I have been off the boards for so long because I relocated across the country and started a new job this summer.
Perhaps because my tumor was really large (I think the official report stated it was 3.7 cm!), any degree of removal would have been an improvement. My surgeon was surprised that the enormity of the tumor didn't impair me further.
Single-sided deafness can be annoying at times. For example, when my husband tries to talk to me from another room while the water is running, etc. I can't hear a word! I have to be really careful to look both ways several times for car when I am out running. Sometimes, I'll just talk really loud and I have to be mindful of curbing that as well.
A few weeks post-op, I attempted to eat sushi and that was amusing. It was very difficult to keep it all in my mouth. Now, I don't seem to have a problem stuffing food in my mouth.
Random things: My abdomen looks silly; I thought about getting a tattoo to cover up the scar. I've noticed that eyelashes tend to fall out on the paralyzed side of my face. Maybe I am too harsh with scrubbing off mascara on that side
nancyann, you've had several surgeries and that is several times of being under anasthesia. The fact that you do not have facial droop anymore really is a cause to celebrate! I can relate to the surgery costs: I am several thousand $ in the hole from my surgery. Apparently, my former state of employment doesn't care too much about providing adequate health insurance for its employees. That said, in attempt to replenish some funds, I have put off traveling to visit anyone for a while. This also means no exotic vacations. Luckily, the Rockies aren't too far away!
Jeanlea, keep running! You may be more motivated now because if you had moderate to severe vestibular disorder, it is a joy to not feel wobbly. I can actually make it up a hill without veering off to the side or feel like I am falling backwards.