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01-02-2018 03:54 PM
I have been diagnosed as having a cholesteatoma (growth) in my right ear. My symptoms have been hearing loss and some mild pain, but no history of ear infections. I have been told that surgery is necessary to remove the cholesteatoma and reconstruction of the ear bone. Supposedly, it is a four hour surgery and that has me quite concerned.
If anyone has dealt with this type of problem/surgery, I would really appreciate any advice -- good, bad -- whatever!
01-02-2018 05:47 PM
My husband had this surgery a year ago. In and out in one day. It didnt take four hours. He subsequently had to have a tube inserted due to fluid buildup. He has problems periodically needing antibiotic drops. He is able to wear his hearing aids once that ear clears up.
01-02-2018 09:11 PM
My husband has had this surgery twice. Each procedure was slightly different. Initially he developed a cholesteatoma as a result of a ruptured eardrum.
The surgery was long. He didn't think it was extremely painful after surgery but he was uncomfortable. He had alot of pain from the growth before the surgery. They were not able to reconstruct his little bones to bring back his hearing but hoping your case is not as bad.
The scar is not visible after it heals. He did develop a wierd sense of taste after the surgery which did go away after a while. Hang in there if it happens to you!
Reply back if you have any questions. Wishing you the best.
01-02-2018 09:11 PM
@Couns1 wrote:My husband had this surgery a year ago. In and out in one day. It didnt take four hours. He subsequently had to have a tube inserted due to fluid buildup. He has problems periodically needing antibiotic drops. He is able to wear his hearing aids once that ear clears up.
Thanks for replying! Did your husband have a lot of pain afterwards? I hate taking pain medications and wonder about dizziness and nausea. Did your husband have any hearing loss due to the surgery? Sorry for all the questions, but no one I know had encountered this medical condition!
01-02-2018 09:15 PM
My husband didn't have any dizzines or nausea. He had hearing loss prior to the surgery.
01-02-2018 10:16 PM
@lovethgedress wrote:My husband has had this surgery twice. Each procedure was slightly different. Initially he developed a cholesteatoma as a result of a ruptured eardrum.
The surgery was long. He didn't think it was extremely painful after surgery but he was uncomfortable. He had alot of pain from the growth before the surgery. They were not able to reconstruct his little bones to bring back his hearing but hoping your case is not as bad.
The scar is not visible after it heals. He did develop a wierd sense of taste after the surgery which did go away after a while. Hang in there if it happens to you!
Reply back if you have any questions. Wishing you the best.
Two surgeries - wow! He is a brave guy. I have experienced only mild discomfort at times - no real pain. I had a weird whoshing sensation in my ear a couple of months ago and a substantial increase in hearing loss. I have never had an ear ache or infection and I am in my 60's. -- so weird and now I have this problem. Do you mind me asking your husband's age? Is it a one night stay in the hospital? I would accept the hearing loss in a heartbeat, but the surgeon told me all the risks that can happen if I do not have the surgery. I really appreciate your comments - quite helpful and encouraging! Thanks so much! So sorry that your husband was not able to regain his hearing.
01-02-2018 10:17 PM
He experienced no pain afterward. He was given painkillers but didnt need to take them. He did have to use antibiotic drops regularly after surgery. The whole procedure went very smoothly.
01-02-2018 10:35 PM
His surgery was outpatient so he didn't stay overnight. He had the second surgery 2 years ago at the age of 55. The first surgery was about 5 years before that. Agreed the surgery is not something to be put off. Be happy they found it so it can be treated. It took quite a while before they figured out what was wrong with my husband.
01-03-2018 12:00 PM
Thanks to you both for sharing the information and answering my questions! I am feeling less anxious now and think I can handle it.
It it was so kind of you both to reach out and reply. I initially did not expect any responses. Guess these cholesteatomas are not so rare after all! I hope you both have a happy and healthy New Year!
01-04-2018 09:27 AM
I had the surgery five tears ago on my right ear. I was in my mid-sixties. It was a same-day surgery. I had battled ear infections for years (I had surgery to repair a left perforated eardrum in the 1970s), and was referred to a specialist when an infection failed to respond to antibiotics. The ENT referred me to her colleague who specialized in inner ear problems. The surgery was exactly as described by the surgeon, and did not involve reconstruction of the inner bones. I did have some discomfort, which was eased by medication. The doctor put a tube in the ear, which eventually came out on its own.
My post-surgery symptoms, which the doctor carefully laid out, were a numb ear lobe (on the top of the lobe) and a change of taste on the right side of the tongue. Both have disappeared gradually over time. I have annual checkups. I do have to wear hearing aids, and the right ear has become the weaker one in terms of hearing.
Given the neglect my ears ears were subjected to growing up, I feel fortunate to have my hearing, and that my ENT is on top of everything.
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