ANA Discussion Forum
Archive => Archives => Topic started by: Robquinn9 on March 08, 2006, 11:24:14 am
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My wife is to undergo a rt side AN removel, retrosigmoid on 3-13-06. Drs. Payner and House will be operating here in Indianapolis at St. Vincent's Hospital. The tumor is 2.8 cm x 2.5 cm. Hearing loss is almost certain we understand and the big concern is the facial nerve preservation.
Wondering if anyone out there has a) had an experience with these doctors or b) knows of any resources out there for family member support, etc.
We're, of course, anxious/scared but also hopeful that we can resume a normal life again.
Thanks in advance.
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Hi Rob, is this your name?
My own translab was in mid December. Many of us have spouces who went through surgery experiences with us. So, we could probably help your family member posters who need support.
My husband and I were close together through the whole experience; he told me often how he felt about it all. So maybe I can fill you in, if you want to post me personally or right here on this board, either way. I am practically full recovery now and have positive things to say and encourage.
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HI Rob and welcome to you and your wife.
I'm sending good wishes to you all for the upcoming procedure. There are many posts here on this dicussion board about the House Clinic, many that share their experiences and thoughts. If you can take a moment to read through, you should be able to find a wealth of information.
Please send your wife hugs and good wishes from me. Just remember, "this, too, shall pass...."
Phyllis
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Boppie,
Please feel free to share. I shared this site with my wife last night ( I was somewhat hesitant) and she felt good about what she was able to read. It helps so much to have a forum like this.
Rob
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Rob and Wife, Look in the F.A.Q. threads. Kate Besserman has a thread there on What to take to the hospital. This is an excellent reference. Another thread that is interesting is Is there life after An? If you'd like a complete run down of what it is like to go into the OR, write back and I'll post a personal message to your wife. I'll post a note with my own email.
You don't have long to wait so this is good! God Bless you and your wife. I will check back to see what else I can share with you before surgery day.
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Dear Rob and wife (what is your wife's name?)
This has been a great source of comfort for me and hope you two can find the same. We do care about everyone on here and will answer any and all questions!
Here's wishing your wife a speedy recovery!
Michelle
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My wife's name is Amy.
I'd truly appreciate the personal message.
Thanks to all!!
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Hi Rob and Amy - welcome to the family! This is an absolutely wonderful place to come to, whether you are looking for information, support, inspiration and yes, even humor.
I had my AN surgery almost 8 years ago and I could not have done it without the support from my husband. He was/is truely amazing.
Sometimes we forget about our family members that are on this AN journey with us and that they also need alot of support.
Amy may go through a range of emotions for a time after surgery. If you read some of the threads on here, you will find that it is completely normal.
You will resume a normal life again, just know that it could be a little different than before. My husband and I have had to make a few adjustments to our "new" normal. I ended up losing the hearing on my left side and my balance is off at times. He is very sensitive to the fact that I can not hear and as I say, he is not only my better half, but my better ear. We have found through trial and error what places (stores, restraunts, etc..) are worse for my hearing and which are better. The only thing I can say I really don't join him on anymore are some of the movies (action) that we used to go to. Again it is a hearing issue and well, I am more of a romantic movie girl anyway :)
I think you are awesome for coming to the forum and please know that your wife will be just fine. There is life after AN, and a dang good one at that!!!
You are both in my thoughts and prayers and please keep us posted!
Take care,
matti
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Well said matti...
All the best to you and Amy!
Tell Amy she can now officially join our silly but fun loving cruise! It will be a good read to lift her spirits!
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I am happy to report that Amy had a great day in surgery. In a 6 hour retrosigmoid procedure, her 2.5 x 2.8 right side AN was 100 % removed or as the docs say "what we could see." Facial nerve was unharmed and responsive. Rt side hearing loss is probable however this nerve is intact as well. She is doing as well as can be expected after going through this surgery.
I cannot say enough about the support we received here and from family/freinds.
Also, my hat is off to Dr. Troy Payner & Dr. Jerry House, the surgeons today. They truly worked some magic.
Now, onto recovery!
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Rob and Amy,
Glad to hear that everything went well today! I hope her recovery is quick and easy (if that is possible). I wish you both all the best and hope you will keep us updated on Amy's progress!
Best Wishes, Suzanne
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Such happy happy news warms my heart...
Tell Amy she can now officially join our unoffical cruise since she can sail with flying colors!
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Rob & Amy,
Glad to hear that recovery is on the way. Amy, you may take a few days to get back into normal rythim for things like walking, balance etc but a very positive outcome.
Amy, Just a note of caution, before you joine "The cruise", beware, these gals are whacky. be prepared to laugh all day and night.
Larry
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*sneaks up behind Larry and slaps him silly!* :D
we are NOT wacky... um... are we? ;)
Oh, Rob/Amy, this is terrific news! So thrilled that things went well today! Rob, please share with Amy that the nuts of ANA forum boards (ok, ok, I'll only speak for myself) send her lots of hugs and wishes for a VERY speedy recovery! She in my thoughts and prayers, as are you, Rob and your family.
Phyllis
Rob & Amy,
Glad to hear that recovery is on the way. Amy, you may take a few days to get back into normal rythim for things like walking, balance etc but a very positive outcome.
Amy, Just a note of caution, before you joine "The cruise", beware, these gals are whacky. be prepared to laugh all day and night.
Larry
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Rob and Amy-
So glad things went well with the surgery. Facial nerve OK is grrreat news. Not all of us are that lucky...
Keep us posted on our progress---we'll wait till Amy feels better before we cast off for the great voyage with all the nutcases!
Captain Deb 8)
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Home this morning from hospital. Amy has saome bad soreness in her neck still and is fatigued. Glad to have her back home and recovering.
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Amy needs heat packs and light massages and Chocolate!
I bet she's gald to be home! Tell her not to over do to take it easy and let her body heal.
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Yea!!! Amy's home!!!! Way to go!!!!
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Rob, I used the thera heat disposable pads on my neck and shoulder..fixed it.
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Went back in yesterday for a suspected CSF leak. It is one. She's under great care again.
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Outpatient procedure this morning to plug the CSF leak (incision behind ear, fat graft).
Really want to get her home.
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Tell Amy she's not going to get to go on our battyprincess wench cruise if she keeps misbehavin!
Rob truly I'm sending prayers and warm thoughts your way. I know it's rough on you and Amy! Hopefully she can get home soon and start feeling better.
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Take care Rob and Amy, just a bump in the road to recovery and all will be well and Amy will be home soon. We're all here for you, and sending good thoughts your way. No discouragement allowed here!
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Rob and Amy,
sending LOTS of good vibes and energy your way for Amy's speedy recovery and hugs to all of you (family members) that hold strong for her.
Phyl
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Rob and Amy,
Hoping things improve, my thoughts are with you guys.
Laz
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The 90 minute fat graft procedure was a success yesterday and Amy is now home resting and recovering. The leak was active for the surgeon and he is confident this is it.
Amy is relieved to be through that and to be out of that hospital bed.
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Ah, here we go, just asked on the other thread then found the answer here!
Good for Amy! Been thinking about you guys lots!
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Amy, You are in my thoughts and prayers!! I'm 5 wks post op and life does get better with time!!
Rob--take good care of her .. and yourself. My husband was a great supoort for me. I could not have made it through this if it wasn't for my family and this wonderful site. TAKE CARE!
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Rob,
Read your other posting and wanted to know how Amy is doing? Is the CSF leak gone for good? How are her symptoms? Please share with her that we're all still thinking of her on here! I hope all is well!
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Knock Knock
Who's there?
Rob
Rob who?
The Rob who's going to tell us how good Amy is doing!
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed Amy is doing ok. Saying prayers and doing the Karma dance too!
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Sorry for my delay in updating. Amy is doing great.
After the 3/13/06 surgery, we had the CSF leak setback which was another 4 days in hospital and a 2nd surgery. That said, she''s been home since 3/22. Each day really is better than the one before it. She's getting out a little now when not fatigued - grocery, Easter clothes shopping to name a few. And two nights ago, we walked down to a school playground with our 2 year old son and watched him romp around. She is doing a great job resting and when she does get up and want to do something, she challenges herself a little - the doctors want her to start getting more active at this point (very positive I think).
She gets tired easily which is expected, but all in all, I think she is making great progress. This Saturday, I'm escorting her for "spa day": nails, hair, etc. She deserves it!!
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On ya Rob - give Amy our best. Sounds like she is on the right path.
Great stuff.
Laz
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I should have also mentioned that the facial nerve was salvaged in Amy's surgery and her prognosis is very positive in that sense (we are so grateful and blessed in this regard). Hearing was lost on right side. Some balance issues (expected). Great appetite. Weaning off meds.
Looking forward to spring!!
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Send Amy warm hugs from us!