Hi again. I shouldn't let this get me down. Sorry for being such a downer.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif)
I had my surgery in '95. I was 43 at the time. I wasn't offered any options other than surgery. Believe it or not, I had gone to my family Dr. twice because of sudden hearing loss and he told me I had water behind my eardrum and gave me an antihistamine. I finally insisted on seeing a specialist and that is when they discovered the tumor. I was told it was 2 cm. (I think they call it cm). That was in Oct. I was admitted on Dec. 19th for surgery but spent 2 weeks on the hospital. I developed a spinal fluid leak through my ear and had a spinal tap done twice. (ouch) I was not allowed out of bed at all. I had super migraines and very bad vertigo. I got to come home Christmas Eve with complete bedrest.
I was off work 11 months. I think what upset me the most was that I was told that facial movemeent would start
to return in about 6 weeks. 7 months later, I felt movement. I have about 30% recovery. I had my surgery at Penn State Hershey Medical Ctr. Afew years after my surgery, I was so depressed that I talked to my Dr. (who does head and neck surgery) asking if anything could be done about the droopiness. He then suggested the cheek implant. He took gortex and made a sling across the muscle to hold it up. he said it may only last about 3 years, but it was more like 6 or 7. I loved it and I'm getting ready to call him to have it done again. My face wasn't 100%, but i bet it was about 75 to 80%. I will also ask if there are any new and improved surgery that may be even better.
My balance is still off. I work on that at the gym, but after 15 years, I don't think it's coming back anytime soon. If anyone has suggestions, I'm open to them.
I am probably more aware of my looks than anyone else. I just hate it. I can't get past that. The guy I work with also made a comment about my balance being off. He said he noticed that when I walk, I sometimes have to catch myself. I didn't think it was that bad.
![Huh ???](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/huh.gif)
He's a jerk. He's fat and has a flat head, but I never mentioned that to him.
![Grin ;D](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)
Mary Ann