Newbie with 3.9 AN

[Joef]

Hey everyone,

    I've been diagnosed with a 3.9cm AN, about a month ago. This forum has been a big help with understanding my dilemma.(I've been a lurker) I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Brackmann at House on Aug 9 . and I can't wait ! ... these symptoms are driving me crazy (numbness,dizziness,ear ringing, no headaches yet),  I'm looking forward to getting this over with and going on with life (I'm 40)... I will lose the hearing in my right ear (which is gone anyway) and was thinking about BAHA  .. anyone here have it? does it work well? ... and any problems with airport security with a bolt in your head 

  Joe
  Shelton,CT USA

[Jessie127]

Hi Joe,

  I'm also scheduled for surgery in House but with De La Cruz; I have a 1.2cm AN I really liked the doctors and facility over there.....Everything will be fine with you too

Jessie

[jenifyer]

i am scheduled to get my BAHA on aug. 24th.  i will let you know how it goes and what i think. i think i have to wait 10 - 12 weeks before i can start using the device though.

jennifer

[Joef]

i am scheduled to get my BAHA on aug. 24th. i will let you know how it goes and what i think. i think i have to wait 10 - 12 weeks before i can start using the device though.
jennifer

  Yes, from what I understand the "bolt" needs to heal (a few months) before you can use it ... did insurance pick up the tab? I'll talk to house once I'm there to see how to proceed with it..

  any thoughts on what to pack for the trip to LA , its not like a vacation trip ! I'll bring extra Pajamas and such (witout the booties )

  Joe
  Shelton,CT USA

[russ]

Hi
  Well the post is made of titanium which I'm not sure sets off metal detectors or not.
  Have you checked the 'entific' web site re: BAHA?
  Best wishes for a good surgery, recovery and cross over hearing!!
  Russ

[viejita]

About the airport security, I have a couple of 5 or 6 inch long titanium rods and at least 6 1&1/2 or 2 inch long screws in my lumbar spine.  My Dr. gave me a special card to carry.  I couldn't tell you how many times I have been through security both in airports and courthouses and never set off anything!  If someone moves a handheld wand along my spine, that will go off.

Susi

[rntiggergirl]

Hi
I have a BAHA.  I have a card that I carry with me explaining the titanium screw but I have never set off any alarms.  they tell you to take off the external device before going thru the scanner, I just put it in my purse and have had no problems. 

Cheryl

[matti]

I went to a BAHA seminar last year and the question regarding setting off alarms at airport security came up and their answer was "no". I would carry the card regardless.

[Joef]

Hi
I have a BAHA.  I have a card that I carry with me explaining the titanium screw but I have never set off any alarms.  they tell you to take off the external device before going thru the scanner, I just put it in my purse and have had no problems. 

Cheryl

So tell me, are you happy with BAHA ?

[jenifyer]

Hi,

My insurance is covering 70%.  i had to pay $5000 for the device ahead of time  because the doctor has to order it and when he gets reimbursed i will get it.    I am not sure how much the surgery itself is going to cost.  I have titanium plates and screws already in my head from my first surgery 5 years ago and i have never set any alarms off. i don't think that will be a problem.
I haven't been online in a while so i am not sure if you have already gone to california.  all you really need is comfortable clothes or pajamas and toiletries.  good luck!
jennifer

[Joef]

I'd like to get BAHA ... thanks for your comments.. most seem to like em ...

my other question are there any long term issues with AN surgery?.. any 20+ year patients out there ? I think 20 years ago, these surgerys were not as successful, and we don't have any good long term history. My surgery is due Aug 9 *next week!* at house.

  Joe

[Jeff]

Hello Joe,

My father and I have NF2, thus bilateral AN's. My father had his removed in 1973 amd 1982 without long term problems other than deafness. The doctors did leave a bit of one of the tumors in order to preserve his facial nerve, and it did grow some 15-20 years later. He had a surgery to remove it last year and is doing great. He is in his 60's now and in excellent shape. Also, I have a titanium plate in my head and don't set off the detectors in airporrts. Best wishes on a successful surgery. You are in good hands at House.

Jeff

[Cheryn]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with a small 5x9mm AN on June 24th. In researching what the impact was and what the future held I talked to someone I had grown up with. He had the AN surgery 40+ years ago at the House. He was ten at the time. I had no idea he had gone through any surgery, let alone brain surgery. He played football all through high school, raced cars, you name it, and he  has had no problems since then. He lost his hearing in the AN ear, which I believe was far more common back then. I also found out that I work with a man who had AN surgery in 1998 at the House and is he is doing beautifully also. I am scheduled for surgery on August 19th and I am feeling far more secure about what the future holds as a result of these two contacts and all the wonderful input from the people on this board. I feel confident that I have the best possible care and am eager to get this all behind me.

[Joef]

Glad to hear the long term prognosis is so great  !!  I guess I need to keep adding to my 401k 

[Gabi]

Good luck to all who will be undergoing surgery soon!  And thx to all who have shared their histories . . . give us newbies hope!