I know there are a lot of "scary" stories floating around out there. It's really hard not to read them. I remember going through the same process before my surgery.
But, also please know that there are a lot of us out here who have had surgery and have no complications. You are not doomed, by any means. There are so many factors (many of which are not in your control) that determine outcome, and nothing is guaranteed - positive or negative! Personally, I'm now 8 months post-op, and you'd never know. No vertigo, no headaches, no facial nerve issues, no dry eye, no dizziness, no taste changes - nothing past about 3 or 4 weeks post-op. I think a lot of the patients who have surgical outcomes like mine don't hang around the forums as much - the AN no longer affects their daily life, and they've moved on. Which is great for them! But it means the next people diagnosed don't get to hear those stories.
The most important thing you can do is do your research and find a skilled surgeon with lots of experience handling ANs. That will increase your chances for a positive outcome.
Good luck!
Katie
