I was just diagnosed last week. My neurologist said jugular severely compressed. Meeting with surgeon next week. Scary. I’m interested in hearing from others on surgery and recovery experience.
Hi Gramus- snap to you with your diagnosis- I was diagnosed with ES 18 months ago, but it was only following a referral to a more experienced doctor and having a CT scan with contrast that they found the styloids were compressing the jugular veins. I will probably have a few months to wait for surgery. I've put a bit in Eryn's discussion re post-op experience- if you search for that in previous discussions there's lots of posts on there from people who've had surgery.
Good luck and God Bless.
As far as surgery goes, make sure they give you anti-nausea drugs pre & post-op incase you have a reaction to the anesthesia - most people become nauseous in the 24 hrs after surgery from the anesthesia. Don't let them send you home till your stomach feels happy. Make sure they send you home w/ anti-nausea meds as well. I didn't need mine but was so glad to know they were there. I was also sent home w/ antibiotics, steroids (for throat swelling) & Percocet for pain. Don't fear having to take narcotic strength pain meds for a couple of weeks. You won't get addicted in that short time. Follow your doctor's instructions. Stay ahead of your post op pain w/ your pain meds. Don't wait till you start hurting to take them. Stay on the prescribed schedule. Allow yourself to take it easy for at least a week post op. A few people on this forum have recovered quite quickly (w/in a day or 2 of surgery) but the norm is that it will take a couple of weeks for you to start feeling functional again. This may be somewhat age related i.e. if you're younger you tend to heal quicker. It was two months before I really had my energy back & felt "normal" again but this differs for everyone as well.
I hope you are able to get surgery quickly especially since your jugular vein is compressed. You should feel an immediate improvement post surgically.
I hope this info is helpful.
:)
Thank you so much for the help and information.