ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: Suebedo on August 22, 2010, 01:10:18 pm
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I found out in June I had an AN - small, a little over 1 cm still in the canal. Still have 90% hearing in that ear, loud tinnitis, and some balance issues. Will have surgery at the Univeristy of MN September 30. Mid fossa to try and retain my hearing. I'm usally not one that thinks the worse but this time, it has been hard. The varities of outcomes make it difficult to know what will happen. I try to breathe and just wait. Any words of wisdom appreciated.
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Hi Sue and welcome!
It's hard not to think the worst when you're faced with this type of thing, but there are a whole bunch of us here to help remind you that you'll get through this okay!
I don't think I have any words of wisdom, but some good advice someone gave me was "Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best!". Turns out it wasn't nearly as bad as I had prepared for! That was a pleasant surprise! ;D
Take a deep breath.....feel free to ask any questions.
Lori ;D
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Hi, Sue. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but glad you were able to find this wonderful supportive community.
The time before surgery was absolutely the hardest for me. I was a basket case. Some things that helped me were to keep busy, stay positive, and not read too much about potential outcomes. Once you've picked your treatment method and the doctors, there's not much else that's in your hands. You just have to turn it over and hope for the best.
I wish you great luck! Give yourself lots of TLC right now. --Carol Ann
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Hi, Sue - and welcome.
Your concerns are perfectly normal. As you've apparently learned already, an acoustic neuroma may be tiny but due to their location, surgery to remove them is necessarily complex and because of all the adjacent cranial nerves, the surgery is a challenge for the doctor and the AN patient. The good news is that the majority of AN surgical patients do just fine, although there can be some 'bumps in the road'. I assume you're confident about your doctor and the surgical team that will perform the surgery. As you know, AN resection is major surgery and you'll probably be hospitalized for 5 days, barring any complications. The average recovery is 6 to 8 weeks, but of course, that varies with the individual. Some folks are gung-ho and back to work in a few weeks while some need a few months to fully recuperate. At 63 (and in otherwise good health) I was in the hospital for 5 days following my 9-hour debulking surgery, driving within 2 weeks (with my doctor's permission) and felt recovered by four weeks, post-op. I'm retired so returning to work wasn't an issue. On hindsight, it was probably close to a year, post-op, before I was fully recovered but now, four years post-op/radiation, I'm doing great. Many other AN patients have had experiences similar to mine...some recovered even faster, although you shouldn't consider your recovery as being a race.
My advice is - prior to the surgery, try to keep busy and get your stuff in some kind of order. Prepare to have some help when you return home from the hospital (about a week should be enough) and don't make any plans that would interfere with your recovery. As the Big Day approaches, try not to obsess about it and use this forum to ask questions, vent or whatever you need to do. Our members are eager to help and have a wealth of knowledge they're happy to share.
I'm sure you'll do well and be just fine but we'll be thinking of and praying for you, just the same. :)
Jim
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Hi Sue, welcome to our little club!! I cannot add anything more than what everyone else has already posted, I just wanted to wish you good luck and please continue to post any question or concerns you may have...between all of us, we can get you through this!
Take care! Jay
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Hi Sue .....
Adding my welcome to this caring and very supportive group of new friends. What you are feeling is so normal. It is a scary thing to think about. As Jim said, try to keep yourself busy doing fun things with family or friends and preparing a few things to make it easier for the post-op days when you return home. If there is a particular thing that has you worried, share it and others who have been there will help you walk through this journey. You are not alone. We all care and are concerned for each new person in our same situation. That's why we stay active on the forum.
Best thoughts and many prayers.
Clarice
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Hi, Sue. Welcome to the Forum ;D
Mid-fossa will give you the best chance of saving your hearing, so you (and/or your doctor) were wise to choose that approach.
I hope you have a great outcome. Think positive!
Good luck,
Jan
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Sue,
I also wanted to welcome you to the forum and let you know that we are here for you :)
This next month of waiting might be tough, so what I tried to do is keep busy. Surround yourself with people that care about you and do some of your favorite activities. I also needed to get my house in order for my own piece of mind...
Hang in there,
Liz
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Hi Sue,
Good words of wisdom from all, and ditto!
You'll feel so much better once you get the bugger out of your head. If you exercise, try and do as much as possible. Walking, aerobics, will help in the recovery.
Definitely do something extra special or fun as much as possible, stay active. It'll be here before you know it. We are a great sounding board. Welcome :)
Maureen