Watch and Wait > For those in the 'watch and wait' status

Your opinion - does it relate to the AN

(1/2) > >>

kimbo:
Hi

I had a my 1st post diagnosis MRI in January 2009 with no notable growth and my specialist does not want to see me until Jan 2010.  Recently I have noticed that I have a constant dull ache about the size of my hand behind my AN ear and I get ear aches just like when I was a kid and had an ear infection.  I have also developed super-sensitive hearing (painful) to the point that it is annoying for my family; ring pull aluminum cans, clinking of dinner plates/cutlery and whistling nearly drive me crazy.  My question is, do I make an appointment to see my specialist 4 hours away just to determine if this is AN related and even if it is how does he help reduce the symptoms when I am in W&W mode.  I don't know whether this means the AN is growing, should I be concerned, or is this something that I have to learn to live with.  Has anybody had a similar experience.

 :-\
Kimbo

CHD63:
Kimbo ....

Since these symptoms seem to be new since January, I would definitely call your specialist to alert him/her about the new developments.  As several of us can tell you, ANs can take rapid growth spurts (although most do not).  Also it could be now growing even slowly but pressing on a different part of the nerve, causing new symptoms.

I can identify with the super-sensitive hearing, although it did not happen for me until after my surgery.  I keep ear protectors (old ones my husband had used when mowing the lawn) handy and put them on when running the blender, putting away dishes, etc. etc.  This does not help with the unexpected noises ..... when I still have the "startle reflex."  As a side note, we are currently babysitting our 2-year-old granddaughter for a couple of weeks, while her parents are away, and she still squeals in delight when excited ..... she is learning that it hurts Grandma's ears!!

Clarice

Vivian B.:
Hi Kimbo,

I have experienced the same symptoms and some days are very unconfortable. Even before being diagnosed the ear ache and headaches were so severe that they would wake me up at night. I am on watch and wait myself but I was told to go back for another MRI in September 6 months from diagnosis and I had mentioned these symptoms. I actually called the Neurosurgeon's office today about what I can do about the symptoms and spoke to the secretary who could not give me much information but she agreed that iI could speak to my family doctor about it. I would mention it to the Specialiist to just to let him/her know, however, I think that most of us have experienced these symptoms. I even had a rice krispie type of sound very loud for days during a cold and the Neuro said that it was not related to the AN. These growths are sitting in such a delicate area and the hearing system is very vulnerable not to mention all the cranial nerves surrounding the area. Sometimes I think that the AN swells for whatever reason and puts more pressure.  I have plugged my ear when I am in a noisy area, outside or in a mall when my symptoms act up. Even running water leaves an echo in my ear after the fawcett has been shut. Sometimes a decongestant or advil helps, but I am thinking of asking my family doctor for something stronger if symptoms get worse or if they occur more often.  Hang in there.

Vivian

Tisha:
Kimbo,

What you are experiencing with the hyper-sensitivity hearing is called hyperacusis.  I experienced it when I was in W&W and called my neurotologist.  He put me on a low-dose dexamethasone (2 mg, 1 mg, .5 mg) tapering.  It got rid of it within a day and it's never been back.  You might want to try that.  Plates, ice cubes, newspaper rattling...it was awful.

Tisha

Mickey:
Hi Kimbo! W+W also with around same size AN and yearly MRI`s. I get the tinnitus with sometimes a little crackle. It is bearable to me and I probably could go on indefinately as long as it stays the same. I`ve had symptoms for 30 years already and guess you could say has become a part of me.  Investigate and try to get relief as best you can, thats what I`ve always done. Best wishes, Mickey

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page