner layout of each of us as to how short a styloid needs to be to produce good overall results after a styloidectomy. Your anatomy may be such that 2.5 cm is a perfect length for you to recover maximally. You will know for sure in the next 6-12 months based on whether or not you have significant symptoms that remain. Stay optimistic. You’re off to a good start with your recovery!
I’m so glad that your surgery has gone well & that you’re seeing improvements already! Good too that your recovery is easier so far than last time! It sounds like the vagus nerve has settled now, brilliant that your digestive issues are easing!
Take care & keep us posted how you’re getting on
