ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: DanFouratt on April 19, 2026, 03:36:21 PM
-
I had my second follow-up MRI this past Friday—without contrast. The good news: no growth.
The delay between scans was due to other medical issues, so this was only my second MRI since radiation 2.5 years ago.
Choosing no contrast sparked a few lectures. The technician questioned why, saying contrast provides better information. Since I’m at a teaching facility, I got the “two-for-one” experience—a fellow also came in and asked why I declined contrast, mentioning it makes it harder to assess size and changes. I explained that I don’t like how it makes me feel, though I still got a bit of push back.
When I met with the doctor, we discussed the next MRI. He recommended doing it in a year since I’m still under five years out—but confirmed it can be done without contrast. I appreciated that. He did add that some contrast may not fully leave your system, though I’m not entirely sure what he meant. Either way, I’m relieved I can continue without it.
I also want to thank this group. About 34 months ago, I felt lost and alone. Finding this community was a turning point for me. You helped me realize I wasn’t alone, answered so many of my questions, and provided invaluable resources—especially the past videos, which meant a lot during the early stages of understanding everything.
Thank you all.
Remain AN STRONG,
Dan
-
It is strange to reply to your own posting. I know people have mentioned wanting to hear good news. I forgot to mentioned I have no issues with the CK procedure. That is not to say tinnitus went away (it did not) and my hearing improved (it did not), but they remain they same. I have no other issues associated with the AN (VS) or the treatment associated with it. No headaches, no dizziness, no vertigo ....
Stay Strong,
Dan
-
Hey Dan,
Glad you had a positive follow-up. I too had a tough time before treatment partially because of the lack of positive results being posted. I'm glad you stuck around on here. I knew as soon as I found this website that I was going to stick around after treatment and try to be a positive influence for all those scared people who were searching for answers like I was. There are some people on here who have become kind of like an extended family because of our shared experiences. Although I have never met any of them, and I may never meet any of you in person, I feel like we are all friends, brought together through an unfortunate coincidence. I value each one of you, and even though there are relatively few posts made on this forum, I stop by almost every day to check in and see if anyone has questions or follow-up reports. Stay well my friend.
-
Hey Dan- am abt to get my 7th MRI after CK and will post. Hearing stable no change. But I continue to get geniculate neuralgia and it affects my sleep. I think maybe an artery compressing nervus intermdius in ear. like trigeminal pain. nyway will report back after MRI. Havent had a goodnights sleep for 7 years. No pain in day- only when lying on that side.
-
Michelle, Sorry to hear you are suffering from this. I hope your MRI goes well. If I recall you are a non contrast person.
Take care,
Dan
-
Thanks Dan! Actually its gone away at the moment and I feel great! Sleeping deeply on just a hot magnesium bath before bed (was on medical cannabis which kind of helped). Anyway will let you know how MRI goes- at least the audiology report was excellent.
-
Hey Michelle,
Glad you found relief. Those pains can be pretty bad. You ever try sleeping slightly elevated? I noticed quite a difference when I came home from the hospital between laying flat on the bed and the elevated position I had with the hospital bed. My first night at home I got really sick from laying flat. After a couple days I was fine laying flat, but if your getting pressure laying down I just thought it might help. Just a thought.
-
Hi Mark - you are right! I bought an extra pillow to relive pain plus I got a pillow with a hole in the middle for a while for that side (in the end I didnt really use it much). The elevation now with my extra pillow has made a bg difference- plus I got rid of my latex pillow as way too firm which increased the pressure. In fact CatGPT suggested the same- that the pressure from lying on firm pillow and less elevated was the cause. Have had no pain at all past two weeks!
-
Michelle, Glad to hear you have been pain free.