Second surgery in 10 days

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I've been away on holidays trying to keep my mind off the upcomming

surgery. Had a complication a few weeks ago. Clear drainage started out of my

cj-toma ear. Shortly after sever pain began in my head that was very different

than the pain I always felt in my ear. The pain started moving down the side of

my head and behind the ear in the surgery spot from my last

tympanomastoidectomy. It felt like a vice grip on my head. I didnt fool around

and went straight to ER. Unfortunately none of the ER Dr's are equipted here to

understand anything about c-toma's. Both ENT's were away on holidays at the same

time, as well as my Neurosurgeon and family Dr were all away. I kind of got lost

between the cracks and had to give them all a synopsis of my disease and what I

was afraid of. They did a cat scan which we all know does not show signs of

brain tissue swelling...so that was kind of useless...they put me on strong

antibiotics and sent me home. It got worse 2 days later and I was back in

ER...again they sent me home. The local ENT came back from holidays the next day

and got me in immediately, we switched antibiotics and they made a difference in

one day! She said I definately had edema of the lining, but I was very fortunate

that It did not get infected. She sucked out a pile of infection and I had to go

see her every two days to have that difficult proceedure done to keep the

infection under control. Its doing well right now, just trying to keep things

infection free so they can do the surgery on the 14th. It was the first time

that I felt really scared with this c-toma. I cant wait to get it out! Although,

I am trying to remember the recovery and what I need to bring with me as I will

be in another city and staying at a hotel for a few days afterwards. I remember

I had a lot of packing, but I cant remember for how long...can any of you

remember? Also, I know I used guaze and tape around my ear for the first long

while when I would shower...anyone have any other idea's for what I may need in

the first week poost-op? This will be another surgery where they go in through

the skull and temporal bone. I would appreciate any reminders..

All the best,

Joanne