AN and then broken hip

[gol20dan]

I had a huge 6x5 cm AN removed via 2 surgeries in 1996 and 1997.  I've been left with the usual complications like dry eye, right-sided facial paralysis, SSD right, balance a bit off, and whole body weakness on right side. Throughout the years, I've had 2 CSF leaks, and meningitis. Even with all this, my employer accommodated me, and I kept working.  The left side of the body seemed to pick up a lot of what the right side lacked because of the AN surgeries.  My ENT doctor said it best when he said "it's great how the body can compensate, isn't it?" Then in late 2011 I broke my LEFT hip. The usual 5-6 month recovery for TOUGH cases lasted 15-16 months for me. I reached maximum medical improvement, meaning I wasn't going to improve any further. Now, I seem to be REGRESSING. The balance that was a bit off is now WAY off. I walk like a drunken sailor on a hard level surface. If it's uneven, like a lawn or a nature trail. forget it--I need a cane. The compensating the left side did, doesn't seem to happen anymore. In everything I do, I favor the left side, which used to be the stronger, compensating side, but no longer.  The right has been weaker for 15 yrs., and now it's being asked to perform, and won't (and can't). To  top it all, I've never had dizzy spells/vertigo, and now I'm getting them so often my  ENT is trying vestibular rehab on me. Is there anyone out there who's had an AN and a good side broken hip? I need help. The therapists I'm working with seem to all specialize in one area of pt. The combo of hip/AN/balance seems out of their league. My hip dr. says it's residuals from the AN, while my neurologist just tests. No one has hard answers for me. If you have experienced this, PLEASE respond. Thanks

[nftwoed]

Hello;
   I'm sorry to read of your tremendous challenges.
   Not sure what to say here except the stories I've read of bodily injury, etc, after AN surgery oftentimes leave a person with Fibromyalgia. That can cause dizzy spells and balance problems.
   It might be worth it to you to ask Dr. about getting physical therapy. Maybe see a Physiatrist? With poor posture, the spine may be involved.
   If you've had weight gain, or, are overweight, this would be additive to the problems.
   Best wishes to you in all! Am I understanding correctly you are not being seen at a large facility?

[nftwoed]

Hi;
   I'm unsure if you're still with us, but I feel it's important to keep up the PT!
   My, what a large AN!

[gol20dan]

I'm still here. I look at the posts and any possible replies every couple of days. Thanks to both of you for posting. And in regards to a large clinic being used for my medical needs--no, I'm not being seen in a place where all drs. are affiliated. I'm an hour north of Boston, and have been thinking of going there for my medical needs. I was always satisfied with the level of care I received, but since the broken hip, I'm not. Some of the best drs. and hospitals in the country are there, and I think I'd be foolish not to take advantage of it.    Dan

[Nannybee]

Hi gol20dan, my experience is a bit similar to yours, but in the opposite order. I had been having problems with tinnitus and single sided hearing loss for years, then started having problems with being off balance last October. Before I could get to my ENT appointment I had a dizzy spell on the stairs one morning while leaving for work and managed to break both ankles, with the left one needing surgery that kept me unable to bear weight for 3 months. When I finally got the ok to walk again, I rescheduled that ENT appointment and was sent for the MRI that diagnosed my right AN. Like you, my Orthopaedic weakness is on the opposite side of my AN. I always seem to drift or fall towards the side of my weak ankle. Similar experience here with the different specialists only looking at their area of expertise.

[Susan A]

Dan, if your insurance will cover it, I'd say it's well worth getting a referral to somewhere like Mass Eye & Ear. They probably see more AN patients than your current doctor does and may be able to refer you to someone with more experience for PT.