ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Debbi on January 28, 2009, 09:01:27 am
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Hi All-
Got an email last night from Kim saying "Neal came out of the surgery just fine. The surgeons said it went perfectly." Yahoo!! I'll post again when I hear more - in the meantime, let's hope Neal is resting as comfortably as possible (yeah, like that's possible with a big hole in your head and a skin-tight turban!)
Way to go, Neal!!!
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Thanks Debbi and great job Neal. See you at the next NJ/NYC lunch event.
Joe-
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Just got another email from Kim. She said that Neal looked "pretty cruddy" last night and he is in a bit of pain today. She's on her way to the hospital shortly (delayed because of the bad weather) and will update me later.
We all know that the first day is the worst.
More later...
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Thanks for the update Debbi. The first 24 hours are definitely the worst, so hopefully he's on his way to feeling better. Tell him Marci says to enjoy the drugs, eat the bad food, and walk as soon as possible.
M
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Woo woo! Pass along healing hugs from all of us! Thanks for posting an update!
Regards,
Brian
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Debbi:
Thanks for passing along Neal's update (via Kim). As Steve is fond of stating: "the first 3 days (post-op) don't count". I think most AN surgery patients would agree. That being the case, Kim should urge Neal to just rest and let the anesthesia wear off until he feels better, probably around Day 3. Meanwhile, we're all rooting for him and hope to see him home and posting again, soon. :)
Jim
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Hi Debbi -
Thanks for the great update on Neal,! I was just thinking about him and wondering how he's been feeling since his surgery on Tuesday. When I PM'd him on Monday he told me he hoped to be home and posting for himself by Friday -- hopefully he will. In the meantime I'll look forward to whatever updates you can provide. Please give Neal my best wishes!
Wendy
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Thanks for the update, Debbi.
Sounds like things are pretty status quo for Neal.
Please keep us posted - and thanks again :)
Jan
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Gotta have our updates! Thanks for keeping tabs on Neal, may he sleep well, rest well, and nap well.
Steve
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Another quick update on Neal - got a note from Kim, his wife and here's what she said...
"Neal's doing good and they think he can go home Friday. Thy moved him to a private room yesturday which I didn't think he was ready for. The private room is so much nicer with comfortable chairs, bathroom, 5th ave window. They said he needs a more normal routine to start walking around/more stimulation.
He just called and said he's feeling much better, less headaches and is starting to eat. They had to do a spinal tap to relieve fluid pressure. 2 interns tried till 1 doctor finally got it right. He was suppose to need a few of them, but today he said there was so far no need."
Sounds like he's doing well. I'll keep ya posted!
Debbi, freezing my tushie off in NU
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Thanks for the update! I, too, had a spinal tap, albeit not til almost 2 months post-surgery. They're no fun, but necessary. Ironically, for me the pain shot hurt worse than the actual tap procedure. I hope he continues to feel well, gets moving around a little, etc.. All of us surgery vets know that doing so can only help speed some things along.
Regards,
Brian
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I also had 2 spinal taps while I was in the hospital. The surgeons said it reduces the risk of leakage.
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Hi Debbi,
Thanks for another great update on Neal! It sounds like he must to doing really well and I hope for his sake, gets to go home today. As the saying goes -- there's no place like home!
Sending wellness wishies Neal's way,
Wendy
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Hi All-
Got another update from Kim late last night. Neal is feeling better by the day and the docs said he should be able to come home today!! Wahoo! Kim said that they would do a final check up and blood work before releasing him; but he should be home in his own bed soon. I am sure he'll be thrilled.
Kim wasn't sure why they did the spinal tap, so we'll have to wait for Neal to fill us in on that. Meanwhile, here's hoping Kim and Neal both get some much needed rest.
Debbi
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Hi Debbi,
thank you SO much for keeping us updated on Neal... and sending wellness wishes to him... as he enters "postiehood" :)
Speedy recovery to you, Neal! Be well and hang tough!
Phyl
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Hi all, I am home. I will post more details later but everything went as well as possible. Surgery from 9:30am to 5:50pm on tuesday. a long day. I'm gonig to catch up on some sleep now so I'll check in tomorrow and list some more details.
Boy it's good to be home.
Neal
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Hi, Neal:
Welcome back! You are now an official 'postie!' :)
We pretty much know how you feel (tired) so get all the rest you need. We'll be here when you have the energy to post again.
Jim
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Yay! Welcome home! I slept a LOT post-surgery, so you're entitled to as much of it as you need. We'll be here when you're ready.. For now, get some rest and welcome home!
Regards,
Brian
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Congrats postie-Neal! :) Pls get some rest and check in when you feel up to it. I bet it feels great to be back in your own home and bed....
welcome back! and congrats!
Phyl
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Neal,
Congratulations and welcome back! Glad to hear you're resting in the comfort of your own home.
Heal well and enjoy the naps. :)
Nancy L
And Debbi - thanks for all the updates!
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Neal,
Congratulations and I'm glad you're home! Rest well, take it easy on yourself.
Best,
Marci
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Congratulations! ;D
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Hi Neal,
Get rest and I look forward to speaking with you during your recovery.
Joe-
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Surgery from 9:30am to 5:50pm on tuesday. a long day.
I believe I was at work for that same time period. It was a long day. :D
Glad you are back and planning to catch up on some sleep. Sleep for a week!
Steve
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I also had 2 spinal taps while I was in the hospital. The surgeons said it reduces the risk of leakage.
Wow! I have never heard of this.
I had no spinal taps and didn't have a leak.
Glad to hear that Neal will be sleeping in his own bed soon.
Nothing like that feeling, after a hospital stay!
Jan
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It seems extreme to me, but it makes sense.. Think of spinal fluid build-up as water in a hose.. If one pokes a hole and releases some water, then you're less likely to get a leak somewhere else.. Extreme, but maybe warranted in some cases..
Brian
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Hi Neal!
Glad to hear you are home and resting comfortably. I hope you and Kim are relaxing a bit more and hope you are getting the pampering you need at this point. Get lots of rest and take things one day at a time. Baby steps and patience (lots and lots of it) are key to recovery.
Best wishes for a quick and uneventful recovery,
Wendy
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Ok I wrote a long post and somehow lost the whole thing so I will try again!
Thank you all for your support this week. My wife found it very helpful to read the posts here as she sent Debbie the updates. Debbie than you so much.
Surgery--9:30am to 5:50pm and it was an AN not a Meningioma. They say they got it all. The night of the surgery the 'team' of docs examined me and one didn't like the way I was raising my right arm. I complained that it was only because of the shunts and tubes that was making it difficult.Another doc on the team agreed with me but they decided to send me for a CT scan anyway and the results were good. Once some of the tubes were removed my arm movement was fiine.
Spinal taps--my neurosurgeon likes to drain a little fluid to prevent CFS leaks. He informed me there would be 3 taps before going home. First attempt by the intern team was not successful. they tried 3 times then I told them, '3 strikes and you are out!' ABout an hour later a senior member from the surgeon's team, Dr. George, came and infromed me he would make one attempt and I wont feel a thing. If he can't get it that would be that. One strike. He kept his word. All I felt was the injection to numb the area. The next day Dr.Jake, came and was just as good. First time they took 3 viles, next day 4 viles of fluid. The second tap left me with a slight headache and nausea. It didn't last long. That night my surgeon came in and said I was doing so well that I could go home the next day and no more taps.
Headaches--I've been pretty lucky, no real pain problems, some pain around the incision and that is pretty mild.
Wobbly--I was up and walking around as soon as they gave me a walking IV stand. They were impressed. My balance was affected before surgery so I was probably making adjustments already. While I am not as good as pre-surgery I can get around well and can do stairs without problem.
Post anesthesia-- The tubes swelled up my tongue and I have blisters on my tongue as well. This makes it hard for me to eat anything dry-cereal, crackers etc. so far coffee is my best friend.
Head.
Meds--I am currently being wined off Dexamethasone, taking pepcid and have a supply of Tylonol #3 (w/codine) which I haven't taken yet at all!
Immediate results--I have absolutely no facial paralysis. I can smile, wink, blink, open and close my eyes etc. Everytime the docs came in it was show me your teeth, then follow this finger. and they would move therer finger from right to left. It got to the point when they came in I did it myself without them asking. I just smiled and watched my own finger. They all got a kick out of that. My hearing in my eft ear seems to be gone. They said during the surgery that the nerve was showing some activity but it was weak. Time will tell. I will have another audiology test in the middle of February. We will see then but for now my overall hearing seems the same as pre-surgery since I already had loss in that ear.
Enogh typing for now. Thanks again to everyone--especially Debbie for the update posts. This forum has been so helpful I can't even express it well. All I can sy is that I am crying now and I don't cry.
Thaks so much!!!
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Neal,
Sounds as though you're doing great! Take care and get lots of rest and we'll look forward to seeing you at the next NY/NJ event.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Neal,
So glad everything turned out great! I also had 3 spinal taps after my first surgery and, boy, did they hurt in student's hands! So I am with you on that. Rest now and take it easy.
Eve
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Neal, just remember to take it easy, listen to your body and rest as needed. Pls do not try to overpush yourself, ok? I know I'm noting what you already know... just reminders. Onward and upward to a VERY speedy recovery! :)
Phyl
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Hi Neal,
You sound wonderful and I'm so glad to hear you had such a wonderful outcome. The balance problems will most likely get better with time -- when you are up to it doing some of the vestibular exercises that have been posted here or recommended by your doctors will help a lot. In the meantime, rest and recover and listen to your body -- it knows what you need. Since you're not able to eat a lot you should probably add a multivitamin to your routine -- just a thought.
Sending wishies for a speedy and uneventful recovery,
Wendy
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Yes, I have added back my multi-vitamin and look forward to the day I can taste food again. For now only soup or scrambled eggs taste normal. I grabbed a few Doritos during the Superbowl last night and they tasted like sand! I could not eat them. I could almost taste the banana I ate this morning. That is some improvement. Still, my tongue is sore and recovering. All else is good. No pain, some wonky head but overall I feel great. I am yet to need a pain pill since I am home and that is good.
I must thank you all again as the posts here have been a tremendous boost for my well being. As my daughter would say, 'the ANA Forum Rocks!'
Cheers
Neal
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Doritos are overrated anyway. I hope your sense of taste returns quickly at any rate. So glad you are doing well.
M
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Great to hear you are doing so well. The only thing that tasted right to me for a while was strawberry ice cream and orange juice. From there I progressed to KFC mashed potatoes and gravy. No explaining that.
Linda in WV
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Glad you are home.. Most issues with taste should resolve fairly quickly. As with most everything with AN's, not fast enough usually to our liking. Patience. Glad you're back.
Regards,
Brian
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OK it has been one week since my 8.5 hour surgical removal of my AN on my left side.
1-No pain! A little dizzy at times, lethargic and food doesn't taste right yet. Healing nicely.
2-SSD in left ear. At least for now. We will wait and listen but I don't have great expectations for much hearing returning.
3- Absolutely no facial muscle problems. I can smile wink, blink, whistle, and I am no longer having any facial spasms like I had prior to surgery.
4- Stitches scheduled to be removed on Monday, February 9, if all continues well.
5-Another audiology exam on the week of Feb, 16 to see hear what's what.
All in all I am happy with the progress so far.
Friends and family have been wonderful.
It is good to be home.
Cheers
Neal
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Hi Neal! Very happy to hear your doing well. Looking foward to see you at next nj/ny get together. Mickey
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Hi Neal,
It sounds like you on the fast track to recovery! I am so very happy for you that you are having such a great post-op experience. Of course, being SSD is not fun, but should you decide you can't deal with it, BAHA and TransEar are both great alternatives if your hearing doesn't return.
Best wishes for continued good healing,
Wendy
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Hey Neal - by the time you read this, you should be stitch-free! Have been reading your posts, and really glad that you are doing so well. Don't want to speak TOO soon, but it sounds like it may be another AN success story. Your wife, btw, was just wonderful about sending me emails, so give her a great big hug from all of us. Heck, give yourself one, too!
If you are feeling particularly brave, post a picture of your stitch-free head, okay? We all seem to really enjoy seeing other people's incisions (okay, we are definitely a strange bunch.)
Look forward to seeing you at our next lunch.
Debbi
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Yep, I am stitch free. My neurosurgeon said he is extremely satisfied with my results and recovery. He says the hearing nerve was preserved but only time will tell if I will ever hear in that ear again. The pathology confirmed that it was an Acoustic Neuroma (b9) and I asked the surgeon if he thinks he got it all, as best as he could tell. He replied,'NO, I am certain I got it all!' I'll take that.
Next week I will see the Otolaryngologyst (ENT) for his exam and another audiology exam as well and hear what he says about my chances of hearing again in my AN ear.
So far, while a tough two weeks, my wife and I are very happy with our decision for treatment, personnel and of course, venue.
Neal
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Hey Gang,
I drove today and no problem! ;D
Still a little tipsy when I walk but no problem driving!
Another step on the road back to 'normal'.
Neal
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Neal:
Great to hear about your progress. You are having a remarkable recovery. I am very happy for you. I know you will continue to get stronger. It looks like you will be at 100% in the very near future.
Thanks for sharing,
Sonja
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Neal,
If you see Dr. Smouha, please tell him Wayne Crimi said hello.
Also, when I had my first hearing test post op (at about 5 weeks) I would estimate my hearing was at about 50%. Dr. Smouha didn't give me an exact percentage, but when I threw out that number, he sort of nodded. He will probably also do a test on your hearing via the bone. That test showed better hearing (he said the nerve was probably in good shape). Since that time, I've had recurring bouts of a congested feeling in the bad ear, my ear feeling like it was draining, high pitched and hissing tinnitus, and hearing overload that sounds like squeaking when in crowded bars and restuarants. Those symptoms are slowly diminshing and my hearing is improving. At times it almost seems normal except that voices over the phone can sometimes sound mechnical instead of human. So if they feel your hearing nerve was preserved, I think there is some hope for improvement. I was able to hear a bit post surgery, but I definitely improved over the weeks.
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Neal,
If you see Dr. Smouha, please tell him Wayne Crimi said hello.
Also, when I had my first hearing test post op (at about 5 weeks) I would estimate my hearing was at about 50%. Sr. Smouha didn't give me an exact percentage, but when I threw out that number, he sort of nodded. He will probably also do a test on your hearing via the bone. That test showed better hearing (he said the nerve was probably in good shape). Since that time, I've had recurring bouts of a congested feeling in the bad ear, my ear feeling like it was draining, high pitched and hissing tinnitus, and hearing overload that sounds like squeaking when in crowded bars and restuarants. Those symptoms are slowly diminshing and my hearing is improving. At times it almost seems normal except that voices over the phone can sometimes sound mechnical instead of human. So if they feel your hearing nerve was preserved, I think there is some hope for improvement. I was able to hear a bit post surgery, but I definitely improved over the weeks.
Wayne,
This is great information. Right now all I hear in my AN ear is ringing. Now and then some garbled sounds. I have hope though. Thanks for the input and I will send your hello.
Neal
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Neal,
"Day by day, inch by inch..." I tell you what you already know... :) Hang in there and know I'm sending wellness wishes your way! :)
Phyl
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Hi Neal,
Congratulations on reaching the milestone of driving!!! I know it was a real morale booster for me and gave me my sense of independence back. Amazing that you've reached this point so early in your recovery. I couldn't be happier for you!
Onward and upward!
Wendy
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Yes, things are progressing well, then all of a sudden I am exhausted and need to stop and rest. Also my IV sites on my right arm look like they are completely healed but are still sore to the touch. Doctor says it will just take time as there are nerve issues from the IV site. Just give it time. I will.
Neal
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Wow! Congrats! It seems like just yesterday you had surgery.. how time flies. Good that you're back in the saddle again, as it were. You'll get bouts of fatigue like that for awhile. You'll learn to adjust to them and one day you'll notice that they're gone. You're definitely on the fast track. Congrats!
Brian
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Neil,
Congratulations on a quick and speedy recovery! Looks like you will just need rest from here on out. Thanks for your detailed posts on your progress. This gives me some idea of post op progress as well as HOPE for as good a result as you've obviously had. Please keep posting on your progress. Your info helps those of us on the "other side".
Steve
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Neil,
You seem to have had an amazing result.
Congratulations.
Driving already etc...
Do you have any wonkyheadiness or dizziness when you walk around etc... ?
Wayne
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Neil,
You seem to have had an amazing result.
Congratulations.
Driving already etc...
Do you have any wonkyheadiness or dizziness when you walk around etc... ?
Wayne
Yes, my recovery is coming along fine, but there are some issues though minor ones:
I do have wonkyheadiness but it is manageable. If I walk or turn too fast I get dizzy, though no problem driving. The site of my IV cathode on my right arm appears healed up but is still sore to the touch. I find a heating pad helps. This too is getting better and I think that now that I am finished with the dexamethasone it will heal faster.
No bad headaches but dull aches at the back of my neck and a little more toward the AN side.
Still deaf in my AN ear.
I've taken the approach that instead of pushing myself I am taking the Kitty Cat method of R&R -- pick a comfy spot, lie down, and purr.
:)
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Neil:
Kudos on your swift recovery...and thanks for the detailed updates. Your recovery is quite similar to mine; no real problems, just a few nagging reminders that you had brain surgery. Otherwise, you're doing great! I hope your experience can be an encouragement to those contemplating (and probably dreading) AN removal surgery in the near future.
Jim
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Neil,
Yours is an ecouraging story both in results and attitude!
Wayne
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Greetings All,
Today I saw Dr. Smouha, my Otolarygologist, and the good news is that he is thrilled with my recovery and he feels that I should not have any problem returning to my regular routine. I mentioned that I can juggle three balls, nothing fancy just the regular cascade and since surgery I attempted this and I could juggle as well as I ever could. He felt that if I could juggle I could do anything.
Then we got to my hearing ability, or lack of it, in my AN ear. He said we didn't want to say anything until the Audiologist did the tests. So off I went to see the Audiologist.
Now the bad news: there is absolutely no sign of any hearing ability in my AN ear. The Audiologist showed me the different hearing aid options but advised me not to make up mind yet, just consider them all as well as doing nothing and see how SSD effects me. I did get to try out the sample BAHA and it worked fine but I am still undecided about hearing aids.
Back to Dr. Smouha -- he wasn't surprised. He said that my tumor was so big he did not think there was much chance of the nerve functioning after the surgery but he did not want to say anything until I was tested. He did tell me before the surgery that there was a strong chance that I would never hear again in my AN ear so I knew the deal.
I still feel very positive about my results and both my surgeons.
Next month I go back to my neurologist and get an post surgery MRI. If all is well I won't need another for a year.
BTW, Wayne C, I sent your regards to Dr. Smouha and he had very nice things to say about you.
Cheers,
Neal
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I have been feeling more and more like my old self and I am scheduled to return to work on Friday, 2/27/2009. I have been working out (C2 rowing machine) but not quite as hard as before my surgery, still, it gets better everyday.
I still haven't totally accepted my SSD but started to look into hearing aids. I am intrigued with the TransEar. I will have to get more info. Still, I wish some hearing ability would return to my AN ear. I need more time. Maybe once I am back into my regular routine I will come to grips with my SSD condition.
Cheers
Neal
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Neal,
I had my follow up MRI late last week and will see Dr. Smouha and Dr. Post on Tuesday 3/3. Dr. Post is not around this week and I want to see both on the same day to cut down on the potential for missing work etc... I'll send regards to Dr. Smouha. LOL
I hope everything works out for you regarding hearing aids etc...
Wayne
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It has been over 6 weeks now and I am back at work. I consider myself pretty much recovered. However I do find that I am having some difficulty adjusting to being deaf on one side - SSD. I feel lucky that I did not experience any of the other conditions that many of the members here have encountered, but I do find myself having difficulty hearing my family and in situations where I am with groups of people. According to the hearing tests my hearing ability in my good ear is excellent.
I have an appointment to see an Audiologist on Friday about a hearing device (TransEar or CROS). I did try the BAHA demo version in the hospital and I wasn't impressed. I fear that if the BAHA did not do it for me, these other aids won't help me either.
The doctor (ENT) told me that he does not expect the ability to hear to return to my AN ear. In noisy situations I hear a ringing sound in my AN ear.
I hope that in time I can get used to this and/or I find a device that helps.
Any advise?
Neal
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Neal ~
Thanks for the very encouraging update. I'm pleased to learn about your excellent recovery. I trust that you'll find a workable solution to the SSD problem, in time. However, many of us who are SSD do learn to handle it and devise strategies and coping mechanisms that we use to function with only 50% hearing. Body placement that puts your 'good' ear closer to a speaker is basic, as is avoiding very noisy environments and not being afraid to tell someone that you're deaf in one ear. In a group, I'll often subtly turn my body so that my 'good' ear is toward the center of the group. Eventually, these small actions become automatic. I'm fortunate, like you, in that my 'good' ear has excellent hearing acuity. SSD is a deficit but it can be managed. I do it on a daily basis and so do many other AN patients.
I'm surprised you weren't impressed with the BAHA unit. Almost everyone who has tried one has raved about it. Of course, it isn't 'natural' hearing but it does seem to help. I gradually lost my hearing in the AN-affected ear over a 5-year period and slowly but surely adjusted to it. It was about gone by the time I told my wife of the problem. She had began to suspect I was getting 'hard of hearing' (I said 'what? quite often). This gradual loss helped me to learn coping skills and they have served me well. I don't feel the need for a hearing aid (I'm retired and that's a factor) but if I ever did, I would definitely consider the BAHA unit.
Again, congratulations on your successful surgery and impressive recovery. May it only continue.
Jim
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Hi Neal! Its not even two months since our Jan. lunchen. Great progress for you. Makes me even reevaluate my own W+W situation. If I didn`t feel this good I probably would jump right in. Well anyhow it gives alot of us people confidence going into the future. I`m so happy that everything workd out for you. Mickey
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Neal ~
Thanks for the very encouraging update. I'm pleased to learn about your excellent recovery. I trust that you'll find a workable solution to the SSD problem, in time. However, many of us who are SSD do learn to handle it and devise strategies and coping mechanisms that we use to function with only 50% hearing. Body placement that puts your 'good' ear closer to a speaker is basic, as is avoiding very noisy environments and not being afraid to tell someone that you're deaf in one ear. In a group, I'll often subtly turn my body so that my 'good' ear is toward the center of the group. Eventually, these small actions become automatic. I'm fortunate, like you, in that my 'good' ear has excellent hearing acuity. SSD is a deficit but it can be managed. I do it on a daily basis and so do many other AN patients.
I'm surprised you weren't impressed with the BAHA unit. Almost everyone who has tried one has raved about it. Of course, it isn't 'natural' hearing but it does seem to help. I gradually lost my hearing in the AN-affected ear over a 5-year period and slowly but surely adjusted to it. It was about gone by the time I told my wife of the problem. She had began to suspect I was getting 'hard of hearing' (I said 'what? quite often). This gradual loss helped me to learn coping skills and they have served me well. I don't feel the need for a hearing aid (I'm retired and that's a factor) but if I ever did, I would definitely consider the BAHA unit.
Again, congratulations on your successful surgery and impressive recovery. May it only continue.
Jim
Jim,
Thanks for the great response. While I do want to explore all my options for dealing with my SSD I would not be surprised if in the end I ended up with a strategy much like yours. Besides the frustrating times when I find myself saying 'what?' a lot, there are those other times I find that I can rest my head--good ear down--into the palm of my hand and block out all sound around me, unknown to those around me. This has come in handy a number of times. At night if my wife wants to watch a TV show and I want to sleep I know which side to lie on. In a meeting with a dull speaker--it works great for situations like that.
The doctor (ENT) told me that my hearing nerve was left in tact, and both ends are connected, but it was compromised by the size and location of my tumor. After the audiologist's tests he said there was not any chance that the nerve may revive. Still, I am taking B Complex vitamins and CQ10 with the hope that I may get some hearing back in that ear. Maybe I am just having difficulty accepting it but I am still hoping some hearing comes back in that ear.
I read the posts here on the AN Forum everyday and I know that compared to a lot of the folks here that have much more difficult post treatment issues I am very lucky with the outcome of my surgery. I am extremely grateful that, so far, SSD is the worst side effect I have encountered. I will learn to deal with it.
Neal
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Hi Neal! Its not even two months since our Jan. lunchen. Great progress for you. Makes me even reevaluate my own W+W situation. If I didn`t feel this good I probably would jump right in. Well anyhow it gives alot of us people confidence going into the future. I`m so happy that everything workd out for you. Mickey
Hey Mickey,
Good to see your post. I hope we have another get-together real soon. I would love to see everyone again.
Neal
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Neal,
It sounds like you are doing great.
How is your balance? Any dizziness?
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Neal,
It sounds like you are doing great.
How is your balance? Any dizziness?
Wayne,
Very little. My balance was compromised prior to my surgery so they did not expect me to have much of a balance problem after as I was already compensationg. That's not to say it is perfect just very mild--when I make a quick 90 degree turn I tend to bump into something, it made me a little more clumsy. If I am outside walking quickly and focus on the area right before me I am fine, but if I focus further on I do feel a little light headed, not quite dizzy.
I hope you are doing well.
Neal
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Thanks for the input Neal. I am doing OK. My balance and dizziness are getting better, but very slowly. Most of the other symptoms are either gone or greatly diminished. I saw DR. Smouha last week and he said my follow up MRI was perfect. He expects me to continue improving over the course of the year and has encouraged me to play tennis and be as active as possible. As soon as the weather turns, I'm going to test myself further. I hope things keep improving for you.