On Sep 9th, I had a bilateral styloidectomy performed by Dr. Hackman. Everything went perfect and he and his staff were superb. Since he takes insurance, my total out of pocket cost was about $3k. I was initially referred to Dr. Osborne in LA and that would have cost more like $50k. I have had no lingering side effects and it literally fixed my constant daily pain caused by Eagles Syndrome.
The first week I was very sore and groggy and could eat mostly liquids and soft foods. I stopped the pain meds and only took Tylenol as needed for the second week. After that, the swelling started to go down considerably and by the fourth week I was back at the gym lifting about 50% of my normal weight just to be cautious.
As for scarring, they are hardly noticeable when cleanly shaved. As a guy, I have been able to grow out my 5’ o clock shadow to make it nearly invisible.
Now that it’s been a few months, I’m happy to say that it all now feels like it was just a bad dream and I am back to living a totally normal and pain-free life. I am so grateful to this community and the mods here for pointing me in the right direction.
Please feel free to ask any questions and I will answer as I can.
I’m so pleased for you that your surgery has been successful! It’s great to hear, and I’m glad that Dr Hackman & his team were so good…pleased too that you’ve found the site helpful, and thank you very much for sharing your story, I hope you have a great Christmas & a healthier 2025!
I’m so happy to hear that your surgery was a success and that you are back to living life normally and without pain. What a blessing! Also, glad to hear that Dr. Hackman and his team helped you so much. I had a consult with him and he seemed very knowledgeable and competent. He was also very nice and encouraging, which helps so much as we are navigating through trying to figure out what is going on. I’m glad you were helped by this forum as well, as so many of us have been. Hope that everything continues to go well with you!
@mikedean913 - WE LOVE SUCCESS STORIES Thank you for sharing yours! What good news that you’ve gotten back into your regular life almost seamlessly.
Your incisions will continue to disappear w/ more healing time. Mine were nearly invisible after several months, & I’m a gal so have no opportunity to grow a 5 o’clock shadow.
So happy to hear that your surgery went so well! I had the same surgery on October 21 and I’m still recovering. However, I am 68 years old and I am assuming that recovery time might be a bit more extended for someone my age. I’m definitely not in the gym, lifting weights, however, I never was! Lol!! I am noticing wonderful results on my left side, however, the right side is still experiencing a great deal of pain, but my surgeon has been amazing with fitting me in for follow ups and has referred me to a neurologist. I also have another surgeon who is working in concert with the surgeon who reformed the surger, to address any issues I have and he is closer to our home. Anyway, I know that each of us have to make choices regarding who and what we are going to do regarding our Eagles syndrome, but, in my case, and in yours, obviously, we chose the surgery And both could not be more satisfied. Even though mine is still in the process of healing, the left side is perfect, and the pain from Eagles syndrome on the left side is completely gone. So glad to hear your success story, and we can only hope that other people are able to find great surgeons and people who will listen. Happy holidays!
Thank you for sharing yours! What good news that you’ve gotten back into your regular life almost seamlessly.