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I'm in recovery mode now and the right side of my head hurts! Pics below [slight gore alert]
The operation apparently took about 4.5 hours [5 mins from my point of view]. My poor partner had to go and divert herself. Luckily a good Indian restaurant was found, for lunch.
What they did
The operation was to remove dead/dying/necrotic tissue in my right ear. So they removed the implant, inserted a spacer, removed the affected tissue, implanted a new implant [hardware upgrade] and made a graft using muscular tissue to fill the gaps and finished off by sealing the ear canal - the blind sac.
Why it was necessary
The tissue was receding in the ear and the implant could be seen in the ear canal. This might have led to ear infections, the implant no longer functioning, or worse.
How it came to be like this
In 2002 I had treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The treatment affected my saliva [none now, and the lack will affect my teeth], energy levels [not great]. Ear functions were also affected, including hearing [implanted 2008 and 2010] and balance. I can hear because of the incredible devices and I walk with a stick if I'm out and about.
I have a pre-blog blog covering the treatment time - John's Carcinoma Diary
Benefits
I wont need to use earplugs again. Previously I had been using plugs to protect against getting exposed tissue wet when showering, swimming. Water can convey and harbour bacteria.
So I can swim, bathe and shower without a second thought!
A hardware upgrade
The implant on the right side was implanted 8 years ago. As with all technology there have been nine generations since that time! I've had an upgrade on that side [2013] and expecting another in 2018.
What's next
I'll see the ENT surgeon next week and check healing. He's confident and so am I.
After that and when I'm able I'll start the switch-on process. I hope I can get up and functional as well as before within a month or two. Time will tell.
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| In the ward after the operation |
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| Bandages off, at home |
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| Side view |
