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Living with Cholesteatoma. How to live with Cholesteatoma?

Can you be happy living with Cholesteatoma? What do you have to do to be happy with Cholesteatoma? Living with Cholesteatoma can be difficult, but you have to fight to try to be happy. Have a look at things that other people have done to be happy with Cholesteatoma

Living with Cholesteatoma

Living with Cholesteatoma: Tips and Strategies


Cholesteatoma is a condition characterized by the growth of an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear. It can lead to various symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, dizziness, and recurring ear infections. Living with cholesteatoma can be challenging, but with proper management and care, you can improve your quality of life. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate life with cholesteatoma:



1. Seek Medical Attention


If you suspect you have cholesteatoma or have been diagnosed with it, it is crucial to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, diagnose the condition, and recommend appropriate treatment options. Regular follow-ups with your ENT specialist are essential to monitor the progression of the cholesteatoma and ensure timely intervention.



2. Understand Your Condition


Educate yourself about cholesteatoma to better understand its causes, symptoms, and potential complications. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Discuss your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider to gain a deeper understanding of your specific case.



3. Follow Treatment Plans


Cholesteatoma treatment typically involves surgical intervention to remove the abnormal growth and repair any damage to the middle ear. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan diligently. This may include pre-operative preparations, surgery, post-operative care, and regular check-ups. Adhering to the recommended treatment plan can help prevent complications and improve your overall outcome.



4. Manage Symptoms


Cholesteatoma can cause various symptoms that may impact your daily life. Take steps to manage these symptoms effectively. For example, if you experience hearing loss, consider using hearing aids or assistive listening devices to improve your hearing ability. If you have recurring ear infections, follow your healthcare provider's instructions for ear hygiene and use prescribed medications as directed.



5. Protect Your Ears


Take precautions to protect your ears from further damage. Avoid exposure to loud noises, as they can exacerbate hearing loss. Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments or when engaging in activities such as concerts or construction work. Additionally, keep your ears dry to prevent infections by using earplugs or a shower cap while bathing or swimming.



6. Practice Good Ear Hygiene


Maintaining proper ear hygiene is crucial when living with cholesteatoma. Clean your ears gently and avoid inserting any objects into the ear canal, as it can damage the delicate structures and increase the risk of infection. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for cleaning your ears and removing any discharge.



7. Communicate with Others


Living with cholesteatoma can be emotionally challenging, especially if it affects your hearing or causes discomfort. Openly communicate with your loved ones, friends, and colleagues about your condition. Explain how it may impact your daily life and what support you may need. Building a strong support network can provide emotional support and understanding.



8. Seek Emotional Support


Dealing with a chronic condition like cholesteatoma can be emotionally taxing. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can assist you in coping with the emotional challenges. They can provide strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and any feelings of frustration or isolation that may arise.



9. Stay Positive and Adapt


Maintaining a positive mindset and adapting to the challenges of living with cholesteatoma can greatly improve your overall well-being. Focus on the aspects of your life that you can control and find joy in. Engage in activities that bring you happiness and surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift you.



Living with cholesteatoma requires proactive management, regular medical care, and lifestyle adjustments. By following these tips and strategies, you can enhance your quality of life and effectively navigate the challenges associated with this condition.


Diseasemaps
13 answers
You will 110% die without a cholesteotoma removal. So plz have it removed ASAP once you have the diagnosis.

Posted May 16, 2017 by mag 1100
The surgery!! Otherwise you live with it and live with it and live with it! It becomes more and more intense and more and more scary! Mine had destroyed 5 areas inside my head and infiltrating my brain by the time it was finally diagnosed!

Posted May 16, 2017 by Cindy 1051
Of course you can be happy living with it, at times it can be very difficult and often times people don't understand the disease. I think you just have to keep your head up and reach out to those willing to listen.

Posted Jul 23, 2017 by Leah 2055
You can leave an happy normal life, but you have to visit your ENT periodicaly and check your ear, and do hearing tests

Posted Oct 4, 2017 by [email protected] 2000
Truthfully, I've had it 20 years. All due to a BAD HMO doc in 1997! Yes, I'm still anger I suppose; which is odd because it goes against my spiritual beliefs. You can be happy, if you don't focus on how it changed your life. I was DX w/my 1st at 35. I knew life w/o it. I've had 3 removed. I had a Canal Wall Down Tympanomastoidectomy in 2012. I have constant LOUD tinnitus and a 50% hearing loss in the surgical ear. I'm now trying hearing aids. A BAHA may be necessary. I am driven nuts when it is about to rain and my head becomes a natural barometer. If it wasn't this, it would be something else....so you just have to DEAL with it! If you have chronic infections (as I did for 15 years) I'd suggest getting the canal wall removed. It did take my hearing down from a 75% loss to 50% loss, and added the constant hissing....honestly, this is FAR better than being on antibiotic at least 6X a year and ALL the complications of ear infections. They are messy and not fun!

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by CTomaDue2MisDXBADdoc 3500
Lifestyle changes( quit smoking,avoid water inside the ear, avoiding colds etc) diet changes and regularly visits to the ENT.

Posted Dec 10, 2017 by Adri 700
You live a very normal life.
It doesn‘t effect you much.

Posted Feb 27, 2018 by A. 2650
One day at a time. Everyone recovers at a different rate and the results are different with every one. Follow doctor instructions and beaware of changes you feel are suspicious

Posted Sep 23, 2018 by Sandra 2900
Accept that you have it and there is no known cure at this time. Have faith that the day will come when this disease will be less invasively treated and the lifestyle of sufferers improved greatly.

Posted Oct 12, 2018 by glen 3500
I read lips and have to say the what frequently due to hearing loss..also pain is an issue for some.

Posted Dec 6, 2020 by Joseph 2500
I don't have an answer as to how to be happy with Cholesteatoma. This disease sucks. It's a statement of fact. It can be debilatating. You simply have to enjoy the good breaks when you are symptom free and push through the times when you are experiencing symptoms and take each day one at a time.

Posted Dec 29, 2020 by Doreen 2600
just be yourself and try to avoid ocean water/lake water and always where earplugs when going in water

Posted Jan 24, 2022 by read 3000

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Case history: 2004 grommet l.s. (Szent István Hospital) June, October 2005: deviacio septi nasi, sinusitis ethmoidalis chr. (Szent István Hospital) 2006: mastoidectomia, atticoantrotomia, tympanoplastica. (MÁV Hospital) January 2008: retympano...
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I call cholesteatoma the beast because it is. I started with ear infection in 2006. Then I noticed a hearing lose.Not intll 2011 did I get to a doctor who gave a proper diagnosis. Sent to Dr. Giddings in Spokane Wa. Had surgery to remove C Toma and p...
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Hi, I would really like some info regarding laser treatment for ctoma. I know that this is available in the UK. Does anyone know if this is available in Ireland. Thanks

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