ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: Melissa778 on March 18, 2008, 06:02:14 am
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I am from the Toledo, Ohio area......My docs are sending me to the Michigasn Ear Institute for a second opinion and I wondered if anyone had ever been there or treated there? Any feedback is appreciated.
Melissa
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Hi Melissa: I know someone who will be having her surgery through them; she's been happy with them so far. If you haven't seen it, their website is http://www.michiganear.com/index_real.html (http://www.michiganear.com/index_real.html). You can see the bios of the doctors and read some patients' stories. Good luck.
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Hello Melissa ,
I live in East Lansing, Michigan. After I was diagnosed, I was referred to Dr. Larourere at the Michigan Ear Institute. I have another appointment in a few weeks to do 3 tests and then my surgery is scheduled for the second week in May. My iniitial visit there, the neurosurgeon(s) (I spoke with 3) were all very professional and willing to answer any questions that I had. At the time I was't sure if I was going to go with Gamma Knife or the surgery and I didn't have any questions prepared because I think I was still a little in shock and overwhelmed by the news I was getting. Prior to the diagnosis, I had never heard of an acoustic neuroma, I'm guessing many haven't. Dr. Larourere told me that I should research both options and that it was a decision for me to make but he would be more than happy to provide me with statistics, surveys, and answer any questions that came up for me after I left his office. He also mentioned that last year he did 120 acoustic neuroma surgeries. At the time I didn't realize how many that really was, but after reading posts on this website and other things online, it seems that he has quite a bit of experience. They also mentioned that they are rated the #2 in the country for the surgery (Ca. being #1). I couldn't find anything online to support that, but I really didn't poke around into too much. I wish you the best Melissa. If you'd like more information after my surgery, I'd be happy to let you know how it all went. :) I haven't posted on this disucssion forum until now, but it has been very helpful for me to be able to roam around on it and read what others have to offer.
Good luck to you !!
Kimberly
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I'm real new to this AN deal... I found out yesterday of my issue. Anyway my wife and I are trying to do the same thing I'm sure most people would do in our situtation. Trying to search out our best options based on my particular condition. My question is how did you find out that the Michigan Ear Institute is rated #2 in the country?
They are close to where I live. I have been working with the Uof M Dr El-Kashlan... Also now that I know what's going on I think I'm more aware of the symptoms of my tumor..
Thank you
JFT
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Hey JFT - sorry to hear about your AN. My father had one, and a very good friend is currently facing surgery for hers. She selected MEI. I can't answer to MEI being #2 in the country, but I can say they have done a great job so far with my friend, both in performing all the pre-work, and preparing her for the surgery. (They did an additional series of tests recently which helped them determine what kind of surgery to do.) As you'll see as you read more on this website, getting a second opinion is very important, no matter which procedure you end up choosing and who does it. MEI would be a great resource for you, especially since they are so close. If you go to their website, you can read some patient stories, and see the doctors' qualifications. Good luck to you.
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JFT -
I believe that "thornapple" is a patient of Dr. El-Kashlan. If you put "thornapple" in the search box (located under your user information at the left top corner of your screen) you can find thornapple's posts.
Jan
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Melissa
Does this mean your scheduled surgery is off? What was the issue that prompted the second opinion?. Are you seeking a better surgeon? I know you had issues with your in-laws. I hope all is well.
David
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Hi Everyone,
I'm a newbie, just being diagnosed 2 days ago. I'm so happy I found this site. I live about 20 minutes from Toledo, Ohio, so my doctor sent me to the Michigan Ear Institute. He said he has worked with all the doctors there, but choose for me Dr. Babu.
I have noticed in the short reading time I've been doing, that "dreamer" and at least one other person goes to Michigan Ear Institute....and they go to Dr. Kartush. I've seen his name more than any other doctor there. I also read that Dr. Kartush developed an instrutment to operate with to help with facial paralysis. He sounds very good to me. I just wonder why my doctor sent me to Babu instead of Kartush. Has anyone been to Dr. Barbu?????
I am going to ask my doctor in Monroe why he choose him tomorrow?
Thanks so much for all the support here, and I'm so happy that you have a WTT. That will be so helpful. Does anyone here realize that we had a better chance of winning the lottery than getting this???? LOL. 1 in 100,000.
Just wanted to add alittle humor. ;D
Lacey7
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Does anyone here realize that we had a better chance of winning the lottery than getting this????
It seems like we've had a lot of people with ANs from Ohio lately.
I'm beginning to think that something weird is going on in that state ???
You might just want to start buying lottery tickets, Lacey ;D
Welcome to the "group",
Jan
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David,
This was an old post some were responding to. This post (in march) was prior to my visit with Michigan Ear (in April), who I ended up LOVING and deciding to go with. Surgery still on.....24 days and counting! EEEEKKKKK
Problems with in-laws are improving a bit, I guess.......I spoke my mind, I think I made them all mad, btu they seem to be over it and now my surgery isn't a topic of conversation, it's now just ignored......which I guess is better then the negative attention I was getting :)
Lacey,
Babu is a new Physician to there group, not much experience is what I gathered. I REALLY pushed my insurance company to allow me to see Kartush. There are others in the office very qualified as well. But I wanted the BEST. Babu I'm sure is fine, I just wanted someone with a few more surgeries under his belt. Read the Michigan Ear website http://www.michiganear.com/index_real.html and it gives info about all the docs. Kartush himself did tell me that he is very busy and does lot of syposiums all over the world, so it is hard to get in to see him, but he did take me on as a patient which i am thankful for. Best of luck. PM me if you wnat to talk more about Babu and Michigna ear. Where exactly are you from?
Melissa (daydreamer)
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I too have been going to the Michigan Ear Institute (Dr. Michael LaRouere) for the past 4 years (through two surgeries) and I would highly recommend them. They have a great group there.
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Hey Melissa
You got you picture up. And it's a cute picture. Good going.
Thanks for clarifying the post -- I should have checked to see that it was an old one. I'm glad things are going according to plan.
Did you ever contact the House Clinic for a brochure. I'll be there next Monday and check with them to see if they send them out and who to contact -- I can get one if you want me to.
Toledo huh. When I was young (back in the 50s) I spent my summers at Cedar Point. Nothing like it is now. And how was the Country Music fest -- if you went?
David
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Wow, 2 new pictures - Melissa and MaryBK - nice to "see" you guys ;D
Jan
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Mary too! Great picture. Yes it is great to see you guys. Always fun to see the smiles and the families.
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Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the helpful posts. Daydreamer, you got me started thinking again, and I have come to realize that I don't want Dr. Babu as my doctor. I got the feeling that he and my doctor here are "buddies".
When I went to the Michigan Ear Instituite Site and checked it out......I found out that 3 of the 6 doctors there are in the list of the 600 best doctors in the U.S. That's what I WANT!!!
I will call tomorrow and see if I can get into Kartush, or LaRouere. Scott, I think you said you had LaRouere. Did you really like him?
I noticed you had more than one surgery, so you must have liked him to stay with him. Am I right?
Daydreamer, how long since your first appt. with Katush, was your surgery scheduled?
My problem is my two kids live kinda far away. One in Florida, and one in Atlanta. I need to schedule the surgery by the middle of June, hopefully, or as early as possible. There was a great fare on Spirit Airlines today and tomorrow morning from Orlando to Detroit, $17.00 one way!!!!!! WOW. Great price. The dates would work out good, I think. I just need to talk to them.
I did read that there is a huge meeting June 6 - 8th that I'm sure all the doctors will be going to.
I will feel much better after everything is cocfirmed!!! Did anyone else feel that way??
By the way, daydreamer, I live in Monroe, MI. But Toledo is only about 20-25 minutes away. If you live by Toledo, maybe we can meet up sometime and talk in person, if you would want?
This board is amazing.
Thanks, my new friends for the help and suggestions. I'm always open to new ideas.
Lacey
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Lacey,
Glad to hear yopu are going to try to see someone other than Babu. Again, if you wish to talk about Babu off the boards please PM me.
Monroe is so close to Toledo, I've talked to others from Ohio and Michigan on here, but your definetley the closest! I live in Maumee, near Toledo and I work for ProMedica (Toledo & Flower Hospitals), not in a medical field though.
THe day I met with Kartush I LOVED him, he made me so comfortable and my appt with him was a long one. I had some testing, saw one of his PA's, then spent 2 hours with Kartush himself. He never rushed me, nor did he force surgery upon me. He gave me equal info on surgical approaches and radiation. I chose surgery because of my age and becuase I want the thing OUT of my head. I'm only 29 and I have two little ones. I actually had seen 2 other docs prior to Kartush and Kartush blew them away. I ssheduled my surgery the day of my appt with Kartush. He is a VERY busy man and his schedule was hard to work with, we had to move alot of things around to find the best time for myself, him, and his neurosurgeon. My surgery is May 15th at Providence St John in Southfield. I see Kartush again on the 5th for my Pre-Op and one more test that my insurance finally approved.
I felt so relieved once everything was shceduled. 22 days and couting....AGH!
I saw Kartush at the end of March and I scheduled my surgery for May. I also wanted to schedule my surgery for mid-June since my oldest child would be done with Kindergarten, but no luck! Kartush was booked in June. Best of luck. Maybe LaRoue has a better schedule? Kartush did say "Most" of the docs there were very well versed in AN's, sounds like Michigan Ear treats most of them in this area. Best of Luck to you! That is a great airline price!
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THe day I met with Kartush I LOVED him, he made me so comfortable and my appt with him was a long one. I had some testing, saw one of his PA's, then spent 2 hours with Kartush himself. He never rushed me, nor did he force surgery upon me. He gave me equal info on surgical approaches and radiation.
I'm not a patient of Dr. Kartush's, but I felt the same way about my doc. IMO this is the kind of thing you want in a doctor - especially when brain surgery (or radiation) is involved ;D
Eleven months after my surgery, I still feel the same way about him. I can't imagine having had anyone else treat my AN.
Jan
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Lacey,
I can speak from plenty of experience with MEI (Michigan Ear Inst.) and I've been seeing Dr. LaRouere since July of 2004. He's the best Doctor, (not just brain Doctor, but any Doctor) that I've ever been involved with. He has a great reputation, a great bedside manner and really treats you like family. While I was in the hospital he told me over and over again how he felt like we were brothers. My family absolutley loves him, so I know that he was great with them while I was "out of it." I appreciated the "balance" he provided because most Brain Surgeons are eager to open up your head and get the tumor out. He really was considerate of my quality of life and made sure that I was making a decision that I was comfortable with. I really appreciated that.
I can't say enough good things about him, and this is coming from a guy who didn't have a "textbook" surgery. I had some complications, (no reflection on the Dr's) and I'd still put him up against anyone. While in the hospital, I actually saw a lot of the folks from the MEI practice and they were all great. It's been almost 4 years since my first surgery and still when I walk in that place, people know me by name and nurses know my whole story. It's nice.
When it was time for my second surgery, I didn't even consider switching Dr's. That guy has been in my head twice and if God forbid there was a third time needed, he's be my Dr. again.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with everything!
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I'm from Columbus, Oh and had treatment at Riverside Methodist Hospital
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Melissa and Scott,
I DID get my surgery changed from Dr. Babu, to Dr. LaRouere!!! I'm so happy.
I feel so much better about this whole thing....and so much more comfortable.
I have the surgery set for June 26th. It seems a long time away, but I hope it goes fast.
This is only 10 days later than my previous surgery was set for.
Hi to everyone, and thanks for answering me.
Lacey
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I think you'll be very happy with Dr. LaRouere. You can tell him Scott Ryan said hello :)
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Lacey -
June 26th will be here before you know it :)
If you haven't already, please put your surgery date on the AN Calendar. We like to keep track of these things so we can send our best thoughts, wishes, and prayers.
Jan
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Hi Jan and Melissa, and Scott, and everyone else out there!!!
Thanks for all your wonderful replies. I haven't had a chance to talk to my new surgeon yet (Dr. LaRoure). Are all of you generally admitted the morning of surgery?
Also......(and I know everyone is different in this answer)....but after 5-7 days at home after, do you feel you still need help with balance, etc.? My daughter is coming 2 days before surgery, and my daughter-in-law is coming right as I get home. I just wondered how much I will need my d-i-l (who is an RN), when I get home???
Thank you wonderful people. I can tell I have wonderful support, and prayers offered here.
Love,
Lacey
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Lacey -
I don't know about others, but I was admitted the morning of surgery. I had to have some pre op tests - blood, chest x-ray, etc - a few weeks prior to surgery.
Once you are released from the hospital, your balance may still be off for a while and you are generally still very fatigued. There will be restrictions also. You aren't allowed to drive immediately, and I know that my doctors wouldn't let me lift heavy objects or put my head below my knees (bend at the waist) for a period of time. You will be able to function fairly well once you get home, but having help for a few days or a few weeks can't hurt.
Jan
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Lacey,
I was admitted the morning of surgery. I believe I had to be there by 6. I would give yourself about 2 weeks to regain your balance and get stronger. After that, you will still feel some effects, but should be able to do most things without assistance. Everyone is different. After my first surgery, I was in the hospital for a month and after my second surgery, I was in for 3 days, so it really depends. I think typically you're out in a few days and after a week or two, you should be feeling good enough to do most things on your own. If someone is with you for the first week to two weeks, I think that should be ok. But everyone is different. You'll probably be running around the hospital the day after surgery wanting to get home :)
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It is hard to say about the balance issue as it varies with each person. I have been very lucky and now have had 4 surgeries due to being a NF2 person. I have been up on my own to walk without help on day 2 after each surgery. I of course have been tired at first and not a long distance walker for several days and did iin time. Darkness at night is hard so make sure you have some nightlights.
I also have been tired every time for 2 weeks and after that feel I improve.
Cheryl R
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I have one other question for anyone who had their surgery done at Providence Hospital in Michigan.
Do they have hotels close by, for relatives to stay for a few days, so they can be close. We live about an hour and 15 min. from MIch. Ear. I know that Providence is reasonably close to that....but not sure how close.
With the price of gas, it seems it would be cheaper to stay close by, at least for a few days, at a motel or hotel.
Anyone know??? Did anyone else do that?
Thanks so much, and please know how much I appreciate each and every one of you!!!!
Lacey
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Lacey -
I didn't have surgery at Michigan Ear, but I would imagine they have patients who travel from other states to have surgery. You might want to ask them about places to stay that are close to the hospital. They might even have a hotel/motel they typically recommend to patients and their families.
As for the price of gas, ugg! It's up to $3.99 per gallon here. Back in the Fall, I had heard $4 per gallon by summer, but I'm thinking it will be more like $5 per gallon by the time summer finally gets here :o
Jan
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Lacey, besides asking Michigan Ear Clinic, check with the hospital too. Often they have arrangements with nearby hotels with better rates for families of patients. That was the case in Florida when my Dad had his AN surgery. It wouldn't hurt to ask the hotel either, though you would probably want to talk to them directly, not through their normal reservation system. Good luck.
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I think most hotels near big university hospitals have a hospital rate. Iowa City does and we have used them that whenever we even just go see the dr for a appt. It helps to ask each one what the rate is as when I just had surgery in April the Fairfield Inn was $20 cheaper than the other ones. The rates have been going up over time. Some hotels even have shuttle service too.
If a person ever happens to go see Jackie Diels too for the facial therapy, one is told about a special rate also and given info on how to do that.
Cheryl R
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Bad news, Jan and the rest of America -- gas is already $4.20 here in California and I'm betting that it will never go below $4 again. Of course, I still can't drive and I've become a pro at public transportation and it's working just fine.
David
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I was talking to my dad today and he told me that somewhere in the world - he thought it was Iceland - they have cars that actually run on water instead of gasoline. I told him that that would be fantastic - until we had a water shortage :D
Somebody, somewhere has to do something about these prices!!! I don't know how those on a fixed income can afford to drive anymore. Maybe public transportation is the best answer, David - although I'd imagine the rates for that will be increasing along with everything else lately.
Jan
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Lacey,
When I scheduled my suregery with MEI they gave me a map to Providence (as I live about 1hour 30 minutes away) and on the back was a listing of hotels in the area and some of them offered patient discounts as well. We are staying in a hotel near the hosptial the night before, and my husband will reside there for the following few days. It's cheaper for us to stay in a hotel with the gas prices as we drive a gas guzzling Ford Expedition (the mini-bus as I call it). tHat ought to be interesting for me to be driving when I am a postie ont he road again.....Look out!! :) We are staying at the Westin, recommended by the surgery scheduler, for a very good rate. PM and I can provide you more info if you'd like. Or call MEI and I'm sure they can send you the info they gave me.
Melissa.......72 hours and counting...AGGHHHHHHHH
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Melissa -
time's just flying. You'll be a postie soon. Breathe, breathe, breathe :)
Jan
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I have one other question for anyone who had their surgery done at Providence Hospital in Michigan.
Do they have hotels close by, for relatives to stay for a few days, so they can be close. We live about an hour and 15 min. from MIch. Ear. I know that Providence is reasonably close to that....but not sure how close.
With the price of gas, it seems it would be cheaper to stay close by, at least for a few days, at a motel or hotel.
Anyone know??? Did anyone else do that?
Thanks so much, and please know how much I appreciate each and every one of you!!!!
Lacey
I've had two surgeries at Providence, but my family and friends commuted from home, which is only 30-45 mins away. There is a lot of stuff around the hospital so I'm sure there are some hotels. Check here ...
http://www.metrotravelguide.com/hotels_nearby/southfield/mi/usa/0/Providence_Hospital_&_Medical_Center/#trafficLogID=513650638&visited=true (http://www.metrotravelguide.com/hotels_nearby/southfield/mi/usa/0/Providence_Hospital_&_Medical_Center/#trafficLogID=513650638&visited=true)
Michigan Ear is probably about 10-15 mins away from Providence, but you won't have anything actually done at Michigan Ear other than some pre-op testing. My office is actually about a mile from Michigan Ear, so I'm familiar with the area. There are a few hotels on Northwestern Highway and 696 that are pretty nice. Right down the street from Michigan Ear and probably 10 mins from the Hospital.
If you need any help, please let me know.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone! I scheduled my surgery on the phone, so I haven't received any information or maps from Michigan Ear yet.
All of you are sooooo helpful. It must be that all people with AN have a "nice gene" in them! ha. :D
Melissa.....I will be praying for you on the 15th. I know you will be fine, and will have it over with!
Scott, thanks for the web site to check. I really appreciate it.
I have a son named Scott.....so you must be a good guy!!
Thanks to all who replied.
Lacey
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Hi Lacy ,
I also had my surgery done by Dr Laroure and staff - I have nothing but good things to say about them! If you'd like to talk further or have any questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to PM me and we can communicate that way or by phone. I wish you nothing but the best.
Scott - I told Dr. Laroure that he was famous on the net and that you were really impressed with him. I was surprised when all I said was "scottie" and he knew EXACTLY who I was talking about!
Kimberly
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:)
That's funny. Lord knows I've spent enough time with him over the past 4 years. He should know who I am! After all, he has been inside of my head, TWICE!
Like I said though, they really treat you like family there, as proven by him knowing who some random "scottie" guy is. (And he, like most people, only know me as Scott)