Pretty sure we'll be getting an AN diagnosis

[Whiskeydog]

I've found and joined the group on behalf of my sister, who I am fairly certain based on her symptoms and results of her hearing test will be getting an AN diagnosis after her MRI, which is coming up this Monday.  She is 77 years old and not an emotionally strong person, so I think I'm going to have to be her "rock" through this journey.  She's never been married, has no kids, and I'm her only sibling.  I realize from reading these forums that we obviously need the info from the upcoming MRI in order to even begin to discuss viable treatment options, but I'm hoping that some form of radiosurgery will be open to her, as I don't think she'll be a good traditional surgical candidate, either emotionally or physically.  We're in Texas - she's in Georgetown and I'm in Spicewood.  Will share more info as I get it, but would like to hear recommendations for drs./facilities in the Austin or surrounding areas (San Antonio, Dallas, Houston) where we might seek out the medical opinions.  Thanks in advance.  I've learned a lot from all of you already!

[arizonajack]

Check the ANA website under Medical Resources:

http://anausa.org/

If you can't access the medical resources without being a paid member, it's worth contributing the membership fee even if she doesn't have an AN.

Here's an article that discusses treatment options based on a review of many thousands of patients:

http://thejns.org/doi/pdf/10.3171/2012.6.FOCUS12192

[james e]

I live in Georgetown. My AN was found by a MRI done at Scott and White in Round Rock. I interviewed their surgeons in Temple, and their suggestion was for me to have radiation treatment. I interviewed some surgeons at Methodist Hospital in Houston, and they suggested surgery. I had surgery in Houston. All of the doctors I interviewed were top drawer. My choice was to have surgery, so I went to Houston.

If your sister does have an AN, there are a lot of things to decide. She might not even need treatment. If she does need treatment, there are several remedies. Probably best to find out what is really going on before you contact any more doctors.

James

[Whiskeydog]

Hi James - thanks very much for your reply.  I know my sister's MRI will be done in Round Rock on Monday, probably at the same place as yours.  I'll know when I go to pick her up on Monday, since I'm taking her for the test.  We of course won't contact any doctors until we have a firm diagnosis and the details from the MRI, but am just trying to get a head start on putting together a list of possible contacts for opinions, etc.  Not sure if it's appropriate to ask here, but if she gets a positive diagnosis, would you be willing to talk with us so that we can get some first-hand perspective?

[Whiskeydog]

Hi AZ Jack - thanks for your reply and the links - very helpful.  I will join ANA - membership dues will be small price to pay for all the info the site contains!

[arizonajack]

There are 3 ANA support groups in TX:


Dallas / Ft. Worth
 
Leader: Linda Dorasami
817-244-0615
krld@flash.net
 
 
Co-Leader: Bob Clyatt
972-542-9730
 

Houston
 
Leader: Peter Meaden
832-689-8957
pete.meaden@flash.net
 

San Antonio
 
Leader: Priscilla Riedel-Cohan
713-270-1360
riedelcohanp@gmail.com
 
 
Co-Leader: Jay Ball
210-317-9094
john.w.ball@mwarep.org
 

They can be very helpful in learning about resources in your area.

[james e]

I can respond here or we can meet in person.

James

[Whiskeydog]

AZ Jack - wow- great information - thanks!  Local (fairly local, anyway) support groups  - excellent!

[Whiskeydog]

James - thank you!  I talked with my sister yesterday, and her MRI will be done at Scott & White in Round Rock, same as yours.  I appreciate your willingness to talk with us.  I think she would appreciate an in-person chat, if we need it.  Thanks again.

[james e]

More than happy to help.

James