I have been following this forum for a month or so in anticipation of my surgery. I contacted some of you who had surgery at House as that is where I had my surgery on Nov 8th (last week). I am 6 days post op and doing very well. I had a 4mm lesion that had manifested itself first by loss of balance and fullness in my right ear. I had just had acl (knee) repair surgery for a skiing accident in last year March, so I attributed the symptoms to that. After treating my sinuses, etc, an mri was ordered and the neuroma was discovered. I consulted with the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins. They recommended waiting which I did. After a 14 months, my 3rd mri showed slight growth and diminished speech reception. I sent my information to Dr Brackmann at House and he recommended removing it while it was still small and I had good hearing. It was a tough decision but since I am in good health decided to go ahead. He and Dr Hitselberger performed the operation. The care was outstanding and the facilities are top notch. Dr Stefan, the internist followed me also and he is so kind.
I am happy to report that my facial nerve is intact, my hearing is preserved!! I have no pain although the right side is numb and feels very full but I can hear through it. I just feel as though I am underwater which is a bit disconcerting. I have been told that will slowly fade away. I am slightly unbalanced but can walk unattended, just look a little unsteady and I hold on to my husband's pinky when I need to - even went out to dinner and went down some stairs to the ladies' room.
I left the hospital after 5 days and I am staying in LA until Wednesday when I get my stitches out. I am very happy with my decision and thank everyone who thought and prayed for me for my successful outcome.
