So strange to think of this time last year - hard to believe I was rolling down that hall of windows (you House alumn know what I mean) right about now. I won't recount the story here, but a couple of links are below if any of you newbies want to read part of my journey. I couldn't find any from immediate post-op, but know my mom posted some (nausea, nausea and a bit more nausea
). However, as they fall under the "first three days don't count" rule, it doesn't much matter what they said. My story is actually pretty uneventful, almost boring compared to some, but we'll call that a good thing
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8109.0http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6163.15For the record (and you newbies), my temporary facial paralysis was indeed temporary - probably about 8 weeks or so. Yes, there is still some residual effect, but only a neurosurgeon (and a few of you guys) would be able to tell
My wonky-head continues, but as most of you know, my philosophy has been that it won't get better if I give in to it and sit in the house. I did start vestibular exercises a couple of months ago to see if it can knock out the last of the seasickness. If not, oh well...tennis must still be played!
While tinnitus is, of course, annoying, the SSD is not so bad. As I think I've posted before, it gives my husband great ammo for humor. Yes, going out to dinner with friends can be a challenge, but I'm not about to miss out on it! I think less and less of it these days.
I have always been a "glass half full, things could always be worse (and they can)," kind of person. That served me well this past year, and I think most of you out here have the same philosophy. There have been SO many inspiring stories here. And, there are SO many things worse than having an AN...
To sum it all up
, I'm fine! I continue to hang out here because you are all my very dear friends now...really (ok, now I'm tearing up). As "strong" as I am, I would NOT have made it without this forum which I found just prior to my diagnosis. From meeting Phyl and her bloke not long after my diagnosis (sure she has family down here, but I like to think she came to GA just for me, right, Phyl
), to my phone conversations with Donnalynn and Cheri pre-surgery that were priceless, to the conversations I've had with many of you newbies since my surgery, to my awesome hat-by-Steve, to my new GA AN buddies, the AN Book Club, and so many more...How can I fully be sorry that I had an AN?
Finally, I can not think of this time last year without thinking of Nancy (NL) who made our LA trip, a trip to remember...with some very
nice memories, not just memories of surgery. You are so special to Brad, Mom and me, Nancy! And, of course, it was incredible to meet David and Mathilda out there - just unbelievable!
It has been an amazing journey to take with you guys...Thank you and many hugs to ALL of you,
Cindy (sorry this was so long
)
