Getting the eustachian tube dilation surgery in the next month. My doctor says he is pretty confident the surgery will help. Any success stories out there?
I have experienced plugging, clicking, and popping in my ears...tinnitus in my head, no energy and tiredness for over a year.
I have had an MRI, CT scan, blood workup and countless audiograms, etc. All normal results...
Dymista helps to lessen the plugging, clicking and popping in my ears but am hoping for a cure once and for all.
I have been lurking on this site for over a year and am finally posting for the first time. I have received a lot of good information from lots of you so thank you for posting.
shadio, I had this surgery last Oct. For me it was an instant release of pressure. Also my ear clicking, crackling stopped. There is a video of my surgery on this healthboard-THE DRS tv recorded it-if you are interested in seeing it. It was a very easy surgery for me. No pain at all. Good luck! I hope it works for you too! Who is your Dr?
Hi dlt48,
I saw the video already and past posts by you and others that really helped me understand I wasn't alone and possibly there is a chance to be normal again. I went to your doctor (Dr. Brian Weeks) and he was awesome. He and his PA were great and spent a lot of time going over my issues. I was very impressed.
I live in Orange County, CA so it is only about an hour and a half drive down to San Diego to see him. He said I was a good candidate for the surgery...now I just have to wait and see what insurance will cover before scheduling the surgery.
I saw that you had the surgery twice because it didn't completely open you up the first time, correct? I'm hoping it will work the first time for me.
Also, how long have you been symptom free (or do you still have some symptoms?)? Are you taking any maintenance medication to be symptom free?
It has been a long year for me and I realize a lot of people on here have had similar issues for much longer. I feel for all of you.
I'm really excited for you! I hope you have great results. i had it done the first time in July 2011. Within a week or so after getting home i got a terrible-cough-cold and my tubes shut again. I'm not sure if they just weren't open for a long enough time to re-open, but i couldn't get them open again. And to be honest, i wasn't very patient to wait too long to try it again, since i knew the instant relief i had gotten from the surgery. Dr. Weeks dilated them more the 2nd time and it's keeping them open. i had the 2nd surgery in Oct 2011. I'm not on any medications although i do flush my sinuses occasionally. When i do travel or go to high altitudes i never force my ears open anymore by plugging my nose-i just let them open naturally. And they have done great since surgery. I'm so glad you like Dr. Weeks. He's a pretty great dr. Keep me posted on your results Be careful to stay well afterwards-keeping your hands clean and not touching your face.
The Following User Says Thank You to dlt48 For This Useful Post: shadio (02-06-2013)
Is there anything I should know before going into surgery? Maybe something that you wish you knew beforehand?
No, just try to stay well. The surgery itself is easy-i couldn't even tell i had anything done. I went back to the hotel, had pasta, and just rested. Your ears may make some funny noises for a while after, but just be patient. Mine would close, then POP open or sound like a balloon letting air out, a kind of squeal. I hope it all goes well for you. I was going to tell you to give Dr. Weeks a hug from me, but i just saw your a man...lol so tell him Diane says hi. Again good luck!!!. PS: I remember asking Dr. Weeks, what if this doesn't work? He said that then we will have another plan-but promised to not give up on me. I think u r in good hands.
No, just try to stay well. The surgery itself is easy-i couldn't even tell i had anything done. I went back to the hotel, had pasta, and just rested. Your ears may make some funny noises for a while after, but just be patient. Mine would close, then POP open or sound like a balloon letting air out, a kind of squeal. I hope it all goes well for you. I was going to tell you to give Dr. Weeks a hug from me, but i just saw your a man...lol so tell him Diane says hi. Again good luck!!!. PS: I remember asking Dr. Weeks, what if this doesn't work? He said that then we will have another plan-but promised to not give up on me. I think u r in good hands.
One more thing-don't blow your nose very hard for a little while. (same effect as plugging your nose and trying to pop open your ears) The first time i did i plugged up my ear. It cleared up in a few minutes but it scared me. If i think of anything else, i'll let you know-but the surgery will be a breeze!
The Following User Says Thank You to dlt48 For This Useful Post: shadio (02-11-2013)
I just found out that my insurance will not cover the dilation portion of the surgery.
Has anyone appealed this procedure and gotten it covered by insurance?
I'm sorry. I know my ins kicked it back a few times and they kept resubmitting it. Hopefully it won't be too much on your part to have to pay if u choose to have it done.
Re: Eustachian Tube Dilation Surgery 
Be careful to stay well afterwards-keeping your hands clean and not touching your face.
