Balance Issues

[Derek]

Jim and Bruce make very valid comments relevant to the various teatment options that are available, the ultimate method selected being a personal choice dependent on a number of factors, not least, that the AN is of such a size that you are fortunate to be able to have a choice.

 The apparent global aspect of some neurosurgeons tending to actively 'encourage' newly diagnosed patients into their own domain of  microsurgery whilst virtually dismissing the aspect of alternative radiosurgery concerns me greatly.

 From personal experience this happened to me upon diagnosis almost 5 years ago and I vivdly still recall the utter shock and terror when told by the ENT / otolaryngologist following my MRI scan,that if my AN was not removed via microsurgery then I would die. My subsequent consultations with that specialist and the neurosurgeon forming the AN  surgery' team' did not instill me with any  confidence and I now have a neurosurgeon who undertakes both microsurgery and GK. I trust his professional advice totally and I thank my lucky stars that I was able to access information from the internet and gain sufficient knowledge to enable me to opt for the 'wait and watch' procedure and ultimately GK treatment when and if that becomes necessary.

I am so thankful that I found this amazing website which I find crucial for keeping updated on the many patient related aspects of the AN condition that simply cannot be imparted by the medical professionals.

 It is most comforting to know that at the click of a switch any worries, concerns or queries will be instantly responded to by people who have not met and who are never likely to meet, yet who have that unique bond of genuine concern, empathy and a willingness to offer help and assistance which is priceless. My heart bleeds for those who have been diagnosed and who do not have access to a facility such as this.

Derek

[lmurray69]

Dear Chris, I just had surgery the 1st of nov 06.. ballance was  a big issue with me because they completely removed my ballance nerve.. I am doing pretty well, everyone is different.. I surgery and my 3rd day I was up and walking the halls.. holding on to my cain. helped..my eyes were dry and still are,,I have twitches in the left eye.. I never new that the eyes are effected when you have brain surgery.. so you have to move slow.. and no sudden movements are you are dizzy, they have pills for everything. They will take care of you.. I also had a blood sugar raise to almost 300  the steroids did this,, then i had a sudden drop so I have to watch what I do ..I traveled by car and that was fun too.. curves in the road..ever rode a roller coaster.. the half moon pillow helped as well as eye gel pads and night mask..

[Dantheman]

I just had my first real "balance issue" today. I was diagnosed on Dec. 8th of this year. Up until today I would just occasionally bump into things if I made a sharp turn walking in the house.

This morning in Church I felt like I had one too many drinks while standing in the pews. Sitting I was OK and driving also, until I entered a sharp exit ramp on the interstate. Felt a little like an amusement ride. I called in sick for work this evening. After taking a nap I felt somewhat better...but still a kinda "big headed".

I can't wait to get this damned thing out of my head and start mending. I hope to get a surgury date in a week or  two.

Dan

[Kilroy1976]

Church tends to trigger my balance problems too. My hypothesis is that it has something to do with the long, straight lines of the seats and aisles and the high ceilings. Sometimes I have a bad reaction to the lines on a road as well. I wish you a speedy recovery!

[Raydean]

Sometimes, especially as we age, we tend to lose the brain/feet connection.  By that I mean, for some people the brain doesn't know where the feet are. This happens in our elderly quite often.  As an example, if you close your eyes. the brain knows where your hands are, but if you close your eyes, the brain may not know where your feet are.  The connection between the feet and brain is disconnected.  As a result you'll notice more 'hand work"  using the hand to touch the wall for security, or the use of a cane or walking stick, .  There's a fancy medical term that begins with a p, but i don't
remember it.  So sometimes in large rooms,such as a church  where it isn't easy to be able to touch a wall or piece of furniture  balance problems are more noticeable.

Best to all
Raydean