ANA Discussion Forum
Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: Seahorse on August 22, 2015, 04:42:41 am
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I have just been diagnosed with a 2.5cm AN. I am enjoying my retirement by going on lots of wonderful scuba holidays. Now I am terrified by my diagnosis, not only by having the surgery but also that it may ruin my chances of diving again.
Has anybody had their AN removed and been able to continue Scuba? If so, please let me know how yours was removed and your experiences. Thank you.
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Googling SCUBA and Acoustic Neuroma together as search parameters came up with:
http://forum.divernet.com/showthread.php?t=5789
http://www.spums.org.au/forum-topic/diving-after-removal-acoustic-neuroma
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/243760-acoustic-neuroma-still-diving.html
http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=17603.0
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It's definitely a question for the doctors...
If you are in watch and wait or have had radiation you will need a medical clearance..
If your balance is OK then there is no reason I know of that prevents diving.
With the operation the answer as I understand it gets more complicated. People that have Translab surgery have the entire inner ear and balance organ removed. To get to the tumour the Dura is cut. (That's the membrane that surrounds the brain and keeps the brain fluid in.)
When they are finished fat is used to help seal the dura again. The Eustachian tube is also blocked...
Doctors are concerned I believe with change in pressure that the repair will fail, and you will get a brain fluid leak. You will need to ask your surgeon.. Because how the perform the surgery, the dura repair, and deal with the Eustachian tube is important..
I believe if you have middle cranial fossa or retrosigmoid approaches your Eustachian tube remains in tact... If your hearing and facial nerve are damaged you may not be able to sense whether you have cleared your ears or not and may risk a burst ear drum... So I don't think there is a short answer.. You will need to talk to the surgeon...or if your tumour is smaller than 3.0cm choose radiation
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Seahorse, I can relate to your reaction to the diagnosis. I think any of us who are leading active lives and hear this diagnosis are shocked. I know I was . . . and am. Our AN's are about the same size from what you posted. As we're both retired, we may be of a similar age. I'm wondering what your symptoms are and what your doctors have recommended. If you don't wish to comment publicly, maybe a PM. Or, for that matter, if you'd rather not comment at all, that's understandable. I'm not a diver, but I ride motorcycles regularly and cherish my balance!
GaryWNT