ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: wendysig on November 26, 2008, 07:25:10 am
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Hi all,
I just realized this morning that I am just past four months post-op (my surgery was on July 25) and I have to say things could not have worked out much better for me. Although I am SSD that doesn't seem like as much of a problem as it once did. It can still be annoying to me and others I'm sure, but I have adapted to it better than I would have thought and become a better listener because of it out of necessity -- not an altogether bad thing. ;D ;D I found a restaurant where the food is good and the noise level is tolerable -- always a good thing! ;D
My balance has improved immensely -- I still need to work on it and still weave a little when I walk, but except for occasionally stumbling, turning around or turning a corner too quicly it is almost as good as it was before I was even aware I had an AN. I still suffer from wonky head outside and in crowds, the mall is a real challenge unless I look straight ahead and fix my gaze on something stationary or hold someone's arm. Walking through the racks of clothing in stores still makes me feel a little strange, but not nearly as much. I had been walking about 2 miles a day as opposed to 4 - 7 miles a day before surgery but am now back to four miles a day.
My only new complaints are that now that the cold weather has gotten here, my tinnitus which was almost nonexistant, has gotten louder. I'm not sure why this happened, but since it bothers me just as much inside I would guess atmospheric pressure has something to do with it. Another new thing is that my tongue occasionally gets slightly numb. I mentioned this to my doc in an e-mail and am waiting for him to get back to me but would appreciate any input from any of you.
Anyway, all in all I would say I am grateful to have had such a great outcome. I'm sure things will only get better with time.
Once again, wishing all of my fellow American ANers a Happy Thanskgiving,
Wendy
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That's wonderful, Wendy. It is amazing how quickly the time is flying by. I fully understand about getting used to changes in hearing. I realized on my way home from my follow-up yesterday that we had not discussed my hearing. I don't think it has changed, but I have adapted enough that I don't think about it during everyday activities. The only modification I have had to make is to hold the phone to my right ear rather than my left. It's a little annoying because I am right-handed and have to hold the phone to my right ear with my left hand when I need to take notes. But as with my facial nerve there is the possibility that my hearing nerve will recovery fully over time.
It's nice to get good news right before Thanksgiving. Cool whip on the pumpkin pie, so to speak.
Sara
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Hi Sara,
Thanks for your reply! I read your latest update and was so happy to hear things are going so well for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your full recovery. When I read the posts here and think about how my life has changed in the last few months, it kind of puts things in perspective. Most people go through life being good, decent people but don't always appreciate fully what they have, I think I used to fit into that category -- I no longer take anything for granted, I doubt anyone here does. Onward and upward!
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Congrats on the progress Wendy! It sounds as if you're right on track! If your recovery is similar to mine, then within a couple of months you're start to feel even more "normal" again.. Congrats on making such progress so relatively quickly!
Regards,
Brian
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Hi Sarah,
I am SSD too and my ENT told me it is unlikey that the 8th (hearing nerve) would ever repair itself. She told me this at my 3 month check up. She has never seen it happen. :o
Michelle ;D
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Hi Wendy-
Happy 4-month anniversary! I was away this weekend and just now getting caught up on forum news. Time flies, doesn't it? Can't wait to see you in January!
Debbi