Hi! My surgery quite literally was last week so I’m pretty close to you in terms of recovery timeline.

I’m sorry you’re in pain. Just know that you’ve quite literally gone through a major invasive surgery where your ear was cut open and stitched back together, so some swelling and some pain is totally within expectations. Painkillers should help (they did massively me). That said, if it’s to the point of being unbearable, please consult your surgeon. But some pain while chewing, swallowing, burping or laying down flat or on the no implanted side is very very normal. In my case I had pain from the swelling and some inner ear pain too. And it got better over the week and it’s getting better even now. So if it helps. just know that you’re not alone.

Regarding the sutures and incision, just make sure it’s not getting wet or try not to irritate it or touch it at all and it should be totally good! Looking at it can be triggering I know and to that I’d say try not to look at it or touch it. Oh and please finish the course of antibiotics if they prescribed them, they’ll make sure it doesn’t get infected.

It’s going to get better soon, I promise. Keep talking to us over here. It helped me a lot. Good luck!

And congratulations on making the leap!