Small world story

[Sam Rush]

Last Sat. My wife and I went on a strenuous hike in the Sierra foothills in California, sponsored by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy. The docent leading the hike was a woman my age (67) with an obvious facial paralysis. Being polite, I didn't say anything, but as we talked, she mentioned she was deaf on that side. Well, my curiosity overcame my politeness and I asked her if she had had an acoustic neuroma.   She seemed surprised that I knew what that was and mentioned she had a large AN treated by surgery in 1973 by a young Dr. at House Clinic in LA.  That Dr's name was Derald Brackmann, the same Dr. I had for my surgery 34 years later in 2004!!!   What a small world!!  Anyway, she was in outstanding shape, and we could barely keep up with her. BTW, she had never heard of a BAHA, but will now look into it.

[Jim Scott]

Sam ~

What are the odds?  Thanks for posting the account of meeting another AN patient who had the same doctor that operated on your AN 34 years after he performed her AN surgery.  I think you might have been the more fortunate patient because you benefited from Dr. Brackmann's 30+ decades of surgical experience removing acoustic neuromas.   I hope you enjoyed the hike.

Jim

[CHD63]

What a neat small world story!  I had barely heard of an acoustic neuroma before mine was diagnosed.  All of a sudden I was hearing from friends and family "Did you know ______ had an acoustic neuroma?"  It seems to bring an immediate "kinship" with these new friends.

So glad you are spreading the word about BAHAs.  During a regular appointment with my PCP today, I enlightened her about them ...... just doin' my part.  

Clarice

[leapyrtwins]

Amazing story, Dr. Sam.

As you say, small world 

Nice of you to tell her about the BAHA, too.

Jan