Ray .....
A lot depends upon how well you do post-anesthesia of any kind. This is major surgery and you will be anesthetized for several hours. If you normally do OK with that, then the next consideration is how quickly you regain your equilibrium/balance and/or headache issues. If you have already experienced considerable balance issues, your brain has very likely already started to compensate for the loss of vestibular function on the AN side. If not, then you will have an abrupt adjustment to make ..... and that varies greatly from individual to individual.
Following my first AN surgery (retrosigmoid approach), I woke up with double vision and considerable balance issues, but no headaches. I was in the hospital 6 days, another three days in the immediate area, and my husband drove us home on Day 10. He had to go back to work on Day 11, but my daughter-in-law and granddaughter were here when we arrived home and stayed with us another week. I honestly think I would have been all right taking care of myself by the time we arrived home, but it sure was nice to have someone here to fix meals and be reassuring to my husband.
Following my second AN surgery (translab approach), I had no double vision, only minor balance issues, and no headaches. I was walking around downtown Los Angeles on Day 10.
All of this is, of course, assuming you have no complications during or after surgery. My advice would be to have plans A, B, and C available depending upon how you do. Both you and your wife could relax about it that way. Perhaps a friend could be available if needed, etc.
Best thoughts.
Clarice
