Lucky(?) Diagnosis

[SGBlons]

My AN was diagnosed just a week ago from an MRI ordered by my ENT doc.  I had been losing hearing in my left ear for a while and began having symptoms of tinnitus about 18 months ago.  I have no other symptoms (headaches, balance).  My doctor thought we should do the MRI to rule out an AN.  But there it was.  Small (5-7mm) but clearly the real deal.  I am now in the process of getting an appointment at the Mayo Clinic, which is only an hour away. 

As I am reading and learning more about ANs, I guess I'm glad my Doc played his hunch and I can get after this thing sooner rather than later.  I am also delighted and so grateful to discover ANA, all its resources and this forum.  Support is everything!  I have been reading the ways that ANs respond to and encourage one another on this forum.  Very heart warming. 

The journey ahead for me, like all newly diagnosed patients,  is still full of unknowns.  I am stressed, no doubt about that.  But your stories help me trust that whatever may come, I will have companions all along the way.

[CHD63]

Hi SGBlons and welcome to this forum .....

We're here to support you all the way so stick around!  Be sure to send for the free ANA materials:  http://www.anausa.org/index.php/contact-us/free-ana-information-packet  They contain a wealth of information and resources as you begin your journey into research.

Many thoughts.

Clarice

[alabamajane]

Welcome to the club no one really wants to be apart of........ but we are really nice and supportive as we know what you are dealing with..
Take time to enjoy your holidays and keep researching and reading on here,, lots of different experiences and lots of advice.. good luck to you as you begin your journey. jane

[Jim Scott]

Hi - and welcome ~

Thanks for the kind words for the ANA and our internet discussion forums.  I hope you'll be able to put your AN diagnosis aside during the Christmas holiday and know that it is not only eminently treatable but that your friends will be here to help and support you as you begin this journey.

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Welcome to the Forum.

You'll find it's a great resource.

Jan

[MDemisay]

SGBlons,

Yes, we are lucky to be living in a time when they can treat these things! Believe it or not, there was a time where the doctors were to afraid of surgery that time was pre 1970. I had my first surgery in 1973 at Columbia Presbetarian, although it was an unrelated surgery it was surgery for 3 AVM's.

In 2004, I had to undergo an AN surgery, now the tumor has grown back and I have to have another procedure.

Fortunately, we all now have a forum from which we can draw on each others mutual support!
We are lucky to have each other! Even though, we maybe far apart!

At one time in my life before the Internet, Facebook , Twitter and the rest it was very lonely for patients like us.

Now we have recourses galore, it is up to us to use them. I reflect Jan's opinion welcome! Use us!

Please forgive my ramblings, I just got around to reading this thread..

Mike