Surfer's Ear and Surgery
Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 4:56 am
Well, I finally did it. After putting off the surgery for almost 2 years, I had the surgery yesterday to remove the exostosis (bony growths) from my left ear. I have spent most of my life in and around the ocean.
The surgeon was pleased, but said my operation was challenging, as I had put it off for so long, and the bony growths were almost touching my ear drum. Yikes! The surgery took 3.5 hours to remove them, but the good thing is that he was able to leave most of the ear canal skin, which will expedite my recovery, and limit my time out of the water. The guy was good... I have no pain, and have not taken any pain meds, at all!
So, it you have been told you have surfer's ear, and were recommended surgery, don't put it off! Just get it done, so your surgery won't take as long as mine.
One of the things the surgeon did, was called facial nerve monitoring. They stuck two probes on my face and that way they could tell if they were getting too close to the nerves in my face. I highly recommend requesting this, if they don't offer it as part of your surgery.
Right now, the doctor says I will be out of the water 3-6 weeks. I go back to see him every week, until I'm released.
Thank you for all the well wishes on FB.
JT
PS- WEAR YOUR EAR PLUGS!!!! I recommend Mac's, the silicone putty type. They mold to fit as ear covers, and are very comfy to wear.
The surgeon was pleased, but said my operation was challenging, as I had put it off for so long, and the bony growths were almost touching my ear drum. Yikes! The surgery took 3.5 hours to remove them, but the good thing is that he was able to leave most of the ear canal skin, which will expedite my recovery, and limit my time out of the water. The guy was good... I have no pain, and have not taken any pain meds, at all!
So, it you have been told you have surfer's ear, and were recommended surgery, don't put it off! Just get it done, so your surgery won't take as long as mine.
One of the things the surgeon did, was called facial nerve monitoring. They stuck two probes on my face and that way they could tell if they were getting too close to the nerves in my face. I highly recommend requesting this, if they don't offer it as part of your surgery.
Right now, the doctor says I will be out of the water 3-6 weeks. I go back to see him every week, until I'm released.
Thank you for all the well wishes on FB.
JT
PS- WEAR YOUR EAR PLUGS!!!! I recommend Mac's, the silicone putty type. They mold to fit as ear covers, and are very comfy to wear.
Been there done that 3.5 hrs wow. My specialist took 1.5 hrs and my bone growth was massive not 1mm gap. Its all good now I found red wine and beer a good pain relief.