Hearing and swallowing problems

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Hi everyone 

I’m 9 weeks post surgery for ACC and my hearing went in one ear 4 weeks ago and this last week my swallowing seems to be getting worse. I thought I should be ok by now?? Tried popping my ear and had popped a couple of times (hurts when it does) but lately unable to pop them. It’s driving me nuts and my family as I can’t hear them ? 
 The whole area inside/outside remains numb since surgery. 
any advice would be appreciated 

thank you Blush 

  • Hi Elaine it might just be inflammation and scarring but all of us are asked to report anything that’s worrying us so it might be a good idea to contact your CNS. At least your surgeon would be able to put your mind at rest. My team has never complained about seeing me out of my normal appointments 

    Best of luck. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Hi Elaine   Has Dani has said contact your team. My e n t consultant says  to me every time if you need time seen between appointments get in touch. 

    good luck Hazel

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Hi Elaine

    It does sound very much like inflammation but I agree with Dani and Hazel - contact your CNS or team.  Hopefully they will be able to solve these issues for you.

    Linda x

  • Hi Hazel 

    Thats good. I had my op in a regional hospital and my follow up is in local hospital , awaiting to be seen by oncologist. 9 weeks post op so not 100% sure who will follow me up? I will check with Macmillan nurse 

    thank you Blush 

    Elaine

  • Hi Linda 

    im sure it’s nothing I’ve no fever it’s just annoying that it’s not getting better. When I saw the consultant he gives me the impression that I’m moaning over nothing and anxious. Feels a bit like he’s done his job and I must just get in with it. I suppose it’s true really but didn’t expect it as bad as it is. I shouldn’t moan as many more in much worse situation than me. 
    thank you

    Elaine

  • Hi Elaine in my case i was  referred back to ent at my local hospital. I was  treated at a regional cancer centre where I saw my oncologist but has you can imagine they are busy with new patients so at my trust you go back to local ent. I was seen by oncologist up to my pet Ct scan now see him once a year. 
    Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Hi Dani

    it sounds like your team are great and very supportive. 
    on the times I have said anything I have felt like I haven’t been listened to and I need to crack on with what I have. They did do a post op mri which was ok but they didn’t seem too bothered about my hearing or discomfort, didn’t even look and advised me to ask ent to look in my ear when I next visit my local hospital, been deaf for 4 weeks now with tinnitus. 
    also still waiting to see a speech therapist, care transferred from regional hospital to local and now on a waiting list to be seen, 9 weeks post op. I think it seems a bit poor to me although I do understand the pressures of the NHS. Had to Google mouth and jaw exercises as the leaflet I was given by tge specialist didn’t really say much.

    Thanks anyway, sorry seems like a moan 

    Elaine

  • Oh ok, yes I see. 
    I just had the surgery  (maxfax) at the regional hospital and oncologist at local. I assume I will stay under local care afterwards. 
    thanks Blush 

  • Dint worry about moaning. You fire away. There seems to be quite some inconsistency between trusts doesn’t there. 
    The was mention of me being moved back to my local hospital and I was going to say that if it was ok with them I’d rather not but it never came to anything. 
    It’s a bit sound destroying having to be so proactive considering what you’ve been through. There’s always PALS to get things moving. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • Actually Elaine, it all sounds pretty rubbish to me.

    I've been treated at the same hospital from diagnosis and I've been lucky to have been referred to physio, speech and language etc promptly.

    I understand the impression you're left with is that the consultant feels he's done his job and therefore, provided you remain cancer free, his job is done but if you're in a lot of discomfort the least he can do is ensure you get some help from relevant departments.

    I was thinking along the same lines as Dani in that if you don't feel you're getting anywhere you should maybe consider contacting PALS.

    I do hope you get some appts soon.  All the best.

    Linda x