In July of 2001, I was as normal as normal could be. A self sufficent single mom of 2 young girls just starting a new life in Texas, both girls getting to that age where I was enjoying some moderate freedoms. But by Christmas, that all changed. I had just found out that I had gotten pregnant on the pill. I had my kids and really had not thought of having more.But there were other plans in store for me. I think the hardest thing was to tell my 10 yr old she wasnt 'the baby' anymore.
During a trip driving home to Missouri, I started noticing difficulties in my health. At first I thought my age and pregnancy were colliding. But along with dizziness and nausea,normal pregnancy issues I thought, I also had facial numbness on the left side of my face. The numbness went from temple to collarbone and I broke 3 teeth eating candy on that trip.By February it was so bad, I had to quit my job, load up and high-tail it back to where my parents lived in Missouri.
In March it was so bad I woke up in the night to use the restroom and fell face first into my computer desk, tummy into a chair. No movements were felt afterwards and I begged my doctor for help.
To make a LONG LONG story short. I was finally MRIed and they found what was thought to be a melignant tumor.
I got sicker and sicker. I went from a strong independant woman to a vegetable like state where I couldnt feed myself.
In May 2002 I had the first of 2 surgeries. The doctors removed 95% of a tumor that grew from my ear to my brain stem, crushing the figure 8 into a small crecent.
In July 2002 I delivered by C-section the healiest beautiful 'life saver' I have ever seen.
I had difficulties in recovery. Walking, talking care for myself and my now 3 children came slowly.I didnt heal (surgically) because of steroid use.
We waited until Sept 2003 to tackle the remaining 5%. It was wrapped in the facial nerve. BUt the neuro team did a wonderful job removing the ear drum and saving the nerve.
Now, half deaf, left periphial vision impaired, periods of numbness coming and going. Vertigo, and all those other things we asscociate with AN. I am a survivor. My doc says its all gone. But I will til the day I die be finding things that are attributed to my bout with AN.
In August I start school throught Voc Rehab. I am trying to get back on track.
I am sorry this is such a long post. I welcome questions and can fill in some blanks I may have left open.( Sorry short term memory loss is a pain)
well wishes
