Just had surgery on my left ear at Mass. Gen. to patch a hole in the superior canal....plus they had to do more patching....surgery was on June 8th and was done by Dr. Poe (ENT) amd Dr. Barker (Neurosurgeon)....My voice blasting in my ear was the biggest problem I had so it was very difficult to carry on a conversation....now it is 20 days later and I see minimal progress....my voice is still a problem albeit not as bad....but I am also experiencing "fullness" in my ear and pressure changes are driving me crazy (like riding in a car with the windows closed)....it's like being in a plane....not sure if this is as good as it gets....I have an apt. in a couple of weeks with both Dr's in Boston....I'm hoping that I need to get a prescription to help clear up this problem....and I have never talked to anyone that has this problem or this surgery....Dr. Poe told me that when I wake up from the surgery I will have "immediate" relief....That "ain't" happened yet....quite honestly I am getting quite discouraged....I have been looking forward to this operation for quite some time now....Mike

Just had surgery on my left ear at Mass. Gen. to patch a hole in the superior canal....plus they had to do more patching....surgery was on June 8th and was done by Dr. Poe (ENT) amd Dr. Barker (Neurosurgeon)....My voice blasting in my ear was the biggest problem I had so it was very difficult to carry on a conversation....now it is 20 days later and I see minimal progress....my voice is still a problem albeit not as bad....but I am also experiencing "fullness" in my ear and pressure changes are driving me crazy (like riding in a car with the windows closed)....it's like being in a plane....not sure if this is as good as it gets....I have an apt. in a couple of weeks with both Dr's in Boston....I'm hoping that I need to get a prescription to help clear up this problem....and I have never talked to anyone that has this problem or this surgery....Dr. Poe told me that when I wake up from the surgery I will have "immediate" relief....That "ain't" happened yet....quite honestly I am getting quite discouraged....I have been looking forward to this operation for quite some time now....Mike
hi mike,
im so glad you posted, i was wondering how you were doing.
have you called dr poe to tell him your symptoms you still have, he calls back real quick, and im sure he would like to know.
possibly there is still fluid trapped in the ear and this can cause the symptoms you speak of.....i would call him right away.
try not to get discouraged, dr poe is the best and he does not give up easy....so try not to also.
take care, lib

Dr Poe is on vacation and cannot be reached....this is according to his secretary (who has been of minimal help)....when I told her my problem, she said there is nothing I can do....I said "are you telling me that there is no one covering for him when he is away"....she said I don't know but I'll try Mass Eye and Ear....she called back and said she spoke to someone who told her to try using Afrin....not sure if she spoke to a Dr. or a custodian....I have seen on other websites (that refer to this surgery) that patients are supposed to take antibiotics after this surgery....that was not prescribed for me....the hearing in my ear is minimal at best....and the presure and fullness is out of control....As I said before....I am very discouraged....Dr. Poe told me to go back to work in 2 weeks....and Dr. Barker told me to stay out at least 4 weeks....there is no way that I could have even got behind the wheel of a car after 2 weeks....I honestly don't know where this is going....but I certainly need some good feedback....from a Dr.....Mike....thanks for the concern Lib....and for listening to me ramble....

Dr Poe is on vacation and cannot be reached....this is according to his secretary (who has been of minimal help)....when I told her my problem, she said there is nothing I can do....I said "are you telling me that there is no one covering for him when he is away"....she said I don't know but I'll try Mass Eye and Ear....she called back and said she spoke to someone who told her to try using Afrin....not sure if she spoke to a Dr. or a custodian....I have seen on other websites (that refer to this surgery) that patients are supposed to take antibiotics after this surgery....that was not prescribed for me....the hearing in my ear is minimal at best....and the presure and fullness is out of control....As I said before....I am very discouraged....Dr. Poe told me to go back to work in 2 weeks....and Dr. Barker told me to stay out at least 4 weeks....there is no way that I could have even got behind the wheel of a car after 2 weeks....I honestly don't know where this is going....but I certainly need some good feedback....from a Dr.....Mike....thanks for the concern Lib....and for listening to me ramble....

mike,
im sorry your so discouraged, can you call dr barker and see if he can get you in with him or another dr? also ask him about the antibiotics, that is important.
have you had any follow up appts scince the surgery with poe?
did they say when he would be back?
i know the sscd is a major surgery, they disturb all sorts of things, so the swellling and such could be taking its time, but i think someone needs to see you so you know what is going on.
hope your feeling better.
lib

Hi Lib
finally reached Dr. Barker's office....but only got to talk to his secretary....she said that Dr. Barker told her that sometimes he prescribes antibiotics and sometimes he doesn't....it honestly sounded like she made up the story....I have follow up apts. with both Dr's. in a week or two....I am having more and more problems every day....more pressure....more fullness....am now hearing my voice again....and a new one to me is hearing my breathing in my ear....also at night my heartbeat in my ear is deafening....
I am still rather unsteady on my feet and usually use a cane when I go in stores etc....I honestly need some positive feedback from someone who has had this procedure done on them....or someone who can tell me that this is all normal in my recovery....and I still can't believe that Dr. Poe told me that when I wake up I would have immediate relief....it took at least 2 weeks before I could hear a dial tone on the phone....and he also told me that I could return to work in 2 weeks....I couldn't walk straight after 2 weeks....and Dr. Barker told me it would be more like 4 to 6 weeks....I really like Dr. Poe....but I am finding that I question some of the things he told me....I know that you have had nothing but positive things to say about him....I guess I just need something positive to happen....

Hi Lib
finally reached Dr. Barker's office....but only got to talk to his secretary....she said that Dr. Barker told her that sometimes he prescribes antibiotics and sometimes he doesn't....it honestly sounded like she made up the story....I have follow up apts. with both Dr's. in a week or two....I am having more and more problems every day....more pressure....more fullness....am now hearing my voice again....and a new one to me is hearing my breathing in my ear....also at night my heartbeat in my ear is deafening....
I am still rather unsteady on my feet and usually use a cane when I go in stores etc....I honestly need some positive feedback from someone who has had this procedure done on them....or someone who can tell me that this is all normal in my recovery....and I still can't believe that Dr. Poe told me that when I wake up I would have immediate relief....it took at least 2 weeks before I could hear a dial tone on the phone....and he also told me that I could return to work in 2 weeks....I couldn't walk straight after 2 weeks....and Dr. Barker told me it would be more like 4 to 6 weeks....I really like Dr. Poe....but I am finding that I question some of the things he told me....I know that you have had nothing but positive things to say about him....I guess I just need something positive to happen....
hi mike,
i am sure dr poe has his reasons for telling you the time frames he did, maybe some are up and about that quick, and others may take longer.
this is not what you are going to want to hear, but is it possible the patch did not take or has moved, i read a girls story that had to have the surgery 2 times becuase the patch moved. how big was the hole? could there have been more than one?
when you hear your breathing do you feel the ear drum move?
also if the ear is full of fluid it can cause these symptoms, can you get into any dr to see if there is fluid in the ear? swelling and such could trap it.
is dr poe back yet? i would leave a message for him, he will get back to you, and he will want to know what is going on.
hang in there mike, i know this is tough, but you have the top docs and that is a blessing.
lib

I don't think I feel the ear drum move....not sure....and there were multiple holes....he said it looked like swiss cheese....Dr. Poe will be back Tuesday....and getting into to see another Dr. is impossible....even my local ENT said this is all Dr. Poe's baby....so to ask another Dr. to step in is not even an option....I think I need another CT Scan....to find out if the hole(s) are plugged....Making it very difficult to get back to work....which is a must....
I can only hope that they are plugged and that what I'm going through is "normal"....very discouraging....thanks Lib....Mike

I don't think I feel the ear drum move....not sure....and there were multiple holes....he said it looked like swiss cheese....Dr. Poe will be back Tuesday....and getting into to see another Dr. is impossible....even my local ENT said this is all Dr. Poe's baby....so to ask another Dr. to step in is not even an option....I think I need another CT Scan....to find out if the hole(s) are plugged....Making it very difficult to get back to work....which is a must....
I can only hope that they are plugged and that what I'm going through is "normal"....very discouraging....thanks Lib....Mike

hi mike,
leave a message for poe, let me know what happens.
do you know what may have caused the sscd?
a scan is a very good idea.
lib

Lib
can't remember what the breathing being heard in your ear is....isn't that PET ???? Man I'm having problems....I hear every footstep I take....as well as every heartbeat....although today I did have a better day....it's a wait and see deal for me right now....Mike

Lib
can't remember what the breathing being heard in your ear is....isn't that PET ???? Man I'm having problems....I hear every footstep I take....as well as every heartbeat....although today I did have a better day....it's a wait and see deal for me right now....Mike
mike,
it can be p e t, but not always, is it really loud or milder?
it could be fluid in the ear too, like having a cold.
are you still getting the snapping in your ear when you turn your head?
the footstep sounds more like the sscd, but im not positive, are you still dizzy when you put your finger in your ear?
lib

Lib
I don't know if I dare say this....but today I'm feeling better....Not real dizzy (yet)....no pressure or fullness....but this usually becomes unbearable at night....don't know why....maybe because I have been up all day....last night I took a couple of pain pills and had a good nights sleep....I can only hope that this is on the mend....but I remain cautiously optimistic....thanks for hanging with me....you are very helpful....and I never take the time to ask how you are doing....so....HOW ARE YOU DOING....please let me know....I don't always just think of my own condition....but corresponding with you is like talking to a councilor....later....Mike

Lib
I don't know if I dare say this....but today I'm feeling better....Not real dizzy (yet)....no pressure or fullness....but this usually becomes unbearable at night....don't know why....maybe because I have been up all day....last night I took a couple of pain pills and had a good nights sleep....I can only hope that this is on the mend....but I remain cautiously optimistic....thanks for hanging with me....you are very helpful....and I never take the time to ask how you are doing....so....HOW ARE YOU DOING....please let me know....I don't always just think of my own condition....but corresponding with you is like talking to a councilor....later....Mike
hi mike,
my myoclonus gives me good days and bad, im trying to live life until they can figure out something more for me, its ver hard sometimes.the bad days are horrific.
i have faith that one day dr poe will have a better option, when i spoke to him last he was working on a special needle or probe that could test the palatal/e tube muscles, there is nothing out there like that yet.
he really is an amazing dr., and his plate is full, he takes care of the rare and hard stuff most drs. dont have the guts to attempt....so with that there is hope. thank you for asking.
im glad to hear you had a better day of it, it very well could be resolving.
i will hope for that. im glad you seem to be having a little more hope here, that is important. mike do you have any ideas what caused the sscd?
i know one guy who thinks jumping off something barefoot caused his, he hit the ground hard.
hope today is a better one for you as well.
lib

Hi Lib
I posted a reply to you earlier concerning Dr. Poe calling me today....it appears it never got posted....don't know why....but he is confident that my situation is coming along fine....it was certainly a boost....and not a minute too soon....because I told you that I felt a bit better today....and within an hour I was back to feeling the same....but Dr. Poe's call did a lot for me....and you are right....He is a very careing Dr.....Hope you get this one

Hi Lib
I posted a reply to you earlier concerning Dr. Poe calling me today....it appears it never got posted....don't know why....but he is confident that my situation is coming along fine....it was certainly a boost....and not a minute too soon....because I told you that I felt a bit better today....and within an hour I was back to feeling the same....but Dr. Poe's call did a lot for me....and you are right....He is a very careing Dr.....Hope you get this one
im so glad to hear he called, i knew he would and yes he does care, hes great, he calls on saturdays and most drs would never do that.
so what does he think is going on? was i close at all in the fluid being trapped? im glad your feeling more hopeful.
have a relaxing 4th!
lib

Yes Lib He thinks it's probably fluid....when he started to patch the hole he also discovered that there was a very porous area that needed to be "tended" to....and therefore took more time....that's why so much "fluid" drained into the ear....and I guess it's going to take time....In the mornings I usually feel pretty good....but within a couple of hours I am experiencing discomfort....I guess I'll just wait and see....Hope you had a good 4th....Later....Mike

Yes Lib He thinks it's probably fluid....when he started to patch the hole he also discovered that there was a very porous area that needed to be "tended" to....and therefore took more time....that's why so much "fluid" drained into the ear....and I guess it's going to take time....In the mornings I usually feel pretty good....but within a couple of hours I am experiencing discomfort....I guess I'll just wait and see....Hope you had a good 4th....Later....Mike
hi mike,
when is your follow up with dr.poe?
i hope each day your feeling better, that was a big surgery and it does take a little time to heal, the swelling and fluid will calm over time.
it was several weeks for me, but the blood and fluid eventually drained away.
keep me posted on how you are.
lib

Lib
My follow up with Poe is July 19th....but could have been sooner....but that's the day I see the other Dr....So I'll do it all in one day....By the way....where does all of the blood and fluid drain to....Mike

Lib
My follow up with Poe is July 19th....but could have been sooner....but that's the day I see the other Dr....So I'll do it all in one day....By the way....where does all of the blood and fluid drain to....Mike

the blood and fluid drains down the eustachian tube into the throat, it is a slow process but it will go away.
cant wait to hear how your appts go, please tell dr. poe libby says hi....and im rooting for him....he will understand!
hes the best ever!
hope your still improving!
lib

Lib
you mentioned that it took quite a while for it to clear up for you....did you have the same surgery as me or similar....I'm finding that in the morning I am feeling better for a bit longer each day....but then it all comes back....hoping that it will eventually clear forever....drove to the mall today and had no problem driving....but I do find that when I walk and look at at sign with words written on it my eyes sort of jump up and down....can't really read it unless I stop walking....Mike

hi mike,
i had the middle ear muscles severd, that causes blood and fluid in the ear for a while. glad your doing better today, and your appt is coming up soon....
keep the hope and let me know how your doing and how it goes.
lib

Good Morning Lib
My situation is getting a wee bit better (as my daughter-in-law) would say....
she's from Scotland....I am now putting pieces of cotton in my ear....something I did before surgery to lessen the loudness....and for some reason the cotton is alleviating some of my problems....for instance if I am in a room with a fan blowing I somehow feel those vibrations in my ear....like a fluttering....and the cotton helps....but it off to see Dr. Poe on Tuesday....and then back to work on Wednesday....how are you doing....weather here is perfect....but with Maine weather you never know....
Mike

Good Morning Lib
My situation is getting a wee bit better (as my daughter-in-law) would say....
she's from Scotland....I am now putting pieces of cotton in my ear....something I did before surgery to lessen the loudness....and for some reason the cotton is alleviating some of my problems....for instance if I am in a room with a fan blowing I somehow feel those vibrations in my ear....like a fluttering....and the cotton helps....but it off to see Dr. Poe on Tuesday....and then back to work on Wednesday....how are you doing....weather here is perfect....but with Maine weather you never know....
Mike
hi mike,
im glad to hear your feeling a wee bit better!!!
did you have the fluttering before? i had horrible fluttering/vibrations from the middle ear myoclonus, and cotton helped, i had the tendons severed and that made a huge difference.
i cant wait to hear what dr poe says....please tell him libby says hi!
im hangin in there, its hot and humid here in virginia and im off to florida next week.....whew! it will be even hotter!
take good care and let me know!
lib

Hi Lib
Yes I did have the fluttering before and I still have it....and if by any chance I bend forward (to pick something up) it kills....I only do that accidentically....I always try to "scootch" down....still some swelling....I hope that my ear is still draining....because if this is as good as it gets....it will be hard to deal with....Florida on vacation or business....what type of work do you do???? Later....mike

Hi Lib
Yes I did have the fluttering before and I still have it....and if by any chance I bend forward (to pick something up) it kills....I only do that accidentically....I always try to "scootch" down....still some swelling....I hope that my ear is still draining....because if this is as good as it gets....it will be hard to deal with....Florida on vacation or business....what type of work do you do???? Later....mike
mike,
the fluttering could be a spasm mention that to dr poe, i had that and i had the muscle severed helped a ton.
florida is all fun and vacation.....im a hairdresser...how about you what do you do?
lib

I am a Quality Assurance Super....I am off today to Boston....by the time you read this I will be back and hopefully back to work....hope you and your family
had a nice vacation....later....I will say Hi to Dr. Poe for you....It's on my list
Mike

let me know how your appt goes today!!!
i dont leave till thurs for florida.
lib

Hi Lib
First of all....I told Dr. Poe that Lib says hello....He smiled and said tell her I said hello....He said I think she's from Virginia....and has had quite a bit of work done....and now to my visit....
I am relatively happy with everything....and cautiously optimistic about everything....Dr. Poe removed a film that had accumulated over my ear drum and told me that that would make a difference....but not sure how much....my hearing test went well....it's a wait and see situation right now....just have to get my balance issues resolved....back to work tommorow
and then we'll go from there....thanks for the concern....have a good vacation
and stay away from hurricanes....Mike

Hi Lib
First of all....I told Dr. Poe that Lib says hello....He smiled and said tell her I said hello....He said I think she's from Virginia....and has had quite a bit of work done....and now to my visit....
I am relatively happy with everything....and cautiously optimistic about everything....Dr. Poe removed a film that had accumulated over my ear drum and told me that that would make a difference....but not sure how much....my hearing test went well....it's a wait and see situation right now....just have to get my balance issues resolved....back to work tommorow
and then we'll go from there....thanks for the concern....have a good vacation
and stay away from hurricanes....Mike
thats great news! dr poe is an outstanding dr......no doubt.
hang in there and keep hopeful, i am! i think your on the mends.
keep me posted mike! ill be back in 2 weeks.
take care, lib

Hey Lib
How was vacation....hope you had a great (healthy) time....well it has been almost 3 months to the day since my surgery....after reading back through my responses I seemed a bit depressed for a while....but I am actually doing pretty good....and i think that each day I get a little bit better....my head feels like a russett potato on that side....but my hair is covering most of the scar....not that I really care....I sort of like having a bit of it showing....like a battle scar ....I think I am about 80% right now....and that's a long way from where I was before surgery....unfortunately I think my other ear is headed in the same direction....but I will not hesitate to get that side done too....and you are right about Dr. Poe....great guy....He is now located at the Childrens Hospital....so I'll get to see another side of Boston....but wanted to update you....and how are you doing....Mike

hi mike,
im so happy to hear you are doing better!!!! yahoo! my vacation was wonderful, thank you for asking.....now i need another...haha
so why is dr poe at childrens hosp, is he no longer at mass eye and ear? when do you get to see him again?
im sorry to hear about the other ear, you know know you are in the best hands ever......so thats something we can be greatful for.
lib

His Office is now located at Childrens....don't know why....I think he also has other offices....different days of the week....Not sure where....you could probably check it out on childrens website....yup the other ear is headed in that direction....whatever....it was a nice summer....after I started healing....