Connie, I have just sent my records and MRI to House Ear Institute. After receiving them, they will assign them to a dr. After reviewing them, the dr. will call and talk to me about them. It is my understanding that there is no fee for that "consultation." Unfortunately, House doesn't accept providers, so you have to pay out-of-network. If your ins. company pays out of network, House will file for you. I'll let you know as I find out more. But, yes, I agree...going so far away will be an inconvenience.
Actually, due to my age and health, Dr. Mattox reccommended that I go ahead and go for surgical removal. However, he did say that I was a candidate for wait and watch, radiation, or surgery...for now, he ultimately left the choice up to me. I talked to him yesterday over the phone. He's going to have the oncologist and radiologist call me to set up appts. to ask them any questions to help in my decision making process.
I, too, want to preserve any hearing that I currently have..that's the biggest annoyance! However, the surgery that Dr. Mattox is referring to would take all hearing away in that hear. And, there is no guarantee that hearing won't be lost with radiation... sad, huh? I do not want to wait and watch. I just feel like more damage/worse symptoms/more risky treatment could result. I'm just trying to weigh my options (good/bad).
Let me know what you decide...I'll do the same.
