ANA Discussion Forum

Archive => Archives => Topic started by: Jim Scott on June 12, 2006, 02:25:58 pm

Title: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: Jim Scott on June 12, 2006, 02:25:58 pm

Jim Scott here, just checking in on my first day home from the hospital.

I had my 4.5 cc AN removed on the morning of June 7th by a team of surgeons lead by Dr. Issac Goodrich at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, CT...an excellent medical facility often eclipsed by the better-known Yale University hospital in New Haven.

I went in healthy and positive and emerged the same way, with over 90% of the tumor now gone.  Dr. Goodrich will remove the reminder by radiosurgery in the fall "when things have settled down", as Dr. Goodrich put it.  Works for me.

The actual surgury was about 8 hours (O.K., 7.5 according to my wife) and I was in the ICU for four days (too long).  One day on the ward and they allowed me to leave the hospital today, Monday, June 12th.  I'Ve been home about 5 hours and just wanted to post a follow-up , as I know many do not seem to bother once surgery is over.  

I'm good: no headaches, no facial problems and I pray that will remain the case.  The surgeons made every possible attempt to avoid touching any nerves and used a special physician to monitor that function of the surgery.  My eyesight isn't 100% as yet so this post is taking some effort but I'm basically tumor-free and 'IT'S OVER!"  Now, home again, I just want to recover my 'normal' life, just as every other AN patient does.  I'm doing well at home and wish every AN patient, pre or post-op, the same positive results!

Jim



 ;D

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: Jeanlea on June 12, 2006, 02:32:52 pm

Glad to hear all went well with your surgery.  Must feel so much better to be on this side of surgery. 

Jean

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: Obita on June 12, 2006, 02:58:18 pm

Welcome home Jim Scott:

I've been wondering how you are doing.  Glad you are on the upswing. 

My eye dried out 10 days after surgey.......bummed me out.  Get a tube of
Lacrilube or a pm ointment if they didn't give you any just in case.  That part was
the worst of the whole AN journey

Best of luck to you and take it slow............Kathy O'Brien

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: cookiesecond on June 12, 2006, 03:59:30 pm

Great news Jim !!!
I am so glad you are doing good. I couldn't even imagine getting on the computer so soon. Take care and keep us posted.
Lynn

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: superrmaren on June 12, 2006, 07:45:04 pm

Congrats, Jim!
im new to this whole ordeal and it is refreshing to hear some people do come out of surgery unscathed and with little or no complications! 
maren

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: Battyp on June 12, 2006, 07:52:40 pm

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!  Sounds like you're doing great!  I think it was 2 mos before I could even open my eyes  :)

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: matti on June 12, 2006, 08:03:14 pm

Happy to hear that everything went so well, home just a few hours and already online, WOW!

Make sure you get plenty of rest (enjoy the pampering)   Take care and  keep us posted!

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: Jim Scott on June 13, 2006, 03:28:38 pm

Thanks so much for all the warm replies and good wishes.

Yes, the surgery did go very well...partly thanks to a very experienced and focused surgeon...Dr.Issac  Goodrich and his 'A-Team"at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut.

I'm receiving PT 're-hab' in-home via the VNA and my 'natural' balance is coming back more every day.  My hearing went years ago on the former 'tumor side' (left) so that is not a real problem at this point.    A bit of a dry left eye that drops take care of quite well and the 13cc stapled incision site (the staples come out on June 26th) are the only evidence that I had a major operation just 6 days ago.  My wife is thrilled with my progress, as am I.   I cannot wait to 'get past' this experience.  4 days in the ICU were a test of my patience, with the seemingly constant 'wake-up'' calls (to test neuro functions, take blood, etc).  So good to be home!

I just want those contemplating an AN removal  to know that it is not the end of the world and remember that everyone is different.  Some will do very well, others may not be on the exact same track.   I am not young but otherwise I'm quite healthy with no other physical problems to deal with.  That was a plus, obviously.  I researched all the AN sites...this one is my favorite..and educated myself on what I had (acoustic neuroma)  and what to do about it. My surgeon is conservative and cautious and we were on the same page at all times.  I'll never forget Dr. Goodrich.

I'll check back in from time to time to acknowledge any replies or answer any questions but I have no intention of making this AN experience the focus of the rest of my life.  It happened - and I succeeded in overcoming it ...with much help, of course.  No one gets through this without help; spiritual, family, friends...and I had all three.

Thanks again for the good wishes and compliments.  I really appreciate all of you guys.

Jim

 :)

Title: Re: My AN experience (post-op)
Post by: ppearl214 on June 13, 2006, 05:05:15 pm

Jim

YOU ARE A POSTIE!!!!!!! (post-treatment)  YAY YOU!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Please take things easy... one day at a time... step by step, inch by inch.  You sound terrific and sending wishes for further speedy recovery!

Phyl