Well, I'm finally getting around to writing my one year follow up! It's amazing how much my new ear is still changing!!! I have photos, as well a some of my scars now that they have settled, but first, here are some updates:
1) The clicking and pain in my rib area that I had prolonged after surgery is no longer bothersome. It doesn't happen unless I reach forward and use my right arm a lot, and it's continuing to improve.
2) Except for the spot where Dr. Griffiths removed the nerves to cover the ear, I have complete feeling in my scalp! I still only have some feeling in the new ear, mainly around the helix and tragus, but I still get a lot of itching elsewhere, and I can tell the nerves are still regenerating because now, when it does itch, rubbing the area actually does help squelch the itch! I especially like to let the shower water run over that side of my head... It feels really good with all the new nerve endings!
3) At one year post op, I sent Dr. Griffiths another batch of photos and everything is looking good. I will send more this spring at 18 months, at which time they consider it "fully healed".
4) After surgery, as you might recall, I had a rough time healing and with pain, and discovered it was because I had fibromyalgia. That is more under control now as well. I'm always in pain all over and have terrible fatigue, but as I have said before, that is all due to the fibromyalgia I didn't know I had before surgery. As much as I don't like how much worse the fibro is some surgery, I'm REALLY glad all my "mystery" symptoms from before surgery have a tangible cause that I can work with and attribute them to.
5) Photos!
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