ANA Discussion Forum
Archive => Archives => Topic started by: Danny2006 on May 03, 2006, 06:37:05 pm
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OK, Kind of corny I know, but I just got good news today.
A little History first. I just returned from Iraq, where I was injured and while being treated for those injuries, I informed my doc’s that I was having dizziness. That led to the discovery of the AN. Because of military insurance, and it’s limitations, I was initially going to go to Vanderbilt where the Doc's wanted to do Translab or retrosig surgery, with at best 30% chance of retaining any hearing in left ear. I had read so many good outcome stories about House Ear Clinic and of course wanted to go to House. I went through all the Channels and due to the help of my case manager and a friend, I was given approval through the military to go. I then had a problem the amount Tricare was willing to pay compared to actual cost of treatment, and it looked like everything was going to fall through; However, Dr. Friedman stepped up to the plate and agreed to accept whatever tricare paid. I am so grateful to him for that. So now it looks like I will be having my surgery at House on June, 2. I am keeping my fingers crossed that nothing else happens to jeopardize my surgery.
I will try to keep everyone up to date.
Thanks Danny
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That's great news. The House is known thru out the world as a Center of Excellence. I know first hand that not only are the Doctor's experienced, but also compassionate. Now that the date is set we'll all hope and pray that nothing else comes up. Keep us updated and know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Best to you
Raydean and Chet
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Thanks Raydean
I forgot to mention that Dr Friedman gives me 60% or better hearing retention, and is going to do Middle Fossa.
Thanks again.
Danny
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Awesome news Danny ;DÂÂ
Having a plan and a surgery date really helps lessens the stress and anxiety load. Please keep us posted and always know that you have a ton of support here.
take care
matti
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Good for you Danny,
I am a patient of Dr. Friedman's and I like him extremely well. He is great! You are in great hands!
Best wishes,
Jeff
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YEAH!! Glad it's all falling into place. There are several here who had surgery there and it sounds like you'll be in the best of hands! Keep us posted! You'll be in my prayers!
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On ya Danny,
I had MF so a tip.
tell the doc, when they cut your scalp to take extra care and when stapled up, to make sure that the flap isn't too tight - i am positive, these two issues are the prime cause of my headaches.
Laz
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Will do Larry, sounds like good advice
I have had a couple of inner ear infections in my life and they really put me down. I am worried about balance after surgery. Can anyone tell me how long I can expect to have balance problems after surgery, or anything else to expect after surgery?
Thanks Danny
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Danny a lot of the balance problems depends on where you are now. Tumor size has a correlation to balance issues. I want to say within 2 mos I was able to walk on my own without a walker or cane but also know that had I of not had the eye problems I would have been up and mobile a lot sooner. The more you are up and walking the faster I think you compensate. I still have problems if I turn my head to fast or if I'm too tired. Capt Deb had middle fossa so maybe she can fill you in a little better. I dont' know if procedure type has a baring on balance recovery. I know whether or not they severe your vestibular nerve does.
Good Luck with everything!
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Hi Danny. One can't predict ahead exactly how the balance issue will affect you. Part of it depends on your tumor location and size. Sometimes a small tumor can cause worse havoc than a large one. Also if your body has compensated some already,you may have less problems. One may be dizzy afterwards but I never had any dizziness and count myself very lucky. There then is also a spacy lightheaded feel which is different than the dizziness. I never had too much of that inside but did outside in wide open spaces and also in large malls and stores with open birghtly lit areas. One needs to walk in the areas that bother you so the body compensates over time to adjust. Sometimes it can take several months to fully adjust but that does not mean you can't walk in these areas but you will notice you are off balance some. Some people need vestibular therapy to adjust to this which is different than physical therapy. You probably will notice darkness or dimly lit areas bother you too so having night lights post op is a good idea.
As one gets over the weakness one has immediately post op,it is easier to get around also.
Good luck with your surgery. The waiting ahead of time is so hard.
Cheryl R.
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Danny,
I just noticed that your AN is quite small. I know you have elected middle fossa - have you considered radiation treatment? in fact, have you considered doing nothing and watch and wait?
To expand my situation, I had mf around 4 years ago and have had chronic headaches since. balance issues are there but not too serious. no red eye or facial paralysis so pretty lucky on that front.Was back at work in 4 weeks.
About 9 ths ago, after having a regular MRI check, I was told that it had grown back. I am now watching and waiting - will schedule an MRI in a few weeks. There is no way I will have surgery again if i can avoid it.
There are a lot of threads here on gamma knife and cyber knife treatments and I do suggest you have a look at radiation treatment.
Oh, re my hearing. I was told something similar to you. The reality is that the 50% loss is based on a hearing test which largely consists of noise. My affected ear is virtually useless as I can't make out words.
Some food for thought.
Laz
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Hey Danny! That is great news! Soon you will be on the other side of this AN journey and I promise you it feels good to be DONE with surgery. As for balance, I was VERY dizzy before surgery and I was not dizzy after surgery, a little unsteadiness as my brain learned to compensate but nothing like before surgery.
Good luck!!!!!
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Hi Danny and welcome!
Although I cannot share about micro-surgical experience, I did want you to know that we are cheering you on and sending best wishes in your treatment. House is certainly tops in the field of AN microsurgeries.. and as Laz noted, since it is small (mine was slightly larger than your's), I hope all options were weighed as well. I have a feeling they were. :)
BTW, welcome home from Iraq! I commend you for your service to help protecting us here in the States! Great job! :)
Phyl
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Thanks for your comment Phil.
Larry,
I have considered all options. I thought about gamma knife, but I am the type who can’t stand the thought of having something in my head that shouldn’t be there. I also will be out of the military soon and have plans to open a sporting goods store. I don't want to take a chance of having to have surgery after I get the business open. Also it is small, and I believe that the smaller the better. Hopefully it will not be all too hard to remove and maybe less complications..(Let’s Hope). I am also in good shape now, and that may mean shorter recovery time...
So as you can see, I think I am making the right decision and I am having it done by, what I consider, one of the best.
Thanks Danny
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Danny,
No worries. You gotta be comfortable about what you are doing - sounds like it so we will be here cheering you on and make sure you keep us posted, questiopns etc etc.
Oh, and importantly - good on ya for ya service to "humanity". Whether one agrees with whats happenning in Iraq or not and i don't want to get political on this site, the fact is that there are thousands of guys and gals putting their lives at risk - good on ya mate.
Laz
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Hey Danny
I am a patient of Dr. Rick also. Once you get your appointment set, House will send you an info packet with all very detailed information on your surgery. The balance nerve is always severed with middle fossa surgery and depending if you have any balance issues now, you will have a certain degree of balance issues post-surgery. Folk with smaller tumors tend to have a tougher time of it. Be prepared to spend some time in physical therapy when you get out of the hospital--it does take a couple years to fully compensate. I'm 3 years post-op and I have balance issues, particularly when I'm tired or in the dark. I went to see King Kong and practically had to crawl out of the theater! It has gotten a lot better with a lot of work.
Good Luck and keep us posted .
Captain Deb
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Hi Danny,
I just wanted to let you know I had the translab surgery on the 13th of Feb. I had Dr. Friedman and Dr. Hitselberger. I had such a great outcome. No balance issues or facial paralysis. In fact I feel the greatest I have ever felt! I own my own business here in southern california. I was back to my 60 hour work week in 3 weeks! I am now going on a surfing trip to Costa Rica. You are in the best of hands. They are so wonderful there!
Tina Hager
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Just want to let you know- I had translab surgery @ House (Brackmann and Schwartz) on April 4. I had previously lost hearing and balance on the affected sie due to radiation so this has not been an issue for me. I felt really quite good after surgery but when the steroids wore off a week and 1/2 later, I crashed. Lots of neck and jaw pain. However, it has subsided. I did have some facial
nerve problems but they are already improving. (dry eye and mouth droop) I have just begun to drive a bit and am still very fatigued.
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Just want to let you know- I had translab surgery @ House (Brackmann and Schwartz) on April 4. I had previously lost hearing and balance on the affected sie due to radiation  so this has not been an issue for me. I felt really quite good after surgery but when the steroids wore off a week and 1/2 later, I crashed. Lots of neck and jaw pain. However, it has subsided. I did have some facial
nerve problems but they are already improving. (dry eye and mouth droop) I have just begun to drive a bit and am still very fatigued.
My energy level is quite low but otherwise am doing well.
I hope that all goes well with you.
Lynn D
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Hi Danny,
Glad to know that you have made a decision and are moving forward. Remember, everyone is different and everyone heals at a different rate. Each AN is different for each person. Your story will be unique from everyone on this forum. I was very fortunate (Blessed) that I did not have a lot of problems that many others have experienced. My tumor was small also, and I retained 90% of my hearing with Middle Fossa approach. I have never suffered from headaches. I had a few issues with balance and dry eye but it was only temporary and I was back to work in 8 weeks and did not suffer from fatigue like some people. I am very please with my decision to go to HEI for surgery. St. Vincents Hosptial has an entire floor reserved for AN patients only. The nurses were really super. If you have any questions, please send me a personal email, I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Ann
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Yea! Yea! Yea! to you too!
Give my regards to the docs and wonderful wonderful nurses there, and to the cafeteria chef who makes the worlds best mashed potatoes!!!
Capt Deb 8)