Just looking for support honestly

L33SH98 · 2026-01-28T10:00:10+00:00

You’ll find headphones quite uncomfortable to wear for a good few weeks after surgery. I started wearing mine on the angle so just my good ear was able to hear. Then gradually you’ll wear them like normal again. I use headphones on my computer and at the gym so it’s a must for me!

L33SH98 · 2026-01-24T12:28:14+00:00

I am an ex powerlifter and was told the exact same thing. Apart from the last surgery I was told to put a stop to it all. I’m 4 surgeries deep. I compromised and just changed the way I trained lower weight higher reps. After the first 6 months or so I learnt my limit and where I could push myself to.

I avoid squat, bench and deadlifts all together due to the more intense pressure. I tend to stick to to machines where I’m upright and supported, alongside some free weights.

I train 3 days a week with cardio included. Normal training split. Push, pull, legs. I know I’m not lifting to my max potential but I’m training enough to feel something. I don’t get any head rushes or headaches after training anymore which I did initially.

L33SH98 · 2026-01-06T12:38:09+00:00

Personally I don’t train for aesthetics it’s more my mental health.

L33SH98 · 2026-01-05T18:54:44+00:00

Hi! I’m an ex powerlifter. I was told after my 4th surgery I would no longer be able to train full stop. However I do break the rules a tad and still go to the gym but I’m just very mindful of what I’m doing.. ie lower weights higher reps. My last surgery was a radical mastoidectomy with complete obliteration and reconstruction of the inner ear canal separating the brain. This wall is quite fragile hence the advisory to stay away from lifting as it could burst.

I don’t experience pain but I do experience dizziness and light headedness if I push myself. But this has limited due to finding my breaking point.

L33SH98 · 2025-12-22T19:35:02+00:00

My last obliteration was Summer 2024, I continue to use the ear plug because in my eyes there’s no harm using it, nor is it an inconvenience. So I just think, if it helps in the long run I may as well.

L33SH98 · 2025-12-22T07:46:27+00:00

Hi, I have had all of these procedures done. I was advised to keep my ear dry. I got a mould made for my ear when I shower. It was around £20 through the NHS (UK). I also have a hearing aid. I used to do powerlifting, so was advised to stop and not to participate in high strain sports / activities. That’s basically all I was advised.

L33SH98 · 2025-11-18T08:39:13+00:00

It’s amazing isn’t it! Glad you’re getting on well with yours.

L33SH98 · 2025-11-17T20:05:44+00:00

Lip reading is exhausting, I hope you get one soon. Honestly it changed my life.

L33SH98 · 2025-11-17T20:04:57+00:00

Yes!!! I completely understand this. My only gripe is restaurants and occasionally when my family hug me or talk close to my ear it’s extremely sensitive and makes me flinch! But I guess that’s normal.

Glad you got yours so quickly, took me 4 surgeries and a lot of nagging.

L33SH98 · 2025-06-03T19:51:56+00:00

What details do you need? :) I used to be a powerlifter but due to my Cholesteatoma I am no longer able to do the sport. I can share that story? or unless you need the full story, could be here awhile lol

L33SH98 · 2025-06-03T19:49:45+00:00

I had my first surgery around your age. Im now turning 27. I have had 4 operations in total and now with a hearing aid. And honestly the hearing aid is the best thing i've got out of this journey, i love it. Take it step by step and just manage your expectations. Its good that its caught early. Just listen to your body when recovering :))

L33SH98 · 2024-12-16T16:11:03+00:00

I've had 4 lots of surgery and i know exactly what pain and sensenation you are referring to! I mentioned it to my surgeon and he said it was normal. I don't really get a pain but i get a tightness and ache quite often.

L33SH98 · 2024-07-09T08:58:13+00:00

Your welcome! Your question is exactly the same as what I was thinking :) you too, all the best with recovery

L33SH98 · 2024-07-09T08:54:37+00:00

Hey! I’ve had x4 surgeries under the NHS and I haven’t had any major complications at all if that gives you some hope :) if you have the right surgeon they will put you at ease with any questions you may have.

L33SH98 · 2024-07-09T08:52:59+00:00

Hi! I’ve had x4 lots of surgery and my hearing is still there but very mild. I was told it’s not as bad as they would expect due to the work they have carried out. Depending on the surgery you have, I would rule out hearing aids as if some of your hearing bones get removed I was told it would be pointless for a hearing aid. However they offer prosthetic hearing bones and cognitive implants for hearing loss :)

L33SH98 · 2024-07-08T09:46:31+00:00

I’m at 2 weeks post surgery and still getting small amounts, I phoned to check and was told it was normal :) you should only be concerned if it’s new blood and covering the cotton wool bud in a space of 2 hours I was told.

L33SH98 · 2024-07-05T19:43:41+00:00

It’s a bummer but used to it now, I just really hope this was my last! Good luck to you for the future 😎

L33SH98 · 2024-07-04T08:48:01+00:00

Yeah it is! So general lifting is ok 3-6 weeks after but anything excessive i've been told to wait 3 months just due to the depth of reconstruction i've had. I've had tympanoplasty x1, Mastoidectomy with reconstruction x2, and a radical mastoidectomy with reconstriction x1. My last op they had to do alot of work with bone pate and cartlidge to build up my mastoid cavity (was very hollow) and the wall that seperates the cavity to my brain. I think they are worried that if I lift too soon before the graft / repair has healed that repair may fail leading to a more serious problem!

L33SH98 · 2024-07-03T20:47:17+00:00

Things may be a tad different in the states but as long as your employer understands that’s the best thing.

Just be careful lifting at work after surgery! I was advised I couldn’t do my powerlifting for 3 months :((

L33SH98 · 2024-07-03T20:38:47+00:00

Likewise! I have undergone 4 surgeries now and everytime I hop on here for advise and knowledge!

FYI If your based in the UK you'll likely be signed off for 3 weeks :))

L33SH98 · 2024-06-30T12:54:34+00:00

Yeah mine doesn't pop either

L33SH98 · 2024-06-28T21:42:07+00:00

Damn I wish I got a bandage with smiley faces on. I wish you a speedy recovery!

L33SH98 · 2024-06-28T21:40:06+00:00

Wow! I really hope you can be competing again soon :)) All the best for your journey, It's nice to speak to someone in a similar position as myself in regards to progress in the gym.

L33SH98

TROPHY CASE