(Almost) Six Years Post-Op
I hope I can give encouragement to all AN sufferers by describing some of my symptoms and experiences. Since my 12 hour procedure at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, University of Pittsburgh in July 2012, I have improved substantially but some symptoms remain. (Thank you Drs. Hirsch and Gardner.) Most of my symptoms are the same as many others on this discussion board have described, others are rare.
Rare Symptoms That Have Stopped or Almost Completely Resolved
Double Vision
Blurred Vision while walking
Phosphines in darkened rooms while trying to sleep
Optical illusions in peripheral vision in palsied eye with nystagmus
Epileptic Seizures
Common Symptoms That Have Stopped or Almost Completely Resolved
Dry Eye in palsied eye
Palsied eye would not close
Facial nerve twitching on affected side of face
New Symptoms Replacing Old Symptoms
Tearing in palsied eye while eating; replacing dry eye (aka, crocodile tears)
Running nose while eating; replacing dry eye
Common Symptoms That Have Substantially Improved
Fatigue
Concentration
Depression
Headaches
Anger
Anxiety
Photophobia
Common Symptoms That Come and Go
Imbalance
Wonky Head
Mild Vertigo
Orthostatic Hypotension (Dizziness upon standing)
Tinnitus
Difficulty Hearing in Noisy Environments
On mild, sunny days I usually feel very good (but not always). During days with heavy precipitation, rain or snow, some symptoms intensify especially fatigue, imbalance, wonky head, mild vertigo and depression.
One of the bizarre symptoms that I have developed is what I call “Epic Dreaming”. These dreams are intense, highly vivid, and usually disturbing. They are primarily “science fiction type” dreams and repetitive but consist of other themes as well. I use 50 mg of Trazodone (Desyrel) at bedtime to help sleep and suppress dreaming.
I was almost 60 years old when I had my AN surgery and received Social Security Disability. I’m retired now. Luckily my financial situation is good and my disability has not been as extreme as other members have related, except with some rare symptoms that have now faded.
Don’t give up hope! Some of my worst problems with fatigue, headaches, depression and anxiety have lessened greatly.
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AN Middle fossa (2012) 35 cc lesion left side pressing on cerebellum and pons, deaf in left ear
