ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: Phillies on July 14, 2011, 03:10:45 pm

Title: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 14, 2011, 03:10:45 pm
Well, I have been dreading the day I would have to come on here and write this, but here it is...  Tomorrow morning I will be at the hospital at 6am for my retrosigmoid surgery with Dr. Sisti from Columbia University Hospital.  I have a 2.5cm AN that was discovered in April after I had massive hearing loss and ear fullness. The hearing has all come back and I now suffer from no ill effects from the tumor, which makes it that much more difficult to get the surgery. I know the tumor has to be removed but it's hard to accept that right now, as I type this my hearing in my AN ear is normal as far as I can tell and tomorrow at this time, well... who knows...

Most of the doctors I saw felt radiation was not the best option for me due to the brain stem compression, cystic nature of the tumor and my age, 31. I know I probably made the right choice but it's still difficult....

Say some prayers for me if you could  :'(
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Jim Scott on July 14, 2011, 03:25:33 pm
Phillies ~

I don't believe anyone faces imminent AN surgery without at least some trepidation.  I was upbeat but still a bit tense up until the anesthesia took effect.  You have a fine doctor and will be in a good facility.  Just as important, many prayers will be said for you, including mine.  Try to stay positive. 

Jim
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: ombrerose4 on July 14, 2011, 06:45:42 pm
Phillies,

That last night before is the hardest. But you have checked out all the information, made a good decision choosing your doctor and we are all here for you and sending out hugs and prayers. How I wish I had found this forum before my surgery, but better late than not at all. Please try to have someone post for you so we can know how you are doing. See you on the other side!
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: rm516 on July 14, 2011, 07:42:58 pm
Phillies, Good luck for your surgery, You are in good hands.
I pray for your speedy recovery. Please update regularly about your recovery from anesthesia to taking independent step.
Your tumor size and ear functioning is identical to mine and my would be surgeon will be the same . Lots are in common except you are much younger.
Wish you all the best !
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: tenai98 on July 14, 2011, 07:48:00 pm
Phillies
Healing and recovery prayers coming your way...Take it day by day and remember, your body knows when it needs rest.
JO
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 14, 2011, 09:19:57 pm
Thanks. Well, I leave for the 1 hour drive to the hospital in less than 6 hours so I think it's time for some sleep. Thanks for the prayers and I will post on here when I am able to.

Jeff  :)
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: leapyrtwins on July 14, 2011, 10:21:28 pm
Good luck - and prayers.

The first couple of days post op are tough, but you'll get through this.

Hang in there and keep the faith!

Jan
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: jaylogs on July 15, 2011, 02:50:24 am
Phillies, good luck! Many prayers your way...just remember the first three days don't count. Let us know when you can how you are doing! Take care!
Jay
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: sarahinPA on July 16, 2011, 11:38:42 am
Phillies, although I'm here in Pittsburgh, I'll put the team rivalry aside and keep u in my prayers. Good luck with everything and I am so glad you found this site and are able to turn to everyone in here for support.     I too have very little effects from my an  and fear loosing my hearing at my July 29th surgery. I am anxiously awaiting to hear about your adjustment and how your feeling after surgery   Please keep us posted!
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 17, 2011, 06:31:00 pm
Hello from the hospital. My. AN is ringing like crazy and I feel wobbling when I walk. Dr. Sisti was able to save the hearing nerve and it is intact but I still can't hear out of it. The Dr. Says it might take a few weeks to see if the hearing might come back. Anyone ever hear of that before?
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: rm516 on July 17, 2011, 07:55:56 pm
Wow !You are able to respond in two days when every one kept saying first 3 days don't count. Congratulations on path to recovery...

if you get chance, please give all details of your surgery & recovery stages.
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 17, 2011, 08:36:02 pm
I will post more when I get the chance. Just praying the hearing might still come back!
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Jim Scott on July 18, 2011, 01:10:47 pm
Phillies ~

Colossal congratulations on an impressive recovery!  I'm delighted to learn that your surgery went well and the hearing nerve was retained, intact.  We're all praying that your hearing returns.  I'm confident that, with the nerve intact, it will. However, this may require some patience on your part but it should be well worth it.  Post as you're able and don't overdo anything.  We'll be here.

Jim
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 18, 2011, 02:04:24 pm
Thanks. I leave the hospital early Tuesday morning. I'm walking pretty decent but still no hearing yet, just lots of ringing in that ear. But it's still early.
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: moe on July 18, 2011, 06:45:39 pm
Wow what a great post op report! Take it easy now, and let us know how things progress. Rest, walk, and drink lots of fluids. That's about it!
Maureen
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 19, 2011, 10:33:12 am
Well, after getting my surgery on Friday, I am now back home. Walking better now but still have loud ear ringing and still waiting to see if my hearing returns.,...
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: skipg on July 19, 2011, 03:44:32 pm
Phillies,
Congratulations on a great recovery. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Praying for a continual day by day improvement.

Skip
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 19, 2011, 06:06:56 pm
Thanks. I know I seem to be in a rare case here, but has anyone else heard about somebody geting surgery, having the hearing nerve preserved and working at the end of surgery but had to wait perhaps as long as 6 months to see if the hearing comes back?
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: sarahinPA on July 19, 2011, 07:15:47 pm
Happy to hear you are doing well Phillies! rest and take it easy!
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 26, 2011, 07:21:49 pm
Two weeks ago I was running a few miles but I can't complain... I went to the park today and walked a mile straight. It's a good start in the right direction considering my surgery wasn't even two weeks ago.
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Phillies on July 27, 2011, 06:39:55 pm
Walked a 1.25 miles today. Getting better. Still no hearing in my AN ear but the ear ringing is getting better, i think....
Title: Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
Post by: Rivergirl on July 28, 2011, 06:29:17 pm
Wow, sounds like recovery is going well, that is a lot of walking so quickly, wonderful.  The Dr's lost my hearing signal during surgery so I will not get my hearing back but it is not that hard to get used to, just hard to figure out where noises come from.  The thread on funny things we thought we heard just made me smile, made me feel like I was not alone (made me laugh as well).  Best of luck.