ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: Greece Lover on April 18, 2016, 01:56:44 pm

Title: Surgery in Iowa City
Post by: Greece Lover on April 18, 2016, 01:56:44 pm

Diagnosed 2 months ago.  1.2 cm right side AN.  My hearing is pretty good, but seems to fluctuate day to day which frustrates me.  (Anyone else experienced this pre operatively).

Also curious who has had Dr. Hansen in Iowa City.  I've been happy with him so far.

Also: freaking out a bit about the surgery!  Will be Middle Fossa.

thanks everyone!

Title: Re: Surgery in Iowa City
Post by: michellef08 on April 19, 2016, 09:17:02 am

Hello and welcome!
Being diagnosed is very scary, but we have all been there and gotten through! The best advice I can give is to do as much research, and get opinions from as many experienced AN teams as you can handle until you find a solution that feels right for you. Meeting with experienced neurosurgeons will help you decide what treatment is best for your individual tumor based on the size, shape, location, symptoms, risk factors, lifestyle etc.

I had Middle Fossa, with great results! My surgeons were able to preserve my hearing and I didn't have a single facial or balance issue.

Title: Re: Surgery in Iowa City
Post by: Greece Lover on April 19, 2016, 09:34:47 am

Thanks, this is good to hear (no pun intended).  Exactly the outcome I'm hoping for!

Title: Re: Surgery in Iowa City
Post by: Jet747 on April 19, 2016, 07:24:13 pm

Greece,

Just got back from Lefkada and Mykonos...definitely love that country!

Specific to your question I know nothing about the team in Iowa you mention but I would echo the comments from Michelle08. 

Do your research and believe the outcome will be the best possible.

I had my surgery nearly a year ago, the team was able to keep my hearing at the same level as pre-surgery without any other major side effects.

In the ICU ice and Tylenol was my best friend, I didn't care so much for the drugs as they made me feel a bit nauseous.  You will know what is right for you.  I really appreciated having someone from my family in the room around the clock, it provided me  comfort when I went in and out of my delirium the first 2 days.

The recovery should be as fast or slow as you feel you can handle.

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions you may have.

Good luck and best wishes to you!
Jet747

Title: Re: Surgery in Iowa City
Post by: Greece Lover on May 13, 2016, 02:34:05 pm

My surgery was Monday. Just got home!  Seems like they saved some hearing. Still pretty dizzy but getting better.