As referred in an earlier post, I finally met with Dr. K. For me, that experience reinforced the benefit of an in person meeting when talking about any medical issue. He did refute the notion that microsurgery may be statistically better for preserving one's balance than radiation. There just aren't enough definitive studies about the pros and cons, and likely that it will be many more years, since only 3000 AN cases turn up on average every year. If one has a growing tumor, his advice is to treat, since tumor growth can further stretch an already stretched nerve, and likely exacerbate balance and hearing issues. When I mentioned that my lifestyle includes extensive physical activity, he said that was a good thing, and can only help with neutralizing additional pre and post balance issues. Yet, no guarantee. He thinks GK is better than CK, yet in the right hands both are equally effective. Then again, one can not over emphasize that we are all different, and how a treatment effects one of us may not be the same for the other. It seems the best we can do pre treatment is to read credible studies and clinical investigations, engage with others who have AN, such as on this ANA site, meet with and ask questions from licensed medical experts, and know your disease and personal symptoms very well. Stay optimistic whatever your chosen path.
