newly diagnosed

[Quailruner]

Leslie
 Sorry to see you also have AN. I am fairly new too. I am looking into House in LA for surgery seeing if my insurance will cover me over there. Like everyone else had said research your best option for your AN. This Blog has been the best thing for me; a lot of supporting and nice people to help us cope with problems and decisions. I hope everything turns out in your favor.

Take Care,

Kenn A.

[sherry6]

Hi Leslie,

Welcome!  The House Ear Clinic in LA is the one of the best, and going to the best matters.  My AN was about the size of yours, I had the translab approach in 10/01.  I am deaf on the left (translab) side, but have adjusted to the hearing loss fine.  My doctors there were Hitzleberg and Brackmann.  They specialize in everything ear related and I couldn't have asked for better.  I have no facial paralysis and only minimal other leftover symptoms.  I couldn't cry out of my left eye at first (very weird!), but it wasn't so dry that I couldn't wear contacts.  It is a very scary moment when you are told something like this, but ANs are treatable.  Good luck!

Sherry

[Leslie]

Hi all,  I have just been inundated(sp) with really good information and help in understanding this whole thing.  I have been reading postings from pre-and post op forum, and it is quite overwhelming as far as differences in results, etc.  I am glad there are alot of positive,  but some of the post op experiences are scary.  I just got word today- finally that i have authorization to go to specialist at UC San Francisco. (DR. Chung or Listick)- so if anyone has ever heard about either doctor...let me know.   They say it may be 3 or more weeks before i get my consultation.  In the meantime,  I guess I am going to keep researching, and reading.  Also- going to check into HOUSE in LA- see what are the possibilities of that. I have been trying to remain positive, and have really been succeeding. I am dizzy all the time now, but my hearing has actually been better.  I think I am at about 80%.  It is so wierd,  I keep telling my husband to talk to me in that ear,  because i think that i may never be able to hear in that ear again once this is all over.  Up until these past few weeks,  I only had about 30% hearing in that ear,  but my vertigo wasnt as bad.  Is this normal?
I was going to ask the doctor about anti-depressants,  because although i have been positive, I still have bouts of depression, and some crying spells- which i do only in the car, or when by myself.  But I am wondering if its okay to take anti-depressents, and if there is any effect on the tumor, or potential surgery?
Thanks for the private e-mails, will try and respond to all today....please keep posting,  believe me all advice and comments are greatly appreciated.

[Leslie]

Hello everyone,
Well,  I just got my appointment date at UCSF with Dr. Chung for December 4th.  I am feeling a little anxious,  but also releived.  I am looking forward to getting more information and specifics about my case.  I have been online daily looking at all the posts and it has been very helpful.  I am sure that once i receive more information from the doctor, I will be more at ease.  Is it better to take someone with me to the consultation.  I was planning on going alone, with a list of questions, but wonder if having a second party would be more helpful?

[Pembo]

Definitely take a second person with you to your appointment. My husband was with me and we "compared" notes after the visit. I was surprised at how much he heard that I had missed. I was also surprised at some of the questions he asked that I didn't think of.  A second set of ears will help....

As for anti-depressants, my surgeon offered them to me before surgery so I would think they are okay.

[Jim Scott]

Leslie:

I would absolutely advise you to have someone present during your consultation with Dr. Chung. 

During my initial (and later) physician/surgeon consultations, my wife was present to ask the questions I had forgotten or to ask things she thought of - and I had not.   She was invaluable - and I always knew that she had my best interests at heart.  She wanted me to do well. 

In any case, your eally do need a trusted friend or someone to recall the doctor's response to your questions and also, to help you get a 'read' on his basic attitude toward your condition, your expectations - and his - for a postive surgical outcome - and his AN expertise.   Don't do this alone, if you can help it.