Hi, Sam:
Welcome to the forums.
As I usually say: I'm sorry you have a reason to visit here (an acoustic neuroma diagnosis) but I'm glad you found the site and the message boards. We're not doctors but we
can offer support and practical advice. This website is chock full of very useful information, too, besides just the message boards. Explore it. You may be surprised.
It sounds as if you have things well in hand at this point, with a procedure, a surgical team and facility all chosen as well as a surgery date. Please let us know your date for surgery and put it on the calendar we have to keep track of these things, or ask the moderator to do it for you, if necessary. Here's the link:
http://my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments.
Of course you're scared, as we all are when first confronted with the diagnosis of a
brain tumor. That is a natural reaction, although an acoustic neuroma isn't actually
in the brain...but its close enough! Your symptoms are quite typical, as much as anything is 'typical' when it comes to AN's. Although your hearing will be lost permanently on the left (AN) side, I've found it quite possible to cope with that, although it does take some adjusting and compromising. I 'miss' things on occasion and in a noisy environment, it gets tough, but this is surmountable. There are aids you can buy (not 'regular' hearing aids) that can help, too. I haven't, but others have and like the results, so that is a possibility.
The surgery can take quite awhile (mine ran almost 9 hours, but I had a big AN). You'll be out of it (from the anesthesia, mostly) immediately following your surgery and you'll very likely be in ICU. You'll 'come around' within a day or two and, if you're anything like me, be anxious to be released and get home. I was in the hospital for 4½ days. Once home, you'll be a bit lethargic but that will wane fairly quickly, especially with a four-year-old around.
Your balance will be 'off' and you'll need to take it slow for awhile. Figure a six-week recovery period. Some need longer but some, much less. Most AN patients that don't have complications are back to work within 2 to 3 weeks. I was driving (with my doctors permission) less than two weeks after I left the hospital. You may have a similar experience, but that is pure speculation. I certainly
hope you do.
As you may have read here, they only shave a small strip of hair for the surgical incision so that won't be a big hassle. Some post-op patients develop problems but most are temporary and are resolved within a few weeks. The overall recovery is long-term. I was good within a month of my surgery but I'm much better today, almost two years out. It's a very gradual change. My balance is very good now, compared to a few weeks post-op when I was still struggling to 'get back to normal'. I didn't develop any CSF leaks, headaches or other complications, thank God. The majority of AN post-operative patients don't, but there are no guarantees. Cognitive issues may arise. They should be fairly short-term but can be maddening. I still get 'dry eye' when very tired but a few OTC eye drops fix that, when necessary. You'll see the phrase "everyone is different' and that's because it's true and needs to be taken into account when we're stating what you may expect, post-op. I had an excellent recovery but some other folks have struggled. Your experience will undoubtedly not be exactly like mine or anyone else's, but I trust it will go well.
One thing I strongly suggest is that you have an advocate while visiting doctors and, especially, when you're in the hospital. My wife accompanied me on every single doctor visit pre-op, stayed in the hospital (she slept in the nurses lounge or in a chair next to my bed) and was my support and my advocate all the way. My adult son was also supportive in terms of encouraging me by talking about things we would do as soon as I was able. He meant it, too. We were out playing mini-golf a few weeks afttre my surgery!
I trust that your doctors are well-experienced with acoustic neuroma surgery, as my doctor was. That is crucial to a good outcome, as you would expect. Because AN's are relatively rare, not all neurosurgeons are that familiar with them. Since your AN is quite small (as acoustic neuromas go) I'm curious as to why you decided on surgery over radiation, which is effective and non-invasive. I'm not questioning your choice, as AN treatment is a very personal decision and I do respect yours, but I'm just somewhat curious.
If you checked my signature and/or my profile, you'll see that I'm from Connecticut, too. I live just outside of Litchfield. I had Dr. Issac Goodrich of New Haven as my neurosurgeon. My surgery and subsequent radiation (FSR) were performed at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven (June, 2006). Dr. Goodrich is a superb surgeon; caring, compassionate and very experienced operating on acoustic neuromas (30+ years). He teamed with Dr. Johnathan Haas, a radiation oncologist, now practicing on Long Island, to 'map' my FSR treatments. Obviously, both the surgery and radiation were successful. I wish you the same kind of experience.
My only 'words of wisdom' - summed up - are to be proactive with your doctors (respectfully, of course), have an advocate (preferably your spouse, if possible) and be determined to do well in every aspect. Don't just 'think positive'...
be positive. While an acoustic neuroma is a bit daunting, it is benign (not cancerous), you won't die and best of all, it's treatable. Many people have gotten through this, Sam, and quite a few are posting right here. You'll get through it, too.
You have friends here and we hope you'll become a part of our 'family'. We care and just as importantly, we understand because we've been there (or are there, or will be there in a few cases). Try to stay calm and retain a sense of humor when you can. It helps, believe me. Of course, you can always come here to vent, ask questions, whatever. Don't be a stranger.
Jim 
