Haven't been here for a long time!

[DLM4me]

My vision degraded so badly post-op that I gave up trying to access these forums--or anything else, for that matter. So it's been quite a long time since I was last here. Just thought I'd pop in now and see what's going on, now that I can finally see again!

I had middle fossa craniotomy surgery on 04/08/09, at St Vincent--the hospital I was born in!--in Los Angeles. The great Dr Derald Brackmann was my lead surgeon, and I just can't say enough about him or the team he put together. They were amazing.

I'm still struggling with a number of AN-related issues, such as balance problems, headaches, vision issues [though they're MUCH less awful than before], treatment-resistant hypertension, and so on, but I'm glad to be alive, all things considered.

Well, there you go. That's my story in a nutshell. 

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Grace ~

It's been almost two years - but who's counting?     I'm sorry to learn of your post-op problems but glad that you've returned.  I hope you'll be back more often.

Jim

[DLM4me]

Thanks, Jim. One thing led to another and somehow I just stayed away, even after my vision improved enough that I could've come back. Oh well.

[It is what it is]

I'm a newbie and appreciate your return as well.  You have important things to share due to your experience. sorry to hear about the complications post-op. 

Karen

[DLM4me]

Hi Karen, and thanks.

I think what continues to surprise me the most is that although the tumor is long gone, my AN is still very much a part of my life. It and its removal were milestone moments in my life, and although I felt very informed prior to surgery, I've found out since that you really can't KNOW for sure how things are going to play out. For example, I never really thought that three years later I'd still have some facial paralysis, but I do--and the docs say that's not going to improve any further. But, again, all things considered, I'm glad to be alive and functioning, even with the ongoing issues.

I also realize that everyone's recovery is different. I'm always amazed--and sincerely HAPPY for them--when I hear about someone who had an AN removed and quickly and fully recovered, with no lasting issues. It just doesn't work that way for all of us!

[It is what it is]

Your story helps me to not have unrealistic expectations.  Until they get in there, how could they really know what they will find and then it's probably a guess as to how much of the post-op symptoms will fully recover. I'm glad you are alive and sad you still have challenges.

Karen

[Chances3]

Hi Grace,

I had a Middle Fossa in Oct. 2010 - my tumor was small but I was suffering from severe and frequent vertigo attacks, the full spin variety.  I didn't spend a whole lot of time in WW, I booked surgery 1 month after my MRI.  I still have nasty vertigo attacks, so I'm frustrated by the chance I took to rid myself of that, but I'm glad the tumor is gone.  It's been a very long and hard road for me, and you are 100 percent correct when you say no two recoveries are the same.  Someone posted here that a AN is like a snowflake, no two are alike.  I'm happy to hear that you are recovering, I went through the bitter and angry phase.  This taught me a life lesson, and I accept what's going on in my head, although I try everyday to get better.  Keep up the fight.