Is this normal????

[Denisex2boys]

I posted the other day about my new diagnosis of my AN .......  I have 75% loss in my left ear (since Dec. 06), some numbness on left side of face (comes and goes), of late .... headaches, and and feeling of 'loopyness' at times......

I just want to make sure what I am feeling now is 'normal' - I am anxious, almost panicky/jittery.  I seem to live on Advil as I have been waking up with a headache - could be the heat though - it's HORRIBLE here.

Would just like some reassurance that this panicky/jittery feeling is 'normal'.  Oh and I also feel sick to my stomach - but this is probably nerves - right?

[Jim Scott]

Denise:

I would say that the emotional reactions to your AN diagnosis are quite normal. 

You've been informed that you have a tumor inside your skull and you know it's causing you problems.  You also know by now that it has to be addressed and that you could have some post-op complications.  This is all very disturbing and a reasonable cause for panic, anxiety and even headaches.  It's generally lumped under the word stress.  Every AN patient experiences this to some degree.  I did.  However, these negative feelings, while normal, are not helpful.

There are myriad ways of coping with this kind of stress; from prayer to mediation to exercise to simply venting on forums such as this.  Bottom line: what you're feeling is normal - but it can be somewhat alleviated.  I think you'll come out of this experience just fine, Denise. 

Jim

[GM]

Your reactions are absolutely normal.  You've been diagnosed with a tumor and it can be scary.  You're still in the beginning stages of trying to figure out what to do, what treatment to approach, and what questions to ask the doctor....and trying to figure out what doctor to see

Yep....I'd say you're about normal.   

Gary

[sgerrard]

Besides all the things already stated about the stress of finding out you have a neuroma, and it being really hot, ANs also can affect the balance nerve, that is where they usually start in fact. Some of the loopy jitters and stomach discomfort could be from things happening to the balance nerve, which can be pretty sensitive to small changes.
 
Either way, it is still nerves. 

I have found that learning more about your AN helps reduce the stress, even though it isn't the best news. This forum is a good place for that. Also remember to give yourself a break now and then and enjoy some of the simple things in life as you make your way through it.

Steve