Hello!

[paleopurls]

Hello everyone! I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself. The pertinent info is in my signature, but I'll recap anyway.

A little over a year ago I suddenly lost hearing in my right ear. Two visits to my primary, a CT scan, and an MRI later, I was diagnosed with a probable AN 7mm x 7mm x 5mm on the right side. I had translab almost 3 weeks ago (5/19/11) and am currently recovering at home.

I had surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center by Dr. Samuel Levine and Dr. Stephen Haines. Been impressed so far! They got the whole thing out and preserved my facial nerve.

Pre-surgery symptoms: tinnitus, hearing loss, very slight balance issues
Post-surgery: hearing loss, balance issues, maybe some eye issues, numbness above right ear - hoping that everything but the hearing loss will resolve as I recover.

I've written a lot about my experience, particularly post-surgery at my blog - http://paleopurls.blogspot.com - in hopes that it helps other people diagnosed with an AN. Click on the "acoustic neuroma" tag for relevant posts, otherwise you'll have to sift through a lot of knitting-related writing.

It's great to know there's a community of folks out there who have had a similar experience; a place to go for support as I recover! Thanks for reading and I look forward to getting to know everyone.

[Kaybo]

Hello paleopurls and WELCOME to our little corner of the world - the place where you really don't WANT to be, but if you have/had an AN, it is a GREAT group of people!!

Feel free to make yourself at home and ask anything you want...that's what we are here for!  Sounds like you are doing great already!!

K   

[CHD63]

Hi paleopurls and welcome to this forum .....

I had translab surgery 8 days before you did so we are following a similar recovery path.  It sounds like you are doing well ..... that's great.

Stick around ..... great group of new friends here.

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Emily - and welcome. 

I read your blog (the acoustic neuroma stuff, mostly) and I'm pleased to learn that you had a successful surgery and are experiencing a good (if not always 'perfect') recovery.  Your interest in paleontology is intriguing and I hope that you can pursue it and eventually find employment in a museum, as you desire.  I trust that you've applied to museums for positions that don't require specific degrees or direct paleontology-related experience but that would benefit from an employee with your passion for the field.

As has been previously stated (by Kay and Clarice) you are certainly welcome here and we hope you'll stay connected with the ANA discussion forum.  We have a very lively membership and the forums are active with information, advice and, most of all, support from other AN patients.  I think you'll feel 'at home' here. 

Jim

[Mark241]

Hello and welcome! I hope you have continued speedy recovery, you as well Clarice!!