Hi...I am sharing my non-eventful AN experience in hopes it may bring some comfort to those struggling.
I had experienced hearing loss for a long time. Someone suggested I see a specialist, so I made my appointment with a clinic here in MN. The ENT doc was concerned so he had me schedule an MRI. The MRI confirmed a 2.6 or 2.7 cm right side AN. I made another appointment with their specialist. He told me that I was probably not a candidate for w&w or radiation, as it was pressing on the brainstem. He told me to get one more opinion before he would proceed.
I decided to go to Mayo for a second opinion. It was close and in my network. I met with Dr. Link and Dr. Driscoll. They confirmed everything I had been told.
Then....the real shock...they had a cancellation and told me they could perform translab the next day. Although I was unprepared to move so quickly, it was a real blessing since I was having a great deal of anxiety.
I had my pre-op physical, and discussed all my fears with the pro's at mayo. They are all amazing. My wife and I drove back home and picked up some stuff.
We returned to St Mary's early in the morning. I was prepped for surgery but my memories of even that are vague. I remember thinking they were finally wheeling me into the O.R., when I heard my wife tell me they "got the whole tumor and preserved the facial nerve." I was nautious for a few minutes, but then I was fine.
I did not experience any dizziness or balance issues. I am told its because the AN had already forced me to adust. The surgery lasted 11 hours.
We asked for a private room at St. Mary's. She ordered a cot and stayed with me the whole time. I was in the hospital for 4 days. (That weekend, the MN Vikings and Gophers won their games. I wondered if they reversed my football nerve.)
I was back to work in 5 weeks.
After my 3 month MRI and ok from the docs, I was back to my bowling league...my scores still stink.
The only symptom I have left is SSD. I actually had already adapted to that also. This was a huge relief since I play in a community symphony orchestra and have played violin all my life. I returned to rehearsals at the beginning of January. I think the SSD may have actually made me a better musician. I have to be very aware of dynamic balance for the sounds to blend.
The whole experience started at the end of September 2011. Surgery was October 27, 2011. By far, for me anyway, the worst part of the whole experience was the anxiety between diagnosis and surgery.
I have never had any medical issues before. I am very thankful this turned out so well. I don't know how I can ever show enough gratitude to Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Link.
