Author Topic: Reporting in--back from HEI  (Read 4175 times)

neetze1

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Reporting in--back from HEI
« on: April 01, 2013, 09:48:18 pm »
Hello,
Just reporting in.  I had translab on 3/20/13 at HEI to remove a 3.5 cent. AN.  Surgery was over 11 hours.  Most was removed, the infamous "sliver" was left to preserve the facial nerve.  I returned home to NJ on Easter morning--two days sooner than originally scheduled because I was homesick.
I am doing very well.  I have full facial function.  I do have some numbness in my lips, tongue and left cheek but am told it should resolve.  I have some unsteadiness walking but not too bad.  I have a therapist coming over tomorrow to start some vestibular therapy.  I don't think I will need too many sessions.  My vestibular nerve was apparently already gone and the brain had already compensated so it's not too bad really.  Other than tiredness, I am feeling pretty good.  I will work on being patient!  Thank you all for your support!   
Anita
Oh, everyone at HEI was wonderful!  I can't give enougth praise to Dr's Luxford, Lekovich.  They are the best! I am told it was bigger than what my MRI presented and they had to tell my husband 2 more hours 2 times as Dr Lekovich kept finding more.  He was simply amazing and I truly owe them my life!  :)
Anita
South Jersey
Translab 3/20/13 at HEI for 3.5 centimeter
Dr. Luxford, Dr. Lekovic, Dr. Stefan

CHD63

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Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2013, 06:41:51 am »
Hi Anita .....

Hurray!  You're home!  So glad you are doing so well.  Walk, rest, rest, walk, rest, rest .....

Thanks for letting us know!

Continuing prayers for a quick and uneventful recovery.

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

JerseyGirl2

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Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2013, 09:32:02 am »
Anita,

So glad to read that things went well for you at House! Take it really easy for a while.

Catherine (Jersey Girl 2)
Translab surgery and BAHA implant: House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, 1/2008
Drs. J. House, Schwartz, Wilkinson, and Stefan
BAHA Intenso, 6/2008
no facial, balance, or vision problems either before or after surgery ... just hearing loss
Monmouth County, NJ

james e

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  • 75years, 1.7cm, trans lab Mar 2010, BAHA 5
Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2013, 12:15:46 pm »
Enjoy your therapy. It can be challenging, but you will enjoy it.

millie

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Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2013, 04:40:35 am »
Good news!...Hang in there!

mindyandy

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Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2013, 06:02:23 am »
Wonderfule news. Another HEI alumni ;D I"m glad your are on the road to recovery.
14mm dx 9/07. CK done Seattle  1 year MRI showed some shrinkage. 4 year MRI 2mm growth nothing conclusive. Trigminal nerve involvment Retrosigmoid Friedmand/Schwartz HEI March 7,2012

kmr1969

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Re: Reporting in--back from HEI
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2013, 10:42:31 am »
Anita.

Congratulations on what sounds like a very successful surgery.

I too came away from HEI with some microscopic scraps to perserve the facial nerve.  I don't worry about it too much, but I guess I will be worried about it in November when I have my first post-surgery MRI.

Remember, plenty of walks, and plenty of naps.  You will have days when you feel really good and days when you feel really tired.  Listen to your body and give yourself time to heal.

Best regards,

Ken
2.7 cm AN diagnosed June 2012
Translab completed November 2012 at House Clinic
SSD; numbness on face and in mouth, plus poor taste buds, but happy with how I am doing so far