My story :
Before and begin I should make it clear that :
a) I am NF2, rather than conventional A.N.- most surgeons/radiosurgeons regard these as more complex.
b) Also there are surgeons who have performed 100+ operations without seeing any complications at all – it really is quite rare these days – so rest assured.
I was originally diagnosed with three tumours
4.5cms left, 1cms right and a 3cms on the upper neck (NF2)
The fact that I was diagnosed at all, was a miracle – I had deliberately faked one of my hearing tests – which caused the hospital to order the original MRI scans.
I intervened again when I discovered (internet) I had symptoms of advanced hydrocephalus, and my doctor was staggered to find that I was right.
First OP June 2005 after a series of drop-down attacks, and vision difficulties – emergency shunt fitted – my sight is saved !
Then 8 mths later the real work starts :
First operation 2006, (Feb) to de-bulk tumour - Tumour reacts badley
24hrs later 2nd OP required to reduce compression. Poor tumour reaction
24hrs later 3rd OP to reduce compression
24hrs later 4th OP performed to reduce pressure from neck tumour, and assist with breathing. Recovering well. Hearing, balance and facial nerves lost left side.
I moved to the brain rehabilitation unit in May 2005, I was now in a wheelchair and learning to walk again. The brain rehab unit was top-class – bit like a Holiday Inn,
but entirely devoted to recovering from Neurosurgery.
They had a special therapy pool indoors –which some of the nurses seemed too keen on for my liking – I always suspected they were closet mermaids -and inspected them for gills…
I wanted to get on with my recovery - and alone, I broke into the gym to commence work on getting better – they got the message and a physio was assigned to me.
My early escape plans were dashed however, when an off-duty Mermaid caught me in a local bar one evening eating steak and chips.
At this time I met possibly the worst doctor in the world? – you can judge yourself.
Doc – put your head in the machine
Me – I don’t feel well
Doc – do as you are told !
Me – no, really, I don’t feel well
Doc – just do it !
Me – Sorry…. I……
Then I collapsed in a small heap on his office floor. Sadly I did not have the time to say “I told you so…�
By late May I was quite well and teaching the Mermaid’s how to play golf.
There were plenty of Shower fights but they, being Mermaids, had the advantage.
Home early in June. However.
June 2005 neck tumour is on the move – and now threatens paralysis in 12 months
July 2005: OP(no 5), to remove neck tumour.
OP is uneventful – but dressing comes free post op – I awake in a pool of blood – I look anxiously for the horses head, but there was none (clue, godfather ?)
Strange isn’t it – if it had been CSF I would have been in real trouble
Ironically as it was “just� blood I was OK.
I was sent home after three days with what looked suspiciously like 45 Staples on the back of my neck – half man half robot? 7 of 9 eat your heart out….
Dec 2005: OP (No6) to rebuild face -it took nearly two hours in all to remove all the stiches
Feb 2006 Gamma knife to zap tumour remains left side.
They clamped the face frame on mid morning and two hours later I was still waiting
- I lost my patience here and departed to the sweetshop with the mask still on.
We have a picture – it looks like the “Man in the Iron mask� or “Silence of the lambs�.
- So what can we learn?
A) No matter how bad it gets – you will get better
B) You do have to work at your own recovery
C) Don’t challenge a Mermaid to a shower fight – you will lose
Best regards
Tony W.
England
