# Surgery in a week

**URL:** <https://community.patient.info/t/surgery-in-a-week/795357>\
**Category:** Ears, nose and throat\
**Tags:** Cholesteatoma\
**Created:** [15 January 2023 14:50 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/surgery-in-a-week/795357 "2023-01-15T14:50:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![nh\_user\_1452816](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ac8455/32.png) [@nh\_user\_1452816](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_1452816)\
**Post date:** [15 January 2023 14:50 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/surgery-in-a-week/795357/1 "2023-01-15T14:50:41Z")

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Gday, im 21yrs old and for the past 6 or so years i have noticed smelly discharge coming out of my right ear ever since i water skied for the first time, Been to a few doctors which have given me drops and have said its just an infection, until i went for a hearing test for the job i was applying for. They noticed i had a perforation in my ear which i didnt worry about at first until i got my results back and said i had hearing loss in my right ear and gave me a referral to see an ENT in Sydney, Australia.  
After meeting up with Dr Alex Saxby in Sydney he has told me i definitely do have cholesteatoma, and being 6 years that i havent had anything done with it, it could have possibly built up a fair bit past where he could see with the camera. I am having surgery next week (25.01.23) which on the paperwork ive been given it has written for the procedure RIGHT EAR Endoscopic Removal of Cholesteatoma: +/- mastoidectomy + ossicular chain. Not so worried about the procedure as ive seen Youtube videos of Dr Saxby perform similar to the surgery.  
I have read a bit about other peoples experiences about losing taste on the side of surgery, balance being effected. My main concern is my hearing as i do require it for the new job i am wanting to get, what are peoples experience with this surgery and gaining hearing back, i dont mind the idea of hearing aids if it helps with my hearing.  
Also how long am i expected to take of work? i am a Ag Diesel Mechanic which does require heaving work loads.

Any other experiences id love to hear from you.

Cheers  
Hamo