I had GK on 7/29/14. Within the next few days, my hearing loss was pronounced. On the sixth day after the procedure, my tongue felt as though I had a Novocain shot that was wearing off. At that point I began the steroid package that I had been give in case of sudden hearing or balance issues. (I wish I would have started this sooner, but I assumed the hearing issues were caused by swelling after GK. Once I reread some of the ANA postings I realized that steroids should be taken immediately. The doctor may have told me this, but most of the procedure and subsequent instructions were a blur due to the sedation.)
I think the steroids helped stabilize the hearing issues, but I am wondering about the potential use of anti-inflammatory supplements (i.e., bromelain or curcumin) that have only briefly been mentioned in postings. Are many AN patients using them? Are they safe? Are they being recommended by doctors? The few things that I have read about them indicate that they may be helpful to contain the swelling as an alternative to repeated steroid use.
This is my first post - only because I found so much useful information on the ANA discussion boards and did not feel that I could add anything. I thank many of you ANA posters for the guidance that you have provided during my journey. Since I have not seen much on this topic, though, I hope you can provide some insight.
As an aside - I opted to travel for my GK, so I don't have ready access to the neurosurgeon who treated me. While I will likely ask this same question of him, I'm waiting to contact him with serious issues should they arise. I thought I'd reach out to my ANA friends first.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts!
