Thank you for your post. I was diagnosed with a 7mm AN in May of 2017. My cardiologist was the one who referred me for an MRI. l was at his office for routine blood work and I mentioned walking into door frames, not walking in a straight line, nausea, "cotton head" feeling, and diminished hearing in my right ear. Thank goodness for Dr. Ojeda. He listens and actually spends conversation time with his patients, therefore, he said he knew I was not a complainer and thought my symptoms warranted investigation.
After my MRI and diagnosis, my ENT consulted doctors at Vanderbilt. it was recommended to "watch and wait". The diagnosis scared the "bejeebers" out of me so I did some research and sent my results to House. A doctor from House actually called me and thought "watch and wait" was appropriate advice with a follow-up MRI in 6 months.
I joined ANA. I contacted 2 different women listed on this site. I followed advice for trying Tai Chi to improve my balance and slowly, but surely became more positive about the diagnosis. I learned it was necessary to concentrate on the task of walking whenever I was out and about. I became accustomed to the slight dizziness. The nausea diminished. I learned to concentrate really hard when in a group because of diminished hearing capability. My fatigue, I think, comes from the great need to focus on the task at hand. I do think I became accustomed to my symptoms which I now know were basically slight.
This past March, I had a second MRI. The tumor had not grown. I rejoiced and decided to just put it out of my mind--unfortunately, not literally.
However, for the last two weeks I have been very dizzy, very off-balance, nauseous, felt my head is actually heavy, and have lost more hearing on the AN side. After feeling rather back to normal for over a year, these renewed and more intense symptoms have thrown me a curve ball. I guess I should never have taken my adjustment and the lack of tumor growth for granted.
I am finding everyday activities much more difficult. I actually have to "talk myself" into activity. My head feels like it is a helium balloon. Every chore seems to be exactly that--a CHORE. Nothing seems automatic or easy. It all requires concentration, which is very tiring.
I am attending the ANA seminar in Nashville on September 29. Until then, I will just keep on keeping on and probably request another MRI in October. I have found that direct communication with other AN patients is VERY helpful and most comforting. I did join 2 AN support groups--one in Knoxville, where I live, and another one in Nashville. It is extremely uplifting to talk with others who are on the same path for treatment and recovery.
There is an abundance of information and support available, but each person has his/her unique symptoms and coping mechanisms. AN's are capricious. The best advice I believe anyone has ever given-- remain active and positive. As with any malady, a positive attitude is extremely empowering.
By posting on this site, you have reached out and opened the door to unlimited compassion, understanding, and information.
My best wishes go out to you as you face this new challenge.
wasbjs
