How long will it take me to get out of the wheelchair

[LizH]

My tumor is big, almost 4cm in diameter. I had FSR 6 years ago but it didn't work. The tumor has been growing since then. I am physically disabled now. I sit in a wheelchair now. My balance is so bad so to avoid falls I use a wheelchair. I am scheduled for surgery in 3 weeks, translab approach and then I will get some physical therapy after that. I would like to have an idea how long it will take me to get better after surgery, that is improve my balance and get out of this wheelchair. I was not like this 3 years ago. I don't mind even using a cane. Thank you. Liz.

[Pembo]

I had a 4 cm tumor. I also had extreme dizziness but not as bad as yours. I can tell you that after surgery the dizziness was gone. I noticed it soon after. The feeling was replaced with a different one but it was easier to tolerate. I had pt and ot and learned lots of balance exercises that helped alot. My best uneducated guess is you'll be surprised at how much better your balance is once the comprised balance nerve is gone.

Stay strong..........

[LizH]

Thanks. I don't ever get dizzy. I am just unstable. I used to walk like a drunken sailor. I would like to go back to work soon that's why I am asking.

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Liz,

You really need to go to a vestibular therapist and get some testing and evaluation done- to find out what specific points are having the balance issues and how you are compensating (or not). Balance sensors come from the soles of the feet, the hips, the ears and the eyes… take one away, such as the vestibular/acoustic nerve, and your brain needs to be trained on how to compensate.

I am thinking it may be worth getting some testing done before you surgery so they have a baseline score. They can compare this to where you will be post surgery… and how you progress. It will take time (not to mention hard work and consistency on your part) … but the brain CAN retrain.

Don’t let any physician tell you that vestibular therapy does not work.
Here is my story
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5584.0

Bobbie made this post
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6180.0
I find that walking backward, up hill, has really helped me retrain. (However the neighbors, I am sure, are quite convinced that I am loopy as they see me do this- I am sure they are convinced it was the brain surgery      )


This explains what vestibular therapy is
http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/treatment/vestibular-rehab.php

Your inner ear is affected - you need to “retrain the brain�

Here are some therapists I found in your locale

http://easttorontophysiotherapy.com/more_services.html
http://www.westwoodhealthto.com/services.html#dizziness

LifeMark Physiotherapy
110 Queen St. East
Brampton, ON L6V 1B1
Canada
(905) 455-5870
(905) 455-3620 (fax)
http://www.lifemark.ca/Services/ServiceDetails.aspx



 
Here is a search engine to find support groups on balance issues too.
http://www.vestibular.org/support-groups/find-support-group.php

The brain is very plastic and most capable of retraining. The technology they have out there, now-a-days, is amazing. 

If you have not already seen this documentary video (the vestibular part is in the last 1/3) – I recommend viewing it as it is highly inspirational.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/286-mixed_feelings_.html

There will be no set time for recovery. Much will depend on the time it takes for you to recovery from the craniotomy and how much you are able to push yourself in physiotherapy after surgery. The key is you must speak up and ask your physician for a referral to vestibular therapy. Even of you are currently in a wheelchair (been there myself) you must keep active with stretches and exercise etc to keep muscle tone and strength. This will assist with your recovery post-op.

All the best to you -with your surgery. I have you in my prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.


Cheers,

Daisy Head Mayzie
(Canadian Sister in the USA  )

[LizH]

Thank you so much, Daisy Maze Head. Cheers! Liz

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Liz:

Welcome to the forum.  I'm sorry to learn that your AN has disabled you to this point and I hope we can be of some help to you.

There are never any guarantees with AN surgery but I would imagine that your upcoming translab surgery will give you some immediate, noticeable relief.  'Daisy Head Mayze' has offered you relevant information that should be useful.  Please pursue it. 

I'm afraid that no one can give you an accurate, credible  estimate of exactly what the time-frame will be for your recovery and the return of your ability to regain your balance well enough to walk.  I would speculate that you'll be out of the wheelchair fairly soon once the AN is removed and you undergo some PT.  However, I'm not a doctor and haven't had your experience so this is strictly speculation.  I would consult your doctor for further information on probable recovery time and when you can walk, even with a cane, as you indicated.  Again, I would guess that it won't be long at all.  I may be speculating but I hope I'm right.

Liz, you've discovered a very useful website as well as come in contact with many knowledgeable and compassionate people who have or had an Acoustic Neuroma and can empathize with you as well as offer very practical advice, when needed.  I hope the responses you'll receive on this thread are helpful and I also look forward to seeing you post in the days ahead with whatever is on your mind.  We're not doctors and can't answer specific 'medical' questions but, collectively, we have a lot of experience with AN's and are ready and willing to share whatever practical advice we can. All you have to do is ask.  Please do. 

Jim

[LizH]

Thanks Jim. I will pursue what Daisy Head Maizyie has susggested. Jim

[LizH]

Hi Daisy Head Mayzie,

I had balance tests done at Toronto General Hospital. They were ordered by Dr. Rutka, an ENT specialist and one of the surgeon's who will perform my surgery on August 8th at Toronto Western with the Neurosurgeon, Dr. Guha. All he said after the tests was that he was surprised I had such symptoms. Dr Guha said it might take about 6 months to get better after surgery. Someone who has had a translab surgery said there is a very good vestibular rehab therapist at Sunnybrook Hospital. I thiink my surgeons are waiting after the surgery to prescribe the kind of therapy that I need.

Liz

[robynabc]

Hi,

Just wanted you to know that my son Eric had a 4.5 CM tumor.  His balance was horrible before surgery and got even worse right before surgery.  He was tripping and falling all over and he scared me quite a few times.  I thought he was going to hurt himself by falling on his head.  He had a little balance problems the first couple weeks and now is practically normal in that department.  So,  I think there is a very good possiblity that you will get some relief after surgery.   I will be thinking of you.   

Peace,

Robyn

[sgerrard]

If you have not already seen this documentary video (the vestibular part is in the last 1/3) – I recommend viewing it as it is highly inspirational.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/286-mixed_feelings_.html

If you have not read the book, you owe it to yourself to read "The Brain That Changes Itself", by Norman Doidge, MD. The book starts off on page 1 with the story of Cheryl, the woman in the video who is seen riding a bicycle after retraining her balance system. It has numerous other inspiring cases, and some fascinating insights into how the brain really works and what it is capable of doing.

Steve

[satman]

hi liz,i had a pretty big tumor also,8 cm to be exact.
i can only speak of my experience,i was not in a chair prior to surgery but spent some time in one after surgery.
if you really work hard in physical therapy i would think you would upgrade to a walker within a month or at least that was my situation and i was in bad shape as far as balance goes.once i got to the walker i used it for 5 months,now i get around pretty good,just work hard and you will get there. remember a pos attitude goes a long way. there is also a chance that you might be just fine after the surgery,everybody has  a different recovery process. so were all different yet we are all the same [ironic].

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Great suggestion Steve!

I have just placed a hold, on that title, at the library... I could use some inspiration...

DHM

[pswift00]

Do you do any walking at all right now?  I'm just thinking of the atrophy you've likely suffered from by now, and the fact that it's going to take quite a long time to get your legs strong again.

[Kate B]

The brain is very plastic and most capable of retraining. The technology they have out there, now-a-days, is amazing. 

If you have not already seen this documentary video (the vestibular part is in the last 1/3) – I recommend viewing it as it is highly inspirational.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/286-mixed_feelings_.html

I just found your post with this link and must admit I found this documentary fascinating and encouraging. (the balance section comes after the vision section)...It is interesting how many throughout history are considered "heretics" prior to being acknowledged.

[LizH]

Hi pswiftoo

Thanks for your response. Actually I can walk. I do walk at home sometimes using a walker as a form of exercise. I have only been sitting in a wheelchair for 3 months now and have used a walker for about 2 years. I sit in a wheelchair now in order to avoid falls which were becoming frequent, my balance/equilibrium is very bad. I have to hold on to something when I walk and cannot get up when I fall so I was advised to sit in a wheelchair. I really hope that physical therapy after surgery will help me. I have even enrolled in Tai Chi classes.

cheers!  Liz