Hi, Steph,
The insurance is something you have to keep up with. Unfortunately, it is far from straightforward. Expect a refusal the first time but they will pay eventually.
My second AN surgery was at SBI and probably the best thing about the entire experience for me was short hospital stay, no bandaged head ("bonnet", as some people here call it) and washing my hair right after the hospital. I never really had an icky head this time around. I almost feel guilty when somebody here does. The facial nerve was saved, my MRI is clean; I have nothing to complain about. In fact, at 2 weeks post-op, I was sitting at my my PCP's office (she agreed to take out my staples) and my PCP asked if I already had the surgery. She had no idea that I had one! It was not obvious from looking at me. I also had no pain whatsoever but pain is an entirely subjective experience. It maybe because the metal was drilled, not my muscle and bone, and that does not hurt. In any case, a smaller scar (only 8-9 staples) means less chance to create those monstrous headaches, so you have an advantage there as well.
I also have to add that I had my first surgery 20 years ago and have to live with things that they did back then for the rest of my life. That includes the original scar that goes from the top of my head all the way down, and including, half of my neck. To this day I cannot press weights, otherwise I get a royal headache. The methods they used 20 years ago are truly barbaric by today's standards. People who had surgery in modern times just do not understand. I had lunch with some NY/NJ ANers and noticed that I grossed some people out when I talked about my experience. It is good that medicine moves forward and most people don't go through the pain and suffering anymore that I once did.
Best wishes and smooth recovery. Take that warning not to lift anything but the telephone very seriously! You really should not even if you feel like it. Good luck!
Eve
