Hi Dave,
My last name comes from Germany, and I have been told that it is pronounced much different over there than how my family has pronounced it over here. Someone told me that in Germany, that the 'J' is pronounced like a 'Y'. and it was something like, "yeeler", but I don't speak German and I really don't know if that is true. My family has pronounced it like "Jailee". So, it's a little different than how your name is pronounced, but I like how your name is said.
My AN story is that on the evening of November 4, 2021, my tongue started burning whenever I took a drink of anything. By the next morning, I had a little hearing loss in my left ear and tinnitus began. By the next day, my equilibrium started to go. I went to my primary care physician and she ordered an MRI, put me on steroids, and referred me to an ENT doctor. The MRI revealed a very small AN, and the ENT doctor recommended the watch and wait approach which I agreed to because the AN was so small. But then a month later, I lost almost all my hearing in my left ear. I went from functional hearing to profound hearing loss in a month's time. The ENT doctor referred me to a neurosurgeon at Emory in Atlanta who said that I needed to wait another six months and have another MRI to document the growth of the AN. But I am currently seeking a second opinion (which sounds like what you have done as well). I have begun vestibular therapy which is helping my balance to improve. I am still able to work as well, and I'm hoping with improved balance that I can continue working. But time will tell for both of us.
I truly hope that you continue to maintain your sense of humor and that it goes well with Dr. Akagami! It's great to have a supportive wife and church community. I'll be praying that your future goes well!
