:)This is my first post. I had at 4.0cm acoustic neuroma removed January 24, 2005. My surgeon was Dr. Joseph Hegarty and he was assisted by Dr. Paul Grabb at Memorial Hospital. I honestly do not think I could of had better care anywhere. They took the time to explain all my options and possible side effects. We ending up going with retrosigmoid because my hearing was 100% ok. It was still a long shot but we went ahead. Unfortunately, my tumor was very sticky and stuck to the brainstem. Surgery took 12 hours and I was in the hospital 18 days. I lost my hearing completely which we expected but hoped I would beat the odds. I had to have physical therapy due to a weakness on my right side. I do have a partial facial paralysis that is slowly improving (Movement started around 5 months). Currently i walk (very helpful) up to 3.5 miles a day. My husband and I even hiked in the mountains. The hearing is annoying but more an inconvenience. After surgery I did not have any headaches. I took morphine once and vicodine once because I was afraid of what pain might come.Thankfully I had none. I couldn't wake up fully for the first few days and was in intensive care for a week. I think this was because of the weekend and Dr. Hegarty is very cautious. He kept me in the hospitl so I could receive regular physical therapy. He thougt this would help my overall recovery and he was right. Dr. Hegarty was quick to address all my concerns and has a skilled staff and good referrals. He will be honest and not send you chasing treatments that have not proven value. Obviously I am very thankful and could go on and on with good things to say. While the aftermath is not perfect, I feel I got the best treatment possible and I am looking forward to seeing my first daughter get married October 14. God is Good!!!
