Hi, am a new member, but an old AN patient. My surgery was on January 16, 2003 (Dr. Germano, Mt.Sinai Hospital, NYC). I survived a 13 hour long surgery, and after three weeks of rehabs, I was stupid enough to rush back to work. I lost hearing in my AN left side, facial paralysis, and of course some balance problems...and to complete the impression, the hardest part was that I lost my job regardless of excellent results at work. Who needs a disabled math teacher? It seems - nobody.
Even before the surgery I promissed to myself that I will do everything to improve any possible negative posteffects - and I had many. So, here are some of my post-AN-interventions:
- golden plate (0.6 grams) installed in my left eyelid. Presently I am using 'systane' preservative - free lubricant eye drops - these drops are the best.
- BAHA hearing aid - installed above my left ear (April 2004-Dr. Chandrasekhar, Sujana).
- To improve and correct results of my facial paralysis, I had a reconstructive surgery - my face now looks and I have less problems with my speach. I did not have a nerve graft because the EMS test revealed that my facial nerve has not ben severed.
I am aware that my family supports me a lot. I think what else is very important - it is our ability and will to help to ourselves. Obviously, we - AN survivors are very special because Acoustic Neuroma is a very rare form of a brain tumor - 1 in 400,000, and my tumor was wrapped around my facial nerve.
Am I depressed? After a 13 hour brain tumor surgery with all possible negative side effects (95% of the tumor has been removed), the hardest moment was loosing my job, I think that I have all reasonable reasons to be unhappy. To be honest, I have a hard time dealing with all these antidepressants and/or painkillers.
Yes, we all have to be strong and happy that we are alive. I that enough? Just to be alive? Ok. As long as I have some plans for the future, I guess that is a good sign. I love the saying - take one day at a time...and do your yoga assanas almost every day for 20 minutes. That helps as well.
Stay positive and strong. Thank you for your time.
