ANA Discussion Forum
Useful Information => Physicians => Topic started by: meh on June 21, 2006, 08:04:27 am
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Can anyone share their experiences with Dr. Brackmann at house Ear Institute in LA?
We are consulting him.
We would like to know after surgery effects, how he does with the surgery, how is the treatment at House from Nurses and everyone else.
Very confused. >:(
We really approeciate if anyone can share their experience with him.
Thansk.
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A Search through the forum for "Brackman" will bring up several threads. Unfortunately, the search doesn't search through everyones signature info, where many list their doctors. There are several people on this forum who have been treated by Dr. Brackman who will respond when they see your question. From the posts I've seen, Dr. Brackman is highly regarded.
Regards,
Rob
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Hi meh,
I had surgery with Dr. Brackmann on July 26, 2005. Prior to this, I had sent him my films and he called me to give me his opinion. He told me that he would call me back in a few weeks to give me time to think about it. I figured I'd never hear from him again. Well low and behold about 3 weeks later the phone rang and it was Dr. Brackmann, I about dropped the phone.
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The rest is history, the surgery went well, I only lost 10% of my hearing on my surgery side and I was back to work in 8 weeks. I have since called and left messages with him and he has always returned my calls. He is very skilled at what he does and he makes you feel very relaxed when you talk to him. I wish you the best! Ann
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HI: Dr. Brackmann along with Dr. Hitzelberger (the neurosurgeon) and a host of others performed my AN removal surgery 11 days ago. I had the surgery the afternoon of Aug. 3rd, by the afternoon of the 7th I was discharged and stayed at the New Otani Hotel in downtown LA. Saw Dr. Brackmann et al. on the 10th, they took the stiches out and gave me a clean bill of health. I was on a plane heading back to the Washington DC area the morning of the 12th and am doing very well.
The decision to take the AN out was not an easy one. It was very small, only 4mm. My hearing was perfect but I had balance issues. I decided to have it removed because I am relatively young (so Dr. Brackmann says), I'm 40 and the recovery now would be much easier than if I was older.
The day before my surgery I met the crew from the House Ear Clinic and all my doubts, fears and second guessing just melted away. I knew I made the right decision. From the audiologist, to the staff at St. Vincent Medical Center where the procedure was performed, all made me feel that this was the best thing to do.
Dr. Brackmann and Dr. Hitselberger are the best in their field when it comes to this. Yes, they are older but they are good and confident.
I am feeling great. The vestibular branches of the acoustic nerve had to be cut, so it will take a little more time for my balance to level out. I do have some hearing loss but some of it is because of swelling and fluid in my middle ear. I am thrilled I a made the choice to go out there.
Best of luck to you!
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I had surgery by Dr. Brackmann and Dr. Hitzelberger about 4 weeks ago. My tumor was considered large, and I was in ICU for 1 1/2 days, and released after about 5 days. I had no facial paraylsis, not even temporary. I am very pleased w/the outcome, and have no unusual post-surgery effects. I researched in great depth before using him (I live in Georgia), and came into contact with one person who researched intently for four years and used Dr. Brackmann as well. These doctors are widely known, and while I was there, I met a couple who had travelled overseas to use him. One thing I found very impressive with Dr. Brackmann, is that even during my pre-op appt., he received a phonecall from a patient, which he took in the room. He was very kind and considerate. I have called The house once since arriving home to ask a question about taking motrin or tylenol, and they asked me if I wanted to talk to Dr. Brackmann. Apparently, talks with many of his patients personally if a question arises after surgery. I like the idea of being able to talk to him directly if need be.
As far as the nursing staff, everyone was extremely nice. My ICU nurse was very attentive, and all nursing staff was extremely helpful. I have no complaints whatsoever.
We made a reservation in Seton Hall (hospital housing), so once we arrived in LA, we checked in there... The rooms aren't fancy, just basic, but that was okay with me. They served their purpose. I loved being there because I met so many wonderful people, and they were all going through the same surgery as me! Every one on my hall that I met had acoustic neuroma surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, I went back to Seton Hall, and stayed there for the remainder of my stay. My husband really wanted to stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel, but I didn't see the point since I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. And in retrospect, I feel like I would have missed out on so many relationships, compassion, and wonderful, genuine people.
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Dr. Brackmann is the best and the most wonderful human being in the entire world. I adore him, and I would not give a thought to going anywhere else. He is numero uno. Sharon Dorn
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I am a BIG FAN! He just removed my AN two weeks ago. I feel privileged to be in his and Dr. Hitselberger's care. His staff is intelligent, totally coordinated and accomodating and the ICU nurses at St. Vincent's were excellent. I felt totally secure there. He is an expert and an angel.
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I had surgery with Dr Brackmann 10 months ago. He is an attentive and caring doctor. All concerns were promptly answered both before and after surgery. I felt confident going into surgery and have had a successful outcome, minimal loss of hearing, delayed facial weakness which has almost resolved - just some synkinesis with eye closing and tearing. I am so glad he was my surgeon.
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Will Dr. Brackman look at films and consult over the phone? If so, what does he charge?
Also, how has the insurance situation been at the House Clinic for everyone? Anything a newbie should know?
Lisa
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Yes, Dr. Brackmann will review your films for free. He will call you directly and discuss his opinion with you. He is very thorough and will send a bunch of material for you to read. The follow up is excellent as well.
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Brackmann and Hitzleberger were fantastic! I flew to LA from NYC after speaking with several other doctors in NY. House Ear Clinic invented the procedures for AN removal and they have more experience with this particular type of tumor than any other dr I spoke with. The doctor makes all the difference. I had a 3 cm AN removed by them in 10/01. I came through perfect! The doctors and staff are top notch!
My insurance paid out without any problem....
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i also had brackmann and hitselberger for my 8 mm left AN on april 14, 2005. both were wonderful. i flew from kalispell, montana to the big city of los angeles. quite the culture shock! but the docs/hospital/clinic were all great. my tumor was removed using the middle fossa technique. i have only slight hearing loss, but still within the normal range. i do have the "freaky eye" like i mentioned on another post. which just means my AN side eye doesn't close all the way when i smile.
i would highly recommend dr. brackmann to remove your tumor. he's the best of the best....the creme de la creme as my referring doctor described him.
kristin in montana
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As a medical Doctor for 35 yrs, I did extensive research when I was diagnosed w/ AN Oct. 2004. It seems that Dr. Brackmann has developed all the modern surgical tecniques for AN and has taught worldwide on this subject. He is still active and considered the wordwide expert on the current surgical procedures, very easy to talk to, retuns calls promptly. Yesterday I had a problem w/ my BAHA and he took my call immediately. I'm sure he would talk to you on the phone and review your MRI Good luck
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I sent Dr. Brackman my MRI and he called twice to speak with me personally, I was very impressed. My feeling was that if I decided to go the surgery route that Dr. Brackman was the one for me. The number of surgeries he does appears to dwarfs all others that I came in contact with. I was ready to make the trip but decided that with my AN being only 11MM that GK (Gamma Knife) was a better option for me. I was in and out in a morning. Dr Ed Shaw at Wake Forest University Hospital Winston Salem, NC. Great staff, great treatment but, it was what was right for me. Tumor size, location, personal mind set all have a hugh bearing on what we each should do.
Comments I recieved and took to heart: 1)Go to the best technician, never mind bedside manner ( Dr. Brackman appears to have both) and 2) always remember that you are the captian of your own ship, you decide where it is you want to go and they (your doctors) can tell you how to get there.
Hope you well,
Michael
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When I was first diagnosed, I contacted Dr. Brackman's office. Dr. Brackman called me and asked that I send him my MRI. He reviewed the film and sent me a letter with his recommendation that I watch and wait; I had no symptoms at the time. He folllowed up and contacted me again after one year to ask for an updated MRI to see if the AN had grown and to see if I had any symptoms.
During the year of my watch and wait, I began having symptoms of dizziness and fullness in my ear on the AN side and sought medical opinions from doctors at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital. After alot of research and discussions with people on this site - as well as second and third opinions re: surgery vs. radiation - I chose to have surgery (on July 7, 2006) at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Brackman was my first point of contact and he was great, but I felt very comfortable with the Hopkins doctors and decided I didn't want to travel to L.A. for the surgery.
Marjoryb
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I had visited 6 physicians and 2 phy. asst. (not my favorite people, but I went) to find out to understand what was wrong with my right ear. It wasn't until my cousins recommended me to get an appt. with the House Ear Institute. I had found an ENT doctor that has been featured on Oprah's tv show, but was unable to see him to say that the medicine was not working as he was on tour for a couple of weeks. I called the House Ear Inst. to share my problem. The clinic made an appt.with me the next day to assess the problem, and I was able to go onto a business appt in Portland and return for a CT scan when I returned. It was really a difficult 2 years, having to give up mountain biking, night hiking and rollerblading after work as I was too off balance. He understood my lifestyle was being very much affected, and took me as a patient right on the spot.
When I had any issue, Dr. Brackmann would call right back. Due to his 'watch and wait' philosophy, I did not have to go to surgery, and my 'small tumor' shrank and is no longer present on CT film. It took 1 year of 'watch and wait', and being impatient it bugged me to death. I have since recommended relatives to see him, and he immediately figured out their problems.
Since then, I have gone in for emergency surgery for another issue, and I can only say their team is the best in working out my insurance (and Consumer Reports gave it a black ball), AND they really cared about me and my hearing. I have not had to visit any other ENT for further diagnosis. I hope you found as great of a surgeon as I had found with Dr. Brackmann.
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I am late to join this thread, but wanted to add my own story.
I concur. Dr. Brackman is outstanding. When I was doing my own research originally, I thought I would find a research hospital in Chicago and at first I ignored HEI. I made the personal choice to go to HEI in November 2001 to have Middle Fossa surgery as the docs in Chicago at that time operated using retrosigmoid. They had just begun using Middle Fossa. I was one who's presenting symptoms were balance issues, not hearing loss. Because I had 100% hearing, I wanted to attempt hearing preservation after facial nerve preservation. The Middle Fossa outcomes were better for hearing preservation in the medical literature.
I had Middle Fossa Surgery for a 1.5 cm right sided AN (considered medium sized) on November 29, 2001 with Dr.
Brackmann and Dr. Hitselberger. Dr. Hitselberger had to be in his seventies (based on med school dates) at the time and I remember being concerned about his age.
He was used to the question and showed me his steady hand and was reassuring about it.
The staff at House and St. Vincents were very professional and
used to handling acoustic patients. As a matter of fact, House used the
whole sixth floor of St. Vincent's Hospital.
My surgery was 4-41/2 hours. My facial nerve was preserved, my eye closed all
the way and I retained much hearing. (note: I had 100% hearing prior to the
surgery in that ear. Now I have 50% low frequencies and ~80% high
frequencies and 84% word discrimination.) BTW, my six week check up and hearing test were better than when I left St. Vincents.
I am very grateful for incredible surgeons and the experience of the House team, although I never take my outcome for granted.
Seven years later, my MRI's are still good and I still have usable hearing in my ear although at my next hearing test, I won't be surprised if I've lost some word discrimination points.
Kindest Regards,
Kate
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Know I had an XXL tumor and not a lot of treatment options. In responding here I do NOT know the size of your tumor or what your options are. If your tumor is smaller you have several options, which I would implore you to explore.
I was on my way to have the translab at House. I actually went there for a consult and found Dr. Brackman to be a very spry man and most personable. He was #1 on my list at that date…
That date…I had this VERY egocentric neurosurgeon in Oregon call me on my cell phone, as I was in a taxi leaving HEI, convince me that my tumor may not be an acoustic neuroma but most likely a meninginoma. He explained that that by having the translab I could be sacrificing my hearing for nothing. "Dr. Ego" of Oregon claimed my “hearing could be saved� with the retrosygmoid if it was not an AN tumor. SO then I went searching for surgeons who did the retrosygmoid with more experience than the Oregon surgeons (who I actually found he and his partner had malpractice suits on their files- when going to www.healthgrades.com- the California surgeons all had immaculate records and higher number of surgeries under their experience belts)
So we did the retrosygmoid in California … and yes it was an acoustic neuroma and not a menginoma. (Just as Dr. Brackmann predicted.) My hearing was lost and I came in that 2% higher risk and the facial nerve was also damaged. (Just as Dr. Brackmann had warned me :'( ) I did get 60 % movement regain in my face however now I have synkenisis and hyperacusis. :-\ :-[
If I was to turn the clock back (which I can’t) I would do the translab with Dr. Brackmann @ House for an XXL sized tumor.
Even though the accommodations @ House are not as luxurious as Stanford (nor the hospital) know that all the nursing staff etc are very versed @ HEI on what to look for with post- op complications with ACOUSTIC NEUROMA patients specifically. I was in a hospital with many other neurosurgery patients with various issues and when I had complications the staff was not as quick to indentify these- as I had hoped. It was also hard for my husband to be alone out-of-state while watching his wife in the condition she was- with no support. I think if we had stayed at Seton House @ HEI he would have found tremendous support from other fellow AN patient caregivers.
I literally have had to bend-over-backwards to get post-op care referrals (vestibular therapy, neuro-muscular facial retrain therapy etc) where other patients here on the forum, which went to HEI, have gotten their referrals immediately. HEI just does more AN tumors than any other institution (in the world) so there you get many experienced staff (including those running the facial monitor at the time of surgery. …Instead of so many students who are learning on the job)
My California surgeons did an excellent job of dissecting a massive and very vascular adhesive tumor. However my main surgeon is also a department chair, professor and an International public speaker. He seems to not be interested or have time to follow-up with me. He delegated much of the follow-up care to subordinates… that had me having to jump too many hoops to get referrals for therapy etc. Not only is it important that you seek an experienced surgeon (which mine actually is and Brackmann trained him years ago… they have even written texts together) ….but one who ALSO provides continuous follow-up care with their patients… even after the surgery. I know from support group meetings testimonies that Dr. Brackmann actually phones his out-of-state patients: to check up on them, see how they are doing, and to reminder them to do their follow up MRI’s.
You need to know that Dr. Hitzleberger, Dr. Brackmann’s old neurosurgery partner, is around age 79 and is retired now. Dr. Brackman is about age 72… but let-me-tell -you he is very spry and sharp as a whistle 8) … still doing successful surgeries. He now works with young Dr. Swartz (just a kid) as his partner neurosurgeon (who ironically was trained by “Dr. Ego� in Oregon). I have heard very positive reports about Dr. Swartz –(and NO he does not have the ego problems his former Oregon trainer has -that phones people and makes wild claims such as “I can save your hearing!� .I actually have a recording of this on my voice mail - to which we burned onto a CD)
With Dr. Brackman you will get a very personable and capable man. My own surgeon, to which he trained, is also a very personable and capable man- just too busy to follow-up with his patient whose surgery outcome was less than perfect… (to which some days I think he is in denial of… :-\)
Dr. Brackmann has many awards on his wall from Canada, Britain … and other countries. If you have an opportunity to have him as a surgeon, before he too retires, - jump on it! Know that Dr. Brackmann has also received awards from the ANA (and NO the ANA does not endorse medical practioners) but I am, as a PATIENT postie, just letting you know this information. (You can always google "Dr. Derald Brackmann Awards") He also has committed much of his life to help patients… and he is one of the few I know of whose research is still trying to find "the cause" of AN tumors beside the already know genetics of NF2. (I make sure our corporate employee match donation goes to his research- specifically.)
So obviously you can see that even though Dr. Brackman was not my surgeon (he was on my interview list however) I think very highly of him and I know he has a fantastic reputation with his patients… because I personally keep hearing the testimonies from patients- first hand.
Trust me Dr. Brackmann is a gem!
Daisy Head Mazie
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Here is his CV (resume) if you want to check it out.
http://www.houseearclinic.com/BrackmannDE_CV.htm
I see him as quite the ole "Acoustic Neuroma Guru"- myself. Trust me I did a lot of research and paid out for many reports. (Know that my own surgeon is also exceptionally good and reputable- the fact that he was a colleague of Dr. Brackmann was a big deciding factor for me.) I guess I was worried that if I had tumor re-growth, 5 years down the road, Dr. Brackmann might not be around for follow up with me. Very silly of me to think that and possibly I was truly guilty :-[ of “age discrimination�- at that time. If young Dr Swartz is also there at surgery... 5 years down the road you will have someone still versed on what happened during the surgery to consult with.
I really do not think his age should be a deterrent AT ALL ... Get Dr. Brackmann and his team to point a laser light at a spot on the wall - you will see for yourself he is steady. (And any youngsters in the room that started their morning off with coffee - who might not be. LOL :D I heard from one of his patients that he does this laser trick. This was the same patient who told me that Dr. Brackmann was really getting on his case about not going to his follow up MRI appointments. Good for Dr. “B�!)
I hope that when I am in my 70's I am still spry and professionally active as Dr. Brackmann. Trust me this man has done much for the advancement of the treatment of Acoustic Neuromas… yet remains humble and still providing service to others. Perhaps while you interview him you can pick his brain about the secrets to longevity. :) That was one question I forgot to ask him- while I was at HEI.
When you meet him in person- trust me …you just can’t help but really like the guy.
I know I did - when I met him. :)
DHM
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I love the laser light trick! That is such a nice, humorous (yet effective) way to put one's concerns at rest!
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what else can i add to the list??? i agree with everything within the thread about brackmann and house, and i want to add that brackmann is not afraid to go back on his decision either. when i did the initial phone consultation with him, he reviewed my MRI and good hearing results and determined that retrog. was the way to go for me. However after the pre-op examination, he decided that translab will be a better option, and it was the right decision!! if we had gone with the retrog. path, they will not have completely remove all the tumor. He got tons of experience and for a surgery this big, i look for surgeon who can quickly adapt to any "oops" situation. Don't let his age fool you too, he is still sharp. Besides, he is not the only surgeon that day, he usually have a team, ie a nerosurgeon (schawtz), a fellow surgeon and internist.
Except for SSD, i don't have any facial weakness or balance issues. Despite who your surgeons are, everyone's recovery and complications are completely different - hope this helps and feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!!
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If surgery is your only option, Brackmann is THE guy to go to. However, keep in mind that he is a surgeon and the only thing he will recommend is surgery. There are other options out there regardless of your age - be sure to at least consider and talk to radiosurgeons as well. I am still undecided between CK & GK, and still can't believe that there isn't a clear decision making process when it comes to this.
Good luck!
Beth
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Hi, I am new to this site. What a coincidence because I just got off the phone with his office. Anyway I had my surgery apr. 2005. I flew there from N.Y. We did tons of research before making final decision. As far as I am concerned he is the best. Like others have said he returns phonecalls very quickly which is surprising , considering how important and busy he is. The day before surgery, you have a full day of tests and i met with Hitselberger. Didnt meet with Brackman until morning of. Both are so nice and so down to earth. They tell you to go for nice dinner nite before surgeryDay of surgery you are admitted to St. Vincent 1st they shave whatever part of your head, then you go to op. room and put out. Worst part of whole ordeal is waking up. I was sooooo dizzy and sick. They cut your balance nerve if you have my surgery for AN 1st 24 hrs were the worst. But I woke with no facial drooping which was my main concern. Stayed in hosp for 4 days , then even though I had major balance issues, my husband and I spent the next 5 days siteseeing and shopping. The hospital is nice and the nurses are wonderful.I would totally recommend Dr. Brackman and his staff. I even went to top surgeons in N.Y. and they said DR. Brackman. Please get back to me if any other questions
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Hi, I am new to this site. What a coincidence because I just got off the phone with his office. Anyway I had my surgery apr. 2005. I flew there from N.Y. We did tons of research before making final decision. As far as I am concerned he is the best. Like others have said he returns phonecalls very quickly which is surprising , considering how important and busy he is. The day before surgery, you have a full day of tests and i met with Hitselberger. Didnt meet with Brackman until morning of. Both are so nice and so down to earth. They tell you to go for nice dinner nite before surgeryDay of surgery you are admitted to St. Vincent 1st they shave whatever part of your head, then you go to op. room and put out. Worst part of whole ordeal is waking up. I was sooooo dizzy and sick. They cut your balance nerve if you have my surgery for AN 1st 24 hrs were the worst. But I woke with no facial drooping which was my main concern. Stayed in hosp for 4 days , then even though I had major balance issues, my husband and I spent the next 5 days siteseeing and shopping. The hospital is nice and the nurses are wonderful.I would totally recommend Dr. Brackman and his staff. I even went to top surgeons in N.Y. and they said DR. Brackman. Please get back to me if any other questions
It is amazing how similar almost all of the House Patient stories are regarding the surgery. They really have it down to a science.
Kate
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Dr. Brackmann did my surgery on June 30, 2009.
He was awesome to talk to and everyone there worked together like a well oiled machine.
Everyone from doctors, nurses, to the wonderful lady Rita who made sure all the insurance, etc. was taken care of before i ever got to LA - just everyone.
Can't say enough good things about my experience there.
Patrick
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Patrick, I just missed you! :) as I had my surgery there on June 11. I agree with what you said -- top surgical skill and they make it easy for you. Since so many patients travel for care there, they do have it down to a science.
As for Dr. B specifically, I was very happy with him. I had a facial nerve hemangioma, so I had a lot of (valid) concern about saving my facial function. He and Dr. House did it. I found him very caring as well, and sympathetic to the surgery experience -- it may be "routine" for them, but he doesn't seem to have forgotten that it's not at all "routine" for the patient and their loved ones!
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Lilan,
I flew back home on July 10 so we were really close to meeting.
How did things work out for you?
I'm out of work until Aug. 24 and still dealing with "wonky head" as they say on this discussion forum.
My hope is to be independent of my cane by then. I have to be or they won't let me return to work so wish me luck.
Patrick
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Oops! I read June but registered July. ;D
My PT kicked my butt again! It's worth it though. Things are getting better all the time.
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Sounds like you are doing great!
I went back to work this week (kind of kicking and screaming ;) -- I was worried about how it would go) and it's been surprisingly OK. I am taking tomorrow off, have PT in the morning and don't want to push through five-day weeks just yet!
Maybe the wonky head is staying around for you because your tumor was so small. I still have a bit of wonkiness that I'm hoping goes away, but I already feel better than I did before the surgery! I was dizzy for a whole year!
Great luck getting back to work! It does quickly make you feel more "normal" to be back in your normal swing of things.
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I hope that when I am in my 70's I am still spry and professionally active as Dr. Brackmann. Trust me this man has done much for the advancement of the treatment of Acoustic Neuromas… yet remains humble and still providing service to others. Perhaps while you interview him you can pick his brain about the secrets to longevity. :) That was one question I forgot to ask him- while I was at HEI.
I think that Dr. “B†addressed my question of “longevity†well, inadvertently, during his Symposium presentation… even though I never actually asked him the question.
He admitted that he loves what he does and has never worked a day in his life, as he does not view this as his “workâ€. What was evident to me was that this is his “passion†and he truly loves what he does. When I heard the words “divine intervention" used by him (often not a word accepted amongst the science community)- it was felt by me, personally hearing this, that this man was called to this vocation.
At the inter-denominational service during the Chicago ANA symposium Sister Shirley Bell spoke of the “discernment†and when she finally met a surgeon (after what it sounds interviewing as many surgeons as I did) that her gut instinct told her “who†she would be with. (To date I do not know who her surgeon finally was.) The 5 senses are hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling and touching. Many will have various explanations of what they feel the 6th sense is… some will call this “discernmentâ€, “gut feelingâ€â€¦ psychologists write papers on this… as do neuroscientists … theologians.
I once found this article very interesting
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200007/is-there-sixth-sense
When I first viewed Virginia Fickel Ehr speaking on the ANA DVD (recently published) and I viewed her speaking and listened to what she said, and watch her facial movements intently- I felt and instant connection with her. (Probably because we both have similar facial issues post op… but there was something more…) I had the pleasure of speaking with her at the symposium- this past week. She started the idea of the ANA from her kitchen table, as she knew that there needed to be support for Acoustic Neuroma patients- specifically. Once you start engaging in a conversation, with her, you hardly notice any facial movements as her beautiful “character and integrity†so exude when you speak with her. In the ballroom at the gala banquet, this past weekend, stood a small, fit and very spry older woman surrounded by a huge crowd offering her a standing ovation as she was acknowledged for the organization she spear headed and initiated. I look at her as another example of longevity. Her ability to pay it forward goes over and beyond.
I truly feel these people have the capability to move up, over and maybe even sometimes “around†obstacles and “keep moving forwardâ€. I think that perhaps they had a calling to which they listened to and acted upon. There are people we meet that are just exceptionally gifted whether it is: academic skills, music, art, writing, surgical skills, compassion, or organizational skills.
There is much scientific data to examine to which at times, especially to us patients, can be totally overwhelming. Nevertheless to examine this with logic and scientific reasoning is VERY important. However there is a “gut feeling†part (that does not always come with scientific explanation) that is also important to listen to- in your decision-making. Again this goes back to the vaguely defined 6th sense. Do not let yourself be psychologically manipulated – especially when you are vulnerable or naive of all the options that are available.
I truly feel that the 3 people I mentioned above where “called†specifically to help people with acoustic neuroma treatment and follow up care. Currently I think that the secret to longevity is to listen to your calling when you are asked to serve others -and to keep active the gifts you have. Doing so humbly and without self-edification.
The neurosurgeon (NOT the one who did my surgery) that claimed my “hearing could be saved†gave me a bad “gut feeling†and that is why I did further investigations... and kept looking.
There are many other gifted surgeons out there … the trick is to discern who are the honest sincere and capable ones and who are the wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing offering misconstrued statistical data to make a medical contract with you. This is truly a very personal decision that you will need to take time to reflect upon. I know that my surgeons did an amazing job of tumor dissection… but it is not just the surgeon that is in the equation of your care- it is the “team approachâ€. Your neurtologist will be just only one of the many team members that get you back to the best recovery possible.
Go with not just your gut instinct about the surgeon but also with the follow up care “team†that presents itself to you… be it where you go to for the surgery or where you go home to for follow-up care. Will your surgeon, or someone from the team, he/she leads, continue to advocate on your behalf if you have complications … months or years down the road?
DHM
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My experience was one that was FABULOUS....My surgery was in 1993 and I had Mid Fossa with great results...Anytime I have had to talk to Dr. Brackmann or have referred him to anyone it has been nothing but a positive experience. The facial grading for surgery is named after him. Dr. Brackmann is a man who is very humble and takes his work very professionally and so so those that work with him!
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Another success story
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=10427.0
:)
DHM
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I just had surgery with Dr. Brackmann on September 23rd. I love this guy! He is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. He also has SEEN everything in terms of AN surgeries...his experiences are vast and I would fly anywhere to have him operate on me again. And his energy level is extraordinary. He has trained many, many surgeons for AN...can't say enough about him....
Cheryl :)