Kelsi,
Good for you advocating for your SO!I had surgery in August and ordered information booklets from the ANA after
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif)
I got home from hospital. In hindsight I wish I had ordered these and read these
before hand.
(I
am improving and this past month my facial palsy is showing significant resolve, balance is much better – so healing and improvement happens)
Here is the link. The booklets are not expensive and arrived within the week I ordered these (within the USA)
https://secure.baxinternet.com/~anausa/for_sale.htmlI recommend that you obtain more than one opinion. Some neurotologists have more experience than others. You will realize this after a few interviews...You only want one with lots of experience!
Here is a list of surgeons that have met the criteria to be on the list with the ANA
http://www.anausa.org/physician_list.htmlHere is a good list of interview questions to start with.
http://www.anausa.org/questions_for_physicians.htmlI chose surgeon #8 of the 9 I interviewed. He and his partner shone and it was obvious in how my questions were answered (and his background checks) that he was going to be exemplary to work with. (And he was!) Not only is it important that you chose a skilled surgeon but also someone that you are comfortable working with and you know will be honest, sincere and upfront with you… and truly has the best interests of "the patient" at heart.
Do not read everything on the forum- it will be overwhelming and scary.There are
many successful stories on the treatment of AN tumors. Often those people with success put their AN stories behind them and ‘
keep moving forward’ with their lives – never to be heard from again (here on the forum.) Often they have a very good and caring support network that helps them through. However not all have that support but do very much find it here on this ANA forum. It is very important to start building up a support network now (pre-treatment) for you both.
You will find all sorts of various people here in the forum with experience as diverse as they are. Nevertheless there are many good and caring people (
guys too
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
) here.
It is very important to understand that “size� is not the only consideration. AN tumors are sort of like real estate “Location. Location. Location� … and some people, even those with larger tumors, have various options to choose from (I did not have the radiation options as mine was too big and already pressing the brainstem.) Remember that typically Acoustic Neuroma tumors are NOT fast growing… so do not let any surgeon pressure you into abrupt decision making.
You DO have time to weigh out ALL your options, research various medical institutions and interview a variety of surgeons. Find out from your medical insurance how many opinions you can obtain.
Also know that this resource is available
http://www.healthgrades.com/Read up on the watch and wait forum.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?board=19.0It is also important to plan a surgery time, “if� you ever go that route, which best works for your family and support system.
Information is power… just try not get too overwhelmed by it all at once. Educate yourself (and your family) so that you can make good and
informed decisions… and can plan life accordingly. Having a good support net-work of caring and understanding people is key for post treatment recovery. Some do not always have that in their personal lives but DO find support here on the forum. There are also ANA support groups in various geographical locations that meet in person. Once one joins the ANA (as I did 2+ months post op) - then all the information of resources available in your location are sent to you. In hindsight I should have joined the ANA “before� my surgery.
Keep moving forward.
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