I would like to introduce myself to all of you after 2 years of on and off reading about you. I was diagnosed in October, 2004 and had my surgery performed at University of Florida Shands in Gainesville with doctors Antonelli and Lewis in January, 2005. Using the retrosimoid approach a 1.5 cm on my left was excised successfully removing all of the tumor. The effects after surgery are much like most everyone, deaf in that ear, balance issues, nystagmus (where my field of vision is that of a bad video while walking and turning my head), headaches, dry eyes with twitching in the left and slight drool. I've had my moments with numerous doctors in town post surgery trying to get answeres to my symptoms as at my six week visit the doctors couldn't understand why I was experiencing my symptoms. Many "specialists" and tests (EEG, ECoG, ABR and blood) I have my answers and can finally breathe easier. There was much confusion with my one-year MRI follow-up as to whether tumor had returned and I now realise no point in giving my thoughts to this as the next MRI will be approaching end of this year. Before my surgery I completed my certification to teach yoga and at the present have been teaching one year now at our local gym and privately. I thank you all for allowing me to "view" your life AT (after tumor) as knowing I am not alone helps.
