Just thought I'd check in and add an update, to share with others and also to serve as a marker, of sorts, for myself. Sometimes I think it just helps to make note of how things are at a given time to be able to compare later as progress continues more subtly.
So, on this 9-month anniversary of my surgery, this is where I find myself:
1) SSD in left ear, the AN side...permanent
2) mild to annoying tinnitus on AN side, plus some occasional electrical-like zaps that seem to be happening less and less frequently
3) mild to amusing metalic taste (sometimes everything tastes like BUTTER!...even my coffee, or a glass of water!...
)
4) mild to confusing wonky-head and/or drifting sensations when moving...as if I'm walking on one of those moving sidewalks at an airport
5) mild to semi-disabling balance difficulties, especially in dark surroundings and/or on uneven/unfamiliar footing, and also related to nearing edges (such as curbs) and curved lines (such as a curved swimming pool) that confuse my perceptions
6) previous atypical migraine syndrome has returned, after about 5 months or so of relief post-op...wondering what made the chronic headaches disappear after surgery (perhaps the strong steroids they gave me for a few days?)...currently a mystery
I read the forum occasionally and have mixed reactions, ranging from encouragement to discouragement, so am doing so less frequently these days. Most of all, I still CELEBRATE HAVING THE TUMOR GONE FROM MY HEAD(!), and accept the costs (both physical and financial) as the lesser of evils.
I have found that openness and honesty with others (at work, at meetings, etc.) about my hearing loss is helping others be more comfortable about it in my presence, as well as helping me accommodate my needs...such as where to sit for optimal hearing. Restaurants or other venues with high ambient noise are really challenging, and I notice some funny expressions sometimes when I can't respond to someone because I have no idea what they said, or if I do respond with something way off topic because I have no idea what they really said:) I don't think I know how to read lips, but I sure rely on seeing someone's face while they are speaking! Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to mention: it helps to consider which side of the commuter bus to sit on, just in case someone sits next to me and tries to engage in conversation
Eventually, I think I'll check into a trans-ear device to improve my sense of where sounds are coming from. It sure is surprising to find a car driving by me when I couldn't hear it coming...something to take extra precautions about when crossing the street, for example. No wonder I can get a little disoriented and wonky, spinning my head around to check for and locate sounds, eh?!
I'm considering applying for a permanent disability placard for my car, now that my temporary one has expired. It would certainly help in avoiding extra risk in getting to and from my car, as in large parking lots or in parking-crowded city streets, especially in the dark, and especially if I'm carrying something that affects my balance. Yet, somehow I feel a little guilty, because I'm at least mobile
One interesting thing I've discovered: when I go out with my camera for some photo ops (my favorite form of exercise and activity!), I find my balance is really tipsy while I'm looking through the view finder with one eye and the other eye is closed. This narrows my field of vision, of course, and often I find myself starting to tip over:)
Well, this all makes for some funny stories and some good laughs, although a small part of me certainly misses the "good old days" prior to the AN. I try to be grateful for everything that works, though, rather than focus on what doesn't. I would still make the same choice (the surgery) if I had it all to do over again.
Now that this turned out a lot longer than I intended, let me sign off by wishing you all a grand conclusion to this waning year and lots of bright moments to look forward to in the next one
Cheers,
Karen
