Good morning! I had a L styloidectomy and R omohyoid myectomy in early February. Since surgery, my tinnitus seems worse and vision seems worse- blurry and periods of double vision. Does this sound normal/similar to you?
Thank you
@Nikkimm - Have you talked to your surgeon about the increase in these symptoms? You’re still in somewhat early recovery especially since your surgery was a bit more complex than some. It can take 6-8 weeks for the post op swelling that causes symptoms to increase to settle down so nerves can begin recovering more effectively. Also, if you have bilateral ES, sometimes it’s unclear which symptoms are being caused by which styloid until one is removed, thus symptoms that don’t go away or get worse can be from the remaining styloid.
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That’s rough, going through surgery & having some symptoms worsen or new ones appear 
Might be worth seeing an ophthalmologist to get your vision checked out…
I hope that it’s just nerves irritated from surgery and that this settles soon 
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Hi @Nikkimm - I experienced the same - tinnitus worsened and vision issues after styloidectomy in 2021. I saw several optometrists and ophthalmologists because the double vision was so strange, but mine is correctable with glasses and no underlying issues with the optic nerves were identified. I wore glasses before surgery, so I’ve just had to change prescriptions a few times to deal with the vision changes. It does take some time for all the swelling to go away and my vision has stabilized with time. Sometimes tinnitus can be related to medications - aspirin really triggers mine - so it’s worth researching that a little. Mine also seems to have improved over time, but I know that our brains get used to the internal noise and filter it out some, too. Final note - I think most of us are hyper-aware of symptoms before and after surgery, and I wanted everything to be fixed and normal quickly. As our wonderful moderators point out frequently, it takes a long time for the inflammation to go down and for nerves to heal. 2 and a half years after my surgery, I think I am finally there.
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Thanks so much! I know I’m super early at 4 1/2 weeks, it’s just hard to be patient when we’re all on this road for so long. It’s very good to know your history with vision correction. That’s what I was hoping to hear, I’ll give it a bit before I go in for an exam. Glad to hear you’re doing better!!
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So pleased that things have improved for you @Catmd and thank you for coming back to support others
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I really appreciate you sharing your recovery story @Catmd! Thank you for sharing it as an encouragement for @Nikkimm. 
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@Nikkimm Wondering whether your tinnitus & visual issues settled? I’m only 4 days post left styloidectomy (right still there) & my symptoms are flaring up badly. I had tinnitus and visual issues before but it’s getting worse today. I know I’m healing and don’t expect it to get better for a while, but interested to know if yours improved with time? Thanks.
Unfortunately not. The tinnitus is still a constant issue, and the vision flares up mainly later in the day, when I am tired and/or when my pain is higher. This is exactly the same as when I made my post a couple months ago. I did go in for a vision exam and it is not an eyeball issue. I saw Dr. Hepworth in April and he thought these things would resolve by June, I was too early in my recovery and the 4 month mark would be long enough. If I was still having issues in June, it was something else is wrong. I may need my second side done, or may have a jugular diverticulum. It never ends!
@Nikkimm Sorry to hear this!
I have had visual issues for sometime, in fact derealization, light sensitivity, tunnel vision & visual snow have been my worst ES symptoms, even over pain.
I had my left styloid removed 4 days ago. I’m giving it 6 weeks then if no improvement, I’ll book in the right one to be removed.
The visual symptoms are so debilitating. I’ve been off work months and unable to drive. I need the surgery to give me some improvement and my anxiety is really kicking in, as I’m back at work Monday and help with childcare will be gone.
I’ve had so many eye exams and my eyes are always fine. It’s like my brain isn’t able to process my vision. I wondered if it was IJV compression and IIH related. I’m really hoping for improvement.
I hope you manage to get resolution too. It’s so disheartening going through surgery when it may not resolve without more intervention.
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So sorry that surgery hasn’t resolved your vision and tinnitus @Nikkimm , that’s rough. Have you got another appointment with Dr Hepworth? From what other members have said he seems to be thorough and will keep looking into patient’s case to find other causes. Hugs to you
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@Nikkimm - Dr. Hepworth has noted that our vascular systems are circular & as long as there is a “kink” somewhere along that circle, there stands to be possible symptoms. Did you ever have a follow-up ultrasound or venogram to make sure your IJV has remained open? If it is then having the other side done may be your key to better symptoms resolution. We have a number of members who did not have good results after one IJV decompression surgery but have had after the second one.
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@BabzieAM - I’m sorry you have to go back to work so soon especially with your symptoms being so bad. We’ve had members take 4-6 weeks off work after ES surgery to allow for a more solid start to recovery. Those who’ve gone back soon after surgery have often found they needed to work very part time for several weeks & ease back in to more full time positions. You may find this to be true for you.
At six weeks post op, you’ll still be in early recovery from this surgery so making a judgment about needing a second surgery so soon may be unwise. It could be 4-6 months post op before you have a good idea of how much this surgery has helped you. ES surgical recovery requires huge amounts of patience. Please try to rest this week & take care of yourself. Stress from work or pushing too hard too soon will cause your inflammation to go away more slowly & thus your symptoms, too.
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