Ready for surgery

[sempergumby]

Am on standby, waiting for scheduling between my two surgeons.  Am not worried about procedure.  My AN is only 4mm, but is inside the cochlear.  Was offered radiation but did not like statistics. Am wondering how long after surgery before I am up and about.  Have been told 2 weeks no driving.

[nftwoed]

Hi sempergumby;

  Seems an AN inside the cochlea is quite rare! I think 2 weeks sounds about right for a tumor in the middle ear. Best wishes in all.  : )

[leapyrtwins]

Recovery time depends on the individual.  Usually docs say it takes 6 weeks, but that's subjective.

My surgery was for a larger AN than yours (almost 3 cms) and my surgery was 7 1/2 hours.

I was well enough @ 2 1/2 weeks post op to return to work part-time (desk job) and @ 4 weeks to return full time.

I didn't drive for 6 weeks - but mainly because my caretaker (my mom) was my chauffeur    If I had to drive myself, I might have been inclined to get back behind the wheel sooner.  I believe Jim Scott was driving 2 weeks post op.

Your body will tell you when you are ready.  Your doctor will probably also have input.

Jan

[OTO]

Sempergumpy - with that forum name like that are u retired military?   There are several retired military/dependents that have a thread in the "Insurance" category.   They discuss TRICARE, etc.  You might want to connect with them...

[kixit]

I just had translab on May 24th. I was sick the first 24 hrs after due to the room spinning and nausua. After post op day 2 I was in my own clothes (tank and shorts and those awesome hospital socks). My recovery is going well. I had my sutures removed on June 4th, I return to light duty work on the 11th just 4hr days to see if I can handle it. Dr Kesser said I WILL need an afternoon nap (I think even non- AN'ers do as well, should be federal law). 
I had major balance issues after surgery and was sent home with a walker.

I felt like chasing the sun yesterday, but not getting that nap and the 4 hr trip to and from UVA wore me out so I am wonky today and took it easy. I didn't want to get out bed because of fatigue.

I set myself for the worst and (knock on wood) it hasn't been that bad, minus the 24 hrs post op.

I wish you well on your AN journey. The people on here are wonderful with advice and support!!

[sempergumby]

How is your tinnitus?  I am hoping noise will be gone or at least less.

[kixit]

I still have the tinnitis 

[LizAN]

I still have the tinnitis 

Is your tinnitus the same as it was?  Mine has recently gotten worse.  I'm hoping it doesn't get any louder from the surgery.

[kixit]

It's the same. It seems it gets louder when I'm tired.

[LizAN]

It's the same. It seems it gets louder when I'm tired.

I've noticed that, too.  Sometimes, it isn't so bad in the morning when I first wake up.

[lrobie]

Mine seems to play much louder tunes after being in loud places or if someone yells out that is near my AN side.  I also get that zap feeling in my ear with a sudden loud sound (scream, laugh, whistle).  I'm praying it doesn't get louder after surgery.

Lisa

[LizAN]

That zap feeling sounds like recruitment.  It can be quite painful.

I've also noticed that road noise will make my tinnitus worse afterwards, so I've been plugging my bad ear during my commute.  It does seem to be helping.

I think, after translab, I will no longer have a cochlea, which should make recruitment a thing of the past.  I also read that they sometimes take the eardrum out and replace it with muscle, but I don't know whether that is the case at House.

Liz

[sempergumby]

18 days til surgery...middle fossa approach...starting to have balance issues, especially if I am standing and look down.

[BlueSky]

Glad you got your date settled on! Good luck with your procedure.

[LizAN]

Best wishes, sempergumby.  We will be recovering in parallel.  I look forward to being able to log on and see how you are doing.

Liz