ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: sempergumby on May 31, 2012, 12:15:01 pm

Title: Ready for surgery
Post by: sempergumby on May 31, 2012, 12:15:01 pm
Am on standby, waiting for scheduling between my two surgeons.  Am not worried about procedure.  My AN is only 4mm, but is inside the cochlear.  Was offered radiation but did not like statistics. Am wondering how long after surgery before I am up and about.  Have been told 2 weeks no driving. :)
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: nftwoed on May 31, 2012, 03:58:09 pm
Hi sempergumby;

  Seems an AN inside the cochlea is quite rare! I think 2 weeks sounds about right for a tumor in the middle ear. Best wishes in all.  : )
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 01, 2012, 08:29:16 pm
Recovery time depends on the individual.  Usually docs say it takes 6 weeks, but that's subjective.

My surgery was for a larger AN than yours (almost 3 cms) and my surgery was 7 1/2 hours.

I was well enough @ 2 1/2 weeks post op to return to work part-time (desk job) and @ 4 weeks to return full time.

I didn't drive for 6 weeks - but mainly because my caretaker (my mom) was my chauffeur  ;D  If I had to drive myself, I might have been inclined to get back behind the wheel sooner.  I believe Jim Scott was driving 2 weeks post op.

Your body will tell you when you are ready.  Your doctor will probably also have input.

Jan
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: OTO on June 04, 2012, 08:55:30 pm
Sempergumpy - with that forum name like that are u retired military?   There are several retired military/dependents that have a thread in the "Insurance" category.   They discuss TRICARE, etc.  You might want to connect with them...
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: kixit on June 05, 2012, 06:38:49 pm
I just had translab on May 24th. I was sick the first 24 hrs after due to the room spinning and nausua. After post op day 2 I was in my own clothes (tank and shorts and those awesome hospital socks). My recovery is going well. I had my sutures removed on June 4th, I return to light duty work on the 11th just 4hr days to see if I can handle it. Dr Kesser said I WILL need an afternoon nap (I think even non- AN'ers do as well, should be federal law). 
I had major balance issues after surgery and was sent home with a walker.

I felt like chasing the sun yesterday, but not getting that nap and the 4 hr trip to and from UVA wore me out so I am wonky today and took it easy. I didn't want to get out bed because of fatigue.

I set myself for the worst and (knock on wood) it hasn't been that bad, minus the 24 hrs post op.

I wish you well on your AN journey. The people on here are wonderful with advice and support!!

Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: sempergumby on June 07, 2012, 06:53:43 pm
How is your tinnitus?  I am hoping noise will be gone or at least less.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: kixit on June 07, 2012, 07:40:03 pm
I still have the tinnitis  :-\
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: LizAN on June 07, 2012, 07:57:24 pm
I still have the tinnitis  :-\

Is your tinnitus the same as it was?  Mine has recently gotten worse.  I'm hoping it doesn't get any louder from the surgery.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: kixit on June 08, 2012, 10:04:13 am
It's the same. It seems it gets louder when I'm tired.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: LizAN on June 08, 2012, 11:41:39 am
It's the same. It seems it gets louder when I'm tired.

I've noticed that, too.  Sometimes, it isn't so bad in the morning when I first wake up.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: lrobie on June 08, 2012, 07:56:20 pm
Mine seems to play much louder tunes after being in loud places or if someone yells out that is near my AN side.  I also get that zap feeling in my ear with a sudden loud sound (scream, laugh, whistle).  I'm praying it doesn't get louder after surgery.

Lisa
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: LizAN on June 09, 2012, 03:37:31 pm
That zap feeling sounds like recruitment.  It can be quite painful.

I've also noticed that road noise will make my tinnitus worse afterwards, so I've been plugging my bad ear during my commute.  It does seem to be helping.

I think, after translab, I will no longer have a cochlea, which should make recruitment a thing of the past.  I also read that they sometimes take the eardrum out and replace it with muscle, but I don't know whether that is the case at House.

Liz
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: sempergumby on June 17, 2012, 05:43:14 am
18 days til surgery...middle fossa approach...starting to have balance issues, especially if I am standing and look down.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: BlueSky on June 17, 2012, 10:54:12 am
Glad you got your date settled on! Good luck with your procedure.
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: LizAN on June 18, 2012, 06:37:47 pm
Best wishes, sempergumby.  We will be recovering in parallel.  I look forward to being able to log on and see how you are doing.

Liz
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: It is what it is on July 01, 2012, 07:37:41 pm
Thoughts and prayers to you both.  Please post updates on how you are doing.  The conversations about tinnitus were helpful, as mine is getting louder.  It also helps to know what to expect as to recovery time, even though that seems different for everyone? 

karen
Title: Re: Ready for surgery
Post by: jaylogs on July 01, 2012, 09:29:14 pm
Hey SG...I hope you get an answer soon about when you'll be able to go in!  As far as tinnitus, I think that once it starts, it'll never stop.  It may vary in volume quite a bit, but don't expect it to go away.  So far there's no known cure for it! If it gets too bad there are ways of making it manageable.  Take care and keep us updated! :)
Jay