Hi Everyone,

Just thought I would pop in to say hello with an update, its been 15 years since I had my surgery at the House Clinic. I know many of you are just at the start of this journey and it feels like you are facing a huge tidal wave of the unknown, feeling life will never be the same. Take it from me life has been great since the surgery, this may sound odd but having a medical emergency was one of the best things to happen, while most of my chums are going through some sort of mid life crisis wondering what life is all about, and started to wear tight spandex and getting expensive bicycles. My surgery and subsequent life after, really made me appreciate the fact that I still wake up every morning, that alone is good enough for me.

Sure I am deaf in one ear and in total darkness I get a bit disorientated, avoid going to those dining in the dark restaurants. Otherwise everything is back to normal, can ski, skateboard etc. and the biggest bonus I dont get motion sickness anymore, my golf has improved, I can sleep in noisy hotel rooms (good ear on the pillow) save money on stereo system and can buy single earpieces.

Originally I had issue figuring out where the sound was coming from but somehow the brain has managed to work around that. When the other half starts to nag me, can just ignore her and blame the deafness.
I had tinnitus before the surgery, and was surprised it was still there after all the ear stuff was removed, but after 15 years I don't notice it all.   

So just want to say don't worry things will work out fine. I assume 15 years on the medical field has moved on and there are newer options out there.

If anyone is in Singapore or Malaysia who wants a chat I am always here.

Rick

 

Hi KNF.  Sorry for your mom.  In this craft, each doctor seems to have his favorite method.  Another way to evaluate this is to determine which teams are the most experienced.  Also you can ask people on this site for their experience with these doctors.  You can also use the search feature on this site and see what comments have come up on their names.  The most important thing is a very experienced team with a great track record.  Best regards.

Thank you for posting this.  My tumor is now growing and all the experts recommend treatment at this time.  I've done much research too, but it's still very difficult which way to go (radiation or surgery).  They both have their pros and cons.  I've had three ear surgeries on the impacted side and don't wish to go through a fourth and most difficult one.  I like the radiosurgery simplicity, but don't want to have dizziness rear its head in the future if I leave the tumor pressing on the adjacent structures.  I currently have a small amount of dizziness in the am hours typically & it gets better after noon.  Lastly, I'd like to save what's left of my hearing as I'm a professional musician & have been for the past 30+yrs.  Very tough decision!  Anyway, thanks again for posting and if anyone would like to reply, please do.

It's always tough choice.  Might help to ask the radiosurgeon about your specific radiosurgery concerns, and see what his replies are.  I had the same concern about mine pressing on the brainstem.  I asked the radiosurgeon about it and he gave me his answers.  I found evaluating his answer helped me to make my decision.  PM me if you'd like to talk.  Let us know how it goes.

I think it is a good idea to talk to someone about your feelings

Consider reaching out to a different neurologist or a neurosurgical center that specializes in treating conditions like acoustic neuromas (AN) and related complications. They may have more experience with cases like yours and be able to offer additional insights and treatment options.