Symptoms of small tumors

[Nancy Drew]

A month ago I was diagnosed with an AN 4x5mm in the left ear.Before diagnosis went to ENT due to severe a.m. vertigo that was lasting 30 min. to an hour and then no problems for the rest of the day.Also had what felt like a sinus infection, but the symptoms would come and go so was confusing.Hearing test and balance tests came out normal.Dr. thought it might be a viral infection, but he wanted me to have a MRI just in case it was something else.So it was.The specialist I went to said since I do not have any hearing loss and the tumor is small, it should be watched at this point.He attributed the vertigo to migraine headaches without the headache.Seemed possible since I have a history of mh.No more vertigo at this point, but the "sinus infection like" stuff is hanging on (still comes and goes).It consists of facial pain on the left side, earache, feeling of fluid in the ear (Dr. checked and said no), and headaches which could very well be migraines.I also feel very tired and can hardly get up in the morning (could be depression I suppose).I am miserable and confused to say the least.Going to the ENT tomorrow to see if I have a sinus infection or indeed a viral infection not in relation to the AN.I have been under a lot of stress, even before the diagnosis, and I also have bipolar disorder.My mood is going down hill, and this is troubling to me since I have had the bipolar under control for many years.It seems that since the tumor is so small, and I have no hearing loss, is it possible that I am just having a "mental" reaction?Has anyone out there experienced anything like this upon being first diagnosed?I feel like I'm going crazy and since I have a mental illness, I don't know what is what.Are my symptoms real or is it in my head (Ha!!!)?Thanks for listening.

[Sanddollar]

Hello Nancy Drew.

Welcome - always a mixed message when one has just been diagnosed with AN, but we do want you to feel that we are here for you although we are sorry you needed to join the group.

My AN is a good bit larger than yours - 1cm x 2 cm, but I can share with you my symptoms and experiences.  I was diagnosed in November of last year after several months of complaining of what I thought were sinus-related symptoms.  My ear was stuffy feeling - something I had never experienced before - and I had difficulty walking a straight line and felt a little like I would under the influence of a couple of drinks when I would move around, particularly at night.  My hearing was muffled, too.   That was it.  No pain of any sort and none now.  I feel great otherwise and have only had a couple of facial twitches.  People keep telling me that I look so healthy and are surprised that anything of this nature could actually be happening to me.

I can tell you that until I made a treatment choice, I was quite anxious.  I sometimes found myself having a little panic attack about something I had read about treatments, outcomes, etc.  Once I decided what my treatment plan would be, however, I was at peace and still am, with a little less than 2 weeks before microsugery.

I don't know about your part of the world, but many folks have been getting a variety of flu-like bugs around here.  Tis that time of the year and you may indeed be coming down with something or fighting something.  Getting AN news probably doesn't help your overall well-being, either.  You do seem to be keeping a sense of humor about things - hang onto that and a positive attitude and you can get through this.

Regards,

Sanddollar

[littlemissrory]

Hello Nancy Drew.

Just because it is a small tumor does not mean your body won't react in a big way...everyone is different.  My tumor was only 8mmx6mm- I was falling over, not walking strait, vertigo (started just as yours...just in the mornings), constantly dizziness/whoozy, nauseous and had nystagmus...before they found that little bugger I had days when I felt like I was going crazy!  Try explaining why you fell on your head for no reason.

Get information from different doctors and decide who you like the best, and what path works best for you.  I chose a surgeon and jumped right in...and for me that was the best decision I could have made. Again, everyone is different.

Everyone has different symptoms...some people with really large tumors have almost no symptoms other then sudden hearing loss-  I had lots of symptoms and no hearing loss.  The good thing about finding it when it is that small is that it opens up your choices and gives you even more time to make your decisions.

Listen to your body-it knows how it feels, take good care of yourself, make efforts to reduce stress, get your mental health back in control - all of this will be a good starting point for making other decisions.  The positive attitude and sense of humor that sanddollar speak of are key.

Best of luck.

Rory

[Nancy Drew]

Hi sanddollar.Best of luck with your surgery.I am glad to hear that you are comfortable with your choice of treatment.It must be a big relief to you.Am happy to report that the visit to ent revealed that I do indeed have a sinus infection.I already feel better knowing that the symptoms are not because of the AN--or at least hope they aren't.I am going to make a point from here on out to try to be a bit more gentle with myself.I like bubblebaths so I will do this more often.

Littlemissrory glad to hear that your surgery went well.How is your hearing?The doctor said since my hearing is fine the AN should just be watched at this time.If at any time he says I should have any hearing loss or growth indicated on the MRI he would recommend treatment immediately.He said why risk the chance of hearing loss with surgery or radiosurgery.Can only go on what he says for the moment.Now that I found out I have a sinus infection today, I am not so worried that the facial pain, fullness in the ear, and headaches are signs of the AN.I do think however that I might be having some tinnitis.But, it's not really bothering me that much.I really am thankful for all of you who give me support because I think you have to have one of these ANs to really understand.Thanks much.

[nannettesea]

Nancy,
My husband read recently that vestibular problems can cause anxiety and depression, so the tumor may be affecting your moods.  Before  I knew I had a tumor I had huge anxiety--new to me, though depression wasn't.  So you aren't going crazy....
Nan