Hi, Keep Smiling ~
Sorry you have to deal with an acoustic neuroma but glad you discovered the ANA website discussion forums, decided to register and post. Welcome and please know that we are a diverse group from around the country and with members from other lands all coming together under a common banner of people diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. Some of us, like you, are recently diagnosed, some are contemplating treatment (
surgery or radiation - or both) and many are now post-op or radiation and in recovery mode. A few of us have fully recovered and have encouraging stories to tell. Our commonality is that we are collectively eager to supply information, answer what questions we can and offer unqualified support with the understanding that only another AN patient can possess. As a group, we're honest and don't sugarcoat the realities of dealing with an acoustic neuroma but we aren't cynical or judgmental and we don't second-guess another AN patients decisions or emotions.
Your hesitation about posting your medical information is understandable. Many of our members have the same reservation, at first. Please know that we have no rules here regarding information. If you don't feel comfortable posting 'private stuff', that's O.K. However, I'm confident that when you visit the site more often you'll realize that we are not prying or seeking information for the fun of it but sometimes need specific medical information in order to be able to offer accurate advice (
with the caveat that we are not doctors and offer what we've learned from our experience as AN patients). Again, post only what you feel comfortable with, when you feel comfortable doing so. We'll respect your boundaries.
I believe you'll find our members both knowledgeable and friendly. We share a rather unique medical condition that we didn't ask for but that we all have to deal with, one way or another. These discussion forums allow us to do that with other AN patients, sharing information and offering mutual support Consider us as 'family'.
Jim
