Recovery & Follow Up

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Recovery & Follow-Up

What should I expect after my surgery? I'm sure this varies from patient to patient, but I can tell you what our experience was with Vinny. To find out what to expect during your own recovery you need to be sure to ask your surgeon before the surgery.

Recovery

You should probably expect to stay out of work or school for about a week. Vinny stayed home from school for one week, and was excused from gym and recess fro about 6 - 8 weeks after the first surgery. Keep in mind that he not only had is cholesteatoma removed during this surgery, but he also had a lot of reconstruction, including a prosthesis for his bones of hearing. Also, as far as getting the ear wet, remember that his surgery was 'canal wall up'. Some of his other post-op instructions included:

Take off ear dressing 24 hours post-surgery

Keep head of bed elevated at 45 degrees

Keep Steri-Strips over incision behind the ear

No flying for 3 weeks after surgery

No nose blowing, strenuous exercise, bending, or lifting more than 5 pounds for 3 weeks

Keep ear relatively dry for at least 3 weeks

No swimming until after four week appointment, and clearance from doctor

Fever is common after surgery, but call the doctor if temp goes above 101.5 degrees F

Take antibiotics and pain medications as described

Call doctor if you notice the following

	Bleeding from the ear that soaks more than one bandage
	Fever of greater than 101.5 degrees F
	Pain that does not respond to medications
	Ongoing dizziness
	Nausea or vomiting

Follow-Up

	3 Days
	4 Weeks

Pre-Surgery Prescriptions

Ask your surgeon if he/she plans to prescribe any medication that you may need immediately after your surgery. You will want to have these filled one or two days before. Medication Vinny was prescribed for both surgeries included:

	Antibiotic - to prevent infection
	Anti-nausea suppositories - to use at the first sign of any nausea to prevent straining which could cause problems with the surgery
	Pain medication

Other Tips

Once you are able to get your incision wet, and feel comfortable taking showers again you still have to be careful not to get the ear wet. Vinny's doctor suggested silicone ear plugs. We got them at the local drug store. They're pliable, do not go into the ear canal, yet keep the water out.

If the patient is a child and you or the child are worried about other children at school accidentally hitting the ear, it's ok to wear the the ear protector they wore after surgery. Vinny wore his for about 8 weeks. After that time he again felt comfortable going out without it. You just need to make sure you have plenty of gauze on hand to change it everyday -- you don't want to put a dirty one on!

If anyone out there has any pre or post op tips that you would like to share with others, please email them to me and I will post them on this page.

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Send mail to Lisa with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 03/20/04

The Cholesteatoma Resources web site offers and provides information of a general nature about cholesteatoma. The information provided is not intended to replace surgical or medical advice or recommendations. Any information in the messages, postings or articles on the web site should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a medical professional to address individual medical needs. Individuals' particular facts and circumstances will determine the treatment which is most appropriate.

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