Kathy,
My AN was 1.7cm I had mid fossa surgery at House. I was in ICU 24 hrs and hospital a total of 5 days. Yes I walked out of the hospital [ with assistance ] the drive home was a feeling of being a goldfish in a bowl being driven in a car. I hope you understand that description. I basically slept a lot for the first few weeks, the fatigue is unbelievable and it is better to not try and fight it. I had no taste in my mouth for about 10 months and lost 20lbs. For me that was the only good thing. I went to vestibular training for about 2 months and still do the exercises. I relied totally on my husband for the first 6 months. I think I drove for the first time
about 2 months after surgery. I am now 2 years along and while my balance is not what it was I have to keep "plodding on" I have a BAHA and I am happy with it. For me the worst thing has been the facial paralysis. I am sure I feel it is a lot worse than others see it. I am still dealing with that. If you read my post about Nintendo DS and eye training you will see that I just got back from a cruise. I Zip lined over the rain forest, rode on the back of a scooter, and was on a catamaran for a 4 hour sail. I think that you have to decide that life goes on, all be it not the same. People recover at different speeds, and attitude definitely plays a huge part. I wish that the Dr would have been more realistic about outcome and recovery. I was led to believe that there was a 70% chance my hearing would be saved and better than 90% my facial nerve would not be affected. and basically my life would soon get back to normal. When I went back for check ups after the surgery and asked about all the things that were happening to me, I was told that is normal and there is nothing you can do to help it. Basically I would leave the clinic very upset. Your son is young and his AN is very small, arm yourself with as much information as you can, and get consultations from more than 1 Dr.
Lainie.
