Advice Help For Acoustic Neuroma Decision

[martinl]

My wife who is now 68 years old had an acoustic neuroma discovered nine years ago and has been watched since then but may require surgery in the coming months.

At the time it was discovered, we met with Dr. Richard Wiet and Dr. John Leonetti and both recommended the watch and wait approach.

We were very impressed with both of the doctors and live in the Chicago area but have concerns with Loyola University Medical Center based on the experiences of family members and friends and question the facilities at Hinsdale Hospital because of it's smaller size.

Our option other than going with one of the above doctors would be to travel to a medical center with extensive experience with acoustic neuromas and from reading the discussion forum, the four that seem possible are Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, University of Iowa Hospitals and the House Clinic in L.A.

We are going through a difficult time in coming to a decision and would greatly appreciate the advice and opinions of anyone who has already gone through this experience.

We would appreciate your thoughts, experience and advice on any of these facilities and which direction to proceed.

[leapyrtwins]

I live in the Chicago area and have concerns about Loyola also.

I'm a patient of Robert Battista - Richard's medical partner - and I had my surgery @ Hinsdale Adventist Hospital (which is a great place) in 2007.  Private rooms, dedicated caring staff - and they just finished a major renovation.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with surgery there.

You can't go wrong with Richard Wiet either.  He's one of the oldest and best AN doctors around.

My surgery/recovery with Drs. Battista and Kazan was excellent and 5+ years later I'm still tumor-free.  Dr. Battista did my BAHA implant also.

IMO you have no reason to travel out of the area when you have a wonder doc & hospital right here.

I'd be more than happy to talk to you and/or your wife about my experience.  If you want, you can PM or email me (my email address is in my profile).

Best,

Jan

[schmidtkat]

Hello,
I live in Iowa. I have been away from the site for a while, but read your post and just wanted to respond. You and your wife are at a point I found to be most difficult...the decision of where to go. Ultimately it has to be where you think your wife will receive the best treatment. I too considered Mayo and U of I. After a lot of researching and consultations I chose the HEI. Personally, I have NEVER regretted that decision. However, you will find others on this forum who will speak equally in support of their provider.

The House does provide a free consultation by sending the MRI. That consultation cinched the choice for me. Even if you go elsewhere, I do recommend at least taking advantage of what they have to say. It's a big decision and getting all the information you can to make that choice can be a comfort.

There are many on this site who will support you along this journey. You have found a TREMENDOUS resource, and I encourage you to pose any concerns here.

Thoughts and prayers
Kathy

[IndySkye]

My wife who is now 68 years old had an acoustic neuroma discovered nine years ago and has been watched since then but may require surgery in the coming months.

At the time it was discovered, we met with Dr. Richard Wiet and Dr. John Leonetti and both recommended the watch and wait approach.

We were very impressed with both of the doctors and live in the Chicago area but have concerns with Loyola University Medical Center based on the experiences of family members and friends and question the facilities at Hinsdale Hospital because of it's smaller size.

Our option other than going with one of the above doctors would be to travel to a medical center with extensive experience with acoustic neuromas and from reading the discussion forum, the four that seem possible are Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, University of Iowa Hospitals and the House Clinic in L.A.

We are going through a difficult time in coming to a decision and would greatly appreciate the advice and opinions of anyone who has already gone through this experience.

We would appreciate your thoughts, experience and advice on any of these facilities and which direction to proceed.

I live in Indianapolis and made the decision to travel to Nashville (Vanderbilt Medical Center) to work with Dr. George Wanna (microsurgeon) and his partner, Dr. Kyle Weaver.

I had an excellent outcome - no deafness and no paralysis. These two men are amazing! If you have the option of going to Nashville, I highly recommend them.

skye