Feeling Good from Nov.1 Surgery at House

[chapelhillman]

I had a 1.9 cm left side AN (50% in IAC) - majority of mass compressing brain stem -  removed at House by Drs. Brackmann and Schwartz via the retrosigmoid approach.

I was impressed with House and St. Vincent's Med.  I have ringing in that ear still, which seems a bit louder than pre-op.  My hearing is reduced, but should get better apparently as the healing process progresses.  I have some unsteadiness while walking which is improving.  I had no facial paralysis post-op although I had a metallic taste in my mouth and facial twitching pre-op.

Chapelhillman

[dpericoni]

I was at House for surgery on October 25th. I too was impressed with St. Vincent and my doctors. I had to stay 7 days in the hospital because I was too dizzy to leave on day 5. I had very good balance before surgery. I did lose my hearing but that was it. I had ringing before surgery and still have ringing. All else is fine except for my wobbly walk.

Darlene
5mm by 8mm left AN
Dr. Brackmann and Dr. Schwartz
Middle Fossa

[shoegirl]

Chapelhillman,

I am happy to hear that your recovery is going well and you are feeling good.  I was wondering what your hearing was like before surgery?  I was wondering how you made your decision to have surgery versus radiation?  Were they both options for you?  I haven't meet with a Neurosurgeon yet - I will be in a few weeks.  I  haven't researched surgery as much as radiation and would appreciate your opinion.

I hope your recovery continues to go well and wish you all the best!

Thank you! Suzanne

[chapelhillman]

Suzanne:
I was informed about Gamma Knife by all four institutions I seriously considered (UNC, Duke, Mayo (MN) and House).  I know Pitt and Hopkins are well known for it.  I am 39, healthy and active.  The lack of long-term studies combined with my age were the determinng factors for me.  I felt the best advice was surgery...get it out, confirm visually that it is out and that it is benign.  I would at least send your scans to House for a second opinion.  If you want other contacts, please let me know.

Chapelhillman

[chapelhillman]

Darlene:
Sorry I missed you.  You were checking out when I was feeling my sea sickness in the ICU.  Glad you are in such great shape. 

[chapelhillman]

Suzanne:
On my hearing, I had a 92% word recognition score but severe loss at high frequency. The muffling was bad, but not to the point where I couldn't hear.  The 1-2 days of severe nausea and the scar are the only other side effects I would consider important for me.

My post-op hearinf score is about 50%, but expected to improve.  If not, I am still very satisfied with my decision.

Let me know, if I can answer any other questions for you.

[dpericoni]

Chapelhilman,

I am struggling a bit now. I had very good balance going in and with the hearing loss my head really spins when I am in a crowded location like the grocery store. This too shall pass.

Darlene
5mm by 8mm
middle fossa