I am 14 years old and was diagnosed with cholesteatoma on friday

I am 18 now , but when also 14 it was discovered that I had a cholesteatoma. I was an avid sportsman - particularley swimming (not as impressive as playing for my country though, WOW!!) and I can definitely say that my cholsteatoma totally changed my sporting career, at least for a little while.

After 2 surgeries and biannnual routine check/ups and ear cleanings, I am currently cholesteatoma free. However, I can't really swim anymore (technically, no water is allowed to get in to my ear), but this shoudn't be a problem for you anyway. Your question regarding balance - my balance is sooo much better now than it was right after my surgery. My first surgery was all good ( I left the hospital the same day!), and I recovered really quickly, and my balance was not affected at all. During my second surgery, however, my middle ear was overly fiddled with and I literally woke up vomiting from dizziness. This stayed for a couple days and I was kept at hospital on a drip for fluids/nausea and all that ickiness. For a long time afterwards, by left ear/head felt heavy and my balance felt way out of wack, and my head would often spin during sports/ yoga.

However, it's gotten way better over time. Also, you learn to get used to it too, and you are able to cope with it way better. Your body does an excellent job at learning to deal with the imbalance. Don't let it worry you so much. (also,regarding balance,  everybody is effected differently and I guess it depends on the invasiveness of your cholesteatoma, too - you might not even be affected at all but it's so positive to see you asking these kinds of questions)

I wish you well for your surgery (Have you had it already?). I'm sooo glad that you reached out and shared your worries. It's good to know there's a community to chat with. 

All the best, Emma x