Mickey / Sheryl
Thanks for your encouraging comments and best wishes with your respective 'battles'.
Mickey... For what it is worth...the following is my personal perspective on dealing with the AN condition.
I strongly believe that if you are 'fortunate enough' to be diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma that is of a size suitable for conservative management (watch & wait) then subject to suitable advice from your neuro consultant together with annual MRI scans which hopefully indicate no increase in the size and on the proviso that there is no escalation in the symptoms, then I passionately believe that 'watch & wait' is the way to go. I cannot see any advantage in taking unnecessay risks, however minimal, which are applicable to microsurgery or radiosurgery if there is no immediate necessity for medical intervention particularly so if, as in my case, you are of senior citizen status!
I would like to think that my general lifestyle, diet and exercise regime that are well documented in my OP and subsequent posts in this topic have been fundamental in controlling my AN. Unfortunately I cannot substantiate that claim with any scientific or other specific evidence but I am a very strong willed individual with total self belief. I have rigidly adhered daily to every 'top tip' that I have mentioned since my diagnosis almost 8 years ago and I believe that therein lies the secret...total commitment and self belief.
Other than my immediate family, I have never disclosed my AN condition to any other relatives, friends, associates or work colleagues prior to my retirement 5 years ago notwithstanding the balance problems and hearing difficulties that I experienced in the early stages of my diagnosis when I was then a senior police officer in a major UK force leading homicide investigations. Indeed I cannot recall the last occasion that I openly discussed my condition with my immediate family, preferring that they remain free of any unnecessary worries or concerns so the aspect of support and understanding from family and friends has never been a requirement for me albeit I fully accept that such a strategy may not be a viable option for others diagnosed with the AN condition.
Further, and remaining on a positive vein, I have never accepted that I have a BRAIN TUMOUR nor that I am part DEAF... the words in capitals are expressions that I never use relevant to myself. I am more than happy to accept that I have a malfunction of an acoustic nerve resulting in diminished hearing on one side. Pause a while and consider the aforementioned two descriptions of the same condition....I know which one I would choose!!
Just my take on the situation and my own personal positive methodology of dealing with it... I accept that it may not be suitable for others to adopt but hey...as far as I am concerned it is tried and tested and works for me!.
Best Regards
Derek
