ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Omaschwannoma on February 18, 2007, 06:57:05 pm

Title: Introducing Myself
Post by: Omaschwannoma on February 18, 2007, 06:57:05 pm

I would like to introduce myself to all of you after 2 years of on and off reading about you.  I was diagnosed in October, 2004 and had my surgery performed at University of Florida Shands in Gainesville with doctors Antonelli and Lewis in January, 2005.  Using the retrosimoid approach a 1.5 cm on my left was excised successfully removing all of the tumor.  The effects after surgery are much like most everyone, deaf in that ear, balance issues, nystagmus (where my field of vision is that of a bad video while walking and turning my head), headaches, dry eyes with twitching in the left and slight drool.  I've had my moments with numerous doctors in town post surgery trying to get answeres to my symptoms as at my six week visit the doctors couldn't understand why I was experiencing my symptoms.  Many "specialists" and tests (EEG, ECoG, ABR and blood) I have my answers and can finally breathe easier.  There was much confusion with my one-year MRI follow-up as to whether tumor had returned and I now realise no point in giving my thoughts to this as the next MRI will be approaching end of this year.  Before my surgery I completed my certification to teach yoga and at the present have been teaching one year now at our local gym and privately.  I thank you all for allowing me to "view" your life AT (after tumor) as knowing I am not alone helps. 

Title: Re: Introducing Myself
Post by: Laura on February 19, 2007, 03:49:22 pm

Arushi,
Thanks for introducing yourself! It's nice to hear success stories on this site and it does sound like yours is one of those! Congrats to you and best wishes for continued health.

Laura

Title: Re: Introducing Myself
Post by: Jim Scott on February 19, 2007, 04:03:21 pm

Welcome, Arushi:

Thanks for your introduction. 

Your initial post-op symptoms sound familiar but I see they've either been resolved or, at least, explained to your satisfaction.  You seem to be doing well two years post-op.  I'm pleased to see another AN success story posted here as we can use all we can get, and I know there are plenty out there.  I assume your yoga training has been a big help to you in your recovery.  I know we all wish you a continued successful recovery and a full, productive life 'after AN'.  :)

Jim

Title: Re: Introducing Myself
Post by: Obita on February 19, 2007, 07:56:35 pm

Hello Arushi:

Welcome.  Glad to hear you are doing well.  The good stuff does need to be told.

It sounds like they saw something on your MRI?? Like maybe scar tissue? 

See you around the forum, Kathy

Title: Re: Introducing Myself
Post by: ppearl214 on February 20, 2007, 11:30:01 am

Hi Arushi and welcome. I was wondering who had been lurking around here (the high "guest" count)  ;)... so, thanks for coming on in and saying hi.  I'm thrilled to see you here since you are a "postie" and your inputs/thoughts to others that have not been treated yet would be very helpful. 

Good to see you here.
Phyl

Title: Re: Introducing Myself
Post by: redgrl on February 20, 2007, 02:31:30 pm

I just wanted to say hi Arushi. I like good stories. Glad to here you are doing well.  :)