It's hard for me to believe it's been 3 years since I underwent my Middle Fossa procedure at the St. Vincent's Hospital (via the House Clinic) in LA. I had my surgery to remove a 1.4 cm Neuroma on 6/26/2008. Each anniversary since the surgery I've told myself I would log onto this site and give an update on my status but, sadly, I never followed through... until now.
I hope giving more of a long-term recovery update might be useful to those of you who are in the process of coping with your own diagnosis. Just as a quick review I will tell you my surgery was performed by Dr. Derald Brackmann who I believe to be one of the most wonderful doctors on this planet. He clearly doesn't need the money at this point and does this because it is his gift. He has forever had a positive impact on my life.
When I went in for my surgery I was told there was a 40% chance I would come out of the procedure legally deaf in my left ear (my neuroma ear). I also know the perils of facial paralysis. Nonetheless, I felt surgery was my best option. I'm so glad I went the surgical route.
Dr. Brackmann successfully removed the tumor and saved the majority of my hearing (roughly 85-90% of what it was pre-op). My 1 year post-op MRI showed the tumor as completely gone. And I can do anything and everything I could do pre-op.
The only negative side effect has been a very slight amount of facial paralysis. And I mean very slight. Put it this way, I work as a Sportscaster on TV and I've been able to continue my carer despite this slight paralysis. I usually have to point it out to people for them to notice.
The paralysis I have involves my smile. I am incapable of forming a full-on 100% toothy smile. If I attempt this move my face looks a bit contorted on the left side and my left eye lid will close half way. So, I never give a full-on smile. It is a little sad because I love to smile and I am self conscious about it - but hey, if I can still work on TV, it can't be that bad.
Actually, if there's anyone out there reading this who has had similar issues and knows of any rehab I can do it improve this situation, I'd love to hear from you... Dr. Brackmann says it is what it is. But make no mistake, even if I never regain that full smile, I feel extremely fortunate about my outcome.
My dizziness is gone. My fluctuating hearing loss is gone. The tumor is gone!
The initial road to recovery was rough as it took a long time (maybe even a year) to fully adjust to having just one balance nerve. I like to play a lot of sports, bike and and run on trails, etc. And at times I would find myself getting dizzy doing these things even 10 months later. But that too has passed and I feel like there's nothing I couldn't do that I did before.
BTW: Some might be wondering how the facial paralysis manifested itself. Initially after my surgery I had full facial movement. Some 48 hours later the paralysis showed up. Dr. Brackmann said it was caused by swelling. It was terrible at first. The entire left side of my face was paralyzed. I had to tape my eye shut at night for a good 2 months and was constantly applying drops in the day because I couldn't blink.
But slowly the situation ebbed and I'd say by 4 months out I was no longer taping my eye and by 6 months out I arrived to where I am currently with what I'd estimate is 95% facial movement on my left side.
If I had it all to do over again, there's no question I would. I thank God for Dr. Brackmann and the House Clinic and give them my highest recommendation.
Sincerely,
Dave Benz
Sports Anchor / Host
Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area (San Francisco)
