Vision/Brain - ability to read

[gunns]

I’m almost one year post op and I recently started having problems reading. I read a lot. It’s like I can’t recognize simple words. Sentences don’t make sense. It’s worse when I’m tired at the end of the day. And accompanied with a headache. If I look at the words long enough I finally recognize it. Again we’re talking about even simple every day words. My surgery was last July (2017) and I noticed this problem starting just two days ago. Something isn’t right and I’m beginning to worry. Has anyone else experienced this. I’m going to try and get in to see my doctor who did the surgery.

[Patti]

good idea to see the doctor! what type of surgery?

[gunns]

Retro sig. Lost all hearing AN side permanently, temporary slight facial palsy and dry eye better now. depth perception is off and balance seems to be getting worse.  I get so darn exhausted quickly. I may be 70 but I’m extremely active - backpacking the sierras, hiking, motorcycles dirt and street etc. But the reading thingie has me concerned.

[extropy]

After my retrosigmoid surgery (July 2014, the VS was > 3.5 cm.) very often I don't understand jokes! And when I'm reading *sometimes* (but not often) I cannot understand the meaning of that phrase. I'm inclined to think it is lack of attention or concentration or focus or intuition. -serafino (Rome, Italy)

[Patti]

Well, Gunn, I hope you get to a doctor! As far as exhaustion, I still get it, especially when i exercise or do long hikes or bike rides.  I have to keep it up though so my balance doesn't get worse. At least I have motivation to exercise! 

[gunns]

Well, I don’t know what I’m worried about. Sounds like you two have it worse than me. I can’t even imagine having my tumor grow back. My first annual MRI is in two months. Gotta wait and see. Getting in to see my doc soon I hope. Thanks for the input!

I’m not about to give up my workouts 4x a week. Been fighting a bad back for forty years and four operations. I’m a firm believer in use it or loose it. I use my guitar playing to keep my brain stimulated.

[Patti]

thanks for your compassion. i feel like everyone expects me to be super-woman, including myself, but on a gloomy day like today, i wish my family and friends remembered that it probably takes a lot out of me just to function normally! pity-party at the moment!

[gunns]

I understand Patti. People say they understand but they can’t understadstand unless they’ve been down our same road. They mean we’ll, bless them, but they can’t fathom what it takes out of us every day and we just keep chugging along. I went to an ANA meeting the other day and met a guy who had surgery a few years back. The tumor has returned an now he has a tumor on the other side as well. And I thought I was having it rough.

You take care Lady and try to focus on one day at a time and on the bad days try to focus on that which you can do. It’s what I try to do but fall short of on occasion.

[Patti]

Thank you Gunn! Pity party didn't last long. I know i have an up-coming MRI and I become more aware of issues as the date of the MRI gets closer, so my thoughts tend to get a little more negative.  But one day at a time is a good thought for anyone!!!!!

[gunns]

Wish you luck in your MRI. I’ll have to get one real soon. The doctors want one before I’m seen. Hope I can get in this week.

[Patti]

Keep us posted and I will too!

[gunns]

Will do Patti. They made my appointment two weeks out. I guess in order to get the MRI and neurosurgeon authorized. We’ll see. Again wishing you the best with your MRI.

[gunns]

Appointment with Doc is on Jun 4th in the afternoon. My MRI is scheduled earlier the same day. This will be for my new symptoms and I guess will be considered my first one year follow up MRI. My operation was last July.

[Patti]

Mine is on June 13!  Let us know how it goes!

[Patti]

Gunn - what doctor are you seeing and where?  Patti