I’m a science junkie, a tech geek, and a politics addict. I’m an unabashed atheist, but supportive of those who choose to believe. I love words. I have a low tolerance for intolerance, and even less for misleading arguments.
On the personal side, I am a father, a husband, and an engineer. Oh, and I fritter away far too much time drinking beer and watching TV. This site is a place to keep and share the somewhat random musings, rants, and observations which otherwise clutter my brain. I hate clutter.
Hi Tim, thank you for sharing your journey. My dad just got a call from his doctor about a acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma. How are you doing nowadays? Have the surgery complications (headaches and such) desipated since your last post? I’m really nervous for my dad but reading your blog is comforting.
Best of luck to your dad. And yes, the headaches are pretty rare now, and I’ve adjusted well to most everything else.
HI Tim,
Thank you so much for sharing your posts. They have been most helpful.
I was recently diagnosed with a 4.5 cm mass after seeing an ENT for what I thought was a routine audiogram to determine what kind of hearing aid I might need due to recent hearing Loss in my left ear. Well, the MRI that I had 2 weeks ago showed a mass that has probably been there over 20 years. Who would have known.
My surgery is scheduled for December 3rd.
Any other good resources or reads that you recommend on AN in advance of my surgery?
Also, facial paralysis has a higher chance of occurring since the tumor is so large. Did you ever do acupuncture or did yours subside naturally after time?
I appreciate any and all suggestions !
Cheers,
Judith in Denver
Hi Judith, it is with mixed emotion that I welcome you to our “club”. Unfortunately, there weren’t a lot of resources I found, and those I used are woefully old now. I’m sure there’s better stuff that’s been published since 2007. Maybe others might have more specific recommendations. As to the facial paralysis, the bulk of mine subsided over the first couple of months on its own. The rest faded gradually after that. I didn’t try acupuncture, although others have, both for this and for the post-surgical pain. Best of luck to you.
Hey Tim…read your blog. Loved it.
is thre a chance of losing your hearing After The surgery?
Hearing loss on the side of the tumor is clearly a risk. I lost mine. It’s also a symptom of the condition. The vestibular nerve (where the tumor is growing) is adjacent to the auditory nerve. The risks vary with how large the tumor is and what type of treatment you opt for. Your doctor will be able to provide better risk estimates for your specific case.