Doctors in NYC

[LBM]

Hi,
I am a 30 year old female recently diagnosed with a 3 cm acustic neuroma and am scheduled for surgery in NYC and was wondering if anyone had surgery in NYC and what hospital they went to?
Thanks,
Lauren

[Russ]

Hi Lauren
  I see your two posts re: NYC and the sub-occiptital. Is this the only opinion you've had?
  Seems MGH is better known. What facility in NYC?
  I'm assuming they are trying to preserve some hearing? I do believe sub-occiptital has the highest incidence of post surg. complications.
  I hope you get more response to your post.
  Russ

[bonehead]

Lauren,

Columbia Prebyterian.  Recovery is on the 8th floor of the Milstien Building - overlooks the GWB.  A pretty view.

Jon

[ennayram]

Dear Newbie,

I had surgery 3 years ago with a great outcome at NYU Medical Center with Drs. Golfinos and Roland. They are highly skilled and very experienced. What type of surgery are you considering? Do you still have your hearing?  Feel free to ask me any questions.

MaryAnne

[bonehead]

Roland at NYU & Sisti at Columbia Pres are highly recommended in the NY area.

Gets down to personal preference and your specific case.  You can't go wrong with either imho.  They're both brilliant.

There's really no need to head west.

Jon

[Joy]

I agree with your "there is no need to head out west".    There are good neurosurgeons with experience in the East, North and South also.   

[tumor mom]

Joy,

I'm sure there are good neurosurgeons across the country.  But the patient wants to make sure that the neurosurgeon is very experienced in dealing with a acoustifc neuromas.  As you know problems can easily arise from this type of surgery and some of those problems could be avoided if the right doctor is chosen.  In my opinion for a large tumor it is worth it to travel to a renowned doctor whether on the east or west coast.  Just make sure he has performed many of these types of surgery.  We were meeting with very experienced doctors down at the Texas Medical Center in Houston but most of them told us they did this type of operation maybe 20 times a year.  I would rather travel to a doctor who does this on a weekly basis than take my chances with one that does it twice a month or less.

When I read of some of the outcomes or problems some of the patients are dealing with I have to wonder how experienced the doctors were that did their surgery.  We were told by one very highly regarded neurosurgeon that he does this surgery by himself.  I think that would've been a disaster for my daughter.  All I can say is research, research, research.  And research or email the people that are posting on this website.  How was there outcome.

We're all here to help so don't be afraid to email and ask questions.  That's what we did and it helped to make our decision.

[Joy]

What I was pointing out is that not everyone can afford to travel.
Yes, if they asked, researched, etc.; they could  possibly find an experienced neurosurgeon in  their state or a nearby state without the worry of not having finances to travel.
I, myself, am not fiancially able to go anywhere else. I did not know how to research or how to find information at the time.  All I could do was trust in God that the neurosurgeons I had were experienced and they were.  Yes, I was very fortunate.
After my surgery and recovery, I found and joined this group, I have learned a lot about the AN tumor.  I have heard there are good doctors in California, New York, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, as well as other states.
It is just the matter of finding a good one close to home without having the stress of money factors.  No offense.

[rebecca]

Hi,

I also had a 3 cm tumor.  Because of the location of my tumor the translabyrinthian approach was used.  I don't know of any doctors in NYC unfortunately, but it appears that others have had much luck with skilled surgeons.   Because of the size of your tumor, you definitely need to have skilled specialists.

On the bright side, I am 4 months out from my surgery and back to work full time--and as a mother of a beautiful 8 year old daughter, I am thankful for every breath.

Best of luck to you in choosing your surgeon.  By the way if you do come west--I had Kaiser Doctors, Cueva and Mastrodemas who are so awesome.  Dr. Cueva, was my otolaryngologist/neurologist, and he actually developed the hearing monitor which is now used in many such surgeries.  These two surgeons perform all of the acoustic neuroma surgeries for Southern California Kaiser--which is huge and, as I found--hugely overlooked. 

[Karla]

I have a large AN against my brain stem...Dr. Thomas Graham saved my life, though the x-knife procedure.  Travel can be worth while...his #903-595-2441  God Bless....Karla

[Jennifer]

I live in Missouri and was referred to Dr. Kalmon Post at Mt. Sinai for a second opinion. From everything I hear, Dr. Post is one of the best neurosurgeons in the country. ~Jennifer

[jan pentecost]

I am from NW Oregon and some people advised me to travel to "certain facilities" for the best surgeons. I initially was advised by the Audiologist who did my first hearing test to see the surgeon I finally chose. I asked around about this Dr. and asked this surgeon for patient references...which he provided gladly.....I believe that if a person is proactive in their care and do the research and ask lots of questions....there are experienced surgeons in most areas. I know someone in this area who went to the House Ear Clinic in LA and stayed an extra month due to complications.....everyone is different and recovery is as different as each person having the surgery.
I am more than pleased with my surgeon....from start to post recovery......I don't regret not traveling to have this done.
I strongly suggest reading as much as you can prior to any proceedure you choose...then there aren't any surprises......it helped me and the doc when I went in to see him as I was armed with alot of correct information about my tumor....saved him from breaking the news....I knew what I had, my options, complications common and not so common......reading this board helped me alot!!!!
Read, read, read and ask questions.............
I am three weeks post surgery and am back to work.....a bit more than part time. I pace myself and TRY not to over do it. But I was so fortunate to have a textbook surgery and a great recovery....I have balance problems....but getting better on a daily basis. The temporary facial paralysis and dry eeye (left eye refused to close-stubborn) are my biggest bone of contention.....I just have to be
patient and give this recovery the time it takes.....but continue to live my life and try not to give into negativity!!
Good luck!!!!
jan