STORY

[Guest guest]

That is cool that you found someone else on the bus with cool eyes

too! Not all of us are lucky enough to have different colored

eyes.

>

> I was meaning to reply to the post asking if we knew anyone else

who

> had heterchromia, but I just never got around to it. It would have

> went something like this:

> Nope, I don't know any other people who have heterchromia. My dog

> does though!

>

> But a funny incident happened on the bus yesterday. I was sitting

> beside these two girls who were talking about a teacher, and I

> guessed which teacher it was, and so I started talking with them,

> when I noticed that this girl, (Who people have said that I

> resembled) had blue eyes, but one was slightly greener. I found

> myself looking back and forth from one eye to the other, because I

> wasn't sure if it was just lighting. So I finally said to

her, " hey,

> one of your eyes is darker than the other! " and she said, " yeah,

and

> one of your is half brown. People don't usually notice my eyes! " I

> think that since I've been in this group, I've been looking harder

> for people with heterochromia. It's cool to have found someone

else

> though. My friend got mad because I was excited (saying WHOA alot)

> for a long while afterwards. But it just seemed so unusual.

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found to

have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this year. Of

course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no clue

that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear May

30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm

scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the drive

home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right side of

my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My surgery

was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning and

he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I left

that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be admitted

for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing removed

but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear drops

for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove the

tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries he

has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's experienced or

not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me

nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull and

expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. I

had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it is

now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and hoping

it is because of the packing in my ear.

If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

would love to hear it.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I just had surgery last Friday....had my eardrum repaired from skin

on the back of my ear...he cut my ear open to scrape the mastiod and

clean out all the scar tissue....he said there was a lot. When I

woke up I felt like someone hit me on the side of my head with a

2x8. The pain was horrible...I can usually tolorate a lot of

pain...but this was bad. I had the surgery done in Farmington

Hills...the hospital was awesome. They almost kept me but finally

released me in the late afternoon. I'm slow to recover. They shaved

my hair around the earline. My neck is black and blue as is my jaw

and forhead. Never did I anticipate all this pain. Hoping to go back

to work on Wednesday. Will venture out for a while tomorrow....I go

back to see my Dr. in Farmington Hills on Friday. Will post again

after that. Take care and know that we are here for you to lend a

listening ear ..your not alone.

Where are you located?

I'm in Michigan...live in Lansing and my Dr. is in Farmington Hills.

At the Michigan Ear Institute. So far I'm happy with him....I want

to hear again...that will tell me how good he is.

Take care. Ann

>

> Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

to

> have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this year.

Of

> course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no clue

> that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear May

> 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm

> scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the

drive

> home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right side

of

> my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

surgery

> was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

> because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning and

> he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I left

> that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

admitted

> for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

>

> Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

removed

> but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear

drops

> for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove the

> tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries he

> has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's experienced

or

> not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me

> nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull

and

> expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. I

> had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it is

> now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and hoping

> it is because of the packing in my ear.

>

> If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

> would love to hear it.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ann, My doc is also out of the Michigan Ear Institute...I had the same procedure, last May 2005, but I don't recall being black and blue, but I sure was sore (nice use of the 2x8 reference..it fits). Hope you feel better soon. The healing takes time - I had a recent procedure last month to do some clean up of the ossicular chain (removing scar tissue, etc..) and to get a new ear drum in hopes of restoring my hearing (which was fine before May 2005, but the pain and numbness overtook the need to hear properly). Point is I don't hear any different, yet...patience is the key for any recovery. Take care all.polkadot_2005 <mam@...> wrote: Hi ,I just had surgery last Friday....had my eardrum repaired from skin on the back of my ear...he cut my ear open to scrape the mastiod and clean out all the scar tissue....he said there was a lot. When I woke up I felt like someone hit me on the side of my head with a 2x8. The pain was horrible...I can usually tolorate a lot of pain...but this was bad. I had the surgery done in Farmington Hills...the hospital was awesome. They almost kept me but finally released me in the late afternoon. I'm slow to recover. They shaved my hair around the earline. My neck is black and blue as is my jaw and forhead. Never did I anticipate all this pain. Hoping to go back to work on Wednesday. Will venture out for a while tomorrow....I go back to see my Dr. in Farmington Hills on Friday.

Will post again after that. Take care and know that we are here for you to lend a listening ear ..your not alone. Where are you located? I'm in Michigan...live in Lansing and my Dr. is in Farmington Hills. At the Michigan Ear Institute. So far I'm happy with him....I want to hear again...that will tell me how good he is.Take care. Ann>> Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found to > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this year. Of > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no clue > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear May > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up

on the drive > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right side of > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My surgery > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning and > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I left > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be admitted > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing removed > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear drops > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove the > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these

surgeries he > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's experienced or > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull and > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. I > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it is > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and hoping > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I > would love to hear it. > > Thanks, > > > __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

and Anne

I'm also from Michigan but i have never been to The ear institue. I

haven't heard very good things about them. I have talked to a few

people that have had extremely bad experinces there. My Dr's are at

the UofM hospital. I had 5 surgeries there 16 years ago and am

looking at more. My surgeries were extremely complex and they left

very little mastoid bone in the left by the time they were done.

Now it seems to be back in the left ear has spread beyond the

mastoid to the back of my skull.

It sounds like he's fairly new at it and it sounds like your C-Toma

was advanced. They really do bash you up when they do it. As for

the getting sick after surgery if it was bad and lasted for a while

i suggest asking for compazine (i spelled it wrong i'm sure) for the

neausea after surgery. I get extremely sick from the anestshia and

that seems to nip it in the bud. Once the packing is removed if the

ringing keeps up i suggest you mention it to the dr.

If your not comforatable with your current Dr you can always see

another. Just remember you are your best and only advocate right

now. If your not confidant in your dr then you need to find one you

are confidant in. Especially if they are messing around in your

head. But thats just my opinion.

I hope i was able to help a lil.

Jen

> >

> > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

> to

> > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this

year.

> Of

> > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no

clue

> > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear

May

> > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm

> > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the

> drive

> > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right

side

> of

> > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

> surgery

> > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

> > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning

and

> > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I

left

> > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

> admitted

> > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

> >

> > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

> removed

> > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear

> drops

> > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove

the

> > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries

he

> > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's

experienced

> or

> > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me

> > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull

> and

> > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries.

I

> > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it

is

> > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and

hoping

> > it is because of the packing in my ear.

> >

> > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

> > would love to hear it.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

I live in Sterling Heights, Michigan. If you're not sure where

that is I am near Detroit. I know where Lansing and Farmington Hills

are.

> >

> > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

> to

> > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this

year.

> Of

> > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no

clue

> > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear

May

> > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm

> > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the

> drive

> > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right

side

> of

> > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

> surgery

> > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

> > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning

and

> > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I

left

> > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

> admitted

> > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

> >

> > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

> removed

> > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear

> drops

> > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove

the

> > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries

he

> > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's

experienced

> or

> > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me

> > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull

> and

> > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries.

I

> > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it

is

> > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and

hoping

> > it is because of the packing in my ear.

> >

> > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

> > would love to hear it.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm beginning to see the light...I am currently suffering from complications that the MEI doc thought I was all in my head (literally and figuratively). He didn't see my parotid gland irratation as being related to my ear problems, however my research and a recent parotid sialogram proved him wrong (currently on a antibiotic steroid combo to knock out the inflamation - last resort is to remove the gland). Who have you heard the bad things from? Other patients or the staff at UofM? I did make a recent (4 years ago or so) appearance at UofM before being sent to MEI by my primary care physcian...this extremely old ENT took a quick look and told me to pop my ears 3 or 4 times a day, which is good advice, even if you don't already have the disease, but a bit too late for me. Unfortunately my insurance has changed since my visit to Ann Arbor and UofM doesnt take HAP (did I ever mention that

insurance companies suck?). A toast to all for better hearing, no pain, and a stop to the annoying ringing sound). jen_mcc71 <angelbaby@...> wrote: and Anne I'm also from Michigan but i have never been to The ear institue. I haven't heard very good things about them. I have talked to a few people that have had extremely bad experinces there. My Dr's are at the UofM hospital. I had 5 surgeries there 16 years ago and am looking at more. My surgeries were extremely

complex and they left very little mastoid bone in the left by the time they were done. Now it seems to be back in the left ear has spread beyond the mastoid to the back of my skull. It sounds like he's fairly new at it and it sounds like your C-Toma was advanced. They really do bash you up when they do it. As for the getting sick after surgery if it was bad and lasted for a while i suggest asking for compazine (i spelled it wrong i'm sure) for the neausea after surgery. I get extremely sick from the anestshia and that seems to nip it in the bud. Once the packing is removed if the ringing keeps up i suggest you mention it to the dr. If your not comforatable with your current Dr you can always see another. Just remember you are your best and only advocate right now. If your not confidant in your dr then you need to find one you are confidant in. Especially if they are messing around in your head. But

thats just my opinion. I hope i was able to help a lil. Jen > >> > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found > to > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this year. > Of > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no clue > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear May > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm > > scared. I

felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the > drive > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right side > of > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My > surgery > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning and > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I left > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be > admitted > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing > removed > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear > drops > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did

remove the > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries he > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's experienced > or > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull > and > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. I > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it is > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and hoping > > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

> > would love to hear it. > > > > Thanks, > > > > > >> > > > > > __________________________________________________>

[Guest guest]

the ancient Dr's name wouldn't happen to be Dr Ritter( i think

thats how its spelled) would it?

If it was... man have i got a story for you!

I used to work with a girl who saw the Dr's at MEI and on a

diffrrent kind of condition. They totally messed things up and she

lost alot of her hearing. A friend at my church had a young one

that kept having ear infections to the point that she couldn't take

her daughter out of the house just about. They sent her to MEI and

they told her to stop being parinoid. End result was bleeding in the

ear from a massive infection and tubes. Not what ya wanna hear when

you have a condition that comes back and just gets worse.

I have no problems with insurance right now... i'm having more

problem with the government because i have been unable to work.

> > >

> > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

> > to

> > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this

> year.

> > Of

> > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no

> clue

> > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear

> May

> > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear?

I'm

> > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the

> > drive

> > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right

> side

> > of

> > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

> > surgery

> > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

> > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning

> and

> > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I

> left

> > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

> > admitted

> > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

> > >

> > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

> > removed

> > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear

> > drops

> > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove

> the

> > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries

> he

> > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's

> experienced

> > or

> > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made

me

> > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the

skull

> > and

> > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more

surgeries.

> I

> > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it

> is

> > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and

> hoping

> > > it is because of the packing in my ear.

> > >

> > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor

I

> > > would love to hear it.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

I dont recall a Dr. Ritter being on the staff...Dr. Bojrab (and a few of his colleages) have been doing all the poking and proding and general torture. "Stop being paranoid?" Wow, thats a bit harsh to say about a young one...surgeons aren't known for having the best bed-side manner, but come on...hope the kid is doing better. We'll pray for you to get work and\or help from the government. jen_mcc71 <angelbaby@...> wrote: the ancient Dr's name wouldn't happen to be Dr

Ritter( i think thats how its spelled) would it?If it was... man have i got a story for you! I used to work with a girl who saw the Dr's at MEI and on a diffrrent kind of condition. They totally messed things up and she lost alot of her hearing. A friend at my church had a young one that kept having ear infections to the point that she couldn't take her daughter out of the house just about. They sent her to MEI and they told her to stop being parinoid. End result was bleeding in the ear from a massive infection and tubes. Not what ya wanna hear when you have a condition that comes back and just gets worse. I have no problems with insurance right now... i'm having more problem with the government because i have been unable to work. > > >> > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found > > to > > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this > year. > > Of > > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no > clue > > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear > May > > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left

ear? I'm > > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the > > drive > > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right > side > > of > > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My > > surgery > > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning > and > > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I > left > > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be > > admitted > > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > > > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing > > removed > > > but the

packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear > > drops > > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove > the > > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries > he > > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's > experienced > > or > > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me > > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull > > and > > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. > I > > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it > is > > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm

wondering and > hoping > > > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > > > > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op > > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I > > > would love to hear it. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> >

[Guest guest]

your lucky you didn't have to deal with Dr. Ritter. The man is a

quack lol

the little girls is doing great.

Going back to work is pretty much out of the question at this point

I think. I am a secretary for an import company. If i can't hear

to talk on the phone then i can't really do my job and the drainage

makes me a " health code " risk no matter what it is. My family Dr

fudged everything up by reporting to Social Security and State

Social Services that it was ONLY an ear infection and that i was

drug seeking for " headaches " . Even when i refused any form of

narcotics.

> > > >

> > > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

> > > to

> > > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this

> > year.

> > > Of

> > > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had

no

> > clue

> > > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right

ear

> > May

> > > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear?

> I'm

> > > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on

the

> > > drive

> > > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right

> > side

> > > of

> > > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

> > > surgery

> > > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the

ENT

> > > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that

morning

> > and

> > > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I

> > left

> > > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

> > > admitted

> > > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

> > > >

> > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> > > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

> > > removed

> > > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on

ear

> > > drops

> > > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did

remove

> > the

> > > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> > > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these

surgeries

> > he

> > > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's

> > experienced

> > > or

> > > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it

made

> me

> > > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the

> skull

> > > and

> > > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> > > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more

> surgeries.

> > I

> > > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but

it

> > is

> > > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and

> > hoping

> > > > it is because of the packing in my ear.

> > > >

> > > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> > > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my

doctor

> I

> > > > would love to hear it.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

If you are in to unsolicited advice - it seems to me your company should be hooking you up with a better phone setup in compliance with the disability act. Just dont let any one else use your telephone or headphones (and clean them regularly). Has anyone else in this group been considered a health risk?jen_mcc71 <angelbaby@...> wrote: your lucky you didn't have to deal with Dr. Ritter. The man is a quack lol the little girls is doing great. Going back to work is pretty much out of the question at this

point I think. I am a secretary for an import company. If i can't hear to talk on the phone then i can't really do my job and the drainage makes me a "health code" risk no matter what it is. My family Dr fudged everything up by reporting to Social Security and State Social Services that it was ONLY an ear infection and that i was drug seeking for "headaches". Even when i refused any form of narcotics. > > > >> > > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found > > > to > > > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this > > year. > > > Of > > > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no > > clue > > > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear > > May > > > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? > I'm

> > > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the > > > drive > > > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right > > side > > > of > > > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My > > > surgery > > > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > > > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning > > and > > > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I > > left > > > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be > > > admitted > > > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > > > > > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > > > > feel better. I went to

the doctor today to have the packing > > > removed > > > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear > > > drops > > > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove > > the > > > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > > > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries > > he > > > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's > > experienced > > > or > > > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made > me > > > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the > skull > > > and > > > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > > > > experience and now am really nervous to have any

more > surgeries. > > I > > > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it > > is > > > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and > > hoping > > > > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > > > > > > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op > > > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor > I > > > > would love to hear it. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Jen,

Thanks for the advice. It really feels great to know that I'm not alone in

all this. I'm just wondering what the statistics are in the tumor recurring.

He did say he wants to go back into the right ear in 6 months to make sure

the tumor isn't regrowing. Ugh, I just can't imagine any more surgeries.

>From: Culp <jfculp@...>

>Reply-cholesteatoma

>cholesteatoma

>Subject: Re: Re: STORY

>Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 08:41:30 -0700 (PDT)

>

>I'm beginning to see the light...I am currently suffering from

>complications that the MEI doc thought I was all in my head (literally and

>figuratively). He didn't see my parotid gland irratation as being related

>to my ear problems, however my research and a recent parotid sialogram

>proved him wrong (currently on a antibiotic steroid combo to knock out the

>inflamation - last resort is to remove the gland).

>

> Who have you heard the bad things from? Other patients or the staff at

>UofM?

>

> I did make a recent (4 years ago or so) appearance at UofM before being

>sent to MEI by my primary care physcian...this extremely old ENT took a

>quick look and told me to pop my ears 3 or 4 times a day, which is good

>advice, even if you don't already have the disease, but a bit too late for

>me. Unfortunately my insurance has changed since my visit to Ann Arbor and

>UofM doesnt take HAP (did I ever mention that insurance companies suck?).

>

> A toast to all for better hearing, no pain, and a stop to the annoying

>ringing sound).

>

>

>

>jen_mcc71 <angelbaby@...> wrote:

> and Anne

>I'm also from Michigan but i have never been to The ear institue. I

>haven't heard very good things about them. I have talked to a few

>people that have had extremely bad experinces there. My Dr's are at

>the UofM hospital. I had 5 surgeries there 16 years ago and am

>looking at more. My surgeries were extremely complex and they left

>very little mastoid bone in the left by the time they were done.

>Now it seems to be back in the left ear has spread beyond the

>mastoid to the back of my skull.

>

>

>It sounds like he's fairly new at it and it sounds like your C-Toma

>was advanced. They really do bash you up when they do it. As for

>the getting sick after surgery if it was bad and lasted for a while

>i suggest asking for compazine (i spelled it wrong i'm sure) for the

>neausea after surgery. I get extremely sick from the anestshia and

>that seems to nip it in the bud. Once the packing is removed if the

>ringing keeps up i suggest you mention it to the dr.

>If your not comforatable with your current Dr you can always see

>another. Just remember you are your best and only advocate right

>now. If your not confidant in your dr then you need to find one you

>are confidant in. Especially if they are messing around in your

>head. But thats just my opinion.

>I hope i was able to help a lil.

>Jen

>

>

> > >

> > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found

> > to

> > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this

>year.

> > Of

> > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no

>clue

> > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear

>May

> > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm

> > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the

> > drive

> > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right

>side

> > of

> > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My

> > surgery

> > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT

> > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning

>and

> > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I

>left

> > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be

> > admitted

> > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend.

> > >

> > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to

> > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing

> > removed

> > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear

> > drops

> > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove

>the

> > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a

> > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries

>he

> > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's

>experienced

> > or

> > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me

> > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull

> > and

> > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful

> > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries.

>I

> > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it

>is

> > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and

>hoping

> > > it is because of the packing in my ear.

> > >

> > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op

> > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I

> > > would love to hear it.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi and Jen,

Well I am hoping that your wrong since my surgery last Friday was done by a Dr. at MEI and that it and all the Drs. there came highly recommended to me by a personal friend and my ENT here in Lansing. My post op appointment was cancelled for Friday due to some emergency surgery he has and I now will have to wait the weekend out with this packing in my ear...ugh.....it's horrible. So much pressure there.....I do know as of right now I absolutely had a very good experience at Providence Hospital there. Everyone went out of there way. One of my main fears of any hospital is the risk of infection. Sooo....cross your fingers.

Will keep everyone posted as my healing continues. So far it still feels like I got hit in the head with a 2x8 and the bruises go right along with it..my next is bruised and the back of my head to my jaw still feels numb although I know it is not as I can feel it....just feels that way.....and still swollen. I did go back to work today and that went ok....a little soon...but ran out of sick days and well you all know that story....

Ann

Re: STORY

the ancient Dr's name wouldn't happen to be Dr Ritter( i think thats how its spelled) would it?If it was... man have i got a story for you! I used to work with a girl who saw the Dr's at MEI and on a diffrrent kind of condition. They totally messed things up and she lost alot of her hearing. A friend at my church had a young one that kept having ear infections to the point that she couldn't take her daughter out of the house just about. They sent her to MEI and they told her to stop being parinoid. End result was bleeding in the ear from a massive infection and tubes. Not what ya wanna hear when you have a condition that comes back and just gets worse. I have no problems with insurance right now... i'm having more problem with the government because i have been unable to work. > > >> > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found > > to > > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this > year. > > Of > > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no > clue > > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear > May > > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm > > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the > > drive > > > home. I felt like I was punched a million times on the right > side > > of > > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My > > surgery > > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning > and > > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I > left > > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be > > admitted > > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > > > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing > > removed > > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear > > drops > > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did remove > the > > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries > he > > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's > experienced > > or > > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me > > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull > > and > > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. > I > > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it > is > > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and > hoping > > > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > > > > > If anybody has any advice about my surgery, post op > > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I > > > would love to hear it. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Glad to hear you're recovering, although slowly. Regarding the

packing, it's not uncommon to have to use the drops to help it

dissolve. After my son's last surgery (#5) his packing took 3 months

to dissolve. That was after a total mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty.

The packing protects the ear drum or other repairs. Just make sure

that it is dissolving with the use of drops. Our doctor could tell us

an approximate percentage of packing remaining with each visit.

Regarding you ENT, after much research, I think 50-60 procedures is

very low. Our otologist does about 300 per year. I'd certainly get a

2nd opinion from an otologist ASAP. Most ENT's will automatically

refer to one if there's C'toma present. A reputable doctor will always

welcome a second opinion.

If you're in the Southeastern U.S., I have a few otologists I can

recommend, and one I say stay away from.

Best of luck,

Sheri

[Guest guest]

Ann, Good luck with the healing process and try not to overdose on the daytime TV. That crap will rot your brain faster that a ctoma. :-) Take care all.Ann <mam@...> wrote: Hi and Jen, Well I am hoping that your wrong since my surgery last Friday was done by a Dr. at MEI and that it and all the Drs. there came highly recommended to me by a personal friend and

my ENT here in Lansing. My post op appointment was cancelled for Friday due to some emergency surgery he has and I now will have to wait the weekend out with this packing in my ear...ugh.....it's horrible. So much pressure there.....I do know as of right now I absolutely had a very good experience at Providence Hospital there. Everyone went out of there way. One of my main fears of any hospital is the risk of infection. Sooo....cross your fingers. Will keep everyone posted as my healing continues. So far it still feels like I got hit in the head with a 2x8 and the bruises go right along with it..my next is bruised and the back of my head to my jaw still feels numb although I know it is not as I can feel it....just feels that way.....and still swollen. I did go back to work today and that went ok....a little soon...but ran out of sick days and well you all know that story.... Ann Re: STORY the ancient Dr's name wouldn't happen to be Dr Ritter( i think thats how its spelled) would it?If it was... man have i got a story for you! I used to work with a girl who saw the

Dr's at MEI and on a diffrrent kind of condition. They totally messed things up and she lost alot of her hearing. A friend at my church had a young one that kept having ear infections to the point that she couldn't take her daughter out of the house just about. They sent her to MEI and they told her to stop being parinoid. End result was bleeding in the ear from a massive infection and tubes. Not what ya wanna hear when you have a condition that comes back and just gets worse. I have no problems with insurance right now... i'm having more problem with the government because i have been unable to work. > > >> > > Hello everyone. I was glad to find this site as I was found > > to > > > have cholesteatomas in both ears just before Christmas this > year. > > Of > > > course I had the nagging ear infections growing up but had no > clue > > > that it could cause c-tomas. So, I had surgery on my right ear > May > > > 30th and it was a horrific experience and now the left ear? I'm > > > scared. I felt awful coming out of surgery and threw up on the > > drive > > > home. I felt

like I was punched a million times on the right > side > > of > > > my head. I could barely open my mouth as my jaw hurt bad. My > > surgery > > > was on a Tuesday and on Friday my husband had to call the ENT > > > because of the extreme pain. I went in to see him that morning > and > > > he sent me over to the hospital for a CT and IV pain meds. I > left > > > that evening and went back to the hospital that night to be > > admitted > > > for pain relief. I stayed the weekend. > > > > > > Finally, over a week later I turned a corner and started to > > > feel better. I went to the doctor today to have the packing > > removed > > > but the packing has gotten so hard that he sent me home on ear > > drops > > > for two days to then return and have it removed. He did

remove > the > > > tape that was on my incision. I have a feeling my ENT is a > > > relatively new Doctor. I asked him how many of these surgeries > he > > > has done and he said 50 or so. I'm not sure if that's > experienced > > or > > > not. I really didn't think to do too much research as it made me > > > nervous thinking that the tumors can erode the base of the skull > > and > > > expose brain. Sorry my story is so long, I just had an awful > > > experience and now am really nervous to have any more surgeries. > I > > > had constant ringing in my right ear before the surgery but it > is > > > now a very high pitched constant ringing. I'm wondering and > hoping > > > it is because of the packing in my ear. > > > > > > If anybody has any advice

about my surgery, post op > > > difficulties or the experience/lack of experience of my doctor I > > > would love to hear it. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> >

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi ,

>

> Glad to hear you're recovering, although slowly. Regarding the

> packing, it's not uncommon to have to use the drops to help it

> dissolve. After my son's last surgery (#5) his packing took 3

months

> to dissolve. That was after a total mastoidectomy and

tympanoplasty.

> The packing protects the ear drum or other repairs. Just make

sure

> that it is dissolving with the use of drops. Our doctor could

tell us

> an approximate percentage of packing remaining with each visit.

>

> Regarding you ENT, after much research, I think 50-60 procedures

is

> very low. Our otologist does about 300 per year. I'd certainly

get a

> 2nd opinion from an otologist ASAP. Most ENT's will automatically

> refer to one if there's C'toma present. A reputable doctor will

always

> welcome a second opinion.

>

> If you're in the Southeastern U.S., I have a few otologists I can

> recommend, and one I say stay away from.

>

> Best of luck,

> Sheri

>

Sheri,

What part of the Southeastern U.S. are you referring to?

[Guest guest]

I am sorry to hear yours went so rough. I did not have to have

anything shaved...my doc did my incision right along the back of my

ear...so that any scar would be unnoticable. I had my eardrum re-

inforced with this tough tissue-tendon type stuff that is found

right above the ear under the skin...you know when you chew...that

muscle that flexes out? I did not have to have a seperate incision

for that. I got to go home too after...but only because I

insisted...and I live across from the doc's office. I had asmtha

trouble when they took the tube out that required immediate

attention so they were skeptic about leaving me to go home. The pain

is horrible. I remember the doctor telling me it would be like an

ear ache...and be minimal pain. I have a strong tolerance to

pain...and when I woke up...first words I said were minimal pain my

butt. It hurts. I've had two c-sections...and this was definately

worse. It is the head. That's an awful place to have hurting.

Everything is thrown off balance when you go messing with it. I have

the ringing as well. Actually it is more of a static sound like the

tv gets...just crshhhhhhhhhh all day long. It gets louder

sometimes..and then fades. This is normal. You have packing behind

the ear drum way down in there with meds on it that dissolves (or

should anyway).

My doctor has done several of these surgeries. Even still, she did

give me the option of going to a med school hospital here in

Arkansas...where everyone in the state goes for this type of work.

Not because she thought he could do better but that he could do more

at one time. It is important in these type of cases to find a good

skilled doctor. This type of surgery can cause facial paralysis. I

had a lot of pain in various places afterwards...from the breathing

tube...the monitors that were connected to my right side to check

for muscle response during surgery...and my canal hurt from being

widened...and then of course the incision. My doctor said the sound

I am hearing in my right ear will last a long long time. Until all

materials have dissolved at the very least. She said I will also

hear other weird ringings..and sounds...as time goes on.

Also...drainage that is often a blood color...not from an open

wound..but from the blood that soaked into the packing inside the

ear...it will drain. She gave me eardrops to take home that day.

That I have to do for three weeks. An antibiotic drop. She also put

two wicks in my canal just above some of the packing. She took them

out this week as well as a little of the packing...but she left most

of it in for now.

Don't be too alarmed about the sound you hear. Everyone is different

and considering the surgery you had... you are going to have that.

If you aren't fully backing your doctor though...my advice would be

to look around. This isn't something you want to trust to just

anyone.

Best of luck on your recovery.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My son is doing great right now, but his next surgery is June 28th. He

has no pain or classic symptoms of C'toma; never has. That's good, but

we also have no sign of recurrence, and he's had three.

Glad the packing is gone. I know my 10 year old is back to normal in

about 2 weeks after these procedures, except for tenderness when

touched behind the ear. That area is tender permanently I think.

I have relatives in Park and Windsor. I've never visited, as

they make a trip to the Gulf Coast each summer. I hope to one day.

Have a good week and I hope you continue to improve rapidly.

Sheri