Well, i am officially scheduled for testing and surgery for September 1st. I spoke to his office yesterday and he wanted to get me in as soon as his schedule allowed. I have to be honest that I have no idea if I am doing the right or wrong thing. I basically have no options left, so either this helps or makes me worse and it is truly the end of the line for a life where I can function. All I can do is ask for prayers that this is the right choice.
10 Likes
I’m happy for you Harrison and hopeful this helps you, you’ve been through so much and it sounded like Dr. Liu really thinks he can help you. Kudos to you for committing to it and keeping us updated.
6 Likes
I am so happy to hear you have surgery scheduled!! I will be praying for you.
4 Likes
@harrisonboy -
!!! I’m relieved you’ve decided to move forward with Dr. Liu! The results are in God’s hands. I will continue to pray for you & especially now that you’ve got surgery scheduled, that this surgery will be life changing in a miraculously positive way. 
3 Likes
I just read some of your horrific story. Thank you for sharing it here with this group. I am new to it and searching. Please keep us all posted on your surgery and outcomes. Rooting for you and will pray for wisdom for Dr. Liu!!
4 Likes
Will definitely pray for you, a brave decision, hope you’re able to make the journey okay 
3 Likes
@harrisonboy - Praying with you and for you. It’s time.
4 Likes
I will pray, count on it!
3 Likes
It helped me to have mine done at least for a time. It’s grown back so I’m in a wait mode trying to hold off till winter. Best wishes and our prayers are with you and your medical team.
4 Likes
So sorry and praying for you!
3 Likes
@Scott1 - Frustrating that you now have stylohyoid ligament calcification. Some of us were told by our surgeons that the stylohyoid ligaments aren’t removed during a styloidectomy if the ligaments aren’t calcified. We were then informed that once the ligaments are detached from the styloids, since they’re no longer functional, they break down & the body absorbs them. It sounds like you have a pretty hardy ligament if it survived for 15 years & has now calcified. Is the problem bilateral? Has your styloid also regrown or is it just the ligament that calcified? Have you checked in with Dr. Hackman or any of the doctors on our Doctors List to see about a revision surgery?
2 Likes
Is this for me or by mistake?
@harrisonboy You are in great hands, and you have been and will remain in my prayers. 
I just had surgery with Dr. Liu this past Tuesday, with testing by Dr. Chancellor the day prior. She is amazing, by the way!
I went by myself and just wanted to mention, in case you are looking for transportation from the airport to your hotel/lodging, that I used Royal Coachman and they were wonderful. I am sure it was more than an Uber, but they were very dependable, reasonably priced compared with the other private transportation options I found, and it was a very comfortable ride.
I stayed at the Hilton Short Hills, which is one of the hotels on the recommended list and offers a discount. If you happen to stay there, there is a mall literally across the street. I wish I had gone over my first day and stocked up on snacks and things I would want after surgery. There is an Italian restaurant with a market in the mall that has fresh fruit and other things that would be nice to have back at the hotel.
And if you do stay there, they have showers with adjustable/removable shower heads, but you need to specifically ask for one. My original room didn’t have one, but they moved me to a room that did so I could shower after surgery without getting my head wet.
I am so happy to hear you are moving forward. I will be thinking of you on September 1st.
6 Likes
We are still trying to decide if this is the best decision. I have a history of sevefe reactjons to anesthesia and I didn’t get a great feeling from talking with the anesthesiologist. The last 7 years of tests, surgeries, medications have just destroyed my ability to do these things. At this point, i just don’t know if this is going to happen.
I am praying for the surgery to be your miracle!
Thanks for your prayers…
3 Likes
@harrisonboy - My prayer is - if having surgery is the correct next step for you, God will give you His “peace that passes understanding” i.e a supernatural peace about having the surgery so you know it’s His plan for you on Sept. 1.
2 Likes
@harrisonboy I wasn’t thrilled with the anesthesiologist I had, and it may very well have been the same guy. He actually gave me a hard time about being allergic to steroids, which definitely did not give me a great feeling going into surgery. I came away from the conversation feeling like he planned to use them regardless.
Given your history of severe reactions to anesthesia, if this is the tipping point for you, I would make your hesitation very clear to Dr. Liu and Dr. Chancellor and ask if they can pair you with a different anesthesiologist. You have nothing to lose by asking if this is a deciding factor for you.
3 Likes
This was a lady. She wouldn’t listen to a word i said. I have severe nausea and almost manic reactions to the anesthesia because of the brain condition I have. They have no clue how bad this could go if they don’t listen and try and deal with those issues.
At this point, i am near canceling the whole thing.
1 Like
The conversation with the anesthesia doctor did not go well. She wouldn’t listen to a word I said and frankly, it makes me want to back out. For me, the reactions to the medicatikns are the main issue I have with surgery. If she isn’t goingntontry and address the reactions I have, there is no way I can do this. She can actually do permenant damage to my brain because of the pet scan results I have.
This isnt a good start to this?
1 Like
I’m sorry that you don’t feel confident with her, I don’t know if you’re able to get in touch with Dr Lui about your concerns? It doesn’t seem like a big ask for an anesthesiologist to take on board allergic reactions or intolerances, this should be standard…
2 Likes
Another person who just had surgery there also had the same issue with another anesthesiologist. Doesn’t sound good.
1 Like