Why isn't surgery still an option?

[MDemisay]

Hello all,


I have had AN surgery before in 2004, but I have also had AVM's removed in 1973.

You see why I am conflicted, simply because in the literature MRI is the targeting tool of choice.



Why should I let a surgeon target blindly (using CT scan with contrast) when there is a  risk that the clips would be dosed with radiation as well?

I realize that I can avoid surgery and the complications associated with surgery but why take the chance with radiation (Gamma or Cyber Knife) when going in again they could see plainly what they were up against.

In other words, why take the risk? If I make the wrong choice given all the options, at least I have no one to blame but myself. If I go with what one doctor recommends, I feel as though I will be selling myself short.

Please render an opinion. I'm stuck in indecision!

Mike

[mindyandy]

Hi Mike. I read your posting and have say you are in a tight spot. My suggestion is to send your scans (CT) to House Dr. Friedman to see what his opinion on this matter is. House did surgery on T-Boz the singer from the group TLC (I don't know if you know them) 5 years ago and she has sickle cell anemia. No other surgerons wanted to even try surgery due to the risks. She spoke to Dr. Friedmand and he said they could do the surgery there at House. She flew out to see him and had surgery. I don't know if Friedman himself did it or not but to know that they are equiped to do her surgery is good to know. They had a blood specialist come and assist or something.

I'm not saying you shouldn't send your questions and concerns to other doctors but this is just my opinion.
I have Dr. Friedmans email address if you'd like to shoot him an email. He responds fairly quickly.

Mindy

[Jim Scott]

Mike ~

I'm not a doctor but I can state that for almost all acoustic neuroma patients, surgery is always an option unless there is some sort of complication with the patients health, etc.  My neurosurgeon used MRI scans (taken 24 hours prior to my de-bulking surgery) to give him a 'look' at the tumor and he used an updated MRI and a CT scan to 'map' my follow-up FSR, 90 days later (in a pre-planned procedure).

I concur with Mindy and would advise having more doctor consultations, including with HEI.  However, ultimately, it's your decision to make.

Jim