ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Darin on May 04, 2009, 09:07:21 pm
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Hi, I found out I have a 3cm AN about a month ago. I am 25, and it still seems unreal that I have something like this when I am so young. I noticed I had hearing loss in my right ear for several years, no big deal right? Probably all those concerts that my parents always told me not to go to...the MRI showed otherwise. I just had an ENG and ABR testing done last Wednesday (4-29), and I don't have the results from those yet. I only felt a tiny bit dizzy for the ENG, but it was really barely noticeable. I met with one neurosurgeon so far, and really liked him. I asked him how many AN surgeries he's done, and he said he quit counting a long time ago. I liked that answer! He has also worked with the other Neuro who's doing my surgery for over ten years, so that is comforting as well.
The frustrating part is just sitting here, knowing it is out of my control to improve anything about the tumor. I am a runner, and just bought a sweet road bike(Trek 1200) the weekend before I got the results from my first MRI, because I wanted to do a triathlon this summer. I work full time, and go to school at nights. It's like life is on hold right now, I wish I could have the surgery now. The Neuro said July is when surgery will be, no exact date yet. I just did another MRI, brain and spine, yesterday. Apparently the first MRI wasn't 'high res' enough or something, and didn't show clearly the exact location of the tumor. It could be a Meningioma, or a Schwonnoma. He discussed either translab or the other one more behind the head to preserve the hearing I have left, which is about 50%.
I have a large(my parents had 7 kids!!!) family, so that is helpful. I feel like I could write a book, there is just so much to say about all the emotions going on with something like this. I also am going through an unwanted divorce, which I was going to personal counseling to work thru. I had my last session about 3 weeks before I found out about my AN. 2009 will be a year that lives in infamy for me. I try to keep positive though, my boss is super understanding and cares about me as a person first. He has told me whatever time I have to take off is fine, even if there's no doctor's appointments and I just need a break. That is something to be thankful for. I did have insurance thru my wife's work, and now will be going on COBRA, and my boss said he'd help with the cost there.
I've read alot the past month on this site, and it's helped to read about all the different things that people have gone thru/are going thru. I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring, in the hopes to help others, as other people's challenges have helped me. I will know more details after the 13th of May, that is my first appt. with the second neurosurgeon involved in the surgery. I am hoping this second MRI shows what direction we are going to go with for surgery.
With all that said...now it kind of feels like I'm part of the group now, instead of just some weirdo stalker who never posts anything, just reads. ;) Nice to meet everybody! Hopefully I didn't leave any major points out, but if you have any questions, fire away.
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Darin,
Welcome to this forum. I know you will find it to be a great source of information, compassion and empathy. I'm sorry you have to be here but am glad you found us. I know what you mean about wanting to have the surgery as soon as possible, waiting is hard to do, but believe me when I say July and your surgery will be here before you know it. For now ask whatever questions you need to, vent and if you want to, join in the wackieness that goes on here occasionally. We are here for you however we can be.
Wendy
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I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring, in the hopes to help others, as other people's challenges have helped me.
I have a question - what kind of hat? ;D
Hi Darin, glad you joined us.
I think you get on that bike and ride yourself into the best shape you've ever been, before that surgery in July. Being fit can make a huge difference. It sounds to me like you can let the surgeons worry about the details at this point. Where are you and where are you having the surgery?
Welcome to the forum.
Steve
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Hey Darin
Welcome to the form and I just want you to know that the family here is also big and you will find support, and understanding...so your blessed two times.
I was 30 when I found out about my AN, and also going thru an unwanted divorce..Your story really touched my heart, being quite similar.
Things will get easier in all aspects with time. Im happy to hear that you have a good neuro and have a scheduled date for surgery.
Its really unfortunate life has to be put on hold sometimes, but maybe take this time to focus on you...rest your body, mind and soul.
Most importantly, you will be fine, you will get thru all of this and come out a better, stronger person.
Thanks for sharing your story with us and joining our family here.
If you need anything or just to talk pls dont hesitate.
Take care and God Bless
T
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Hi, Darin, and welcome! Glad you've joined us, but sorry you had to. What a great post - I can just feel that you are going to do well...you certainly have youth on your side and with your running and bike riding you will be in great shape going into surgery. Know what you mean about life seeming to be on hold, but since your decision is made, try to just carry on as normally as possible til July. We're here for any questions you have, but is sounds like you've informed yourself very well already!
Take care and keep us posted,
Cindy
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Darin, welcome. Becoming a poster for the first time is almost as exciting as becoming a postie (post-surgery!) :D I "lurked" for a long time too before diving in.
I see a lot of positives here. Young and athletic, good insurance, caring boss, and a tumor of a size that eliminates too much pesky stalling and mind-game decision-making -- you know you just have to get that sucker out. Once some of the shock wears off, you'll find that facing your worst fears will (cliche alert!) make you a stronger person. It's humbling to have a health scare and need care (temporarily) at a younger age, but it holds important lessons, too.
You seem confident in your doctors and they seem confident as well, which is great. You do have every right to ask about their "numbers" and success rates with different types of surgical approaches, etc. You didn't say where you are, so can't guess if "stopped counting" means they ran out of fingers :o :D, or they've passed well into the hundreds, which may be an important distinction. ;)
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It could be a Meningioma, or a Schwonnoma.
Hi, Darin and welcome to the forum.
Just wanted to note that vestibular schwannoma (I think I spelled that right) is another name for an Acoustic Neuroma, so it sounds like you either have an AN or a meningioma. Whichever it is, you've come to the right place.
You are definitely on the right path by finding doctors who are very experienced in treating ANs; a key factor to be sure.
As Steve said, going into surgery, being fit can make a huge difference. And post op many of our fellow forumites have resumed their athletic lifestyle - some run half and full marathons, ride bikes for long distances, kayak, etc.
If you haven't contacted the ANA yet, you might to consider it. They have lots of great literature they can send to you that you'll find very helpful as you embark on your AN journey.
Good luck,
Jan
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Darin~
Hi and welcome to our wacky little group! I am glad that you have "come out" - even though it has to be for an AN. I also had my surgery when I was 25 - I definitely think that YOUTH is on your side!! I agree with the others that I think that everything will go better the better shape you are in. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions from the "young" side of it (even though I am not young anymore! LOL)
K
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Being fit can make a huge difference.
Or you can go in totally de-conditioned and overweight like me and come out just fine! ;D ;D ;D
Thinking I'd lose all kinds of weight due to this surgery, I just had a grand old time enjoying life up to the day. Of course, I didn't get that particular outcome at all, so it's back to diet and exercise before bathing suit season.
Darin,
You have a wonderful attitude. Many of us have been through hellacious divorces in recent years, and then this hits us on the head, so we can commiserate. We're here to help you get over this hurdle, so lean on us. Trust in the skill and experience of your surgeons. Each case is different, but with their expert hands and our personal histories, we'll get you to Postieland and beyond.
Keep those tires inflated and register for a triathlon in the fall. You'll be training by August.
NancyMc
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Hi Darin,
I just wanted to welcome you to this forum too. I’m sorry you have to join us, but glad you found us.
This Wednesday will be 7 weeks since my Retrosigmoid surgery. I was a wreck when I was first diagnosed and finding this forum helped me in so many ways. I found answers to my questions, support from all of the awesome people here and a place to vent when I needed it. I too did mostly reading at first, and I found that not only did reading about everyone’s experiences help, but also seeing how you can keep a sense of humor in lieu of all the bad. Mostly I found a comfort and the reassurance that I was not alone and that everyone here understands and truly cares.
As others have said, with your youth, physical fitness, the support of family and friends (old and new) and an experienced team of doctors… you’ll be back in the game in no time. :)
Scarlett
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Welcome Darin, just know that you're not alone on this journey.
What made you go get checked out? Mine was vision probs and hear lost so I went to an optomologist in the mall and she sent me straight to the hospital. Two days later it was confirmed..... I was only 26. 4.5cm which meant I had it for years unknowingly. The dr said it was very unusual for it to be so big at my age.
Anyways do your research, pose your questions to the drs on your next visit.
We too are here to support you, so hang in there
Wishing you all the best
Lisa
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Hi Darin,
Welcome to the forum. I just wanted to let you know that your feelings towards this are not unatural, however, know that you will be fine and as you will see from the forum, everybody has come out of their treatment fine. I found out myself that the reason why the tumour might be referred to a meningioma is that it may be attached to the ear bone and anything attached to a bone is supposedly arising from the meninges. Both AN and meningioma are of the same pathology and treated the same. A schawoma I think is the same as an AN if I not mistaken. The important thing to remember is that these things are benign and treatable and people of all ages may be prone to it. Keep your spirits up as this is one of the most important things. Good luck.
Vivian
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Hi Darin,
Just wanted to say welcome and that things will be ok. I am 26 and was diagnosed last August. I had surgery in February (coming up on my 3 month anniversary), and I'm doing great now. I really do think that being younger when going through surgery makes it a lot easier, as does having a great surgical team. If you don't mind me asking, where are you located?
Wishing you confidence and decisiveness,
Kim
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Welcome to our world....wish it could have been a trip to the Bahamas instead! You sound like you are on the process of accepting the fact that somethingis going on in your head. Mine was a meningioma, but the surgery was the same (retrosigmoid) as for an AN. Stay in touch with us. You wll benefit from all the wisdom and insight, not the mention the humor and compassion, of all the forumites. Keep us posted on what you are finding out about your condition. We want to hear all about it!
Priscilla
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HI Darin,
Just another member of the AN Welcome Wagon saying hello to you and glad you found us (and sorry you had to). I can't think of thing to add here - as you can see we're a warm bunch and are ready to help in any way we can. Your story rings familiar to so many here - my AN was the same size as yours. Sounds you are already getting things lined up for your surgery and you have a great support system through work and family. Now that you've introduced yourself, please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. I have found that there is always someone who has a lot to offer - and most of the time, you'll have a lot of folks who can help!!
Take good care,
Kathy
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Hi Darin,
I am a couple of years older than you, ok, I'm 46, but if anything you should do better than us old farts when it comes to surgery :). I don't have any questions right now since it seems like you are comfortable with your choice of surgeons and you mentioned that he has done too many to count. Just make sure he can count past ten :).
Welcome to our group!
Ernie
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Hello Darin - and welcome to our little corner of the internet. I noticed a hat was in our ring and wondered who's it was. Now I know. ;)
You seem to have the situation well in hand as far as insurance coverage, an understanding boss, confidence in your doctors, family support and of course, your youth. Best of all, you have a positive, 'let's get on with it' attitude that I believe is very beneficial for any AN patient. As long as you're in good health and have experienced surgeons, you should do fine. My AN was close to 5 cm and I was almost 40 years older than you when I had my AN surgery (then, radiation). I was no athlete - for sure - but in good health and anxious to 'get this over with and get my life back' (sound familiar?). As my signature notes, my surgery went well - no complications - and my recovery was rapid and basically uneventful, for which I'm grateful. I trust you'll have a similar experience, minus the 40 years, of course. If you have a question we can answer or just want to vent, feel free to do so, anytime. We're always open. :)
Jim
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Hey everybody, I just posted this last night, so I was thinking, well I will check to see if I got a reply yet. And Whoa! 16 replies in less than 24 hours! I read them all, even though I had to slow down by the time I got to the middle, because my eyes started watering...I hate when that happens ; - ) Thanks to everybody for a enthusiastic and nice welcome. Also it was good some pointed out to make sure I ask my doctor to count past ten. That was funny....
To answer a few of the questions, I live in Michigan, on the west side of the state. Born and raised, but I visited San Diego 4 years ago and thought it would be an awesome place to live. I could put my ice scraper on Ebay or something. I know several people who lived in MI, and moved to the Phoenix, AZ area, and they always tell me, "I miss the changing of the seasons". Not one has moved back.
warm all year > seasons changing
I went to the doctor because I did notice hearing loss on my right side for quite awhile, and I finally started to think I should do something about it. It's kind of funny/peculiar, because before my first hearing test(I don't quite remember what it was called, basic hearing test maybe) I remember the nice lady asked me if I had ringing in my ear. I told her, "no". And after that afternoon was when I actually noticed how much my ear does ring. I have it everyday, for 1 to 10 minutes at a time. Sometimes once a day, sometimes 5 times a day. I think it was just something I've had for so long, it didn't even register in my brain until after i realized there could be a problem and a doctor asked me about it. I am still amazed that I actually didn't think I had ringing in my ear when she asked me.
Two questions about posting...did I do this right, clicking 'reply' to my own first posting, or should I start a new post? Not sure forum etiquette, I don't even have facebook or myspace! Also, how do I load a pic of myself for when I post? I saw a URL link to put in, from facebook or myspace picture, but like I said, I'm not into facebook. Thanks!
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Darin~
Yes, this is good - just hit reply then everyone who has already checked in to meet you can come back to this thread to check up on ya!! If you have a whole "nother question/subject, then certainly, start another! WE are pretty free & easy here! SOmeone else, maybe Jan, can tell you how to load a picture - I always have to ask her anyway!! Glad you got a good welcome - this is a GREAT group of people!
K
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Hi Darin, love the name my brother is Darren....Welcome here, I'm a newbie myself...newbie posting that is not with the tumor. I've been in watch and wait since 2002. Now its time for me to take action. My tumor is half your size so i do still have time. I don't know what else to say that hasn't already been said except for I'll be praying for you as I do all here and so happy you have so many family around you.
Peace
Deb
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Hello, I to have had one about the same size as yours over a year ago. I've walked in your shoes allready. If you want my story, please feel free to read my pass posts. Follow my progress. I think you'll be inspired on what I went thru, and where I am now. I'm doing great. this could be you!
I to was shocked, had the very same symptoms, had to go thru an aborted surgery, just to wait another month for the real one. Your young, tough, you'll be fine. You have alot of support on here, please take advantage of it as much as possible. I'll try to check in here more often to see how your doing, and if I can give advise. I was getting ready to post a new comment when I seen your post, I had to answer. Take Care, Zeek
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Hi again Darin. To get a picture uploaded...
Go to www.photobucket.com (http://www.photobucket.com) Sign up, it's free. Upload a photo that you want to use as your avatar. It's best to crop the picture, if you know how, so that it is already close to square. Otherwise it will distort it some.
You will be presented with many options for "linking" your photo after you have uploaded it. You want to use the one that will start off something like "http://i395.photobucket.com/..." Select that text, copy it, then head back here to the ana forums. Go to Profile, then Forum Profile Information, then select "I have my own pic:" and paste the url you copied from photobucket into that spot.
Let me know if you get stuck :).
Ernie
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Darin -
here's how to post a picture:
Go to http://photobucket.com and sign up - it's free.
Once you move your photos to photobucket, it's easy to copy the image. Look for a series of boxes under each photo that say "email & IM", "direct link", "HTML code" and "IMG code" Position your mouse on IMG code and left click. A yellow box that says "copied" will appear.
Next go to the forum and create a new subject. In the text of the post, just right click with your mouse and chose "paste".
You will see a set of brackets with the letters IMG in them and the address of your photobucket photo inserted between the brackets.
If you have numerous photos to post, just copy and paste each IMG code.
If you want to check and make sure your image(s) copied correctly, just "preview" your message before you hit "post" and you should see your photo in the preview box.
Good luck,
Jan
PS - if you don't want your pictures to be large, you can resize them in photobucket and make them smaller.
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Ooops! I see Ernie beat me to the punch 8)
His instructions tell you how to post an avatar picture; mine tell you how to put a picture inside a post I believe. So you should probably follow his.
Anyway, Darin -
are you consulting with the docs @ Michigan Ear? They are a great group with a very good reputation. I had my surgery with a doc from the Ear Institute of Chicago, but I hear (no pun intended) that location-wise, if they didn't exist that Michigan Ear would have been my best bet.
Jan
PS - Zeek, good to see you ;D
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Thanks Ernie and Jan for the picture tips...I just tried it, we'll see if I did it right the first time!
I haven't talked to any other docs other than my neuro. I felt so comfortable with him, and he answered all questions and never acted in a hurry at all. I was very impressed. He did say that for any reason I'm not comfortable with him, it's ok to look elsewhere. He said he knows other neuro's that he could recommend to me at specialty places, I don't remember the specific place he named. I'm halfway between Detroit(2 and 1/2 hour drive) and Chicago(3 hrs. or so), so there is plenty of options relatively close, if I so desire.
Where my surgery will be(assuming future doc consults go well) is about a mile from my house, and my best friend actually works in radiology there(management), so I am grateful for those things. Even if I spend a week in the hospital, at least I will basically be able to see my house out the window! That will be awesome, instead of being in some big, crazy city. And I know lots of hospital employees, so that'll be great. They can give me the heads up on which hospital food to stay away from ;D
On a different topic...Has anyone had to make a career change due to post surgery challenges? I work in the telecom field, installing computer/phone cable, and phone systems. I told my doc that I use extension ladders up to twenty feet, and he said, "You don't anymore". For as long as I can remember, I've had an uneasiness about being on roofs, high ladders, etc. I always thought it was an irrational fear that I had to 'overcome'. Now I think it was my body telling me "Get your feet on the ground, ARE YOU CRAZY?!?!?" I can move more on the customer service/help desk style work if balance issues persist after surgery, short term and long term if necessary. 20 foot ladders are heavy, so I'm not really losing sleep over it, just trying to make lemonade. ;) ...aaannndd done rambling.
- Darin
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Hi Darin,
Welcome - glad you've found the forum helpful!
I do bookkeeping work for a small renovations contractor business - sometimes I have to go to the job sites. Occassionally I've hopped up on roofs or climbed a ladder or helped out a little with something. I'm three months post op and now I don't / won't do that. I could probably go up on a 1 story roof with a low pitch, but no heights or 'living on the edge.' I don't even want to be around the saws and stuff like that because they're so loud - i don't want to mess up my good ear.
My balance issues aren't too bad. I dont' feel dizzy really, just tipsy sometimes and I sometimes stagger like I'm drunk (usually when I'm just getting up from sitting). I haven't tried riding my bike yet post op, but may soon - it's been raining too much. There are plenty of other bikers (Patrick, Seal) and triahletes on here, so I know you'll be able to find plenty of support. But, I guess my point is, climbing way up on a ladder may be a bad idea for you and I'm glad you have other options at your job.
If the triathlon is before your surgery in July, I'd still encourage you to do it. I think it only helps in recovery and with balance issues if you stay in shape right up until surgery time. I've done a quite a few half marathons and one marathon. Before my surgery, I was so afraid I was going to lose my fitness level after surgery that I was trying to find another marathon to do. My surgery was in January, and the only marathon I could find was in Miami, and I decided that was too far from Maryland! I'm glad now I didn't put myself 'through' another marathon right before surgery. Post surgery my doc said I could start running 3 weeks post op and I did, taking it slowly. I built up my mileage and was able to do a half 8 weeks post op. I'm not too fast at all, but running still is helping me with balance issues and 'wonky' head issues.
Thanks for sharing with us - looking forward to hearing when you get your surgery date.
Keri
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Sorry you had to join us but welcome Darin.
Prepare yourself like you are competing in a triathlon. Get in your best shape and get ready to recover quickly. These things are a pain in the a$$ but they don't have to control your life. Strangely enough my life is actually better in many ways because of my AN. It will be different but that doesn't mean it has to be bad. It sounds to me like you already have a great attitude and a wonderful support system around you to help you through the initial difficult time. Once you get past that it gets easier.
You found the right place to talk and get great information or just vent if necessary.
Best of luck,
Bob
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HI and Welcome to our little family. I had my surgery a month ago and I will NOT be returning to my regular job as a driving instructor. Being SSD I can imagine if I were instructing and a student needs to ask a question and I need them to face me so I can hear them (as I face them ) who is watching the road...Can you say CRASH!!!!! I am not leaving my job per se but it is not conducive to good busineess management to have a deaf instructor teaching in car....so I will continue with the inclass portion of my job as long as there are no kick backs from a classroom filled with up to 36 16 yr olds...Mind you it would only be 3 hrs then rush home for a headache pill...lol...I am hoping thru some form of medical miracle, that something is invented to give me my hearing back. Then I can go back to teaching incar. I love working with the teens. They are a special group of kids who only want theri older peers to accept them.
JO ;D
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Hi Darin,
You're so young & healthy, I wish I had to go through this when I didn't have bills, mortgage, a child...responsibility. I'm old & healthy & enjoy mtn. biking, trail running, windsurfing. I'm hoping I'll get back up to speed post-op & hit the trails again.
Good luck with all your decisions,
Carolyn
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Welcome Darrin! :)
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.... and a welcome to you, Darin!
My husband's niece lives in Grand Rapids ..... absolutely beautiful state! Years ago we took the ferry from Luddington to Manitowoc (spelling??) and it was a beautiful drive through Michigan.
Sorry you are having to deal with an AN but you will make many friends here on the Forum to walk with you through the maze of treatment options, decisions, and after treatment.
Clarice
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Hi Darrin,
Glad you found this awesome place. It was a fountain of information for me when I went through my AN experience. My tumor was about the size of yours and I had it removed Translab. My surgery was in April of 2006 and life is still good!!!!! Things are a little different but I was one of the lucky people to not have any problems, except the surgery lasted for almost 11 hours. I have a little problem with memory, but have been tested and it seems I don't forget as much, its just I don't hear whats being said in the first place. I, like you, did not realize I had ringing in my ear until after being tested. I really did n't realize I had a balance issue until after being diagnosed. Its funny the way we make excuses about things. I remember I was with my daughter at the mall before I found out abount the AN and I kept running her into the wall. Now we know why....guess I did have a balance issue. If you have n't talk to your doctor about this you may want to... Ask him if he feels your chances of headaches will be greater doing the procedure where they go in at the back. I gave up hearing on my left side because my doctor had told me the chances of frequent migraines were possible the other way.......but now even though I have no hearing my ringing is alot louder and constant. I still occasionly walk as though I have been overserved but usually just when I am really tired. I went back to work after 3 1/2 weeks. I work as a Cashier for a small community bank and it is sometimes difficult to concentrate I have found I do most everything I did before. My multi-tasking skills are n't as good but I can still perform.
I hope your surgery goes well. Like you I had complete faith in my surgeons!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!
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Hi Darin,
As others have said, being young and fit will really help you. I was old (48) and fit and I know it helped me. I was running again in about 3/4 weeks, and by 12 weeks or so I was back to my usual distance and pace. Another words, you will likely recover well and be back to your normal lifestyle relatively quickly. If you have balance issues you will deal with those. Who knows, you may even be stand-up paddle boarding! I would definitely get ready for surgery by training. And buy the bike.
Marci
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Hi Darin, and welcome!
Even tho you might be feelin overwhelmed by all this brain tumor stuff, specially with everything else going on in your life, you're doin just what many others have done to get thru the initial obstacles ... learning, asking lotsa questions, talking about your feelings and worries and joys in life, and reading others' stories and advice.
Hopefully this is what will make you feel very comfortable before and after what you face, as it has for me. Very nice people, even tho I've not actually met any of them.
On May 6 you said about your neuro, "I felt so comfortable with him, and he answered all questions and never acted in a hurry at all. He did say that for any reason I'm not comfortable with him, it's ok to look elsewhere." Same obsevations I found in my Johns Hopkins neuro .... not being in a hurry is good! And looking elsewhere is OK in this process. Glad you found a neuro you like.
Another hope for you is that you bounce back to some normalcy as soon as possible, with minimal problems. With that in mind, if summer activities are important to you, perhaps you can wait till the fall for the procedure you choose. Your call, with your neuro's advice.
Look forward to your future posts! Keep ;D -ing!
Greg
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Hello Darin,
Welcome to us! Sorry, you have to join this club, but if you have an AN it's the right way to go! I'm sure you'll handle both the divorce and the AN surgery just fine. You are young and strong and I'm sure you'll get on that bike of yours before you know.
I'm about to have retrosigmoid approch on Wednesday 20th and I'm very scared to say the least.
Best wishes from Helene in Sweden
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Hi Darin,
Sorry-a bit slow to the party here. Truth be told, I've been limiting my time on this board since finding out my surgery date (this Tuesday, May 26th). Before the date, I was spending hours and hours finding out everything I could. Now, I kind of need to step back and not read the scary stuff anymore. It's out of my hands, and I need to feel confident that I've done all I can to give myself the best outcome. I'm working on picturing myself well and fully able after the surgery. I can picture it-so that must be a good sign, right?
I thought *I* was young! Bah ha ha. I'm 36. Don't burst my bubble. I still feel like I'm 26. Nothing wrong with that.
Like you, I enjoy exercising too. In fact, I plan to play soccer on the night before my surgery!!! My team is supportive and we all think it may be a good distraction. I'm worried about getting back to my running, or doing exercise tapes though, I hope it doesn't take too long. My ENG basically proved to me that my left side balance nerve is dead-as I had no response to the caloric test. I'm hoping that means my balance won't be *too* bad. Guess I'll let you know in a week or so!
Tell ya what, I'll go first. I'll let you know how it went, but only if it's positive. You don't need any more scary outcomes/information!
Take care. Lots of us in the same boat right now. Good thing I love the water!
Adrienne
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Hi Darin! Welcome to the forum - i am late to the party, too, so please forgive me! ::)
Sorry you had to join this club, but sounds like you are doing your research and making some BIG decisions for such a young person! (My daughter is 24, i can't imagine having to make these decision at that age!) But you are young and fit, so keep that going and hopefully the surgery will go quickly and smoothly.
I am here with my sister. She was diagnosed first, and i knew for years my hearing wasn't right.
So i had an MRI, and then was diagnosed as well.
Keep posting and see if there is someone who can give us updates when you have surgery.
All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sue