High Cindy,
Welcome to " It's a Small World" and too bad this isn't Disney World. I have a 3mm AN rt. side and I also have some dizzy moments. It just comes on at strange times. I'll sort of list to the left. Also get dizzy at night and I've learned already to be careful if I get up to use the rest room in the dark. I went to my daughters indoor swimming party and had to sit down most the time. The waves on the water, lights etc. had me reeling. I'm also getting more headaches. I have ringing in my ear, but not too bad, YET and a few other things going on. It's always better to have something small rather than something large be it tumors, broken bones, etc., so in that sense we are lucky. Unless it is choc. and then large is better.
In your research efforts you will find this site invaluable. I spent almost 5 weeks on the computer every day and am proud to say I knew more that the three doctors I have spoken to. I actually corrected them. I'm no genius but the phrase "knowledge is power" is very true. It's not a Ha Ha I know so much but just the feeling that you are in charge of the situation. Don't rush into anything . You have plenty of time to sort things out both emotional and physical. I'm getting another MRI in March which will be 3 months out. For me waiting 6 months is just too long. Maybe if the thing stays stable for a year or two I'll relax and go for longer periods.
Just take a deep breath and keep reading. Remember that a lot of the good people on this forum have had much larger AN's and a lot of really sad and life changing problems and despite that they are still functioning well and have for the most part great outlooks on life. Just reading their posts has given me so much encouragement.
With us "small" AN people we have to weight the options of TIME very carefully. Do we wait for more symptoms to appear? Do we take the risks of surgery and the complications? Do we go the radiosurgery route and perhaps have the tumor swell and have more problems for a year or so? We still have a lot of things to consider and it can take over your life pretty quickly.
You sound like you have had other health problems so this can be overwhelming. I was totally healthy until Aug. 26 last year. Since then I'm had several things going and no resolution to the other issues. But life goes on and I'm adjusting to the fact that my face numbness, headaches, etc. may never be diagnosed. I've had 2 CT scans, One MRI and they've taken enough blood to make me an official donor. Also hearing test and an Evoked Potential test. Tested for autoimmune illness's also. The pt. being that it takes time, doc. apts. etc.to stay on top of all this but it's doable. You have joined a great support group and don't hesitate to write personal notes to people. I've even talked to a few on the phone. My husband is a bit "blank" when it comes to medical things so this is my sounding board.
Hang in there and BOOKMARK this site.
Karen
