INTERESTING Medical Article November 2008 on ANs

[MaryBKAriz]

This is a medical document online by an AN dr. in Texas. I found it informative and interesting. It would have been good to read pre-treatment  By the bibliography, it seems to be extenseively researched but of course - I am not medically trained. 

Anyway, I just found this, thought others might be interested. It goes into all surgical radiosurgical and watch and wait. It also includes statistics, and descriptions.

http://www.emedicine.com/ent/TOPIC239.HTM

Take care,

Mary

[Kim Zingale]

Thanks! I just read the whole thing and looked up lots of medical terms. I feel like I actually know what's going on in there now

Kim

[leapyrtwins]

Wonderful article, Mary.

And strangely enough, I understood a lot of the medical terms - maybe because I've "been there" 

Anyway, there's a lot of great information in this article and I like the way it mentioned all treatment options, the statistics of side-effects, and even the BAHA.  The historical part was a nice touch too - shows just how far AN treatment has come through the years.

I also found it interesting that a lot of the disadvantages associated with my surgical approach (retrosigmoid) didn't pan out in my case (thankfully).  I guess it just reiterates what we always say "everyone is different".

Jan

[Tumbleweed]

Outstanding article, and one of the most comprehensive I've read to date. Thanks, Mary!

Best wishes,
Tumbleweed

[MAlegant]

Mary,
That is an excellent article.  Thanks for sharing.
Best,
M

[JerseyGirl2]

Mary,

Thanks for posting that informative article; it really does a good job of summarizing the situation. I think we should all be eternally grateful that there are individuals who are willing to undergo years of medical school and extensive post-graduate training to gain expertise in this very specialized -- and probably not-so-"glamorous" -- field of medicine.

Catherine (JerseyGirl2)

[MaryBKAriz]

Hi,

I am glad you all found it as informative as I did. Because it was just published it is cutting edge info, I would think.

Take care!

Mary

[texsooner]

Mary, thanks a bunch for posting that article. I learned a lot from that. It's interesting to see the statistics and all the advantages/disadvantes laid out for all the treatment approaches. Guess I'm in the minority as my tinnitus has gotten worse since my surgery. However, I'm very pleased with my overall outcome and recovery thus far.
Thanks again.

Patrick

[cin605]

This ws very interesting.Thanks for sharing.
I too am w/ patrick in the minority tinnitus is lots worst.Before it was one pitch now i never know whats going to come out of its tone!

[MaryBKAriz]

I am with you and Patrick, my tinitus is worse. Still high pitch + other assorted sounds. One of the joining sounds was like a waterfall...so that is where I pictured myself.  That and my balance. My hearing was shot before hand. Both the other just mentioned symptoms were there pre=treatment but have steadily worsened, which they may have anyway, treatment or no treatment.

Have a good one!

Mary

[Jim Scott]

Mary K.:

I appreciate your linking us to the article and although I've read many similar treatises about acoustic neuromas, I learned a few things.  One was that it verified my neurosurgeon's explanation of why he chose the retrosigmoid approach surgery...because this angle gave him a better view of the tumor and the nerves he wanted to avoid disturbing.  I never doubted him, but this somewhat technical medical article simply amplified his original, cogent explanation.  I see, again, that this is a very, very demanding operation and, again, leaves me with great respect for my neurosurgeon and all the other talented doctors that perform this surgery.  That my outcome was devoid of almost all the possible complications listed in the article was also gratifying.  Thanks again. 

Jim

[MaryBKAriz]

Jim,

You are welcome. I am glad to know you have read many of these things before because it is reassuring that those that you read verified what it said.  I found this one much more all inclusive and readable than the others I had read - and it is current. I was excited about it because so much out there is piece mill and I can't decipher the "medicalese". I too learned a few things and some of my issues came into view better. Knowledge is strength. I liked the fact this article put the advantages and disadvantages to every approach, including watch and wait. It seems that some doctors feel if the tumor is no longer an issue, the approach is a "success". For some the side effects that can follow treatment should be considered. Some AN patients want best chance to preserve the facial nerve, some would like the best chance to save hearing or some may put balance as a top priority.

You are a great example of why retrosigmoid is good for some. My doctor told me the same thing. I did contact some doctors and they were not as thorough in their explanations. We are so lucky to live during a time where such advanced surgical and radiosurgical approaches make it more viable to treat.

Thank you for doing what you do so well here. Your input is always insightful.

Mary

[carter]

the article was intersting and informative....  too bad that there was a bias towards surgery?  i wish the article explained ck anf gk to the depth that surgery was explored. 

carter

[MaryBKAriz]

Carter,

I too wish there had been more about the radiosurgical procedures. You know from the article that their focus is more on surgical approaches. Having gone through CK it confirmed my choice for me, though. It is always good to remember the reasons for the chosen procedure. Each person has their own reasons that their choice is right for them.

Take care,

Mary

[Captain Deb]

Interesting about the middle fossa position contrindications--no one asked me if I had neck problems beforehand!  My surgery left me with neck problems to no end for many months afterward from the surgical position. Hmmmm......


Capt Deb