Hi, Debbie-trying-to-chill-in-New-Jersey:
Your frustration is understandable and many of us (Jim sheepishly raises his hand) can relate to your impatience. It's hard enough to absorb the fact that you have a 'brain booger' that has to come out, finding a surgeon you can feel confident about and mentally preparing for the surgery that could alter your lifestyle. No pressure here.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif)
I was very fortunate. When diagnosed, I had a 4.5 cm AN pressing on my brainstem - with all the attendant symptoms. The neurosurgeon I consulted and 'hired' (his term) apparently had a lot of clout in the hospital. He was able to schedule my surgery for about 10 days later. It was subsequently pushed back due to some issues unrelated to the AN. Still, even with an unexpected delay, the time between my initial surgical consult and being wheeled into the operating room was about 3 weeks, tops. My surgeon had a hand-picked team, including his surgical assistant (also a neurosurgeon), the anesthesiologist (not a local), a nerve monitoring technician that he also called in from from out-of-town (Pittsburg) and OR nurses of his choosing. I vividly recall Dr.Goodrich (my neurosurgeon) telling me that although he worked in a teaching hospital, he didn't permit residents or interns to assist him during AN surgeries, although they could observe. He stated (with a smile) that
"AN surgery is no place for amateurs". This was very reassuring. I knew I had a serious surgeonr with my best interests at heart. I was correct. Although the neurosurgeon had to leave for an out-of-town symposium two days day after my surgery, he profusely apologized and visited me both days until he left. His very capable assistant (an M.D.) was very attentive and discharged me within 5 days.
I trust your surgical experience will be similar, Debbie. We're all going to be rooting (and praying) for you as soon as you have your surgery date. Meanwhile, try to stay calm. If you have to wait until May, that's only 2 months and it will go quickly.
Please let us know when the 'big day' is finally scheduled and how you're doing in the meantime.
Jim