Below is the styloid process that was removed from the right side of my neck. It was calcified on the sharp end and soft tissue (like it should be) at the base where it connected to the skull. It was 4cm long. We originally thought 3.7cm. It was very sharp and the resident student who was involved in the surgery with Dr. Hackman said it actually got him on the tip of his finger when he grabbed it. They normally don’t see them this pointed.
I’m so happy this thing is out of my neck so I can feel peace and go back to enjoying wrestling with my 3 year old and get back on rollercoasters eventually! Thank you Dr. Hackman and the UNC team for taking care of me. Going home tomorrow if all looks well.
That looks pretty much the sharpest styloid I think I’ve ever seen! Definitely better out than in…Have you got any facial weakness or numbness? Can you eat okay?
Praying that you recover well and are back to playing with your little one soon
I do have numbness on my right side and cannot smile fully. That should all return within the next few weeks. The pain crept up on me last night so about 12 hours after surgery. Doctor said the first 24-72 hours pain will be the worst due to swelling but should get much better after that.
Your styloid looks like a thick needle! YOWCH! So glad it’s out now, @Kelso25! I hope you have an easy recovery & it moves along steadily. The worst of the post op swelling actually occurs days 3-5/6 post op so it’s best to stick w/ icing, head elevation when sleeping & pain meds through that time. I hope you’ll be back playing with your son soon. Just remember to take it easy initially i.e. test to see what your neck can tolerate at first as being too energetic on an early good day can start symptoms up again. Better to ease into activities of all kinds.
It sounds like your facial nerve has been irritated a bit, and it does happen quite often after surgery, but hopefully this will go soon as you’ve been told, we’ve had quite a few members who have posted about this
.