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Author Topic: MGH and MEEI  (Read 28501 times)

Crazycat

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #30 on: March 28, 2009, 01:35:56 am »
Nancy,

   Say hi to Milly for me! I just dropped in to say say hello to her a few weeks ago while in the Yawkey building for something else. Tell her Paul says hi!

If you'd like, check out the surgical report I got from Dr. Barker's office given to me by Milly.

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5342.msg48050#msg48050
« Last Edit: March 28, 2009, 01:41:36 am by Crazycat »
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5cm x 5cm left-side A.N. partially removed via Middle Fossa 9/21/2005 @ Mass General. 
Compounded by hydrocephalus. Shunt installed 8/10/2005.
Dr. Fred Barker - Neurosurgeon and Dr. Michael McKenna - Neurotologist.

NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #31 on: March 28, 2009, 06:19:05 am »
Paul,
I will!  There are several names that I can mention to her now.  I wonder if she knows that we talk about her.  ;)
I'll read the report when I get back tonight.  Off to Boston for a day of culture.
Nancy
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Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #32 on: March 29, 2009, 08:06:35 am »
Okay, just read the surgical write-up.  "Copious hemmorhage" is of concern.  Otherwise, it sounded like smooth sailing.  I'm glad I don't have to be in the waiting room, though.
I do trust these guys.  I do hope they are all in good health and having happy lives when my day arrives, however.   :D
Nancy
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Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

Crazycat

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #33 on: April 01, 2009, 10:12:56 pm »
You're in the best hands you could be in around these parts Nancy!  Any other person who has had that surgical team on this forum will tell you the same thing.

You'll be meeting a few of us at the brunch and see for yourself!
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5cm x 5cm left-side A.N. partially removed via Middle Fossa 9/21/2005 @ Mass General. 
Compounded by hydrocephalus. Shunt installed 8/10/2005.
Dr. Fred Barker - Neurosurgeon and Dr. Michael McKenna - Neurotologist.

NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #34 on: April 02, 2009, 08:14:40 am »
Paul,
I'm sitting in Dr Barker's waiting room this minute, so no turning back now!
Nancy
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Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

SML

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #35 on: April 02, 2009, 11:12:09 am »
My overall MEEI / MGH experience

Dr. Lee and Dr. Barker were both FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had such talented surgeons.

The results of my AN surgery as of today: no facial paralysis, SSD in the right ear (which I knew would be the case), and the usual balance issues.

I could not have asked for better care at MGH from the time I arrived for my surgery to the time of my discharge.  The nurses were just the best!

If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing, MEEI / MGH would still have been my choice.   

Scarlett
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SML(Scarlett)-Massachusetts
1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston,MA.
Dr. Barker - Neurosurgeon, MGH - Dr. Lee - Neuro-Otology, MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
Outstanding Surgeons, I'm very happy with the results.

ppearl214

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #36 on: April 02, 2009, 12:54:48 pm »
I honestly have to note this..... for all of those that I have met face-to-face at the brunches (or ANA Support group meetings) that had their surgeries at MGH/MEEI... and for the results I have seen (from CrazyKat Paul's "softball" AN to KBonner to jcinma, to too many for me to count).... I have seen fantastic results.  Most do not have hearing, post surgery, in the AN ear but facial issues, balance issues, etc... all seem to be very minimal. I have to honestly note that MGH/MEEI has done a fantastic job for all those I have seen, long-term post surgery to fresh, post-surgery, I am not surprised... truly. Great AN work coming out of MGH/MEEI and I'm honestly trying not to be biased (as a Bawstonian).... 

.. and all this from someone who was treated further down Storrow, around the corner from Fenway by the other Haa'vard Teaching Hospital! :)

Continued wellness to all those treated at MGH/MEEI!  Nothing but great results and what a terrific team of docs!

Phyl
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NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #37 on: April 02, 2009, 05:02:48 pm »
I'm a hopin'.
Logged
Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

Joe Meehan

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #38 on: April 09, 2009, 04:01:35 pm »
Nancy I hope everything went well. I'm sure it did. Scarlett great to hear they exceeded your expectations. We all were in great hands although Millie is either overwhelmed or totally unorganized. I heard this from other Drs. offices that dealt with his office as well as patients on this board. I said before the surgery how can a Dr w/this kind of profile have such an inept office. Millie is very likeable but unorganized. I'm surprised Dr Barker puts up with it. I never ever tell her once and expect the job to get done I always follow up w/a phone call or email.

I remember having to go get film the day before the operation from Shields MRI because someone forgot to order it. I decided to go down in person to pick them up in the morning. They told me we can't get you that film in one day! I had to go back @ closing to get the film.......... they came thru for me. W/o the film there would have been no surgery the next day.  ??? I was blown away by the lack of organization but the surgeons were 1st class. Barker has done over 500 AN surgeries I'm sure there is little he hasn't encountered. I almost went with Heilman (over 200 AN's) at B&W he also came highly recommended and the hospital ranks right there w/MGH. I don't think I could have gone wrong with either.
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Retromastoid Mass Gen 7/30/08 Drs. Barker & Gopen
2.5 x 3.4 12hrs completely removed. 100% facial palsy but facial nerve intact.
75% return of movement as of 8th month, removed eye ingot 3/09 good progress.
Deaf R side, tinnitus, balance problems, muscle spasms, muscle tension headaches daily.

NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #39 on: April 12, 2009, 03:19:04 pm »
Joe,
It's amazing we all survived with Mili at the helm, wasn't it.  You have to be proactive.  She forgot to order my surgery MRI while I was sitting in the waiting room to have it done.  She scheduled it but did not send the order over.  My experience at MGH was that there were perhaps twice or three times the number of employees on board for the work being accomplished, but who am I to say.  Perhaps they are waiting for emergency instructions.
Of course, they could hardly be bothered to answer my call button, but I suppose they get tired of getting up and down all day and night for stupid stuff like the need to vomit!
The docs are gems though.
Nancy
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Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

SML

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #40 on: April 14, 2009, 08:57:39 am »
Nancy,
I’m so sorry to hear they didn’t answer your calls. With me it was immediate. Although I have to admit the only two times I needed to vomit, they were already there with me.

Joe,
I was wondering why Millie made such a big deal about telling me she had my films there!

Scarlett
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SML(Scarlett)-Massachusetts
1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston,MA.
Dr. Barker - Neurosurgeon, MGH - Dr. Lee - Neuro-Otology, MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
Outstanding Surgeons, I'm very happy with the results.

NancyMc

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #41 on: April 14, 2009, 09:33:46 am »
For my post-op appointments, I worked with Mili in Barker and Helen in McKenna.  Guess who got back to me and guess who still has not in 30 hours.
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Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

SML

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #42 on: April 14, 2009, 11:54:11 am »
I'm so confused!
I got an appointment with Dr. Barker for the 27th, but I was not told I need to see Dr. Lee again???

Scarlett
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SML(Scarlett)-Massachusetts
1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston,MA.
Dr. Barker - Neurosurgeon, MGH - Dr. Lee - Neuro-Otology, MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
Outstanding Surgeons, I'm very happy with the results.

NancyMc

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  • One year and all is well, almost.
Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #43 on: April 14, 2009, 01:30:06 pm »
I was told Barker likes 6 week follow up, McKenna's office does stitches on day ten to fourteen. 
Logged
Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

Joe Meehan

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Re: MGH and MEEI
« Reply #44 on: April 14, 2009, 09:55:02 pm »
I had great service @ MGH overall. I had one night time nurse that if I could have reached up and choked her I would have. My catheter overflowed, she didn't answer my calls for 45 mins during what was the worst night of my life. I was in a lot of pain coming off the steroids partially delusional. All I could think of was being woken in the OR with Dr Barker telling me you have extensive paralysis w/a look of complete shock on his face. My mind was racing from childhood to how badly the operation went because I hadn't spoken to anyone. When the nurse finally showed up she was annoyed. I told her I needed more morphine it was out, my IV was killing me and my mind was racing like I was on LSD. I told her I hadn't heard how the operation went and all I remember was being told I had complete palsy. She said well we all just have to accept changes in our lives and that I would learn to adjust. Just what I wanted to hear  :-\. It took about 2 hours to get everything I needed, I almost lost it. It was pretty bad but I made it thru w/my mind intact. Overall I'd give MGH high marks. The one downer was that passive aggressive nurse.

Millie needs constant reminders. She was supposed to get me an appointment w/my pain specialist. She didn't get back to me until I send a reminder via email. She got me the appointment that day so it worked out. I had to go see Dr Gopen at the last minute because Dr Barker's office didn't notify me until the last minute. I almost forgot about that one.

Logged
Retromastoid Mass Gen 7/30/08 Drs. Barker & Gopen
2.5 x 3.4 12hrs completely removed. 100% facial palsy but facial nerve intact.
75% return of movement as of 8th month, removed eye ingot 3/09 good progress.
Deaf R side, tinnitus, balance problems, muscle spasms, muscle tension headaches daily.
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