Well, for any of you newbies going into this, just know that there are many extremes to the outcome of your particular surgery. I guess I am what you would call the good extreme (not EXTREMELY good, just good!) Six months ago, on Dec 9th, 2009. I was being wheeled into the operating room at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles with Dr.'s Brackmann and Schwartz waiting at the helm to give my brain its very first peek at the outside world in 45 years (via Middle Fossa). I had complete faith in my decision going in and I stand here today feeling very grateful for all that has been given me.
Aside from the occasional wonky head syndrome, the nerve endings reawakening (ouch!), a little louder tinnitus, hearing at about 60%, and my stamina not quite right up there where I want it to be, things could never be better. I do not suffer from many headaches anymore and have never had any facial issues. My sleeping is still problematic, but then again, I am a night shift worker, where I work from 6pm to 6am W-Fr, and every other Saturday. That fourth day on my long week I can truly feel it. I have been very active and my positive spirit seems to have survived this whole ordeal. I will be getting a one year MRI done in December but with my tumor being as small as it was, they did get it all out so hopefully no surprises will await me.
I still read this forum from time to time and try to offer some words of encouragement where needed, because I believe in paying it forward as I really appreciated all the kind words of comfort directed at me during my own trip to become a postie. For you newbies, take heed to all those who've been around here a while...sometimes they are better than doctors! For all you a not so newbies,
I want to thank you all for your wisdom and all the help I received. Life is INDEED good!
Jay
