Surgery Scheduled

[ReneeK]

My surgery has been scheduled for 11/30/10. Dr. Friedman had submitted autorization for the middle fossia, but said I could change my mind even the day of. I am leaning more towards the translab because it seems there is less of a risk of facial paralysis. My tumor is small 1.1 X 0.7 and my hearing is really bad in the AN ear. Any suggestions or first hand experience would be helpful. I was dissappointed that I can't have the BAJA done at the same time. I guess they had not submitted authorization for that Does anyone know how soon after the AN suegery you can go in for the BAJA?

Thanks in advance ~

Renee

[ksiwek]

Renee,

I just posted to you on another thread.  Dr Friedman just did my AN surgery in June.  If you want to talk about anything related to House, BAHA, etc send me a message and I can give you my number.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr Friedman and House.  You are in excellent hands.  He is both a wonderful surgeon and person.

My BAHA was implanted last week at 18 wks post op.  I know when Dr Friedman and I spoke a month ago he told me that I was healed enough to have the implant at that time.  I opted to have the BAHA implant done in Chicago closer to home vs travelling back to LA from the midwest. 

Best,
Kris

[cindyj]

Congrats on setting your surgery date, Renee!  I was also a Friedman patient - LA is wonderful in November!  Even though my hearing was virtually perfect at the time of surgery, he felt there was really only a small chance of saving it due to the tumor location.  I chose Translab...I just had this feeling it was interfering w/ my facial nerve and wanted him to have the best look at the nerve possible.  Turns out that was the right decision - he stated later that he was very glad we chose Translab.  I did have some facial weakness for about 8 weeks post op, but 98% ok now.  Do let us know if you have any questions about the logistics of cross country surgery - we'll help in any way we can.

Best of luck to you,

 cindy

[ReneeK]

Cindy-

Thankfully I live about 60 miles from the House clinic Long distance travel will not be an issue, thank you so much for your kind words 

Renee

[cindyj]

Ohhhh, then you won't be flying  And, I suppose you are pretty familiar w/ that awesome weather out there!

Well, anything else we can help you with, just let us know

cindy

[Lizard]

Congrats on setting your date!  You will be in the most capable hands!
Liz

[opp2]

My surgery has been scheduled for 11/30/10. Dr. Friedman had submitted autorization for the middle fossia, but said I could change my mind even the day of. I am leaning more towards the translab because it seems there is less of a risk of facial paralysis. My tumor is small 1.1 X 0.7 and my hearing is really bad in the AN ear. Any suggestions or first hand experience would be helpful. I was dissappointed that I can't have the BAJA done at the same time. I guess they had not submitted authorization for that Does anyone know how soon after the AN suegery you can go in for the BAJA?

Thanks in advance ~

Renee

I can't really advise you one way or another Renee, but I did want to say all the best in your research and your choices. We'll be routing for you.

[leapyrtwins]

Renee -

BAHA implants can be done as soon as your head has healed from AN surgery.  That said, "healed" is a subjective term that depends on your doctor's definition.

I tried the BAHA demo 4 months after my AN surgery and could have had the implant then.  However, my insurance company took 5 months to approve the surgery and the cost of the processor, so it was 9 months before I had my implant. 

Just a note - we are talking BAHAs not BAJAs.  BAHA = bone anchored hearing aid   

Jan