Author Topic: Comparison of Houston Surgeons  (Read 4916 times)

stephanieH

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Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« on: January 21, 2012, 09:26:19 pm »
I had AN surgery (left ear) in 2009.  I'm starting to have hearing loss and tinnitus in my right ear, along with dizziness (which I didn't experience in 2009).  If needed, I'd like to have surgery in Houston the second time around because my family is located there.  And, because I'm completely deaf (w/ tinnitus) on my left side, choosing a surgeon is even more important this time around.  I've had cancer, and I'm looking at a potential NF2 diagnosis, so I'm searching for a team approach from my doctors.  I'm currently tyring to get an appointment at MD Anderson (Gidley), but, after reading the posts regarding Vrabec and Chang, I wonder if I should get more than one opinion.  I would appreciate anyone's comments about their comparative research of Houston surgeons. 
Stephanie

1 cm AN, 2009 translab (left), Austin, TX.

Sheryl

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2012, 06:57:40 pm »
Stephanie - my husband had another type of benign brain tumor - a meningioma.  He had one craniotomy in 2004, Cyberknife treatment in 2007 for a regrowth, and then another craniotomy in 2009 for yet another regrowth.  The 2009 surgery was done in Boston by a highly recommended and renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Arthur Day.  We were quite upset that he moved to Houston after he did my husband's surgery. 
Sheryl
9th cranial nerve schwannoma - like an acoustic neuroma on another nerve. Have recently been told it could be acoustic neuroma. Only 7 mm of growth in 18 years. With no symptoms. Continuing W&W

stephanieH

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2012, 07:35:42 pm »
Sheryl, thank you so much.  I'll look him up. 
Stephanie

1 cm AN, 2009 translab (left), Austin, TX.

leapyrtwins

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2012, 03:28:46 pm »
Vrabec is a name I've seen on this Forum.

I think Patrick (texsooner) went to him.

If you send Patrick a PM, I'm sure he would give you his two cents worth.

Jan
Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

Kaybo

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2012, 04:53:58 pm »
I'm pretty sure that Patrick, Pooter and Priscilla all used Vrabec.  I have seen him about a BAHA and he was very nice...

K   ;D
Translab 12/95@Houston Methodist(Baylor College of Medicine)for "HUGE" tumor-no size specified
25 yrs then-14 hour surgery-stroke
12/7 Graft 1/97
Gold Weight x 5
SSD
Facial Paralysis-R(no movement or feelings in face,mouth,eye)
T3-3/08
Great life!

texsooner

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2012, 05:14:21 pm »
Actually, my guy (neurotologist/surgeon) was Dr. Joseph Chang, but he was great for me, and still is as I go to him for annual check-ups. Of other AN forum members that I've seen post, I believe Waypoint also used Dr. Chang.

Patrick
3.5cm left side AN; 11 hour retrosigmoid surgery 8/11/08 @ Memorial Hermann, Houston - Texas Medical Center with Drs. Chang and Vollmer; home on 8/13/08;
SSD(w/tinnitus); dry eye; Happy to be here and feeling good.

stephanieH

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2012, 08:24:22 pm »
Just want to thank all of you for the replies.   :-*
Stephanie

1 cm AN, 2009 translab (left), Austin, TX.

Kaybo

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Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2012, 09:26:25 pm »
are you from the Houston area or just have family here?

K   ;D
Translab 12/95@Houston Methodist(Baylor College of Medicine)for "HUGE" tumor-no size specified
25 yrs then-14 hour surgery-stroke
12/7 Graft 1/97
Gold Weight x 5
SSD
Facial Paralysis-R(no movement or feelings in face,mouth,eye)
T3-3/08
Great life!

james e

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  • 72 years, 1.7cm, trans lab Mar 2010, BAHA 5
Re: Comparison of Houston Surgeons
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2012, 12:27:09 pm »
I used Vrabec at Methodist. Great experience. He is a pro. Great staff.