Comments on: Tympanoplasty Question http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/ Life of a Student at Tufts University Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24:23 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: channie http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1754 channie Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24:23 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1754 berm, I have itchiness too! driving me crazy! Also all sorts of weird sounds, like pulsing, and bubbling, and squishing. i think these things are bothering me almost more than the pain. anyway, its good to see that other people have the same sort of feelings about it that i do. i hope you feel better soon! berm,
I have itchiness too! driving me crazy! Also all sorts of weird sounds, like pulsing, and bubbling, and squishing. i think these things are bothering me almost more than the pain. anyway, its good to see that other people have the same sort of feelings about it that i do. i hope you feel better soon!

]]> By: Tasha http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1748 Tasha Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:30:55 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1748 I am meeting with my dr. on the 31st to schedule my surgery and ask her more questions. My dr. recommended patching up the hole in the left ear and putting a tube in the right ear to help equalize pressure. Reading everyone's comments, I am having second thoughts about putting a tube in there. The tube in my left ear was supposed to be for 6 months only. However, the right one will be in for 2-4 years (which will be great for the pain). However, now I am concerned that once the tube is out, I hope I won't have a hole in my right ear. I had asked the dr. if the hole in my left ear was caused from the first tube, but was told no. Ryan, sorry I don't know anything about amniotic graft. But I have listed that as one of my questions to my dr. I will certainly notify you of my findings. Wish you all the best Lauren and Ryan. Please keep us posted as to your experience after the procedure. I am meeting with my dr. on the 31st to schedule my surgery and ask her more questions. My dr. recommended patching up the hole in the left ear and putting a tube in the right ear to help equalize pressure. Reading everyone’s comments, I am having second thoughts about putting a tube in there. The tube in my left ear was supposed to be for 6 months only. However, the right one will be in for 2-4 years (which will be great for the pain). However, now I am concerned that once the tube is out, I hope I won’t have a hole in my right ear. I had asked the dr. if the hole in my left ear was caused from the first tube, but was told no.

Ryan, sorry I don’t know anything about amniotic graft. But I have listed that as one of my questions to my dr. I will certainly notify you of my findings.

Wish you all the best Lauren and Ryan. Please keep us posted as to your experience after the procedure.

]]> By: Lauren http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1747 Lauren Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:43:18 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1747 I have mine scheduled for March 22, 2010. I have had a hole in my left eardrum since I was a baby. I am now 27. The hole in my eardrum is very large, almost the size of my eardrum! I am curious, what type of pain medication do they prescribe you? I already experience a lot of pain and I am praying the medication they give me will help. I have mine scheduled for March 22, 2010. I have had a hole in my left eardrum since I was a baby. I am now 27. The hole in my eardrum is very large, almost the size of my eardrum! I am curious, what type of pain medication do they prescribe you? I already experience a lot of pain and I am praying the medication they give me will help.

]]> By: Ryan Nichole http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1746 Ryan Nichole Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:29:49 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1746 Hello everyone! My story is pretty similar to many of yours. I've had problems with my ears forever, not infections, but a "full" feeling. At age 16 I recieved my first set of tubes, and since then (I am now 27) have had 3 other pairs put in. This past summer, I got a really bad ear infection last lasted about 3 weeks. After that I became very sensitive to sound, my ear almost feels as though it is swelling (which sucks at work, since I work at an elementary school!). I went to the doctor to find out that I have a perforated ear drum. He removed the tube from that ear, and after 2 months of trying to let the hole "heal on its own" I am scheduled to have a tympanoplasty on April 5. My doctor told me of two possible procedures that could be performed, one where I would recieve a fascia graft, and one that is a newer procedure where a like, amniotic graft is put in place? Can anyone tell me about the amniotic graft at all? I don't know exactly which procedure they will be doing, is that something they decide at the time of surgery? I must admit, I am terrified after researching the tympanoplasty, and am rethinking the surgery (though I don't want to live like I have been either! I have to wear an earplug every day, and get dizzy from the unequalized pressure). I am very thankful for this site and any information that anyone can give me!! Hello everyone!

My story is pretty similar to many of yours. I’ve had problems with my ears forever, not infections, but a “full” feeling. At age 16 I recieved my first set of tubes, and since then (I am now 27) have had 3 other pairs put in. This past summer, I got a really bad ear infection last lasted about 3 weeks. After that I became very sensitive to sound, my ear almost feels as though it is swelling (which sucks at work, since I work at an elementary school!). I went to the doctor to find out that I have a perforated ear drum. He removed the tube from that ear, and after 2 months of trying to let the hole “heal on its own” I am scheduled to have a tympanoplasty on April 5. My doctor told me of two possible procedures that could be performed, one where I would recieve a fascia graft, and one that is a newer procedure where a like, amniotic graft is put in place? Can anyone tell me about the amniotic graft at all? I don’t know exactly which procedure they will be doing, is that something they decide at the time of surgery? I must admit, I am terrified after researching the tympanoplasty, and am rethinking the surgery (though I don’t want to live like I have been either! I have to wear an earplug every day, and get dizzy from the unequalized pressure). I am very thankful for this site and any information that anyone can give me!!

]]> By: Tasha http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1745 Tasha Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:29:14 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1745 Thanks. I will be having the surgery most likely in June. I will surely keep you all posted. Thanks. I will be having the surgery most likely in June. I will surely keep you all posted.

]]> By: Richard Mondello http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1742 Richard Mondello Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:35:01 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1742 I would easily say that Julia's description of the procedure is one of the most informative pieces I've ever seen on the subject. Tasha, good luck! Take it easy, and let us know how you're doing. I would easily say that Julia’s description of the procedure is one of the most informative pieces I’ve ever seen on the subject.

Tasha, good luck! Take it easy, and let us know how you’re doing.

]]> By: Tasha http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1741 Tasha Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:43:10 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1741 Thank you Julia and everyone. If I can gather enough courage to go ahead with the surgery, I will definitely follow everyone's advice during recovery. I will keep you posted. Thanks. Tasha Thank you Julia and everyone. If I can gather enough courage to go ahead with the surgery, I will definitely follow everyone’s advice during recovery. I will keep you posted.
Thanks.
Tasha

]]> By: Julia http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1740 Julia Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:07:55 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1740 Hey Tasha- Well, in my opinion, it depends on how much pain/trouble the perforated eardrum causes you. The surgery itself is a cinch. (I've had both- the "through the ear" kind and the "behind the ear.") You go in, they check vitals, put in an IV, wheel you down to the OR, and you wake up a couple of hours later with a bad taste in your mouth but otherwise feeling fine. You'll have a pretty decent bandage on- which you're supposed to keep on for a few days. You leave, a few hours later it will start to throb, take your pain meds!! It will hurt for the next few days and at times it will suck. I would say though, that the worst part is the recovery- in that so much of the surgery's success depends on how well you take care of yourself. You can't sneeze or blow your nose, life heavy objects, etc. When I had this surgery, it didn't work. I did too much. I had the other kind of surgery in December and it worked. :D I've taken 3 showers without earplugs and now I can definitely say it WAS WORTH IT! :D Just be careful afterwards- take it easy, and have someone take care of you. Go for it. :D -Julia Hey Tasha-

Well, in my opinion, it depends on how much pain/trouble the perforated eardrum causes you.
The surgery itself is a cinch. (I’ve had both- the “through the ear” kind and the “behind the ear.”)
You go in, they check vitals, put in an IV, wheel you down to the OR, and you wake up a couple of hours later with a bad taste in your mouth but otherwise feeling fine. You’ll have a pretty decent bandage on- which you’re supposed to keep on for a few days.
You leave, a few hours later it will start to throb, take your pain meds!! It will hurt for the next few days and at times it will suck.
I would say though, that the worst part is the recovery- in that so much of the surgery’s success depends on how well you take care of yourself. You can’t sneeze or blow your nose, life heavy objects, etc. When I had this surgery, it didn’t work. I did too much. I had the other kind of surgery in December and it worked. :D I’ve taken 3 showers without earplugs and now I can definitely say it WAS WORTH IT! :D Just be careful afterwards- take it easy, and have someone take care of you.
Go for it. :D
-Julia

]]> By: Tasha http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1739 Tasha Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:10:11 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1739 Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for this website, full of first hand experience. I have a similar problem. Growing up with lots of ear infections made my ear drums not function too well, especially when flying. When the plane descended, I felt extreme, stabbing pain in both my ears. About 12 years ago, I had a major ear infection and was had station tube put in my left ear. After several months the tube was taken out and I was informed that there was a hole in my ear drum. I was informed that as long as it did not get infected and wet, the hole would not cause any problems. Actually, it worked out to my advantage when flying. My left ear does not hurt because of the hole (the right one still hurts). I had an infection 2 years later, and was informed by another doctor to have the hole repaired. Unfortunately, (10 years ago) they would have cut behind my ear to patch up the hole. I therefore chickened out. Lately, I had some problems with my right ear and have been feeling some pain and minor loss of hearing so I had an ear exam. At this time, another doctor told me that they can repair the hole in the left ear by going in through the ear canal and grafting skin inside the inner lobe to patch up the hole. I am so scared and nervous, but a little more positive to know that I won't have to get the cut behind my ear. I having been searching up different information on the website regarding this surgery. Everyone who got this done, do you all feel positive about it now that you have done it and has it healed well? Was there a lot of pain after the surgery? Thank you. Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for this website, full of first hand experience.
I have a similar problem. Growing up with lots of ear infections made my ear drums not function too well, especially when flying. When the plane descended, I felt extreme, stabbing pain in both my ears.
About 12 years ago, I had a major ear infection and was had station tube put in my left ear. After several months the tube was taken out and I was informed that there was a hole in my ear drum. I was informed that as long as it did not get infected and wet, the hole would not cause any problems. Actually, it worked out to my advantage when flying. My left ear does not hurt because of the hole (the right one still hurts).
I had an infection 2 years later, and was informed by another doctor to have the hole repaired. Unfortunately, (10 years ago) they would have cut behind my ear to patch up the hole. I therefore chickened out.
Lately, I had some problems with my right ear and have been feeling some pain and minor loss of hearing so I had an ear exam. At this time, another doctor told me that they can repair the hole in the left ear by going in through the ear canal and grafting skin inside the inner lobe to patch up the hole.
I am so scared and nervous, but a little more positive to know that I won’t have to get the cut behind my ear.
I having been searching up different information on the website regarding this surgery.
Everyone who got this done, do you all feel positive about it now that you have done it and has it healed well? Was there a lot of pain after the surgery?

Thank you.

]]> By: Richard Mondello http://www.richardmondello.com/2009/01/08/tympanoplasty-question/#comment-1736 Richard Mondello Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:57:52 +0000 http://www.richardmondello.com/?p=771#comment-1736 Lily, best of luck. :) Lily, best of luck. :)

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