Hi! I just joined this group because I’m having Styloid surgery on Monday and wanted to know more about what to expect. I was diagnosed with Eagles and internal jugular vein compression syndrome a few years ago and was putting off the surgery until things got really bad. Which in hindsight wasn’t the best idea because now things are really bad and I wish I would have had this surgery sooner.
I’ve had a lot of surgeries (I think this is #24) so I know what to expect in general but it’s hard to get surgeons to give you a realistic picture of what to expect afterwards. I’ve been searching the web for info about recovery but it seems like there are widely differing opinions in terms of how long you need to be resting, when you can start activity, when you can drive etc.. So for those of you who have had this surgery: how many of you were able to go home same day and how many had to stay in the hospital? Did you have to eat liquid or soft meals at the beginning and how long did that last? how long before you could drive? How long before you didn’t need any meds for pain? Any activity restrictions? Also, I would appreciate any other tips that you might have for how to prepare and what to expect. Thanks!
I’m glad that you don’t have to wait too long for surgery now if you’re feeling rough; it’s a tricky decision having the surgery so many of us balance risks against benefits so leave it until our quality of life is affected badly enough to have it, so don’t feel bad that you left the decision for a while!
Where are you having your surgery, are you seeing Dr Hepworth in Denver?
There’s info in the Newbies Guide Section about surgery & some links to recovery stories, & even a surgery shopping list with suggested items to get ready: ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
And you can also search for ‘what to expect after surgery’ & that will come up with lots of post-op stories if you’ve not already done that…
Recovery does vary quite a bit; it depends on the doctors’ surgical techniques as some do incisions in different places (I hope your surgery is being done externally/ transcervical rather than intra-oral?), and also depending on the angle of the styloids & what nerves they’re close to. Sometimes nerves need moving to be able to remove the styloids, so that can cause irritation & so that nerve might give you more pain in recovery, or weakness. (Facial numbness & weakness can be quite common after surgery from an irritated facial nerve, but this does go quite quickly) You would have to ask your doctor about staying overnight; most surgeries are done as a day case, but some doctors put a drain in & that requires an overnight stay.
Swelling is common after surgery, so we suggest that you use ice packs wrapped in a towel on & off, & sleeping propped up afterwards will help, I had to use a wedge pillow after surgery for a few months, but this varies. You may find you’re tired after surgery, & if so it’s important to rest & not push yourself, but not everyone does, I was fine doing quite long walks a few days after surgery, but sometimes with vascular ES it can take time for the brain to adjust to new blood flow, and you might find you feel dizzy or a bit wobbly.
I didn’t need anything other than paracetemol once I was out of hospital, but again it varies depending on the method of surgery. It is common to need stronger painkillers for a week afterwards & a good idea to keep up with them regularly so you keep on top of the pain. (& don’t forget something for constipation!)
Again eating can vary afterwards- I couldn’t open my mouth wide or chew much first time around, for about 10 days I think, so had lots of smoothies & soft foods, but didn’t have any trouble with that the second time! You might find you get ‘first bite syndrome’ after surgery, which is sharp pain in the cheek & jaw area when you first take a bite, it’s very common after surgery but usually goes after a while- staying hydrated helps & also avoiding food which trigger it more, that can be different for everyone, for me it was fruit & sweeter things.
I couldn’t drive for 3 weeks after my first surgery as my neck was too stiff to turn, but this was easier after my second surgery.
It’s best to be guided how you feel with activity- many of us have made the mistake of overdoing things & it can set healing back, I didn’t lift anything heavy for 4 weeks, workouts wouldn’t be a good idea for at least 4 weeks I’d say…
I’m sorry that I can’t give you any definite ideas, because it does very so much! The recovery after my two surgeries was really different, & I had the same surgeon, it’s weird!
I hope that your surgery goes well, & will pray that it helps you
I had a couple more questions. They mentioned they want me up and walking for 10 minutes every hour after the surgery. I’m wondering if I will be able to have the energy to do that right away (or the balance if I’m dizzy). When are people typically able to walk around after surgery? The other question is about trying to avoid exertion after surgery (and blood pressure increases). Hepworth’s office hasn’t said anything about that but I’ve seen other docs recommend this. How important is this and do most doctors recommend it?
Walking soon after surgery is mostly to help leg circulation & prevent blood clots. If you’re dizzy or light-headed, you should wait until you aren’t, or until you have someone assist you as you walk if you’re not too dizzy. The level of walking suggested to you shouldn’t cause physical exertion per se. You can walk at a very slow pace & even stop to rest if you need to. Just being upright will help somewhat with movement throughout your circulatory system.
That’s interesting- one of our members who had surgery with Dr Aghayev in Turkey was recently given the same advice, this was to ease swelling, but it could otherwise be for the reason @Isaiah_40_31 gave. I’m sure you’d be okay for a short walk, but certainly make sure someone is with you to start with to see how you feel… I did stay in overnight but fine to walk to the loo etc, when hubby picked me up the next day, we had quite a walk to the car park- he took my bag & went marching off without me, he forgot I’d just had surgery & might be wobbly I was okay though!
I was okay though!